Sky has been the default choice for pay TV in the UK for decades, and for many households it still is. IPTV subscriptions have become a popular alternative because they cost less and do not tie you into a long contract. Both have real strengths, and the right choice depends on what you watch, how many people watch at once and how good your broadband is.
This guide compares the two fairly. Sky prices below are the starting prices Sky published on its own website when we checked on 6 November 2026. Sky changes its prices and offers often, so check sky.com before you decide. King of Stream's own prices are on our plans and prices section.
The quick verdict
Choose Sky if you want Sky's own channels and exclusive content in one tidy package, prefer a single company to handle everything including support and equipment, and are comfortable with a minimum term.
Choose IPTV if you want a lower yearly cost, no minimum term, the freedom to use the devices you already own, and you have steady broadband.
The rest of this article explains why.
How Sky works today
Sky now offers TV in three main ways:
- Sky Stream, delivered over broadband through a small streaming box. There is no satellite dish.
- Sky Q, delivered by satellite through a dish and a set-top box.
- Sky Glass, a TV with Sky built in, delivered over broadband.
All three are sold as packages: a base package of channels, with extra packs such as sport, films and multiroom viewing added on top. Each product has its own minimum term and price.
How IPTV works
An IPTV subscription gives you a login for live TV channels, a programme guide and an on-demand library, which you watch through a player app on a device you already own, such as a Fire TV Stick, an Android TV box, a smart TV, a phone or a computer. You choose the plan length and the number of screens, and you pay once. Our article What is IPTV? explains the technology.
Cost compared
Sky's starting prices
When we checked, Sky advertised Sky Stream with its Essential TV package from £15 a month on a 24-month minimum term. Sky also listed a 31-day rolling option at £18 a month, and said the price rises to a standard rate of £21 a month once the minimum term ends. Sport, films and other packs cost extra, and Sky's terms allow prices to change during the contract.
King of Stream's prices
King of Stream plans start at £9.99 for one month, or £59.99 for 12 months on one screen, paid once. That works out at £5.00 a month. Two screens on a 12-month plan cost £94.99. Nothing renews automatically.
One year and two years side by side
| Year 1 | Over 2 years | |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Stream Essential TV, 24-month term | £180 | £360 |
| Sky Stream Essential TV, 31-day rolling | £216 | £432 |
| King of Stream, 12 months, 1 screen | £59.99 | £119.98 |
| King of Stream, 12 months, 2 screens | £94.99 | £189.98 |
The two-year Sky figures assume the advertised price stays the same. In practice, Sky's terms allow the price to rise during the contract, so the real total is likely to be higher. These figures compare Sky's base package with an IPTV plan. They do not include Sky's add-on packs, any extra Sky equipment, or the TV Licence, which you need for live TV with either service. See our article Do you need a TV Licence for IPTV?
Costs that are easy to miss
- Add-on packs. With Sky, sport and films are paid extras on top of the base price.
- Price after the minimum term. Sky's advertised standard rate after the term is higher than the introductory price.
- Devices for IPTV. If you do not already have a suitable device for each TV, you may need a streaming stick. Our device comparison covers the options.
- Broadband. Both Sky Stream and IPTV need good broadband. If you would need to upgrade your broadband for either, include that cost.
Contracts and flexibility
Sky
Sky's lowest monthly prices come with a minimum term, commonly 24 months. Leaving early usually means paying early termination charges. Sky asks for 31 days' notice to cancel. A 31-day rolling option is available on Sky Stream at a higher monthly price.
IPTV
With King of Stream, you pay once for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months and the plan simply ends. There is nothing to cancel and no notice period. Every plan has a 7-day money-back guarantee, explained in our refund policy.
Which suits you
If you value flexibility, for example because you move house often, watch more in winter than summer, or want to try something without committing, IPTV is easier. If you are happy to stay with one provider for two years in return for its package, Sky's minimum term will not trouble you.
Channels and content
Sky's strengths
Sky's biggest advantage is its own content. Sky owns or holds UK rights to a large amount of sport, films and drama, and some of it is only available through Sky or its contract-free sister service NOW. If there is a Sky-only programme or sport you cannot do without, that may decide the matter for you.
Sky also builds other apps into its interface, so you can move between live TV and streaming apps in one place.
IPTV
An IPTV subscription's channel line-up depends on the provider and the distribution rights it holds. Line-ups can include entertainment, films, box sets, documentaries, kids, news, sport, music and international channels. Before you subscribe to any IPTV service, check that it carries the channels you watch most. King of Stream will tell you if you ask before you order.
A word on rights
Any service that streams TV needs the rights to the channels it shows. Be wary of any IPTV seller that promises every Sky channel for a few pounds a month. Our article Is IPTV legal in the UK? explains why.
