Overall Findings
While satellite radio is available over entire continents, HD Radio is only available in certain markets. Satellite radio requires a monthly subscription, while HD Radio is free. Which one is better depends largely on your driving and listening habits.
Terrestrial/HD Radio vs. Satellite Radio
Terrestrial radio is limited to geographic regions. Although syndicated content from other markets may appear in local ones, that content is broadcast and received locally. Satellite radio, on the other hand, covers an entire continent with the same programming. HD Radio is a trademarked term for a hybrid digital/analog transmission technology developed by iBiquity. The system delivers digital content to analog receivers. The appeal of this is clearer audio with no fuzz or static. It also allows information about content to be transmitted to a car head unit or display, and for more local stations to come through within a given signal. You need a compatible head unit or tuner to listen to HD Radio, but once you have HD Radio, you have it for good. There’s no need for a monthly fee or subscription. Satellite radio, on the other hand, requires either a compatible head unit or a portable satellite tuner as well as a monthly subscription.
The Only Satellite Radio Provider in North America
In North America, there is only one satellite radio provider: Sirius XM. Sirius and XM originally operated as two independent companies. They merged in 2008 when it became clear that neither could survive on its own. This effectively created a satellite radio monopoly in the United States and Canada. The FCC approved the merger because it saw the service as being in competition with audio-streaming services.
Should You Get HD or Satellite Radio?
Satellite radio offers programming you cannot get through terrestrial radio—and vice versa. Some popular radio hosts, like Howard Stern, jumped ship to satellite radio early on and are only available with a satellite subscription. Another reason people like satellite is the lack of commercials on some stations. Terrestrial stations have the benefit of catering to local rather than national audiences, with local music highlights, news, and live call-in shows. To compete with satellite radio, podcasts, and streaming services, some terrestrial radio stations broadcast content with limited or no advertising. If there is a lot of HD Radio content available in your market, you may be happy with HD Radio. If you like satellite’s national and (mostly) ad-free programming, you may enjoy a Sirius XM radio subscription. Another option is to skip terrestrial and satellite radio and stream radio through an app like iHeartRadio or make the leap to the world of podcasts.
