IPTV vs Cable TV
Discover why thousands are cutting the cord and switching to IPTV. Compare pricing, channels, features, and find out which is right for you.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
See how IPTV stacks up against traditional cable TV
| Feature | IPTV | Cable TV |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | £7.99 - £12.99 Fixed price, no hidden fees ✓ | £50 - £150+ Plus equipment rental, installation fees |
| Channels Available | 25,000+ UK, US, international channels ✓ | 200-500 Limited to package tier |
| Contract Length | 1-12 months Flexible, no commitment required ✓ | 12-24 months Early cancellation fees apply |
| Installation | Instant (Self-setup) Download app, enter credentials ✓ | Engineer visit required Wait days/weeks for appointment |
| Equipment | Use existing devices Smart TV, Firestick, phone, etc. ✓ | Provider's set-top box Monthly rental fee £5-15 |
| 4K Content | Included Many 4K channels available ✓ | Extra £10-20/month Limited 4K content |
| VOD Library | 66,000+ movies, 15,000+ series Included in subscription ✓ | On-demand rental Pay per movie £3-6 |
| Multi-Room | 1-4 connections included Depending on plan ✓ | £10-15 per additional room Extra box required per TV |
| Portability | Watch anywhere Any device with internet ✓ | Home only Tied to installed location |
| Sports Coverage | Comprehensive All major sports, PPV included ✓ | Sports packages extra £25-50/month for sports |
How Much Could You Save?
Typical Cable Bill
- Basic Package£75/mo
- Sports Package£35/mo
- Movies Package£15/mo
- Multi-Room£15/mo
- Equipment Rental£10/mo
- Total Monthly£150/mo
VIP TV UK IPTV
- Full Package£12.99/mo
- Sports (Included)£0/mo
- Movies (Included)£0/mo
- Multi-Room (Included)£0/mo
- EquipmentUse your own
- Total Monthly£12.99/mo
Your potential yearly savings:
£1644.12
Why People Are Switching to IPTV
The top reasons cord-cutters choose IPTV over traditional cable
Save Up to £1,600/Year
Cut your TV bill by up to 90%. IPTV offers more content for a fraction of the cost.
More Content
Access 25,000+ channels vs 200-500 with cable. Plus 66,000+ movies and 15,000+ TV series.
No Contracts
Month-to-month flexibility. Cancel anytime without early termination fees.
Watch Anywhere
Stream on any device, anywhere with internet. Not tied to your home installation.
Instant Setup
Start watching in minutes. No waiting for engineer visits or installations.
International Content
Access channels from 100+ countries. Perfect for multicultural households.
Where Cable Still Shines
To be fair, cable does have some advantages worth considering
Established Reliability
Cable infrastructure is well-established with consistent uptime
Customer Support
Direct phone support and engineer visits for technical issues
Bundling Options
Can bundle with home internet and phone for discounts
The Verdict
For most viewers, IPTV is the clear winner. It offers dramatically more content at a fraction of the price, with the flexibility to watch anywhere on any device. The only real advantages cable maintains are established infrastructure reliability and bundling options.
If you're paying £100+ per month for cable and still can't watch all the sports and movies you want, IPTV is worth serious consideration. The potential savings of over £1,600 per year can fund a nice holiday or upgrade to your home cinema setup.
Our recommendation: Try a free trial first. Experience 25,000+ channels, 4K quality, and VOD content for yourself. You'll quickly see why millions have already made the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPTV legal in the UK?
Yes, IPTV technology itself is completely legal. Many legitimate services use IPTV to deliver content, including BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and BT Sport app. VIP TV UK operates as a subscription-based entertainment service.
Do I need special equipment for IPTV?
No special equipment is needed. IPTV works on devices you likely already own: Smart TVs, Amazon Firestick, Android boxes, smartphones, tablets, and computers. This eliminates the equipment rental fees charged by cable companies.
What internet speed do I need for IPTV?
For smooth IPTV streaming, we recommend at least 10Mbps for HD content and 25Mbps for 4K. Most UK households with standard broadband (30Mbps+) will have no issues. Faster speeds are better for multiple simultaneous streams.
Can I watch IPTV outside my home?
Yes! Unlike cable which is fixed to your home, IPTV works anywhere with an internet connection. Watch on your phone at lunch, stream at a friend's house, or take it on holiday. Just download the app and log in.
Will IPTV work with my current TV?
If your TV is a Smart TV, you can install IPTV apps directly. For older TVs, simply add an Amazon Firestick (£40) or Android box to get IPTV capability. This is still far cheaper than cable equipment rental.
What about live sports on IPTV?
IPTV typically includes comprehensive sports coverage that would cost extra on cable. Premier League, Champions League, boxing PPV, UFC, cricket, NFL - it's all included in your subscription with no additional sports packages to buy.
Learn More About IPTV
Ready to Cut the Cord?
Join thousands who've switched from cable to IPTV. Save up to £1,600/year while getting more channels and content.