Your guide to TV only packages
Dan Howdle
Up until a few years ago, when it came to subscription TV services you could get from your broadband provider there were one or two more options than there are today. Now, Sky is the only provider that allows you to take out its TV service on its own – a so-called 'TV only deal'.
There's always nuance, though. In this case there are multiple ways to get Sky TV, and of course outside of Sky (or as part of your Sky subscription) there are other big players supplying TV content such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video. We're going to cover all of that here, including the ins and outs of how to get the TV only subscription you want.
Benefits and features
Although Sky TV is the only major provider in town when it comes to TV only deals, it's worth talking through just how beneficial that is. Here are the obvious – and not so obvious – benefits of being able to get Sky TV on its own:
- You can get broadband from anyone – Sky's offering of broadband on its own means you can get your broadband from anyone and still get Sky TV. In most instances this is an even better option than taking TV from your existing broadband provider because, frankly, there is no match for what Sky offers
- Only pay for what you need – The way Sky offers its TV in the first place is a crucial part of the flexibility on offer here. Sky now allows you to build your package with just the components you want, whether that be Sky Sports, 4K content, Sky Kids – whatever you like. Couple that with the ability to have it with any broadband provider and the amount of customisation is endless
- No long subscriptions if you don't want them – Sky Stream offers contracts of either 24 months, or one month rolling where you can back out whenever you like. You'll pay a few quid extra per month for the latter, but it's going to be worth it to some. The same goes for add-ons like Sky Cinema and Sky Sports – no need to sign up for a long contract if you don't want to
- Next-day installation – Since Sky has ceased offering TV via satellite (Sky Q) to new customers, the nature of Sky Stream (TV via the internet) means all Sky needs to do is post you a Sky Stream Puck, you plug it in and you're ready to go. If you sign up in the morning, you can be up and running the following day
Subscription TV only providers
You can get decent subscription TV packages from BT Broadband or EE Broadband (both via EE TV), from Virgin Media (Virgin TV), and from TalkTalk (TalkTalk TV). But as we've already pointed out, you will need to take out broadband with each of these providers to be able to sign up. That leaves us with Sky, and there is more than one way to get it.
Sky Stream and Sky Glass
We're always tempted to say 'Sky's new service' when it comes to Sky Stream, but the truth is it's been around for quite a while now. However, previously it's always been in the background – a secondary way to get Sky TV if you so choose. Now however, Sky only offers Sky Stream, either via the Sky Stream Puck (a tiny streaming box that can sit behind your telly), or Sky Glass (the same tech, but built into an actual television).
Sky Stream – It's Sky TV without a satellite dish – all you need is a broadband connection, from anyone, not necessarily from Sky. Over 150 channels and a Netflix subscription form the basic 'Sky Entertainment' pack, which is what everyone gets before adding anything. The only channels missing versus the previous Sky Q offering are +1 time delay (no longer needed as you can rewind live TV) and standard definition channels (because Sky Stream is universally in high definition). Plus, you even can get a 'UHD & Dolby Atmos' add-on to up the quality further on some channels, should you so desire.
Sky Glass – All of the above, but arriving in the form of an actual television in a choice of sizes (43", 55" or 65"), rather than in the form of a Puck you plug into your existing TV. If you need a new telly and you need Sky, it's a good solution. Just bear in mind that you'll be paying a bit more and be on a longer contract to cover the cost of the telly.
NOW TV
Originally devised as a means for people to dip quickly in and out of Sky content on a month-by-month basis, NOW TV (Sky's other streaming service) now occupies a bit of a strange space. Other TV providers like EE TV (offered with BT and EE broadband packages) use NOW TV to offer Sky content via their TV packages, and of course you can get it bundled with NOW Broadband.
It's still a way to dip in and out of Sky content as and when you want it, but it's one of the most expensive ways to watch Sky Sports, and by the time you've added the 'Boosts' necessary to match the video and audio quality of Sky Stream it's the same price for fewer channels and less content. If you want to dive into Sky content for a month, then pause your subscription, you can now do that with Sky Stream, which we recommend over and above NOW TV.
Other pay TV only providers
Beyond national telecoms and service providers like Sky, Virgin Media, BT and so on, there are of course a host of ways you can get a TV subscription – via the joy of apps! The best part is there are numerous ways to watch them once you're subscribed – whether on your smart TV, games console, mobile, tablet, streaming stick and everything else.
There are far too many to name here, but here are some of the more popular apps that allow you to access a tonne of content and don't require any lengthy contracts.
Netflix
The app that needs no introduction now offers around 40-50,000 individual programmes and movies to watch. It is ubiquitous – a behemoth – and is now included in your Sky TV subscription, although you'll have to pay a bit more if you want the version at 4K and with no ads.
Disney+
The home of everything Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as acres of content for the kids and acres more for the grown-ups in the form of Disney Star.
Apple TV+
Apple had a tough job ahead of them when they launched TV+ a few years back, but have since built an enviable catalogue of unmissable shows like The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, For All Mankind, Silo, Foundation, Severance and many more.
Amazon Prime Video
Despite being our least favourite of the four here (mainly because of the clunky app), Amazon is rich with excellent shows if you know where to look. The Boys, Fallout, Wheel Of Time, Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, are just a few of a vast selection.
