Tata Play Vs Airtel DTH Comparison 2026

November 10, 2025 dpk.1198

The DTH (Direct-to-Home) industry in India continues to evolve despite the growing popularity of OTT platforms. Two of the biggest players, Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV, are constantly upgrading their technology, packs, and customer support to stay competitive. Tata Play (formerly Tata Sky) is India’s largest DTH provider with a maximum number of channels, best service quality, and wide channel availability in both SD and HD. While on the other side Airtel Digital TV, part of Bharti Airtel, is another major DTH operator known for its integration with telecom and broadband wifi services.

Both DTH offer affordable monthly packs. First we will talk about Tata Play in which packs starting from ₹173.40/month. (NCF) Offers 200+ Free to Air FTA channels in all Indian languages.

Tata Play also provides Tata Play Binge service to stream 20+ OTT apps directly on the Tata Play Binge Plus Android box or any Smart TVs. (Pros)
Easy a-la-carte option for adding single Ala Carte channels. (Pros)
Tata Play uses MPEG-4 technology with better upscaling on HD TVs. (Pros)
600+ SD and HD Channels in All Indian Languages. (Pros)
Tata Play offers quick technician visits, easy Tata Play mobile app control, and responsive helpline. (Pros)
Little Expensive Packs when compared with Airtel DTH (Cons)
Jingalala Wednesday and Saturday’s Offers (Pros)
Highest NCF charges. (Cons)
No Lock in Period for Ala Carte channels. (Pros)
100+ Maximum HD Channels. (Pros)
Great Picture and Audio Quality (Pros)

Airtel Digital TV entry level packs start around ₹168.40/month. (NCF Pack) With 200+ Free to Air FTA Channels. It also offers Attractive combo offers with Airtel Xstream Fiber and Airtel Postpaid connections.

Airtel DTH HD and 4K Android box options available. (Pros)
Some users report complex rules for adding/removing channels. (Cons)
500+ SD and HD Channels. (Pros)
Good Picture and Audio Quality. (Pros)
Airtel also offers Airtel Fiber iPTV Box with Airtel Fiber Connections to watch TV channels without Dish Antenna and Cable Wire. (Pros)
30 Days Lock-in Period for Ala Carte Channels (Cons)
Airtel provides good service in metro areas but mixed reviews in rural zones. (Cons)
85+ HD Channels (Good)

Both Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV are excellent in 2025 and 2026, but if you want reliability, best service, maximum number of channels and long-term stability, go for Tata Play and If you want bundle savings and modern smart features within the Airtel ecosystem, go for Airtel DTH Connection.