How Sky and IPTV deliver TV
Traditional Sky TV arrives by satellite, so you need a dish on the outside of the building and a Sky box connected to it. Sky's newer products can also stream over broadband. An IPTV subscription is broadband-only from the start: the channels stream to a player app on the devices you already own.
Side-by-side comparison
| IPTV subscription | Sky | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract length | Choose a plan, often 3 to 12 months, no long tie-in | Typically 18 or 24 months |
| Installation | Install an app and log in | Dish and box installation, or a Sky streaming device |
| Equipment | Your Smart TV, Firestick, phone, tablet or PC | Sky-supplied hardware |
| Channels | UK, regional and international channels plus VOD | Depends on the bundles you add |
| Extra screens | Multi-screen plans | Usually an add-on |
| Moving home | Log in at the new address | May need a new installation |
Where IPTV has the advantage
No dish and no landlord permission
Many flats, rented homes and listed buildings do not allow a satellite dish. IPTV needs nothing on the outside of the building, which is why it is popular in cities such as London and in Glasgow's tenements.
Flexible plans
Instead of committing for one or two years, you pick a plan length that suits you. That is useful for students, people who move often or anyone who wants to try IPTV first.
Watch on the devices you own
The same subscription works on a Smart TV, an Amazon Firestick, an Android box, an iPhone or a laptop. Our installation guides cover each one.
International channels
Households who want TV from other countries alongside British channels often find IPTV more complete than a standard UK package.
Where Sky has the advantage
- One supplier for everything: hardware, installation and support in one place.
- No dependence on broadband for satellite TV, which helps on very slow lines.
- Integrated extras such as built-in recording on Sky boxes.
If your broadband is slow or unreliable, fix that first. Our guide on IPTV buffering explains what speeds you need.
What about the TV Licence?
Switching from Sky to IPTV does not change the TV Licence rules: if you watch or record live TV, you still need one. Read do you need a TV Licence for IPTV? for details.
How to switch from Sky to IPTV
- Check your broadband speed in the room where you watch TV.
- Choose an IPTV plan with the number of screens you need.
- Install a player app on your TV or streaming stick. See the best IPTV apps.
- Add your login details and test live channels, the TV guide and VOD.
- Only then give notice on your Sky contract, checking any minimum term or early termination fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can IPTV replace Sky completely?
For many households, yes: IPTV can cover live UK channels, sport, films and series on several devices. If you rely on a specific Sky feature, such as a particular box or bundle, check that an IPTV app offers an equivalent before you switch.
Do I need a dish for IPTV?
No. IPTV works over broadband, so there is no dish, no satellite cable and no engineer visit.
Is IPTV picture quality as good as Sky?
With a good connection, IPTV can deliver HD, Full HD and 4K. Quality depends on your broadband speed and stability, so a wired connection to the main TV helps.