Free Trial
Complete Comparison

IPTV vs Cable in the UK: The Ultimate Guide to Saving on Your TV Subscription in 2024

Updated 18 December 2024 | Reading time: 12 minutes

IPTV vs Traditional Cable comparison in the UK

Are you still paying more than £60 per month for Sky, Virgin Media, or another traditional cable subscription? You're not alone. Millions of UK households are discovering IPTV every year, an alternative that offers 10 times more content for 5 times less money. In this comprehensive guide, we objectively compare IPTV to UK cable offerings to help you make the best choice.

Whether you're frustrated by Sky's rising prices or the limitations of your Virgin Media package, this comparison will give you all the information you need. Discover how British families are saving over £800 per year by switching to IPTV, without sacrificing quality or content.

In this article:

Comparison Table: IPTV vs Traditional Cable

Before we dive into the details, here's a comprehensive overview of the differences between IPTV and traditional cable offerings in the UK:

Criteria IPTV StreamPro Traditional Cable
Monthly price From £8.99 £35 - £120
Number of channels 40,000+ 100 - 300
Picture quality HD / 4K Ultra HD HD / 4K (package dependent)
VOD / Films and Series 160,000+ included Limited or paid extra
Sports channels All included +£15 to +£35/month
Compatible devices Unlimited (TV, mobile, PC) 1-2 set-top boxes
Contract No contract 12-24 months
Installation Instant (5 min) Engineer required
Installation fees £0 £20 - £100
Catch-up TV 7 days included Variable
Customer support 24/7 WhatsApp Limited hours

UK Price Comparison: IPTV vs Cable Providers

Let's examine in detail what the different TV options actually cost in the UK. These prices include complete packages with sports channels, which often represent the main expense for households.

Sky: The Market Leader

Sky Ultimate TV: £26/month (18-month contract)

With Sky Sports: £52/month

With Sports + Cinema: £72/month

Annual cost: £624 to £864

Includes: Sky Entertainment, but sports and cinema are expensive add-ons. International channels very limited.

Virgin Media: The Broadband Bundle

Bigger Bundle + TV: £49.99/month

With Sports: £69.99/month

Ultimate Volt Bundle: £89.99/month

Annual cost: £600 to £1,080

Requires Virgin broadband. 18-month contract minimum. Early exit fees apply.

BT TV: The Sports Specialist

BT Entertainment: £16/month

BT Sport Monthly Pass: £29.99/month

Big Sport Bundle: £43/month

Annual cost: £192 to £516

Usually requires BT broadband. Limited channel selection outside sports.

NOW TV (Sky's Streaming Service)

Entertainment Pass: £9.99/month

Sports Pass: £34.99/month

Cinema Pass: £11.99/month

Annual cost (all passes): £684

No contract flexibility but HD costs extra. Limited live channels.

StreamPro IPTV: The Money-Saving Alternative

Premium Subscription: £8.99/month

Annual Subscription: £44.99/year (just £3.75/month)

Annual cost: £45 to £108

Includes: 40,000+ channels, ALL sports channels (Sky Sports, BT Sport, Premier League), 160,000 VOD titles, 4K quality

Average Savings with StreamPro

£756 / year

Compared to a standard Sky Sports subscription

View Our Plans

Advantages and Disadvantages: IPTV vs Cable

Advantages of IPTV

  • Massive savings: Up to 85% cheaper than traditional cable
  • Enormous catalogue: Over 40,000 channels worldwide vs 100-300 for cable
  • Total flexibility: Watch on TV, smartphone, tablet, computer - anywhere in the world
  • No contract: Cancel anytime, no fees or penalties
  • Instant setup: Configure in 5 minutes, no engineer needed
  • All sports included: Sky Sports, BT Sport, Premier League - no extra charges
  • Unlimited VOD: 160,000+ films and series included in subscription
  • Multi-screen: Up to 4 simultaneous connections
  • 4K Ultra HD quality: On all compatible channels
  • 24/7 support: Assistance available via WhatsApp anytime

Disadvantages of IPTV

  • Internet connection required: Needs minimum 10 Mbps (25 Mbps for 4K)
  • Initial setup: May require a few minutes of configuration
  • Variable stability: Depends on the quality of your internet connection

Advantages of Traditional Cable

  • Engineer installation: Everything is set up for you
  • Guaranteed stability: Doesn't depend on your internet connection
  • Familiar interface: Remote controls and menus are standardised
  • Local support: Physical shops for assistance

