Your guide to broadband and TV packages
Dan Howdle
A broadband and TV package, often termed a bundle, has numerous advantages compared to buying your services separately.
In this guide
Choosing the best broadband and TV package
Picking the right broadband and TV bundle can be tricky – especially with so many options out there. But if you take a moment to think about what you and your household actually need, you’ll find it much easier to narrow things down. This section will guide you through what to look out for so you can get a deal that suits your lifestyle (and your wallet).
Assessing your household’s broadband and TV needs
Start by thinking about how you use your broadband and what kind of TV you enjoy. Are you into live sports, always watching the latest films, or do you mostly stream shows on catch-up? Got kids in the house? You’ll probably want bundles that include family-friendly channels or streaming platforms. Also, consider how many people are using the internet at once – streaming, gaming, and working from home all take up that precious speed.
If you watch a lot of streamed content, especially in 4K, you'll want speeds of at least 30Mbps per person. Gamers and larger households with more people will need more – ideally 100Mbps or faster, particularly if several devices are online at once. Choosing the right speed will help avoid buffering and slowdowns, especially during peak times.
Broadband speeds and connection types explained
There are a few different types of broadband to choose from, and it helps to know what they all mean – especially if you want to avoid slow speeds or patchy service. Here's a quick comparison to help you make sense of it all:
Also worth considering is the type of TV service you're getting. Streaming-based TV options like Sky Stream, NOW, EE TV and TalkTalk TV are delivered over broadband – no need for a satellite dish or traditional installation. On the other hand, cable TV services like Virgin TV come through a wired connection and can offer more channels, including live sports and premium bundles.
If you're after the best possible experience for 4K streaming or live sports, go for Full Fibre or Virgin Media broadband. These connections offer the speed and stability you need for 4K streaming without buffering or lag – even when the whole household is online doing it at the same time.
TV packages, premium channels, and add-ons
When choosing a broadband and TV bundle, it’s not just about the speed – it’s also about what you can actually watch. Different providers offer different types of TV packages, with some focusing on streaming and others offering traditional live TV with loads of channels.
If you want more than just the basics, look into premium add-ons. You can usually bolt on extras like Sky Sports for live football and Formula 1, TNT Sports for Champions League, Sky Cinema for the latest movies, or streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. These may be included in some bundles or offered at a discount.
Multi-room and mobile streaming are great if everyone in your household wants to watch different things. Sky Go lets you watch Sky channels on your phone or tablet, Virgin TV Anywhere offers a similar experience for Virgin customers, and NOW lets you stream on multiple devices (though adding Boost gets you Full HD, Ultraboost gets you 4K).
Contracts, installation, and setup costs
Broadband and TV bundles come with a range of contract types – from short 30-day rolling deals to 18 or 24-month commitments. Longer contracts usually mean better monthly prices, but they also tie you in for longer.
Most providers will charge a one-off setup or installation fee, though many include it free as part of a special offer. Make sure to check the small print for hidden extras, and if you’re switching early, be aware of potential early termination charges.
Deals, new customer offers and why timing your switch matters
Broadband and TV providers often roll out generous new customer offers – especially during Black Friday, January sales, or when a major sporting event is coming up. These can include reward cards (like prepaid Mastercards), bill credit, free months, or even free tech like speakers or streaming devices.
If you’re not in a rush, waiting for the right deal could save you a lot of money. And if you’re out of contract, switching to a new provider could land you far better value than just renewing.
Benefits of bundling broadband and TV
Beyond the obvious of saving money, there are numerous benefits to bundling your broadband and TV together.
- Cost savings: Bundles are usually cheaper than buying broadband and TV separately, especially during introductory offer periods
- Simplified billing: One provider, one contract, one bill – it’s easier to manage your monthly payments
- Better broadband for streaming: TV bundles often come with faster, more reliable broadband designed for smooth streaming
- Exclusive content: Get access to shows, films and live events not available elsewhere through bundled services
- Special offers: Providers often include perks like free Netflix, discounted sports or movie channels, or extra set-top boxes
Bundling vs separate services
Choosing between bundling your broadband and TV or keeping them separate depends on your needs. Bundling is often cheaper, more convenient, and includes extras like exclusive channels or streaming subscriptions. However, separate services can offer more flexibility – especially if you don’t watch much live TV or prefer to pick and mix streaming services. Sky Stream is really the only traditional live TV subscription service you can get on its own without having to take out broadband from the same provider.
Take a look at our comparison tables, and be sure to watch out for the following:
What is a broadband and TV package?
A broadband and TV package or bundle is exactly that: You get your TV subscription from the same company that provides your broadband. There are far more broadband providers than there are subscription TV providers however, which means that for the purposes of this buyer's guide, we'll be restricted to talking about Sky, BT/EE, Virgin Media, NOW and TalkTalk. Although that narrows things down, there is still plenty to say, and plenty of variation.
Freeview versus premium subscriptions
TV bundled with your broadband deal doesn't always necessarily mean a host of expensive premium channels to flick through. In fact, the four providers that offer TV all have some form of entry-level, low cost TV package where the vast majority of channels are digital terrestrial, or Freeview. These comprise everything from your BBCs to your ITVs, as well as channels like Dave and Film4. Examples of these entry-leve, predominantly Freeview bundling options are basic packages from TalkTalk, Sky Stream Essential, or the basic Virgin Media Flex before you choose to add anything.
