Choosing a TV package in the UK in 2026 means wading through a maze of bundles, add-ons and contracts. Here is a clear, side-by-side comparison of the main options so you can see exactly what each delivers — and what it costs.
UK TV Packages Side by Side
| Provider | Channels | Sky Sports | 4K | Monthly Cost | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVfast | 20,000+ | Included | Yes | From £4.91 | None |
| Sky (full pkg) | ~600 | + £18–£28 | Limited | £70–£89 | 18–24 months |
| Virgin Media | ~300 | + extra | Some | £50–£80 | 18–24 months |
| Freeview | ~100 | No | No | Free | None |
Key Things to Watch For
- Add-ons: Sky and Virgin headline prices rarely include Sky Sports — add that and the cost jumps significantly.
- Contracts: Sky and Virgin lock you in for 18–24 months. TVfast has no contract.
- Equipment: Sky requires a dish and box; Virgin needs cable. TVfast uses devices you already own.
💷 The maths: A full Sky package with sport and cinema costs over £1,000 a year. TVfast gives you more channels for less than £60 a year on the annual plan.
See the full cost breakdown in our TV subscription cost guide, and a deeper Sky comparison in our IPTV vs Sky guide.
Package comparison recap
- TVfast: 20,000+ channels, all sport, 4K, no contract, from £4.91/mo
- Sky: best hardware, expensive, long contract, add-ons needed
- Virgin: good speeds, expensive, long contract
- Freeview: free but very limited, no premium sport
Try TVfast Free for 24 Hours
20,000+ channels in 4K — no credit card needed, no commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
TVfast gives the most channels, all sport, and 4K quality from £4.91/month with no contract — better value than any Sky, Virgin or Freeview package.
No. Sky Sports is an add-on costing £18–£28 extra per month. TVfast includes all Sky Sports channels in every plan.
Yes. TVfast has no contract. Sky and Virgin Media require 18–24 month commitments.