Compare TV Providers

TalkTalk and Plusnet often have the cheapest basic TV packages, with prices starting from around £12 per month. However, the cheapest option for you will depend on your specific needs, such as the channels you want, the size of your household, and whether you need broadband and phone services as well.

Bundling your TV and broadband services can often provide better value for money and the convenience of a single monthly bill. Many providers offer discounts for bundling services together, so it's worth comparing bundle deals to see if you can save money compared to purchasing TV and broadband separately.

Most major TV providers, including Sky, Virgin Media, BT, and TalkTalk, offer multi-room options, allowing you to watch TV in different rooms of your house. Multi-room services usually require additional set-top boxes and may incur an extra monthly fee.

Internet TV, also known as streaming TV or over-the-top (OTT) TV, refers to TV services delivered via the internet rather than through traditional cable or satellite networks. Examples of internet TV services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and NOW TV. Many traditional TV providers now offer integration with these streaming services through their set-top boxes.

Yes, you need a TV licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, including digital TV, streaming services, and on-demand content on services like BBC iPlayer. However, you don't need a TV licence to watch on-demand content on other services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube.

It depends on the provider. Sky TV and Freesat require a satellite dish for their services, while providers like Virgin Media, BT, and TalkTalk use a cable or broadband connection to deliver TV content. If you don't want a satellite dish, choose a provider that offers TV through your broadband connection.

Many TV packages now include integration with streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. This means you can access these services directly through your set-top box, without needing a separate device. Some providers also offer their own streaming services, such as NOW TV from Sky or BT TV's integration with NOW TV passes.

Most TV providers offer mobile apps or web portals that allow you to watch live TV, on-demand content, and recordings on your mobile devices and laptops. The specific features and limitations may vary depending on the provider and your subscription package.

Yes, most TV providers offer set-top boxes with recording capabilities. The exact features, such as the number of shows you can record simultaneously and the storage capacity, will depend on the specific set-top box and provider. Some providers also offer cloud recording, which allows you to record and store content remotely without needing local storage.

The best way to watch sport on TV depends on the specific sports and events you're interested in. Sky Sports and BT Sport are the two main sports packages in the UK, each with exclusive rights to different competitions and leagues. If you're a fan of a particular sport, check which provider has the rights to the events you want to watch. You can also consider streaming services like NOW TV's Sky Sports Pass or Amazon Prime Video, which offer select live sports coverage.

Sky Sports is the exclusive home of Formula 1 in the UK, showing every race live and in Ultra HD. If you're a Sky TV customer, you can add the Sky Sports package to your subscription to watch F1. Alternatively, you can purchase a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass to stream F1 races live without a Sky subscription. Channel 4 also shows highlights of each race and live coverage of the British Grand Prix.

Many TV providers offer multi-room services, allowing you to watch TV in different rooms of your house. This usually requires additional set-top boxes for each room and may incur an extra monthly fee. Some providers, like Sky Q and Virgin Media, also offer wireless mini boxes that allow you to watch TV in another room without needing a separate cable connection.

Yes, some providers offer TV-only deals without requiring a broadband subscription. For example, Sky offers a Sky TV-only package, and Freesat provides a satellite TV service without the need for broadband. However, many of the best deals and discounts are often available when bundling TV with broadband and phone services.

Basic TV packages typically include all the standard Freeview channels, such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, along with their associated secondary channels like BBC Two, ITV2, and E4. The exact number of channels may vary between providers, but most basic packages offer between 70 and 100 channels.

To find the best TV deals in your area, start by checking which providers offer services at your address. You can do this by visiting the providers' websites and entering your postcode or by using comparison websites like Free Price Compare. Once you know which providers are available, compare the packages, prices, and features to find the best deal for your needs. Don't forget to consider factors like contract length, setup costs, and any discounts or promotions available.

The broadband speed you need for streaming TV depends on the quality of the video content and the number of devices streaming simultaneously. Here are some general guidelines:

• For standard definition (SD) streaming: 3 Mbps minimum
• For high definition (HD) streaming: 5 Mbps minimum
• For 4K Ultra HD streaming: 25 Mbps minimum

Keep in mind that these are the minimum speeds required for a single device. If you have multiple devices streaming content at the same time or other activities like online gaming or video conferencing, you'll need a higher broadband speed to ensure a smooth experience. When comparing TV and broadband deals, look for packages with download speeds that meet your household's needs.

Some providers offer no-contract or short-term contract options for TV services. These deals provide more flexibility but may have higher monthly prices compared to longer contracts. NOW TV is a popular choice for no-contract TV, offering monthly passes for entertainment, sports, and movies. Other providers like BT and Virgin Media may offer 30-day rolling contracts for some of their TV packages.

The best TV provider for sports fans depends on the specific sports and leagues you follow. Sky Sports and BT Sport are the two main contenders, each holding exclusive rights to different competitions.

Sky Sports offers extensive coverage of the Premier League, Formula 1, cricket, golf, and more. BT Sport is the exclusive home of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, and also covers Premier League football, Premiership Rugby, and MotoGP.

If you're a fan of multiple sports, you may need to combine packages from different providers to get comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, streaming services like NOW TV and Amazon Prime Video offer select live sports coverage without a lengthy contract.

There are several ways to save money on your TV subscription:

1. Bundle your TV, broadband, and phone services to take advantage of package discounts.
2. Regularly compare deals and negotiate with your current provider to ensure you're getting the best price.
3. Consider downgrading to a lower-tier package if you don't watch many premium channels.
4. Take advantage of free trials and promotional offers when signing up for a new service.
5. Use streaming services like Freeview Play or BBC iPlayer to access free-to-air content without a subscription.
6. Share your subscription with family or housemates to split the cost.

Remember to review your subscription periodically and make changes as needed to keep your TV costs under control.