Ten questions to ask before you choose
1. Who runs the service, and how do I contact them?
A provider you can rely on names its business, gives a way to reach a real person and publishes its terms. Send a question before you buy and see how quickly, and how clearly, you get an answer. That reply tells you a lot about the support you will get later.
2. Does it carry the channels my household watches?
Make a list of the channels and programmes each person watches most, then ask the provider about them. Line-ups depend on distribution rights and differ between services. Be wary of any service that promises every channel in the world.
3. Will it work on my devices?
Check which player apps the service supports and whether they run on your TV, streaming stick, phone and computer. Older smart TVs are the most common problem. A streaming stick usually solves it.
Our device comparison explains the options.
4. Is my broadband good enough?
Allow around 5 Mbps for each HD screen and 15 to 25 Mbps for each 4K screen playing at once, plus room for everything else. Steadiness matters as much as speed, and a cable to the TV helps more than anything else.
Use our broadband speed checker to work out your household's needs.
5. How many screens do we need at the same time?
Count the people who watch different things at your busiest moment, not the number of devices you own. Then check how the provider charges for extra screens.
6. What does a full year really cost?
Work out the cost over twelve months, including extra screens, add-on packs, any device you need to buy, and price rises during a contract. A low first-month price can hide a much higher yearly total.
7. Is there a contract or automatic renewal?
Some services tie you in for months or years, and some renew every month until you cancel. Decide which you prefer. A plan that is paid once and simply ends is the easiest to control.
8. Can I try it, and what is the refund policy?
Look for a short plan, a trial or a money-back guarantee, and read the refund policy before paying. UK consumer law also gives you rights, including a 14-day cancellation period for most services bought online.
9. How do I pay, and is the payment protected?
Paying by debit or credit card gives you the option of a chargeback if a service is not provided, and credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000 are also covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Avoid providers that only accept gift cards, cryptocurrency or bank transfers to a personal account.
10. How will I get help setting it up?
Ask what happens after you pay. Good providers send setup instructions for your device and help if you get stuck. A service that leaves you to work it out alone will cost you time.
How to test an IPTV service in your first week
Whatever you choose, use the first few days to check it properly, while you can still change your mind.
- Watch on every device you plan to use, not just the main TV.
- Watch at your busiest times, such as a weekday evening and a Saturday afternoon, when broadband networks are most loaded.
- Check the channels on your list and the programme guide for them.
- Try two or more screens at once if your household needs them.
- Ask support a question and see how they respond.
Keep your current TV service until you are happy. If something does not work, use the trial or money-back period rather than waiting until it has passed.
A simple scorecard for comparing providers
Give each provider a mark out of five on each of these, and weight the ones that matter most to your household:
- Channels you watch are included
- Works on all your devices
- Picture is steady at busy times on your broadband
- Total cost over a year, including screens and add-ons
- Flexibility: contract length, renewal and refunds
- Support: how quickly and clearly they help
- Openness: named business, published terms, protected payment
A provider that scores well on openness and support but a little higher on price is usually a better choice than the cheapest service you cannot contact.
Red flags to walk away from
Promises of every channel for a few pounds, no named business, payment only by gift card or cryptocurrency, pressure to buy a lifetime plan, and instructions to install apps from unexplained links are all reasons to look elsewhere.
Our guide on how to spot an IPTV scam explains each warning sign and what to do if you have already paid.
For the law, see Is IPTV legal in the UK?
How King of Stream measures up
We publish our prices in pounds for every plan length and screen option, our terms and refund policy, and a real contact address. Plans are paid once and never renew automatically, cover 1 to 5 screens, and come with a 7-day money-back guarantee. Hold us to the same questions as anyone else.
See how we compare with Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview and Freely on Why King of Stream.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing when choosing IPTV?
That it works reliably on your devices and broadband and carries the channels you watch. Price matters, but a cheap service that buffers or lacks your channels is poor value.
Should I pay for a year straight away?
Only once you have tested the service. Start with a short plan, or use a money-back guarantee, then move to a longer plan for the lower monthly cost.
How do I know if an IPTV provider is legitimate?
Look for a named business, published terms and refund policy, protected card payment and a clear answer about how it holds the rights to its channels.