Last Updated: January 2026
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Bundling broadband with TV can save money and simplify billing, but it’s not always the best deal. This comprehensive guide compares all major UK providers’ bundles, calculates true costs, and helps you decide whether bundling is right for you in 2026.
Do Bundles Actually Save Money?
The Bundle Promise vs Reality
Advertised Savings: £5-15/month vs buying separately
Reality: Savings exist but come with trade-offs
True Cost Analysis Example:
Separate Services:
– Broadband only (Sky 145 Mbps): £31/month
– Netflix Standard (1080p): £10.99/month
– Disney+: £7.99/month
– Total: £49.98/month, no contract lock-in
Bundle:
– Sky Stream + Broadband + Netflix: £57/month (18-month contract)
– Difference: +£7/month for Sky content
Verdict: Bundles save money ONLY if you want that provider’s TV content. Otherwise, separate broadband + streaming subscriptions offer more flexibility.
Sky Bundles 2026
Sky Stream (No Satellite Dish Needed)
Sky Stream + Broadband Packages:
1. Sky Stream + Broadband
– Broadband: 145 Mbps (Full Fibre)
– TV: Sky Stream puck (streaming box)
– Channels: 100+ channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky Max
– Price: From £31/month (broadband) + £26/month (TV + Netflix Standard)
– Total: £57/month
– Contract: 18 months
– Includes: Netflix Standard (1080p HD)
– Setup: £0 (self-install Sky Stream puck)
What You Get:
– Sky Atlantic (House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, etc.)
– Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries
– Netflix Standard included
– Record features (streaming DVR)
– On-demand library
Additional Add-ons:
– Sky Sports: +£22/month (all channels)
– Sky Cinema: +£11/month (1,000+ movies)
– BT Sport/TNT Sports: +£18/month (via discovery+)
– Kids pack: Included
2. Sky Glass (TV + Broadband Integrated)
– Broadband: 145 Mbps
– TV Hardware: 43″/55″/65″ 4K QLED TV (£13-29/month over 48 months)
– Content: Sky Stream package (£26/month minimum)
– Total: From £70/month (broadband + small TV + basic content)
– Contract: 48 months for TV, 18 months broadband
– Unique Features: All-in-one TV with Sky built-in, Dolby Atmos sound
Best For:
– Those needing new TV + Sky content
– Premium integrated experience
– Not recommended if you already have good TV
Sky Traditional Satellite (Sky Q)
Sky Q + Broadband:
– Broadband: 145 Mbps – £31/month
– TV: Sky Q box (satellite required)
– Channels: 300+ with full Sky package
– Price: £31 (broadband) + £39 (TV with Sports/Cinema)
– Total: From £70/month
– Contract: 18-24 months
– Installation: Free satellite dish install
– Best for: Those wanting full Sky experience with 4K sports
Sky Q Features:
– 2TB storage (record 500 hours)
– 4K Ultra HD (sports, movies)
– Multi-room viewing (additional boxes £10/mo each)
– Pause/rewind live TV
Sky Value Analysis
When Sky Bundles Make Sense:
✅ You watch Premier League, F1, or cricket (Sky Sports)
✅ You’re a fan of Sky Atlantic/HBO content
✅ You want Netflix included in one bill
✅ You value convenience over cost
When to Avoid:
❌ You only want broadband and mainstream streaming
❌ You’re on a tight budget
❌ You dislike long contracts (18 months)
❌ Sky content doesn’t appeal to you
Virgin Media Bundles 2026
Virgin Media Broadband + TV Packages
1. Bigger Bundle (Most Popular)
– Broadband: 362 Mbps (cable fibre)
– TV: 195+ channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky Sports
– Price: £45/month (first 18 months, then ~£90)
– Contract: 18 months
– Includes: Sky Atlantic, Sky Sports, basic entertainment
– Equipment: Virgin TV 360 box
What You Get:
– Lightning-fast 362 Mbps broadband
– Sky Sports channels (Premier League, F1, cricket)
– Sky Atlantic (HBO content)
– Kids channels
– BT Sport/TNT Sports (upgrade)
– 1TB DVR storage
2. Bigger Bundle + Movies
– Broadband: 362 Mbps
– TV: 195+ channels + Sky Cinema
– Price: £55/month (year 1, then ~£100)
– Contract: 18 months
– Includes: Everything in Bigger Bundle + Sky Cinema
3. Volt Bundle (with O2 Mobile)
– Broadband: Speed doubled (e.g., 362 → 516 Mbps)
– TV: Optional add-on
– Mobile: O2 SIM with extra data
– Price: From £50/month combined
– Best for: Those wanting mobile + broadband + TV
4. Stream from Virgin Media
– Broadband: 362 Mbps
– TV: Streaming only (no set-top box)
– Apps: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ via Virgin platform
– Price: £35-45/month (depending on streaming add-ons)
– Contract: 18 months
Virgin Media Pros and Cons
Advantages:
✅ Fastest widely available speeds (up to 1,130 Mbps)
✅ Comprehensive channel packages
✅ Volt bundle adds mobile value
✅ Includes Sky channels without Sky contract
Disadvantages:
❌ Price nearly doubles after year 1
❌ Peak-time slowdowns in congested areas
❌ Complex pricing structures
❌ Difficult to cancel or negotiate
❌ 18-month contracts
Best For: Families wanting fast broadband + comprehensive TV, willing to negotiate or switch after year 1
BT Bundles 2026
BT TV + Broadband Packages
1. BT Big Entertainment (Broadband + TNT Sports + Netflix)
– Broadband: 150 Mbps (Full Fibre)
– TV: BT TV box, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), Netflix Standard
– Price: £50/month
– Contract: 24 months
– Channels: 80+ Freeview + TNT Sports 1-4
What You Get:
– TNT Sports (Champions League, Europa League, rugby, UFC)
– Netflix Standard included
– BT TV box with 4K support
– NOW Entertainment (can add)
2. BT Big Sport (All Sports)
– Broadband: 150 Mbps
– TV: TNT Sports + Sky Sports (via NOW)
– Price: £65/month
– Contract: 24 months
– Best for: Die-hard sports fans
3. BT Full Fibre 900 + TV
– Broadband: 900 Mbps
– TV: TNT Sports + Netflix
– Price: £60-70/month
– Contract: 24 months
– Best for: Speed + sports enthusiasts
BT Bundle Features
Included:
– BT TV app (watch on mobile/tablet)
– Catch-up on all channels
– Netflix integration (Standard with ads or upgrade)
– 4K sports (selected events)
Add-ons:
– Sky Cinema: +£16/month
– NOW Entertainment: +£9.99/month (Sky Atlantic, etc.)
