What are TV and broadband deals?
An internet and TV bundle combines both services (and usually a landline, too), so they are handled by one company and all paid for with one monthly fee.
If you’ve been shopping around for a new broadband package in an effort to save money, one of the best options is to choose an internet and TV bundle.
At the high end, you’ll find fast speeds and all the sports and film channels you’d ever want. And if you’re looking to save by getting the basics and combining your bills into one service, TV and internet deals can also be a great way to save money and simplify bill payments.
Which providers offer internet and TV?
You’ll find the four biggest home broadband service providers (BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk) have the option of internet and TV bundles, along with a few others, so there are lots of bundle deals to choose from.
BT TV
AffordableTV service with Freeview, free AMC and BT Sport on some packages, and optional premium channels.
Unlimited fibre internet, including full-fibre up to 900Mb. BT TV includes a TV box for access to both Freeview and its own premium channels.
NOW TV
Great value flexible internet and TV bundles, including one-month contract options.
Access Sky TV channels without a satellite dish. Add sports, movies, entertainment and kids TV channel bundles without signing up for a long contract.
Sky TV
Huge selection of channels via the award-winning Sky Q box, with optional add-on packs for movies, sports, entertainment and much more. Fibre internet up to an average 500Mb.
Requires a satellite dish and phone line, although Sky Glass is the first service that offers Sky TV packages without a dish.
TalkTalk TV
Low-budget bundles with unlimited internet. Some packages include a TV box with no additional running costs, and you can choose to add premium entertainment channels for a small monthly fee.
Optional extra channels can be purchased on a flexible rolling monthly contract via NOW TV passes.
Virgin Media TV
Like Sky, Virgin has hundreds of channels. It also offers very fast internet with top speeds over 1Gb, and an option for internet without a phone. It is only available in Virgin network areas.
EE and Vodafone also offer broadband and TV deals, but the TV service is limited to Apple TV, so will not come with any traditional channels.
What's the best broadband and TV deal?
This is a tricky question to answer because it depends on what channels you want, your own budget and also what deals happen to be available at the time.
Below, you can find our pick of the best TV and internet deals currently available. Read on to learn more about how to choose the right TV bundle for you.
What kind of deal can I get with broadband?
There are various kinds of packages you’ll find bundled with broadband. It’s important to understand the differences between the types of TV services because it will impact what channels and services you can access. There are also cost implications, with some services coming in at a much higher price.
Freeview+ optional premium add-ons
BTand TalkTalk both offer broadband and TV bundles with TV boxes.
These are Freeview receivers which also include support for streaming TV and premium channels. The boxes also provide handy live pause and rewind features, and some models have a hard drive for recording.
With flexible packages and a decent choice of extras on top of the Freeview line-up, these are an excellent middle ground between free broadcast TV and premium cable and satellite services.
Satellite
SatelliteTV from Sky offers a vast number of channels covering all interests, including the latest hit TV shows and movie premiers. You also get a Sky TV box with recording and streaming access to on-demand content.
But this is at the premium end of the broadband and TV market. While you can choose a basic Sky TV service, the best channels are only available with pricier subscriptions. You will also need to install a satellite dish at your home.
Cable
Virgin Media TV is Sky’s direct competition. Like Sky, it provides a dizzying number of channels, plus an on-demand library. But unlike Sky, it doesn’t require a satellite dish. Virgin also offers very fast broadband speeds.
However, Virgin is more expensive than some other broadband and TV providers. It is also only available in Virgin network areas (which covers around 53% of homes around the UK).
Visit our Virgin Media checker to see if you can get Virgin.
Streaming TV
If you don’t have or can’t get an antenna or dish, or just aren’t bothered about broadcast TV, then streaming is now a viable alternative.
Between paid services such as Netflix and free catch-up from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied.
NOW, EE and Vodafone offer streaming TV and broadband bundles.
NOW TV and broadband bundles are a little different; NOW offers TV passes (for entertainment, movies, sports, and kids shows) which give access to selected Sky channels on flexible contracts.
And NOW TV can be streamed on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, games consoles, smartphones, and NOW’s own streaming sticks and boxes. Note that you can also use the Apple TV box supplied by EE to view NOW TV passes!
