Comparing TV only deals
If you’re happy with your current broadband and phone provider, but want a TV package, you can take a TV-only deal from one of the results listed above. Our comparison page shows you the best TV-only deals that can be taken without abandoning your existing broadband and phone provider.
You’ll notice there aren’t many providers listed for TV-only deals. Sky offers its TV services via a satellite dish, and doesn’t require you to have broadband from Sky, though broadband is technically required to use for Sky TV. Virgin Media used to offer TV-only with their previous TiVo cable box, but this is no longer the case as you will need Virgin broadband to use their current V6 TV box. There are other TV providers out there, but most will require you to sign up for their TV packages bundled with broadband and don’t offer a standalone option for TV alone.
Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare TV-only deals and offers
It’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for using our comparison tool. You can arrange the results in order of the most popular deals, contract length, and average monthly cost so you can quickly see the TV-only packages that are right for you. Click the ‘Visit Now’ button at the side of the deal to be taken directly to the provider’s website.
Availability
Availability will differ depending on which provider you choose for your TV only package. Sky TV is a satellite service. If you can have a satellite dish installed on your property and you have a clear line of sight of the sky, you should be good to go. Virgin Media is a cable TV provider. To receive Virgin Media TV you’ll need to live in an area that is connected to the cable network. Type your postcode into the box at the top of the table to see what’s available in your area.
Check the details
TV-only packages are just that – TV-only. You won’t get broadband or phone with these TV deals. Be sure to check installation costs and one-off fees before you choose and also check the monthly price. Some packages may only be cheap for a certain length of time (such as the first six months) so make sure you don’t get caught out when the price rises.
Reasons to choose TV-only
You can take broadband and phone from another provider
Some of the best broadband providers don’t have a TV service. If you’re happy with your current broadband provider, you don’t need to switch to get TV. You can have any of the TV-only packages listed above and keep your current broadband and phone service without any trouble. If you don’t have a broadband or phone service yet, take a look at our broadband comparison page to see what’s available.
The freedom to watch what you want
TV packages vary in terms of content. Some come with sport channels while others feature movies and music channels. By taking TV separately to phone and broadband, you’re free to choose whatever type of television package you like. So if you’re a big football fan or more of a movie buff, you’ll be able to find a TV-only package that’s right for you.
No line rental fees
As there aren’t any broadband or phone connections with these TV-only options, you won’t have to pay line rental. This makes these TV bundles much cheaper than those with line rental included as standard. These days, more providers are offering their broadband services without line rental, so it’s worth checking what deals are available if you want broadband and TV but no phone line.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Wide range of channels and content
- No need to stay with one provider
- Only pay for what you want
Cons
- Only a couple of providers to choose from
- Not always the cheapest option
- One-off charges often apply
Finding the right package for you
Lots of variety with Sky TV
Sky has some of the best TV packages for if you are looking for TV only. There’s a huge amount of variety in the bundles on offer, with over 400 channels available. Sky has the largest amount of HD channels amongst UK television providers too, and features bundles that come with Sky Sports and Sky Cinema.
Virgin Media features the V6 box
Virgin Media has hundreds of TV channels available – though not as many as Sky. Some TV packages from Virgin come with BT Sport, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and even international channels. The Virgin V6 box is included as standard, which can store up to 500 hours of recorded content and can let you watch catch-up and TV on demand (but only if you have broadband at home). You can also record six channels at once whilst watching a seventh.
What to remember
You’ll need to be ready for installation
Any digital TV provider will need to install its particular equipment at your property. To watch Sky, an engineer will need to install a satellite dish on your property, so be sure to get permission from your landlord or local council (if you need it) before you commit to buy. Virgin Media’s TV service is transmitted via cable. Although unlikely, the provider’s engineer may need to do a spot of digging in and around your property, so bear this in mind before you select a TV-only package.
Broadband is required to watch catch-up content and TV on demand
While you can watch satellite and cable TV without broadband, you will need an internet connection in order to watch catch-up content and TV on demand. This includes programmes watched on the BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and 4oD. You can find a broadband service on our broadband comparison page. Again, Virgin Media offers cable TV but you’ll need broadband to use their current V6 box.
How to pick a TV-only package
When you’ve chosen the TV-only package for you, click the ‘Visit Now’ button on the right. This will transfer you to the provider’s website. On the website, the package you’ve chosen (along with any deals and offers) will appear, and you can either modify your choice or go straight through to the checkout. Once you’ve finalised your purchase, your new TV-only package will be up and ready within (on average) a couple of weeks.
Cable.co.uk recommends
Choosing a TV-only package can be a challenge, because you have a limited range of choices and the best offers might not be the most competitive if you keep your TV and broadband services separate. The key is to be clear about what you want to watch and then find the best package for you and your household. Keep an eye out for the need for cables or a satellite dish, and be sure this won't cause a problem with the owner or local council. Finally, be on the lookout for deals which could save you money by bundling your TV with your broadband, rather than sticking to a hunt for the best TV-only deal.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get TV without broadband?
Yes, you can get TV only packages, primarily from Sky, since they operate a satellite service and do not require you to sign up for Sky broadband to get Sky TV. It might not be the cheapest option if you sign up for broadband elsewhere, as you could save money by bundling your TV and broadband services together.
Can I get Sky TV only?
Yes you can get endless entertainment with Sky TV and Netflix all in one place with Sky’s most basic offer. You’ll need the internet to use services like Netflix, but this does not have to be provided by Sky.
Can I get TV-only in my area?
Use the postcode checker on this page to see which TV-only offers are available in your area.
What’s the cheapest TV service?
Freeview is the UK’s digital terrestrial TV platform, offering access to 100+ free channels. You’ll need a Freeview Play TV or recorder to view the content. Most TVs made from 2010-onwards have Freeview capabilities built-in, so you just need to plug and play to watch. If you want premium content that’s not available on Freeview, you’ll need to sign up for a TV package. Use the postcode checker on this site to find the cheapest TV deals in your area.
What is the most basic Sky TV package?
Sky’s most basic TV package is the Ultimate TV bundle, which pairs Sky TV and Netflix with over 100 channels not on Freeview plus over 500 Box Sets.