What TV package options are available?

As more providers move towards streaming TV, there are various options for TV packages, including:

  • Sky TV over satellite
  • Sky TV as a streaming service on Sky Glass
  • Virgin Media over cable broadband
  • Virgin Media as a streaming service on Stream
  • NOW TV as a streaming service
  • Apple TV as a streaming service

Additional providers such as BT, TalkTalk and EE partner with either NOW or Apple TV to offer a TV package to their broadband customers.

Each provider will then often offer a range of TV packages, varying in the channels included. Usually this is grouped around Entertainment, Movies and Sports.

Sky, Virgin Media and BT all offer a top-tier premium TV package that includes all of the TV channels available, including Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and BT Sport. While they can be expensive, these TV packages cover all bases.

For those on more of a budget, it's possible to be more selective and providers including BT and NOW allow their customers the ability to upgrade or downgrade their TV package on a monthly basis.

How do I compare TV packages?

Using the TV comparison table above, it's possible to filter deals based on your preferences, and then order the results by price or by feature depending on what's most important to you.

If you're looking for a TV package with a specific channel, for example Sky Sports or Sky Cinema - use the filter to see only the packages with that channel included.

You can also choose whether or not you want a TV package that includes broadband. However, be aware there are a lot more options available if you combine TV with broadband as this is a requirement for customers of BT, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, EE and Community Fibre.

Jump to the top of the page to start comparing TV packages.

What channels are available on pay TV?

Pay TV packages offer the ability to watch premium channels including:

It's also increasingly common to be able to combine streaming services with a pay TV package too, including with Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus.

Aside from the main premium channels above, pay TV packages usually offer access to a wider range of channels than you'd get with Freeview or Freesat.

For example, pay TV packages offer have access to channels such as:

  • Sky Max
  • National Geographic
  • Discovery
  • Animal Planet
  • MTV
  • Nickelodeon
  • Cartoon Network
  • TLC
  • Real Lives

This can provide an increased amount of entertainment to choose from when watching TV, compared to Freeview.

Does HD cost extra?

HD is starting to become a more standard feature of TV packages as the majority of TV sets now support 1080p HD viewing.

However, it's still common to be required to add a HD pack to get access to more channels in high definition.

It's also possible to upgrade viewing to Ultra HD or 4K sometimes too - but again, a compatible TV set is required to actually experience it.

Read more on the best providers for HD TV.

Which is the cheapest provider for premium TV?

The cheapest TV package varies depending on exactly what channels or range of channels you want to watch.

However, the streaming services like Now and Apple TV, will usually be cheaper than the bigger TV packages from providers like Sky and Virgin Media.

The TV package comparison table allows you to order the deals by price so you can easily see which ones are cheapest for the TV channels you want.

Which providers offer TV with broadband?

While it's possible to get a pay TV package without broadband these are more limited and there is much more choice if you also bundle broadband.

BT, Virgin Media, TalkTalk and EE all require customers to take broadband to be able to access their TV plans.

While it's possible to watch Sky TV or Now TV without broadband, there are discounts available for customers who bundle both services together.

The TV packages comparison filter above lets you refine deals to just those that include broadband as part of the deal.

Which providers include Netflix?

As Netflix has grown in popularity it's become common to see pay TV providers include Netflix in their TV packages.

Often taking Netflix as part of a pay TV deal can offer a discount on the standard price, and sometimes it's even included for free.

Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk and EE all offer the ability to add Netflix to the TV package to watch through the main TV box or set.

How do I sign up for a TV package?

Once you've found the TV package for you by searching in the comparison table above based on your location and requirements, you can simply click the 'Get Deal' button to be taken to the provider's website where you can sign up directly online.

The online sign up process is straightforward, allowing you to see what's in the checkout cart and to add any extras or TV packs. Once you've entered your details the TV provider will then handle any switching or service provision for you, and they'll be in touch with further information on the order status.

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