With EE and Vodafone, you get an Apple TV box that supports catch-up streaming such as iPlayer, as well as a vast library of movies and TV shows to rent or buy from iTunes.
But you may not even need any additional hardware; most TVs now have built-in streaming support, and you can also use games consoles, computers, or even smartphones and tablets.
Where can I get the best TV channels?
BT Sport
Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League matches are the main attraction of BT Sport, but it also offers a wealth of other sporting events including UFC, MotoGP and World Rally Championship.
BT Sport is available on the following broadband and TV services:
- BT (reduced prices for all BT broadband subscribers)
- Sky
- TalkTalk
- Virgin Media
Sky Atlantic
Sky Atlantic is a showcase of the very best TV from the states. This Sky channel has exclusive UK rights to HBO and Showtime productions. Some of the series available on Sky Atlantic include Game of Thrones, True Detective, Westworld, Watchmen, Veep, Barry, and Succession.
Sky Atlantic is available on the following broadband and TV services:
- Sky
- NOW
- BT (by adding a NOW TV Entertainment Pass to your package)
- TalkTalk (by adding a NOW TV Entertainment Pass to your package)
Sky Cinema
Across the 11 Sky Cinema channels, you can find everything from the latest blockbusters to cinematic classics.
Sky Cinema is available on the following broadband and TV services:
- BT (by adding a NOW Sky Cinema pass to your package)
- NOW TV
- Sky
- Virgin Media
- TalkTalk (by adding a NOW TV Cinema Pass to your package)
Sky Sports
Sky Sports offers the very best in football, golf, cricket, rugby, tennis, F1 and much more. With 11 channels to choose from, there’s something for fans of all sports.
Sky Sports is available on the following broadband and TV services:
- BT (by adding a NOW Sky Sports pass to your package)
- NOW TV
- Sky
- Virgin Media
- TalkTalk (by adding a NOW TV Sports Pass to your package)
Netflix
Many providers are now offering Netflix as an add-on with packages (in addition to those already providing access to the app through a TV Box). You can get Netflix with the following TV services:
- BT
- NOW TV
- Sky
- TalkTalk
- Virgin Media
At a glance: where to find the best TV channels
|
|
BT TV | NOW TV | Sky TV | TalkTalk | Virgin Media |
|
BT Sport |
YES | NO | YES | YES | YES |
|
Sky Atlantic |
YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
|
Sky Cinema |
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
|
Sky Sports |
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Can I get streaming services with broadband and TV packages?
As we mention above about Netflix, increasing numbers of streaming services are available as part of a TV bundle, you can find out what is available where (usually for an extra cost) below
Netflix
- Sky
- Virgin Media
- BT TV
- NOW TV (separate Netflix subscription required to watch Netflix on a NOW TV box/Stick)
Disney +
- Sky only
Apple TV
- EE
- Vodafone
Amazon Prime (and all streaming services, not mentioned above), are not currently available through any broadband and TV deals.
What should you look for when buying a bundle?
Look out for the following
- Speed: Speed is especially important for Broadband and TV deals, as the chances are you'd most likely be streaming TV. So we've put a whole section on this below.
- Channels: Make sure, if you are after a certain channel, it is included in your bundle!
- Upfront cost: These can be higher with broadband and TV deals. This is due to the cost of TV boxes, their delivery - and also the additional processes required to activate a broadband and TV deal.
- Monthly cost: The amount you pay per month is key to you getting a great deal! Do bear in mind that some providers will increase prices with inflation and most will increase prices at the end of your contract, so make sure you know when to renew or switch! Check out our cheap broadband page for the lowest monthly costs.
- Rewards/Effective monthly cost: Rewards such as vouchers can lower the 'effective' cost each month if you were going to spend them anyway. See more on our free gifts page.
What speed do I need?
This does depend on how many devices you have using the service at any given time, use the following as a good rule of thumb:
- 1 device: A simple ADSL (10/11Mb) connection should be OK, even so, we would still recommend fibre as the best choice for most people.
- 2-3 devices: 35-50Mb Fibre should be sufficient here.
- 3-4 devices: Aim for 65Mb fibre.
- 5+ devices: 100Mb+ might be your best bet for a comfortable streaming experience.
