Sky TV Packages : What Do They Cost?
Sky TV remains one of the UK's premier television service providers, offering various packages to suit different entertainment needs and budgets. Understanding the costs associated with Sky TV packages can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right bundle for your household. From the entry-level options to premium packages with additional channels and streaming services, Sky provides a range of choices with different price points and features.
What Are the Current Sky TV Package Costs?
Sky TV packages start from £26 per month for the basic Sky TV with Netflix package, which gives you access to over 100 channels plus Netflix Basic. For those seeking more comprehensive entertainment options, the Sky TV, Netflix & Cinema package costs around £37 per month, while the full Sky TV, Netflix, Cinema & Sports package typically costs from £46 per month.
Most Sky packages require an 18-month minimum contract term, and there’s usually a one-off setup fee of £20-£49 depending on the package chosen. These base prices often change with promotional offers, seasonal discounts, and bundle deals that combine TV with broadband services.
What Channels Do Sky TV Packages Include?
The channel lineup varies significantly depending on which package you select. The basic Sky packages include popular channels such as Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, Sky Showcase, Comedy Central, National Geographic, and History Channel, among others.
The Sky Signature package serves as the foundation for most Sky TV subscriptions, offering over 300 channels including entertainment, documentaries, and music. This package includes exclusive channels like Sky Atlantic (home to HBO content) that aren’t available on other platforms like Virgin Media or Freeview.
Premium add-ons expand your viewing options:
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Sky Cinema adds 11 dedicated movie channels with over 1,000 films on demand
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Sky Sports provides dedicated channels for Premier League, Formula 1, golf, cricket, and more
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Sky Kids offers 8 channels dedicated to children’s programming
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Sky HD or Sky Ultra HD upgrades picture quality for compatible channels
What’s Included in the Sky Signature Package Channels?
The Sky Signature package forms the core of Sky’s TV offering and includes an extensive range of entertainment channels. Subscribers gain access to over 300 channels, with highlights including:
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Sky exclusive channels: Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, Sky Showcase, Sky Witness, Sky Comedy, Sky Arts, Sky Documentaries, Sky History, Sky Nature, and Sky Crime
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Entertainment channels: Comedy Central, MTV, Discovery, National Geographic, History Channel, E!, TLC, and SYFY
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Basic channels: All free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 plus their sister channels
The Signature package also includes the Sky Q box, which allows viewers to record multiple shows simultaneously while watching another, pause and rewind live TV, and access on-demand content. The package typically includes Sky’s basic Netflix subscription, letting viewers access Netflix content directly through the Sky Q interface.
How Do Sky TV and Broadband Bundles Work?
Combining Sky TV with broadband often results in better value than purchasing them separately. Sky offers several bundle options that pair their TV packages with different broadband speeds:
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Sky TV with Sky Superfast Broadband (average 59Mbps): From £39 per month
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Sky TV with Sky Ultrafast Broadband (average 145Mbps): From £43 per month
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Sky TV with Sky Ultrafast+ Broadband (average 500Mbps): From £48 per month
All broadband packages typically include unlimited data, Sky’s WiFi guarantee, and the Sky Broadband Hub router. Bundle customers benefit from having a single bill and customer service point for both services, streamlining the management of home entertainment and connectivity.
How Do Sky TV Packages Compare to Competitors?
When comparing TV service providers in the UK, Sky positions itself as a premium option with exclusive content and advanced features, though at higher price points than some competitors.
Provider | Basic TV Package | Features | Approximate Monthly Cost |
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Sky | Sky TV with Netflix | 100+ channels, Sky Q box, Netflix Basic | £26 |
Virgin Media | Big Bundle | 100+ channels, Virgin TV 360 box | £33 |
BT | Entertainment | 70+ channels, BT TV Box | £17 |
NOW TV | Entertainment Membership | 15 premium channels, no contract | £9.99 |
Freeview | Standard | 70+ free channels, no monthly fee | £0 (after equipment purchase) |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Are There Ways to Reduce Sky TV Package Costs?
There are several strategies to reduce the cost of your Sky TV subscription:
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Look out for special promotions, especially around major holidays or the start of sports seasons
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Consider bundling TV with broadband and phone services for potential savings
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Regularly review your package to ensure you’re only paying for channels you actually watch
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Contact Sky’s retention department if considering leaving – they often have special offers to keep customers
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Consider NOW TV as an alternative for accessing Sky content without long-term contracts
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Take advantage of seasonal offers, which can include free months, discounted rates, or added premium content
Many customers find success by negotiating with Sky directly, especially if they’ve been loyal subscribers or are approaching the end of their contract term.
Sky TV packages offer comprehensive entertainment options with varying price points to suit different needs and budgets. The Signature package provides an excellent foundation with over 300 channels, while add-ons like Cinema, Sports, and Kids expand the viewing experience. When combined with Sky Broadband in a bundle, these packages can offer good value for households seeking both quality entertainment and reliable internet connectivity.