With so many of us seeking to tighten our purse strings and save a bit of cash, there’s never been a better time to consider just how much you’re paying for TV. Found that you’re simply not getting true bang for your buck with services like Sky and Virgin Media? Want to spend a little less? You’ve come to the right place.

What is the cheapest way to watch TV in the UK without missing out on the top entertainment? We’ve put together this definitive guide to help you cut back on your costs, and still make the most of your home entertainment. Let’s get started!

What Is The Cheapest Way To Enjoy TV In The UK?

Generally, one of the best ways to lower the cost of TV is to ditch services like Netflix, Disney+, Sky and Virgin Media. Of course, for some, this would be a very significant task. These services not only allow access to a wide range of exclusive channels but also offer extra features that make it more satisfying to access standard channels like BBC and ITV.

If you’re not totally ready to ditch your premium TV services, it might be worth checking to see if you could change to a different package. Currently subscribed to a premium subscription? Why not drop down to a more basic subscription?

Don’t be worried about losing access to essential TV channels, like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. You can rest assured that these can easily be accessed without services like Sky.

If you’re happy to be rid of premium services, then you will be perfectly served by platforms like Freeview or Youview. Freeview and Youview can be accessed either through specialised set-top boxes or through specific smart TVs, totally for free. The platform hosts all of the major channels that you love.

Platforms like Freeview and Youview are free to access and are even installed on some smart TVs. These services provide easy access to major channels without any extra subscription required!

Of course, while these services will give you easy access to BBC channels, you must still pay your TV licence in order to access them.

What Is The Difference Between Freeview and Freesat?

When looking into the Freeview service, it’s easy to confuse it with the similarly named Freesat. The difference between these two services is simply how the video signal is transferred. Freeview receives a signal via the use of an aerial. Freesat, on the other hand, receives a signal via satellite. This then results in a much stronger and more stable signal.

If you have access to a satellite, we strongly recommend using Freesat. It can’t be affected by adverse weather, so you can easily watch to your heart’s content!

Can You Save Money By Cutting The TV Licence?

As we mentioned a little earlier, Freeview still requires that users have a TV licence to access BBC content. Thus, if you wanted to save even more money, you could theoretically forgo access to BBC channels and lose the TV licence!

However, a TV licence isn’t solely for access to BBC channels, it is actually for any live tv program.

You don’t need a TV Licence if you never watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer. This applies to any device, including a TV, computer, laptop, phone, tablet, games console or digital box.

Thus, you could save yourself £159 per year but then you’ll not be able to access any live tv program.

What Is The Cheapest Streaming Service In The UK?

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to say for certain which UK streaming services are most worth every penny. Streaming services are renowned for changing their subscription prices with the click of a finger!

However, there are some services that are a little more affordable than others. Disney+ for instance has a very fair price for such an extensive streaming library. What sets Disney+ apart from the competition is its lack of subscription tiers. Just a simple subscription to the platform is enough to gain access to 4K resolutions and other premium video and audio formats.

Amazon Prime Video is also a worthwhile streaming service to use. Prime Video has a very extensive library of content that can be accessed through the subscription. As well as that, there is also a wealth of extra content that can be accessed for an additional charge. The platform also allows users to access distinct streaming channels. Want to enjoy some classic films? Then try out the BFI Player channel!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Cheapest Way To Watch TV In The UK?

The cheapest way to watch live TV in the UK is to make use of free services like Freeview and Youview. Premium services like Sky and BT can cost a lot of money, so it’s best to only subscribe to them if you can make full use of their services. If you want to access BBC content, you will need to make sure you have a TV licence!

How Can I Watch TV Without Aerial Or Satellite?

Watching TV without an aerial or satellite is actually very easy. You can simply use the Freeview Play app. This app provides access to a massive streaming library from across the UK. It also brings content from other UK streaming services like All 4, and ITV Hub into the fold for easy streaming from one platform.

Do Smart TVs Need An Aerial?

No. Your smart TV will still be a smart TV even without an aerial. However, if you want to access TV content via an aerial, then you very well can. Smart TVs make it easy to enjoy TV even without an aerial or satellite. You can simply stream through some of the many streaming platforms available!

Are TV Antennas Obsolete?

While antennas are no longer the preferred method for tuning into live TV, they are still in use. Antennas are proving very popular in recent years as a cheaper alternative to aerials and satellite dishes. They’re great for those looking to reduce their bills and save money however they can.