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sirius vs xm
Sirius vs XM - which one is right for you? We help you decide between Sirius and XM radio.
Introduction
Satellite radio offers an alternative to listening to conventional radio stations in your car. Two companies, Sirius and XM, are competing for business in the rapidly changing radio world. Those who are new to satellite radio should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Sirius vs XM before deciding on either provider.
Both satellite radio companies offer over 100 stations, most of them commercial-free, for radio listening to their customers for a monthly fee. You need to have the same basic components for both systems: an antenna, a radio and a broadcast system. The sound of both XM and Sirius is digital and near CD quality.
Choosing between Sirius and XM
 Choosing the right satellite radio provider basically boils down to your preference in channels (each provider has a different lineup), since both providers now cost the same month-to-month.
XM Radio
XM Radio has aggressively expanded their channel lineup to approximately 150 stations, and now includes online listening with their basic subscription. However, they have increased their prices and are now dead-even with Sirius Radio at $12.95/month. XM also offers a special online-only subscription, great for at-work listeners who don't need or want a car satellite radio subscription. However, the choices available online are pared down to 75 channels only. XM exclusively offers Opie and Anthony, MLB, Playboy channel, NASCAR, MTV & VH1.
Sirius Radio
Sirius was formerly the more expensive of the two satellite radio providers, but XM now charges the same price for a basic subscription ($12.95/month). Sirius still lags behind XM when it comes to numbers of subscribers and channels, but they have a very strong line-up of exclusive stations, including Howard Stern, NFL, NHL, NBA, NPR, OutQ, and Maxim Radio. They also reserve the right to charge a $75 early cancellation fee for prepaid/committed subscriptions.
Need more information? Use the following comparison chart to help you make the right decision when choosing your satellite radio provider:
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Sirius Radio |
XM Radio |
Channels |
120 |
150 |
Strengths |
talk radio, dance, club, electronica, kids, spanish
Full Channel Listing (PDF) |
pop, lifestyle, sports, traffic/weather
Full Channel Listing (PDF) |
# of Subscribers |
1 million |
3 million |
Subscription |
$12.95 / mo
$142.45 / 1 year (1 mo. free)
$271.95 / 2 years (3 mos. free)
$499.99 for a lifetime |
$12.95 / mo
$142.45 / 1 year (save $12)
$271.95 / 2 years (save $38)
$359.64 / 3 years (save $106)
$479.52 / 4 years (save $142)
$599.40 / 5 years (save $177) |
Activation |
$10.00 (over the Web)
$15.00 (over the phone) |
$9.99 (over the Web)
$14.99 (over the phone) |
Online Subscription |
Free with any subscription |
Free with any subscription; 75 channels offered; $7.99 / mo (online only subscription) |
Additional Radios |
$6.99 / mo (up to 3 extra radios) |
$6.99 / mo (up to 4 extra radios) |
Premium Channel Fees |
No premium channel fees |
$2.99 / mo for Playboy |
Business Subscription |
$24.99 / mo (starting at) |
$27.95 / mo (starting at) |
Cancellation Fees |
Monthly subscription - $0
Prepaid subscription - refund of remaining subscription, minus $75.00 fee |
Monthly subscription - $0
Prepaid subscription - refund of remaining subscription |
Sound Quality |
• Near CD Quality ~ 192 Kbps
• No static
• Heavier Bass than XM |
• Near CD Quality ~ 192 Kbps
• No static
• Overall quality slightly better than Sirius |
Exclusives |
Howard Stern, NFL, NHL, NBA, NPR, OutQ, Maxim Radio |
Opie and Anthony, MLB, Playboy channel, NASCAR, MTV & VH1 |
Satellites |
3 |
2 |
 The following are news, talk and sports channels that both Sirius and XM radio provide:
ABC News, A&E, BBC, CNBC, Court TV,
C-Span, CNN,
Headline News,
Discovery Channel, E! Entertainment,
ESPN, Fox News, Radio Disney,
The
Weather Channel
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