Find out more: What broadband speed do I need?
Should I get an internet and TV bundle package?
Not sure if a broadband and TV deal is right for you? Let’s run through some pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros of broadband and TV
- Can be cheaper. It’s often cheaper to get a bundle compared to signing up for each service separately. Add up the cost of both, and see which works out best for you.
- Simplified billing. With broadband and TV (and probably phone, too) you get multiple services paid on one bill for one fixed price.
- Get a free TV box. Many bundles include a free TV box with handy features like recording and integrated streaming. However, there can sometimes be a small fee for postage.
- Most TV packages are flexible. While you are going to have to sign up to a contract for the initial broadband and TV deal, you can add extra channels whenever you like, and remove them for free if they’re no longer required.
Cons of broadband and TV
- Not every service has the same selection of channels. Research the channel line-up before signing on, because not every service offers all the channels you may want.
- You might not be able to keep the TV box, or it might stop working. If you decide to cancel the broadband service your TV box might not offer the same features. And some providers may ask for the TV box to be returned when your contract ends.
- They’re not the cheapest deals. TV and broadband packages do tend to be more expensive. That is because they include more, but if you’re mainly interested in saving money, then you might be better off with a cheap broadband package and Freeview TV.
What are the alternatives to broadband and TV bundles?
- Cheap broadband and Freeview: If you're happy with the channels you can get on Freeview, then simply look for the best value deal that will suit your needs.
- Cheap broadband and NOW TV: One option is to look for the best value broadband deal and then add a NOW TV pass (you will need a smart TV or a NOW TV box/Stick for this). This is often the cheapest option if you're looking at separate TV and Broadband bundles.
- Separate TV and broadband bundles: If you are confident you can get a cheap broadband deal and cheap TV deal separately, then this is perfectly possible. This is quite a rare occurrence though!
Broadband and TV FAQs
How is TV and broadband installed?
For all providers, except Sky, broadband and TV packages have everything installed at the same time. If included, you will get a TV box in the post in addition to your router. You can read more about the process in our guide to broadband installation.
Sky differs in that they will install a satellite dish at your property, this will require a small amount of external work and possibly drill a small hole in the wall for cables.
What are the upfront costs? Will it cost more to get TV and broadband installed?
Quite often it will cost a little more upfront for broadband and TV deals, than for broadband only deals. This is generally to cover the cost of extras such as the TV box.
Is it cheaper to buy TV and broadband separately?
It can be, but quite often it is cheaper to bundle packages together too. As we mentioned, one possible option is, if you have a certain package in mind, to find the cheapest broadband package available and then see if there is a NOW TV pass with the channels you are after.
Can I get broadband, phone and TV in a bundle?
A phone line is usually required for internet access, so the majority of broadband and TV packages will include phone services. You may not get inclusive calls, but every provider offers inclusive call add-ons for an additional fee.
Can I get broadband and TV without a phone line?
Virgin Media is the only major provider that can offer broadband and TV bundles without a phone line (which means, by default, they're the only way to get broadband and TV without having to pay line rental). All other packages include phone line rental, and may also come with inclusive calls. Of course, you don’t have to use the phone for calls, but in most cases, an active line is required for the broadband to work.
What's the best TV app?
Most TV providers now offer an app, allowing you to watch some or all of your inclusive TV channels. These can be found below, along with their ratings from the Apple App store:
Gives you access to almost every channel you'll get through your TV package. You will have to watch BT Sport on the separate BT Sport app though, and BBC channels through iPlayer. You also won't get access to some other terrestrial channels (such as the +1 channels)
Coming under the same umbrella as Sky, NOW will give you access to the same channels. Comes very well-reviewed on the App Store.
A lower rating on the App Store and lower channel availability. You won't be able to watch Sky Sports or BT Sport with the Virgin TV Go App. These will both require their own apps to watch.
You are again limited to a more basic range of channels with the BT TV app, while the lower review score suggests issues with performance and reliability. As with Virgin, you'll need the Sky Sports App to watch Sky Sports Channels.
If you want to watch the sport you'll have to use the excellent BT Sport App (4.7/5). This app offers a whole range of features, such as 'watch together' and pause/rewind facilities.