Setting up TV
Looking for a new TV subscription plan? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best TV package for your home.
Find the best TV package for your home
From the King’s Christmas speech to Premier League finals, TV is a huge part of UK culture. With so many different packages available, you need to plan ahead to make sure you can watch the programs that matter most to you.
We’ve outlined the key differences between Freeview and premium TV, your options for TV hardware and whether you really need a TV licence to make setting up your perfect package simple.
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TV providers in the UK
Freeview TV
Freeview TV is free for all, but you need to have a TV licence to watch live. Channels include BBC, iTV and Channel 4.
Sky
Sky is the UK’s most popular premium TV provider. Sky Atlantic shows top US dramas, while Sky sports airs the best of live sports.
Virgin Media
Virgin offers TV packages to their broadband customers, with huge savings available for combining broadband, TV and mobile.
Now TV
Now TV’s flexible streaming plans let you watch the live TV you can’t miss and a huge library of popular shows and movies.
How much do TV subscriptions cost?
The price of a TV plan in the UK will vary based on which channels you subscribe to, and how long your contract is for.
Sky’s Essential TV plan starts from £15 a month for new customers, with the option to add Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Sky Cinema and Kids channels for an additional monthly fee.
Virgin Media use similar pricing, with core TV channels and premium channel packs available as part of a broadband bundle. Virgin’s Mega Volt bundle which includes their fastest WiFi, an unlimited data SIM and all their TV packs currently costs £84.99 a month.
Is it cheaper to get TV with broadband?
Yes, it’s cheaper to combine TV and broadband in the UK. Sky offer big discounts on their TV packages to broadband customers, and Virgin Media only offer TV to households with Virgin Media broadband.
Do I need a TV licence if I’m only streaming?
If you’re only using on-demand streaming services, you don’t need a TV licence. A TV licence is a legal requirement if you are watching live TV, whether that’s through a satellite dish, a TV box or online. Not sure if you need a licence? Check out our complete guide.
How much is a TV licence?
A licence costs £169.50 a year. Most people choose to pay by monthly direct debit.
Contract vs monthly rolling TV
You can save money by subscribing to TV channels as part of a long-term plan. However, if you want to watch a specific sporting event or have extra channels around a holiday a 30-day subscription can be good value.
Is Freeview really free?
Modern digital TVs can pick up Freeview channels as standard, and there’s no extra subscription charge to pay. However, you will still need to pay the licence fee.
What are UK’s most popular channels?
BBC One & BBC Two
Home of quality dramas, comedies, news, documentaries and more. Available through Freeview.
Film 4
Channel 4’s dedicated film channel, showing blockbusters, indies, classics and more. Available through Freeview.
Sky Sports
Watch live sporting events including Premier League football, golf, tennis, racing and more. Available on paid plans.
ITV One
Also home to some of the UK’s most iconic dramas and comedies, reality TV, news and more. Available through Freeview.
Sky Arts
The UK’s only dedicated arts channel showing music, opera, theatre, dance and more. Available through Freeview.
TNT Sports
More great sport, with Premier League matches, UFC, Rugby, Cricket and the NBA. Available on paid plans.
Channel 4
Combining popular appeal with a reputation for provocative new shows.
Available through Freeview.
Sky Atlantic
Sky’s premier channel, showing top US dramas like House of the Dragon and Day of the Jackal. Available on paid plans.
Sky Cinema
More new release films than anywhere else, including premiers and original movies. Available on paid plans.
Channel 5
The smallest terrestrial channels, delivering award-winning scripted and reality TV. Available through Freeview.
National Geographic
Learn more about our incredible planet with the best in nature documentaries.
Available on paid plans.
Cartoon Network
Watch the most popular kids shows as part of a Kids pack. Available on paid plans.
How to find a good TV plan deal
The cost of a TV package can add up, especially outside of a regular contract. To keep costs down, look for the channels that matter to you. If you don’t watch kid’s TV, you don’t need a kid’s channels add-on to your plan.
Check your renewal date
TV subscriptions are much cheaper as part of a regular contract than on a monthly rolling basis. Make a note of when you current plan ends and either renew or switch plans on that date to keep saving.
TV vs Streaming: which one do you need?
If you’re looking to subscribe to a channel to watch one specific event like an important match or season finale, a one-month subscription through a streaming TV service like Now TV might be the best option. Use smart devices like a games console, Chromecast or Firestick to watch streaming content on the big screen. Streaming TV boxes also tend to be cheaper than satellite options.
Struggling to find the best deal for you? Sign up with your new address, and we will find the best options for your home – all set up in minutes.
Bundle your streaming services
Already subscribe to Netflix or another streaming service? You can often save by bundling your subscription with your TV plan.
Premium perks
Many TV plans include great extras, like Sky Cinema which gives subscribes 2 free cinema tickets every month.
Premier League football
Premier league matches air on Sky Sports and TNT sports. If you don’t want to miss a game, look for a bundle that includes both.
Setting up TV at your home
At one time, an external satellite dish installed on the wall of your home was the only way to receive digital TV channels.
Now, digital TV can be delivered over the internet, making installation and set up much simpler.
What is a streaming TV box?
A streaming TV box is an under-the-TV device that delivers live, digital channel over your internet connection. Both Sky and Virgin Media offer these boxes, which don’t require an engineer.
What are smart TVs?
A Smart TV is any internet enabled TV with features beyond attaching to an external device. This could be anything from running apps like Netflix directly to Sky’s ‘Glass’ TVs, which let you watch live channels, access apps and use voice search to find programmes across all your subscriptions.
Channels' requirements
Some channels are still only available through satellite TV, so check the ones you’re looking for are available before committing.
Choosing your hardware
Do you want to watch in HD, UHD or 4K? Different TV hardware will have different maximum definitions.
Do I need a TV licence?
Yes, if you want to watch live broadcast channels on your TV or smart device, or any programs on the BBC iPlayer. This includes live sports matches, even if they’re streamed over the internet. Read more here.
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