Disadvantages of Traditional Cable

  • High prices: £50 to £120/month for limited content
  • Binding contracts: 12 to 24 months minimum, exit fees
  • Limited channels: Little international choice
  • Paid extras: Sports, cinema, series = expensive add-ons
  • Reduced mobility: Limited to your home and set-top boxes
  • Long installation: Wait several days for an engineer

Why Brits Are Cutting the Cord for IPTV

The "cord-cutting" phenomenon is gaining momentum in the UK. According to recent studies, over 1.5 million UK households have already cancelled their traditional subscriptions. Here are the main reasons:

1. Soaring cable prices

Over the past decade, Sky and Virgin Media prices have increased by over 40%. To watch the Premier League and Champions League, you now need multiple subscriptions (Sky Sports, BT Sport, TNT Sports), which can exceed £100/month.

2. Modern IPTV quality

Today's IPTV is nothing like the unstable services of years past. Premium providers like IPTV SMARTERS offer 4K Ultra HD quality with stability comparable to cable.

3. Contract-free freedom

Brits are fed up with 18-24 month contracts and hefty early exit fees. IPTV allows monthly subscriptions with no strings attached.

4. International content

With globalisation and expat communities, access to international channels has become essential. IPTV offers channels from over 100 countries, perfect for multicultural households.

5. Mobility and flexibility

Being able to watch programmes on your smartphone during commutes, on a tablet while on holiday, or on a laptop at work - this flexibility is impossible with traditional cable.

Calculate Your Savings: Cable vs IPTV

Here's a concrete example of what you could save by switching to IPTV:

Example: Family with complete sports package

Current Cable Cost

  • Sky Ultimate TV: £26
  • Sky Sports: £26
  • BT Sport: £16
  • HD fee: £6

Total: £74/month

That's £888/year

StreamPro IPTV Cost

  • Premium subscription: £8.99
  • All channels included
  • No equipment needed
  • 4K included free

Total: £8.99/month

That's £108/year

Annual saving

£780

These savings are real and verifiable. Plus, with IPTV, you'll never have nasty surprises: no hidden price increases, no exit fees, no paid extras for sports or cinema.

Ready to Start Saving?

Try IPTV SMARTERS free for 24 hours. No contract, no credit card required.

Start Free Trial

Frequently Asked Questions: IPTV vs Cable

Is IPTV legal in the UK?

IPTV as a technology is perfectly legal. IPTV SMARTERS operates within a legal framework and provides a quality service. For more information, read our article on IPTV legality in the UK.

What internet connection do I need for IPTV?

A speed of 10 Mbps is sufficient for HD. For 4K, we recommend 25 Mbps minimum. Most UK broadband connections are more than adequate. Check our guide on internet requirements for IPTV.

Can I watch IPTV on my Smart TV?

Yes! IPTV works on all Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.), Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, smartphones, tablets and computers. Learn how to set up your Smart TV for IPTV.

What happens if I'm not satisfied?

We offer a 24-hour free trial so you can test the service before committing. If you're not satisfied, simply don't continue - no questions asked.

Can I watch Premier League and Champions League?

Absolutely! StreamPro includes all sports channels: Sky Sports, BT Sport, TNT Sports, and international sports coverage. Watch all Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and more. See our Premier League streaming guide.

How do I install IPTV on Fire Stick?

Fire Stick is one of the easiest devices to set up for IPTV. Installation takes about 5 minutes. Follow our complete Fire Stick IPTV setup guide.

What is IPTV exactly?

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers TV content over the internet rather than through traditional cable or satellite. This allows for more channels, better flexibility, and lower costs. Read our complete guide: What is IPTV?

Is the picture quality as good as Sky or Virgin?

Modern IPTV services like StreamPro offer HD and 4K Ultra HD quality that matches or exceeds traditional cable providers. With a stable internet connection, you'll enjoy crystal-clear picture quality.

Conclusion: Is IPTV Right for You?

If you value flexibility, massive content choice, and significant savings, IPTV is the clear winner. The average UK household can save over £750 per year while accessing 100 times more content than traditional cable.

The transition is easier than ever: no engineers, no waiting, no contracts. Simply sign up, download the app, and start watching within minutes. And with our 24-hour free trial, there's absolutely no risk.

Still have questions? Our support team is available 24/7 via WhatsApp, or visit our contact page to get in touch.

Join Thousands of Happy UK Customers

Experience the future of television today.

Start your free 24-hour trial now

View Pricing Plans Contact Us