How to Compare XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio

If you’re planning to subscribe to a satellite radio service, you will find yourself confronted by the question, XM or SIRIUS? Both offer high quality sound and good programming, making it even more critical to do an in-depth comparison before opting for one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the programming of both service providers. SIRIUS offers over 120 channels with a programming mix of music channels, talk, news, sports and entertainment. XM offers over 170 channels with a mix of largely commercial-free music channels, talk, news, sports, entertainment, weather and traffic. If you are a sports lover, check out the sports programming offered by each. For example, NBA is on SIRIUS while NASCAR is on XM.

2. Look at the personalities aligned with both the service providers. If your favorite talk show host is on XM, you wouldn’t want to be with SIRIUS. For example, Eminem is on SIRIUS while Snoop Dogg is on XM.

3. Look at subscription options and packages. XM has basic plan, multi-year packages, family plans, business plans and a weather channel specific plan. SIRIUS offers the basic plan, business plan, packages catering to traffic conditions and marine weather, and Internet radio service.

4. Compare the cost between the two players. While comparing costs, you should factor the service cost, activation fee, cancellation fee, additional radios and hardware costs. The pricing for both services tends to be similar

5. SIRIUS is completely commercial free while XM has some channels with commercials.

6. Check out the websites of both services for offers and promotions. (See Resources below.)

Tips & Warnings

• The programming mix and costs undergo changes from time to time. Keep reviewing the channel guide on the XM and SIRIUS websites from time to time.
• Stay updated with the company news from both. This will help you make an informed decision based not only on the existing features, but also on what will be rolled out in the near future.