People still search for Compact against Compact Plus, but the comparison changed shape in September. Vivimate is a separate IPTV service that doesn't carry DStv or SuperSport, so we have no package to push here. Everything below comes from DStv's own dated articles, read on November 10, 2026, and where DStv's pages leave a gap, we point it out rather than fill it.
The short version
| Package | Since September 17, 2026 | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| DStv Compact | Moved to DStv Sports | more than 115 channels; R479 decoder, R399 DStv Stream |
| DStv Compact Plus | Kept, closed to new sign-ups | Existing customers pay what they paid before |
Compact Plus was always the step above Compact. Today the two sit on different tracks: one has a successor anyone can buy, the other is frozen for the households that already have it.
Four old packages, four outcomes
DStv's article dated September 8, 2026 reorganised the South African lineup around six core packages: DStv Starter, DStv Select, DStv Sports, DStv Movies & Series, DStv Premium and EasyView. Neither Compact name is on that list. Compact and Compact Plus were not treated alike, though, and seeing the whole move makes the difference clear:
DStv's change-package guide repeats this in its price table, which has a "migrated from" column: DStv Sports is listed as migrated from Compact. Compact Plus isn't mentioned in that guide at all, because nobody moves into it any more.
If you were on Compact: you are now on DStv Sports
DStv's package guide dated September 17, 2026 says Compact customers are moved automatically to DStv Sports. In practice that means:
- No action needed. The move is automatic and happens in phases, so your account may still show "Compact" while the new channels already play.
- No higher bill. DStv says customers won't pay more for the package they are moved to.
- More channels, not fewer. DStv says DStv Sports has more than 115 channels, 17 of them dedicated to sport, and four more than Compact had.
- Same equipment. No new decoder, and no special DStv Stream app update beyond normal ones.
- Add-ons carry over where they apply: DStv names XtraView, Add Movies, Add Indian, Netflix, Mobile Stream and its insurance products.
For a new customer, DStv Sports is R479 a month with a decoder or R399 on DStv Stream. DStv describes its sport as Premier League, Champions League and PSL matches, SuperSport Cricket, Currie Cup and club rugby with one URC match a week, and combat sports. It allows the decoder plus two streams. The rand prices for every package are on our DStv packages and prices page, with the same figures.
If you are on Compact Plus: you can stay, but nobody new can join
DStv says Compact Plus customers keep their package unless they choose to change, and pay what they paid before. It also says no new Compact Plus subscriptions are possible. We looked for a current Compact Plus price on DStv's pages and found none; the live package store showed us only its title. So we don't quote a figure, and neither should anyone selling you on a switch.
The practical point is the closed door. DStv's pages don't say whether a customer who moves off Compact Plus can return to it. Given that it takes no new sign-ups, treat leaving as possibly permanent and ask DStv before you change. That is the one decision on this page that may not be reversible.
Which fits whom
- Former Compact households that mostly watch football and cricket fit DStv Sports, which is where DStv has already put them; DStv's own guide sends football and cricket fans there.
- Compact Plus households happy with what they get fit staying, since the price doesn't change and the package can't be re-bought later.
- Springbok, Formula 1, golf or tennis fans on either fit DStv Premium, because DStv says that sport stays on DStv Premium alone for now. Our DStv Premium review sets out its three prices.
- Film-first households fit DStv Movies & Series at R500 a month either way, which DStv describes as lighter on sport.
For channel-by-channel detail, including where SuperSport's channels now sit, see our DStv channels list and our guide to SuperSport channels by DStv package.
How a change works
DStv says there is no fee to change package. An upgrade starts as soon as any extra payment is made and your due date stays the same; a downgrade waits until your next payment date. Without a contract you can change as often as you like. You can do it in Self Service on dstv.com, the MyDStv app, on WhatsApp, by USSD or through Customer Care; our DStv self service guide covers the account side.
Watching from the US or Canada
None of this travels. DStv's DStv Stream app FAQ says that outside African countries with DStv no content is available, because its content rights don't allow it. That holds for Compact Plus, DStv Sports and every other package. If you pay for a South African account from North America, the account tools work from anywhere; the channels play only in Africa. We don't give advice on changing your location to get around this.
Where Vivimate fits
Vivimate isn't a DStv package, isn't a replacement for Compact or Compact Plus, and doesn't carry DStv or SuperSport. We don't promise any channel, league or event; during the 24-hour free trial, which needs no card, you search the guide yourself. It's prepaid, in US dollars, with no contract and no auto-renewal. The four plans: 1 Month for $19.99 ($31.98 for two devices), 3 Months for $29.99 ($47.98 for two devices), 6 Months for $39.99 ($63.98 for two devices) and 12 Months plus 2 free for $69.99 ($111.98 for two devices), listed on our plans and prices page. A first purchase has a 7-day refund window when a service problem you report can't be fixed (see the refund policy). IPTV is a legal technology; what matters is the seller's rights, as our page on whether IPTV is legal explains, and we don't publish the rights agreements behind our channels.
Frequently asked questions
Is DStv Compact still available?
No. Since September 17, 2026 DStv's South African lineup has no Compact package. DStv says Compact subscribers are moved automatically to DStv Sports and won't pay more for it. New customers who want what Compact offered choose DStv Sports.
Can I still sign up for DStv Compact Plus?
No. DStv says Compact Plus stays for customers already on it, unless they choose to change, but no new Compact Plus subscriptions are possible. DStv's pages that we read on November 10, 2026 give no Compact Plus price.
Is DStv Sports the same as Compact?
It replaces it. DStv says DStv Sports has more than 115 channels, 17 of them dedicated sport channels, and four more channels than the Compact package had. It costs R479 a month with a decoder or R399 on DStv Stream.
If I leave Compact Plus, can I come back?
DStv's pages don't say. Because DStv takes no new Compact Plus subscriptions, ask DStv before you change package whether a move away from Compact Plus can be reversed. Changing package itself has no fee, per DStv.
Do I need a new decoder after the change?
No. DStv says no new decoder is needed and the DStv Stream app needs no special update. Migration runs in phases, so your account may still show the old package name while the new channels are already there.
Sources
All read November 10, 2026.
- DStv news: New DStv Packages: Everything changing, dated September 8, 2026
- DStv news: How to choose the right DStv package for you, dated September 17, 2026
- DStv news: How to change your DStv package, dated September 17, 2026
- DStv help: What is the DStv Stream App?
Couldn't read: DStv's South African package store (only its title loaded). Not found on the DStv pages we read: a Compact Plus price, the last Compact price, and whether a customer who leaves Compact Plus can rejoin it.
New to the service? Start with our complete Vivimate guide — what it includes, what it costs and how to set it up.