Cable TV and IPTV deliver the same kind of thing (live channels) through different pipes. The practical differences are price, flexibility and how much depends on your internet.
| Typical cost | Low monthly equivalent on longer plans | Higher, plus box rental |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | Prepaid, from one month | Often 12 to 24 months |
| Equipment | Your own devices | Provider's box |
| Rooms | Any device on your network | Extra boxes cost extra |
| Travel | Works abroad | Home only |
| Depends on internet | Yes | No |
| Picture | HD and 4K where available | HD, some 4K |
Who should switch
- People with a stable connection of 25 Mbps or more.
- Households watching in several rooms.
- Expats wanting channels from home.
Who might keep cable
- Homes with weak or capped internet.
- Viewers who want one bill and an engineer on call.
Moving from cable
Keep your internet, return the cable box, and set up one device at a time. A one month plan is a low-risk test.
Questions and answers
Is IPTV cheaper than cable?
Usually, especially on 12 month plans and without box rental.
Is IPTV as reliable as cable?
It depends on your internet. With a stable wired connection it is very close.
Can I keep my internet and drop cable?
Yes, IPTV only needs the internet connection.
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