And then there are premium subscriptions that include Sky Entertainment channels and a host of other channels that could be described as 'a bit more upmarket'. These packages cost a bit more. Channel packs like Sky Sport, TNT Sports and Sky Cinema – that's where things get much more expensive, but these are always sold as add-ons, or bundled in from the start at greater cost.
Bundling does save you money
Convenience is one aspect, for sure, but the number one reason to bundle broadband and TV is because it's always going to be cheaper than buying your services separately. Or at least that has traditionally been the case. Things get a little more muddy when you factor in Sky Stream, especially now it has introduced its ultra-cheap Essential subscription, and because you don't need Sky Broadband to get it.
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Broadband and TV availability
Before you dive into picking a broadband and TV bundle, it’s important to know what’s actually available where you live. Not every provider operates in every area, and some services – especially Full Fibre – still aren’t available to everyone. Here's how to find out what your options are, and what to do if the service you want isn’t yet on your street.
How to check availability at your address
The easiest way to check what broadband and TV packages you can get is by using our postcode checker (at the top of this page). Just enter your postcode and we’ll show you which providers operate in your area and what speeds and services are on offer. We don't store your data and it's completely safe.
Your choice of providers depends mainly on the underlying broadband network at your address. Most homes are connected to the Openreach network, which is used by providers like Sky, TalkTalk, EE and Plusnet. Others, especially in cities, may have access to Virgin Media’s separate cable network, which often offers faster speeds. And in some places, you might find smaller altnets – alternative Full Fibre providers – bringing ultrafast broadband to specific regions.
What if Full Fibre isn’t available?
If you can’t get Full Fibre yet, don’t worry – you’ve still got options. Standard Fibre (also called FTTC) is available to the vast majority of UK homes and still offers decent speeds for streaming and browsing. Virgin Media uses its own network and often delivers gigabit speeds even in areas without Full Fibre. You could also consider mobile broadband if you get a strong 4G or 5G signal at home, and if you live in a truly ultra-remote location, satellite broadband might be an option too.
Rural areas do still face challenges when it comes to broadband. Speeds can be slower, and provider choice can be more limited. That said, many altnets (alternative local networks) are now focusing their efforts on bringing Full Fibre to smaller towns and rural communities, so availability is improving. And in cities, it’s not always better – some urban areas still lack Full Fibre coverage, especially in older buildings or flats where installation is tricky.
The 2025 landline switch-off
The UK is phasing out the old copper landline network by the end of 2025 (this year!). This means all landline calls will eventually go over the internet instead. But don’t worry – this doesn’t affect your broadband or TV service directly. If anything, it’s part of the shift towards faster, more reliable Full Fibre connections. You’ll just need to make sure your phone is connected to your router, not the old phone socket, when the switch happens, though you will need a phone capable of connecting to a digital line.
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Best streaming TV options with broadband bundles
If you're looking to combine broadband with access to great streaming TV, you're in luck. More providers now offer flexible, internet-based TV services that ditch the dish or cable box and work entirely through your broadband connection. Here’s how the top streaming options stack up, and how to get the most value from subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video when bundling.
Comparing Sky Stream, Virgin TV, EE TV, NOW and TalkTalk TV
Each provider offers its own take on streaming TV – some are more flexible, while others come with a bigger selection of live channels and premium extras. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide what suits you best:
Bundling Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video
Some broadband and TV bundles come with streaming subscriptions built in, which can be a great way to save money and simplify your bills. For example, Sky includes Netflix with many of its packages, and Virgin Media often runs deals with Disney+ or Prime Video included at no extra cost for a few months.
Bundling these services can work out cheaper than subscribing separately, and it's more convenient to manage everything in one place. Just make sure to check the length of any included subscription – sometimes it only lasts a few months before rolling into a paid plan.
If you're watching on a 4K TV and want the best picture and sound, look out for bundles that support 4K Ultra HD, HDR (like Dolby Vision), and Dolby Atmos audio. Not all providers support these formats across all devices, so check the fine print if quality matters to you.
Switching broadband and TV providers
Switching to a new broadband and TV provider is easier than you might think – and you don’t need to worry about losing service. If you're moving from one Openreach-based provider to another (like Sky to TalkTalk), your new provider will usually handle the switch for you.
It used to be the case that switching from Virgin Media to a provider using a different network, you’d need to cancel one and set up the other manually, but now you can just sign up to your new provider and it all happens automatically. Be aware of any early termination fees – although some providers offer buyout deals to cover what you owe your current supplier.
Is a broadband and TV bundle right for you?
Broadband and TV bundles offer convenience and can save you money – but they’re not for everyone. Before you commit, consider your household’s habits, how often you actually watch live TV, and whether you prefer to pick and choose your own streaming subscriptions.
- Bundle if: You want convenience, like having one bill, or you’re keen on premium live TV content like sports or films
- Buy separately if: You mainly watch streaming services and don’t need live channels or extras
- Best-value deals: Often go to new customers, especially during sale periods like Black Friday or end of contract windows
- Compare everything: Not just price – consider speed, contract terms, included streaming services, and extras like free tech
- Think ahead: Full Fibre and streaming-only TV are fast becoming the norm – future-proof your choice if possible
Finally, remember that the future of home entertainment is Full Fibre and streaming. With more services dropping traditional TV delivery and new areas getting Full Fibre broadband, it makes sense to consider how your needs might change – especially if you're signing up for an 18 or 24-month deal.
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