Equipment and installation
Sky
Sky Stream needs Sky's streaming box, which connects to your broadband and TV. Sky Q needs a satellite dish and box, and installation may need an engineer visit. Sky Glass is the TV itself. Equipment is usually provided by Sky as part of the package, and some must be returned when you leave.
IPTV
IPTV uses devices you may already own. You install a player app, enter your login, and start watching. There is no engineer, no dish and no box to return. If a TV cannot run a suitable app, a streaming stick plugged into an HDMI port solves it.
Picture quality
Sky
Sky offers HD as standard and Ultra HD on selected content, with HDR on some programmes, depending on your package, equipment and broadband or satellite connection.
IPTV
Picture quality depends on the stream, your broadband, your device and your player app. King of Stream streams in HD, with 4K on selected content. A good device on a wired connection gives an excellent picture. Our guide to IPTV picture quality explains how to get the best from it.
Reliability
Sky
Sky Q's satellite delivery does not depend on broadband, which makes it very dependable, though heavy rain or snow can occasionally affect a satellite signal. Sky Stream and Sky Glass depend on broadband in the same way IPTV does.
IPTV
IPTV depends on your broadband and home network. On a steady connection it is reliable. On a weak or overloaded connection, or poor Wi-Fi, the picture can pause to buffer. Most buffering problems have simple fixes, covered in our buffering guide.
If your broadband is slow or unreliable and cannot be improved, satellite Sky Q, or Freeview through an aerial, will be more dependable than any broadband-based service.
Multiple rooms and screens
Sky
Watching Sky in more than one room usually means adding Sky's multiroom or multiscreen option, which costs extra each month and may need extra equipment.
IPTV
With IPTV, you install the app on any of your household's devices and choose how many can play at once. King of Stream plans cover 1 to 5 screens on any plan length. Our article on how many devices you can use explains screen limits.
Recording and catch-up
Sky
Sky Q has built-in recording to its hard drive. Sky Stream and Sky Glass rely more on on-demand and catch-up than on recording to a box. Check Sky's current features for the product you are considering.
IPTV
IPTV services can offer catch-up on selected channels, and some player apps can record to a USB or network drive. Our guide to the programme guide, catch-up and recording explains how it works.
Support
Sky
Sky is a large company with phone, online and in-person support, and engineers who can visit. That is a genuine advantage if you want someone else to sort out problems.
IPTV
Support varies a great deal between IPTV providers. Some have none. King of Stream offers email support from a real person during UK hours, with setup instructions written for your device.
Side-by-side summary
| Sky | IPTV (King of Stream) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From £15 a month on a 24-month term | From £5.00 a month on a 12-month plan, paid once |
| Minimum term | Usually 24 months for the lowest price | None |
| Exclusive content | Yes, Sky's own channels and content | Depends on the line-up |
| Equipment | Sky box, dish or Sky Glass TV | Devices you already own |
| Installation | Self-install or engineer | Install an app |
| Extra rooms | Paid multiroom option | 1 to 5 screens included by plan |
| Works without broadband | Sky Q by satellite | No |
| Support | Phone, online and engineers | Email support |
Who should choose which
Sky is likely to suit you if
- You want Sky's exclusive programmes, films or sport.
- You prefer one company to provide equipment, installation and support.
- Your broadband is poor and you would choose satellite Sky Q.
- You are happy with a 24-month commitment.
IPTV is likely to suit you if
- You want to spend less over the year.
- You do not want a minimum term or a notice period.
- You want to watch on devices you already own, in several rooms.
- Your broadband is steady and fast enough for the screens you use. Our speed checker can help you check.
Trying IPTV before you leave Sky
You do not have to choose overnight. Many people run an IPTV plan alongside Sky for a week or two before deciding. If you decide to switch, our guide on how to switch from Sky or Virgin Media to IPTV explains how to time your notice so you do not pay for two services or lose your broadband.
Frequently asked questions
Is IPTV cheaper than Sky?
On base prices, yes. King of Stream's 12-month plan for one screen costs £59.99, compared with £180 a year for Sky Stream's Essential TV package on a 24-month term at the price Sky advertised when we checked. Sky's add-on packs make the difference larger.
Can IPTV replace Sky completely?
For many households it can, but only if the IPTV service carries the channels you watch. If you rely on Sky's exclusive content, check carefully before cancelling.
Is IPTV as reliable as Sky?
On a steady broadband connection, IPTV is reliable. Satellite Sky Q does not depend on broadband, so it can be more dependable in homes with poor connections.
Do I need a TV Licence with IPTV and with Sky?
Yes, for live TV with either. The TV Licence is separate from both.
Can I keep Sky broadband and use IPTV?
Yes. IPTV works with any UK broadband, including Sky's.
Ready to compare for yourself? See our plans and prices, or contact us with the channels you watch most and the devices you use, and we will tell you honestly whether IPTV suits your home.
