Best digital TV package deals 2021
For the times when you're binging shows to avoid uni work, it's super important to get the best deals on TV subscription packages. Here are our top picks...
Credit: jamesteohart (background), WAYHOME studio (foreground) – Shutterstock
With the rise of online streaming services, the cost of paid TV subscriptions has dropped hugely. Whether you're into your sport, movies or boxset binges, paying for live TV channels is still really popular (especially in shared student houses).
We've reviewed and compared the best TV package deals currently available, shown below. And, as an added bonus, we'll also throw in a few money-saving tips along the way.
Best TV and broadband packages
Compare TV package deals |
||||||
| Provider | Broadband | Contract | Effective Monthly Cost | Website | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virgin Maxi TV |
NA |
12
months |
£55.92 Inc. fees |
|||
Sky Entertainment |
11 Mbps (Costs extra) |
18
months |
£26.11 Inc. fees | |||
TalkTalk Fast Broadband + TV |
11 Mbps |
18
months |
£33.50 Inc. fees | |||
BT Classic Starter Bundle |
10Mbps |
18
months |
£32.57 Inc. fees & reward | £80 REWARD | ||
| Information correct at time of writing. Prices subject to change. Please check websites for details. | ||||||
Digital TV package reviews
Virgin Media
Maxi TV
This offer is only decent if you know you’re going to watch the channels on offer such as Sky One and BT sport.
Package details
- Channels: 230+
- TV box: Record, pause and rewind
- Contract: 12 months
- Extra: 230+ TV channels, smart TV box + Talk Weekends calls
- Advertised cost: £53pm
- Effective cost: £55.92pm (see below)
- Lifetime cost: £671
Effective cost breakdown
- TV for 12 months: £636
- Upfront costs: £35
- Calculation: (£636 + £35) / 12 = £55.92pm
Sky TV
Sky Entertainment
This package offers more channels than other providers, and the Sky Q box allows syncing with devices. Choice of add-on packages inc. Sports, Cinema, HD. The broadband bundle’s optional.
Package details
- Channels: 300+
- TV box: Record (1Tb), pause/rewind, sync
- Contract: 18 months
- Extra: Netflix
- Advertised cost: £25pm
- Effective cost: £26.11pm
- Lifetime cost: £470
Effective cost breakdown
- TV for 18 months: £450
- Upfront costs: £20
- Calculation: (£450 + £20) / 18 = £26.11pm
TalkTalk
TalkTalk TV, broadband and entertainment boost
This has 30 extra entertainment channels (inc. Sky) beamed from a smart recording TV box. Broadband’s included.
Package details
- Channels: 80+
- TV box: Record (180hrs), pause/rewind
- Average broadband speed: 11 Mbps
- Contract: 18 months
- Advertised cost: £33.50pm
- Effective cost: £33.50pm (see below)
- Lifetime cost: £603
Effective cost breakdown
- TV & broadband for 18 months: £603
- Upfront costs: £0
- Calculation: £603 / 18 = £33.50
BT TV
Classic Starter Bundle
This is a good choice if you want BT Sport, but otherwise Virgin Media on a shorter contract would be better value as a fibre bundle. And, although it’s not the fastest broadband, BT guarantee that if it’s not the speed they promise, they’ll give you £20 back.
Package details
- Channels: 80+
- TV box: Record, pause/rewind
- Average broadband speed: 10 Mbps
- Contract: 18 months
- Reward: £80 prepaid card
- Advertised cost: £35.49pm
- Effective cost: £32.57pm (see below)
- Lifetime cost: £781.75
Effective cost breakdown
- TV & broadband for 18 months: £851.76
- Upfront costs: £9.99
- Calculation: (£851.67 + £9.99 – £80) / 18 = £32.57pm
Is it worth getting a paid TV package?
Most recent TVs will already have Freeview channels included – but, if you have an older television, you can get a Freeview box on Amazon. With Freeview, you can access over 70 channels – including some in HD – and the boxes can be bought for around £20. After that initial cost, viewing is free (hence the name…).
If it’s movies you’re into, online streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime (get six months free here) may satisfy your cravings for less money.
But if you have specific interests, such as live sport, paying for a TV package can open you up to over 300 live channels. Just review all the channels you’re getting before committing to a lengthy contract and weigh up the value for you.
Do you need to pay for a TV Licence?
The answer is: probably. Even though you’re paying a monthly subscription for your TV package, this doesn’t include the cost of a TV Licence. You’ll likely need to buy this separately.
They cost around £150 for the year and can be bought online. If you have a licence but don’t watch live TV during the summer months, you can apply for a refund.
But, if you’re savvy, you might not actually need one – you just need to take advantage of this TV Licence loophole.
How does TV package installation work?
Credit: Concept Photo – Shutterstock
Getting set up with a TV package is usually pretty easy. After confirming that they can supply your address, your provider will send you a set-top box that you can connect to your TV.
However, if your house hasn’t had cable or satellite services before, installation can be more complex, often requiring an engineer to visit for an extra cost. You’ll also need to get permission from your landlord.
After installation, you’ll pay the advertised monthly fee for the length of the contract. However, if you find you’re not watching all the channels, you can sometimes rework the contract.
How to get cheaper TV contracts
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Here are some quick ways to save money on your paid TV package:
- Only sign up for the channels you need
- Pay upfront
- Select paperless billing
- Bundle with broadband and line rental
- Watch out for price hikes (switch!)
- Always haggle at the end of the contract
- Seek out hidden charges when comparing (think about the ‘effective monthly cost’).
You can cut down your monthly bills even further by finding the best deals on energy and gas suppliers – have a read of our guide to find out how.
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