TV Packages

TV packages are essentially groups of digital, cable, satellite and IPTV channels offered by TV providers, usually for a fixed monthly subscription fee.

Once upon a time, only companies that specialised in TV offered any real kind of TV channel choice. Now you can get a wide selection of TV packages from leading broadband providers, while TV providers have begun bundling their services with broadband packages to give consumers the most value for their money.

TV bundles, meanwhile, are collections of multiple TV packages that are often bundled with additionalservices such as a broadband connection, a home phone with free weekend/evening calls, as well hardware such as a wireless router and set-top box.

Top providers of TV packages

Currently the biggest players in the TV comparison market are Sky, BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk. Below we will look at the TV packages offered by each to help you find the best deals out there.

Compare TV packages

TV packages by providers:

One of the most popular ways to compare all the amazing TV packages available is to sift through the offerings of each provider, which have picked the best channels and put them together where it makes sense. Below are the main and best TV packages from the top providers:

Sky

The main TV packages from Sky are Entertainment, Entertainment Extra, Movies, Sports and HD Pack. Each incorporates a wide selection of channels from an assortment of genres. Sky’s Multiroom option is also great, as it allows you to enjoy Sky channels in different rooms in the same household at the same time.

Sky also offers a wide range of bundles that come with multiple TV packages and additional incentives,such as free weekend calls and unlimited broadband to name a few. Sky World is one of the most popular bundles on offer and there are tonnes more to suit all tastes.

Virgin

Virgin Media ranges three TV packages: M+, L and XL, each designed with a wide selection of channels (including HD), on-demand and catch up TV services and Sky channels.

M+ is an entry-level option, while L and XL are mid-range and high-end packages, each offering the same channels as M+ but with a host of extra channels.

These are also available in two set-top boxes: TiVo and the V HD Box. The former allows you to pause, rewind and record live television.

BT Vision

BT Vision comes in two TV packages: TV Essentials and TV Unlimited. Both offer 54 Freeview channels each, along with free broadband and evening calls. The TV Unlimited package, as the name probably suggests, also comes with unfettered access to FilmClub, Kids, Sport, Music, TV, Replay, Box Office, iPlayer programmes, plus sports content from ESPN.

Essential customers are required to pay 50p per programme. Although Sky channels are currently not available on either package, Sky programmes will be available on-demand on both.

TV packages by genres:

There are now TV packages specially designed for sports fans, movie lovers, kids, women – virtually anyone and everyone. Most of the time you will find packages that offer the channels you want in related genres. In some cases you can mix and match them into bundles or subscribe to individual channels to create your own personalised TV package.

Sky’s Sports TV package is inarguably the most popular of its kind, offering live football, F1, rugby union, cricket golf, golf and many other sports.

Sky Movies, meanwhile lets you enjoy 11 channels showing blockbuster hits, plus up to five new premieres per week.

TV and broadband bundles

TV and broadband bundles truly are a godsend for consumers looking to consolidate their monthly outlay on entertainment and internet access, which often tend to be quite expensive when taken separately.

By picking a TV and broadband bundle you’ll be paying fewer bills and potentially saving hundreds of pounds a year.

All the top TV and broadband providers now offer simple and affordable TV and broadband bundles. TalkTalk, for example, has a TalkTalk Plus TV bundle that comes with a super-fast broadband connection, line rental and a free YouView box for a single monthly payment of £14.50.