Best digital TV package deals 2025
For the times when you're binging shows to avoid uni work, it's super important to get the best deals on TV packages. Here are our top picks...
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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 Fibre Broadband + Flex TV |
132 Mbps |
18
months |
£29.55 Inc. fees |
|||
Sky Stream |
61 Mbps (Costs extra) |
31
day rolling |
£19.67 Inc. fees | |||
TalkTalk Full Fibre Broadband + TV |
152 Mbps |
24
months |
£31 Inc. fees | |||
EE Full Fibre Broadband + EE TV Entertainment package |
74 Mbps |
24
months |
£43.99 Inc. fees & reward | |||
| Information correct at time of writing. Prices subject to change. Please check websites for details. | ||||||
Digital TV package reviews
Virgin Media
Flex TV
Virgin’s Flex TV is available as an add on with their fibre broadband. While the minimum broadband contract is for 18 months, you can add on Flex TV for just an extra £5 on a 30-day rolling contract.
It offers all the usual essential channels and players and you can sign up to further TV channel packs such as Sky Sports.
Package details
- Channels: 150+
- TV box: Includes catch-up and optional entertainment subscriptions
- Contract: 18 month broadband + 30-day rolling TV contract
- Average broadband speed: 132 Mbps broadband
- Advertised cost: £28.99pm (£23.99pm broadband + £5pm Flex TV)
- Effective cost: £29.55pm (see below)
- Lifetime cost: £531.82
Effective cost breakdown
- TV & broadband for 18 months: £521.82
- Upfront costs: £10 Flex TV activation cost
- Calculation: (£531.82) / 18 = £29.55pm
Sky TV
Sky Stream
Sky Stream is quite different from the other TV packages on the list, as it’s essentially a streaming site for TV.
With it, you get to stream Sky TV, Netflix, and Freeview TV over your WiFi. If you’re already paying for Netflix, you can add it to your account to avoid paying twice.
The Essential TV subscription gives you access to over 100 channels. For an extra monthly fee, you can upgrade your package to include the likes of Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, BT Sports and Sky Kids.
However, the standard streaming package doesn’t include broadband like some others on this list. You can get a subscription that includes both Sky Stream and broadband, but it’s a 24-month contract starting at £35 per month.
Package details
- Channels: 100
- TV box: Includes Sky, Netflix and discovery+
- Contract: 31-day rolling
- Average broadband speed: Varies (at extra cost)
- Advertised cost: £18pm
- Effective cost: £19.67pm
- 12-month cost: £236
Effective cost breakdown
- TV for 12 months: £216
- Upfront costs: £20 set up fee
- Calculation: (£236) / 12 = £19.67pm
TalkTalk
TalkTalk Full Fibre Entertainment
This package offers flexible TV, an Amazon eero 6 router, TalkTalk TV Hub and full-fibre broadband.
Package details
- Channels: 70+
- TV box: Includes On Demand players, optional subscription services and over 10,000 apps
- Average broadband speed: 152 Mbps
- Contract: 24 months
- Advertised cost: £31pm (£26pm broadband + £5pm TalkTalk TV)
- Effective cost: £31pm (see below)
- Lifetime cost: £744
Effective cost breakdown
- TV & broadband for 24 months: £744
- Upfront costs: Free
- Calculation: (£744) / 24 = £31
EE TV
EE TV
EE TV offers a “flexible” package where you can pick and choose between different packages depending on your needs. You can change them every month, so the idea is that you don’t have to pay for something if you’re not planning to watch it.
It includes a Now, Netflix and basic discovery+ subscription. You’ll need to take out a broadband package with EE to get access to EE TV.
Package details
- Channels: up to 150
- TV box: Includes Now Entertainment and Netflix
- Average broadband speed: 74 Mbps
- Contract: 24 months
- Advertised cost: £43.99pm (£26.99pm broadband + £17pm Entertainment package – other packages may be more expensive)
- Effective cost: £43.99pm (see below)
- Lifetime cost: £1,055.76
Effective cost breakdown
- TV & broadband for 24 months: £1,055.76
- Upfront costs: Free
- Calculation: (£1,055.76) / 24 = £43.99pm
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 100 channels – including some in HD – and the boxes can be bought for around £30. 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 almost 200 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 £175 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?
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. It could require 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 package deals
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.