Pay TV channels and premium add-ons
Boiling TV only down to Sky TV then, Sky Stream (the way most of us will get it), offers a dazzling array of live channels, coupled with a vast vault of on-demand programmes. So numerous are the channels, in fact, that we've created a full guide covering each and every one.
You're free to peruse that at your leisure, but here we'll cover briefly some of the highlights as well as some premium add-ons you can adopt at additional cost to buff the basic selection.
Sky TV channel highlights
- Sky Atlantic – Home to acclaimed dramas like 'Succession' and 'House of the Dragon'
- Sky Max – Features a mix of comedy, drama, and entertainment shows
- Sky Witness – Crime dramas and popular US imports like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Law & Order'
- Sky Comedy – Offers a variety of comedy series, stand-up specials, and sitcoms
- Sky Showcase – Highlights the best content from across Sky’s entertainment channels
- Sky Arts – The UK's only dedicated arts channel, featuring documentaries, performances, and cultural events
- Sky Crime – Specialises in true crime documentaries and real-life investigative series
- Sky Nature – Nature documentaries and wildlife series in stunning detail
- Sky History – Engaging documentaries and series exploring historical events and figures
- Sky Sci-Fi – A mix of science fiction and fantasy series, movies, and cult classics
Premium channel add-ons (Sky)
- Sky Sports – Comprehensive sports coverage, including Premier League football, cricket, Formula 1, rugby and more
- Sky Cinema – Access to hundreds of films, from the latest blockbuster releases to classic movies and exclusive premieres
- TNT Sports – Live coverage of top-tier sports, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premiership Rugby, and more
TV provider comparison
How to choose a TV package that's right for you
The bulk of the advice we can offer you in terms of buying a TV only subscription can be summed up in three words: Get Sky Stream. Not only is it the only game in town when it comes to a full-throated TV subscription bundle (not including individual apps or NOW TV), it's also well-priced, highly flexible, and fast and easy to get installed.
Beyond that though there are a lot of choices to make when taking out Sky Stream/Sky Glass, or NOW TV. Here are the things you should consider:
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Channels – Ask yourself what channels you actually want or need. Sky Stream and Sky Glass have literally hundreds on offer once you tot up the basic channels and those you can add on. NOW TV on the other hand has a selection of Sky channels, along with a few, hand-picked premium channels like Discovery
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Price – Sky Stream on its own, before you add anything on, is very well priced, especially when you factor in the included Netflix subscription. Things get more expensive the more you add. Want 4K and Dolby Atmos? That'll be extra. Want Ad Skipping? Extra again. And Sky Sports and Sky Cinema (but especially Sky Sports) can dramatically increase the price of your package – especially the case if for whatever reason you plump for NOW TV
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Add-ons and extras – There is a wide variety of add-ons you can attach to your package when you sign up, they all add to the cost, and most of them just aren't available with NOW TV. They are: Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, Netflix upgrade (to Standard or Premium), UHD & Dolby Atmos, Ad Skipping, Whole Home (multiroom TV), and even, bizarrely, Sky Protect, which is home and contents insurance. NOW TV has 'Boost' and 'Ultraboost' in place of Sky's UHD & Dolby Atmos pack
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Multiroom TV – In the case of NOW TV this is pretty simple – you can stream to multiple devices at the same time on your account, and stream to more if you upgrade it with Boost or Ultraboost. With Sky Stream you'll need an additional subscription to something called Sky Whole Home. This allows you to have more Pucks and watch stuff on them concurrently. The first additional Puck is free, but each additional Puck after that is £39.95. If all you want is Sky Atlantic, for example, getting that to several rooms at once will be a lot cheaper on NOW TV
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Contract length – Another thing to consider is contract length. NOW TV is on a one-month rolling contract by default, but you'll pay less for Sky Stream if you take out a 24-month contract. At the time of writing it was an extra £3 per month to get Sky Stream on a one-month rolling contract basis, so think carefully about how long you intend to keep your services before making your choice
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HD and 4K – If picture quality matters to you, you're going to want to watch in HD as a minimum, and preferably 4K. Sadly, we're still in a place where neither Sky or NOW TV is offering 4K for free, but NOW TV isn't even in high definition till you add Boost (HD) or Ultraboost (4K) to you Pass at substantial extra cost. With Sky Stream, everything is in HD as standard, and you can pay extra every month to watch in 4K (where available)
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Sports and movies – These are the most expensive add-ons out there, especially Sky Sports, which seems designed to test your sport fandom and put your wallet where your hobby is. TNT Sports also has a substantial portion of the football, cricket and rugby, so those who cannot miss a thing will have to subscribe to both Sky Sports and TNT Sports. The main thing to note is that Sky Sports via NOW TV is the most expensive way to get it, so if all you're about is sport, consider Sky Stream the better option. Movies still add a bit to your monthly bill but not on the same scale as sport
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What our expert says...
"The market for a traditional TV subscription you can get on its own without broadband has narrowed substantially over the past few years. Sky Stream and NOW TV are now the only 'full TV package'-type options, with streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ doing their own thing. Thankfully, Sky Stream is absolutely brilliant: Simple and fast to install and use, provides access to a wealth of content and additional add-on services, and it's also great value for money."
Dan Howdle, Broadband and mobile expert