– BT Sport Ultimate (4K): Included in Big Entertainment
Unique Selling Point: Best for Champions League fans (exclusive TNT Sports)
BT Value Analysis
When BT Bundles Make Sense:
✅ You want Champions League, Europa League, or rugby
✅ You value reliability (BT’s network consistently rated high)
✅ You already have BT Mobile (Halo benefits)
✅ You want Netflix + sports in one package
When to Avoid:
❌ You don’t watch sports (TNT Sports wasted)
❌ 24-month contracts feel too long
❌ You’re budget-conscious (expensive vs alternatives)
TalkTalk Bundles 2026
TalkTalk TV + Broadband
TalkTalk TV Packages:
1. TalkTalk Fast Broadband + TalkTalk TV
– Broadband: 67-150 Mbps
– TV: TalkTalk TV box (YouView)
– Price: £27-35/month
– Contract: 18 months
– Channels: 80 Freeview + on-demand apps (BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix, Disney+)
What You Get:
– YouView box (Freeview + catch-up in one interface)
– Pause/rewind live TV
– Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime integration (subscriptions separate)
– 4K support
2. TalkTalk TV Boost
– Broadband: 150 Mbps
– TV: NOW Entertainment (Sky channels) added
– Price: £35-40/month
– Contract: 18 months
– Includes: Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, etc. via NOW
TalkTalk Bundle Approach
Key Difference: TalkTalk doesn’t bundle content—it provides the platform (YouView box) and you add your own subscriptions (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
Advantage: Flexibility to choose only what you want
Disadvantage: Not truly “bundled” discounts—just convenience
Best For: Budget-conscious users who want decent broadband + basic TV platform without expensive content packages
EE Bundles 2026
EE Full Works (Broadband + TV + Mobile)
EE Full Works Package:
– Broadband: 150-900 Mbps (Full Fibre)
– TV: Apple TV 4K box included (worth £149)
– Mobile: EE mobile plan included
– Price: From £60/month (all-in)
– Contract: 24 months
What You Get:
– Apple TV 4K hardware (keep after contract)
– Access to Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, etc. (subscriptions separate)
– BT Sport/TNT Sports (add-on)
– EE mobile benefits (data boost, roaming)
Unique Selling Points:
– Free Apple TV 4K device (best streaming hardware)
– Mobile included (if you need it)
– Smart Wifi guarantee (coverage promise)
Best For: Apple ecosystem users wanting broadband + mobile + premium streaming hardware
When to Avoid: If you don’t need mobile or already have Apple TV
NOW Broadband + Streaming
NOW’s Unbundled Approach
NOW Broadband (Standalone):
– Broadband: 67 Mbps
– Price: £26/month
– Contract: 1-month rolling
– TV: None included (but NOW owned by Sky)
Add NOW Entertainment Membership Separately:
– NOW Entertainment: £9.99/month (Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, etc.)
– NOW Sports: £14.99/day or £34.99/month
– NOW Cinema: £11.99/month
Total Example: £26 (broadband) + £9.99 (Entertainment) = £35.99/month with NO long contract
Advantage Over Sky Bundle:
– Much cheaper (£35.99 vs £57/month with Sky Stream)
– 1-month rolling (vs 18-month contract)
– Cancel anytime
Disadvantage:
– Separate billing
– Lower broadband speed (67 vs 145 Mbps)
– No DVR/recording features
Best For: Renters, budget-conscious users, those wanting Sky content without long commitments
Bundle Cost Comparison 2026
Broadband + TV + Netflix Packages Compared
| Provider | Broadband Speed | TV Channels | Netflix Included? | Price (Year 1) | Contract | Price (Year 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Stream | 145 Mbps | Sky channels | Yes (Standard) | £57/mo | 18-month | £60-70/mo |
| Virgin Bigger Bundle | 362 Mbps | 195+ (Sky Sports) | Optional add-on | £45/mo | 18-month | ~£90/mo |
| BT Big Entertainment | 150 Mbps | TNT Sports + 80 | Yes (Standard) | £50/mo | 24-month | £55-65/mo |
| TalkTalk + NOW | 150 Mbps | Freeview + NOW | Separate (£11) | £37/mo | 18-month | £40-45/mo |
| EE Full Works | 150 Mbps | Via Apple TV apps | Separate | £60/mo | 24-month | £65-75/mo |
| NOW Broadband + NOW | 67 Mbps | NOW Entertainment | Separate (£11) | £36/mo | 1-month | £36/mo |
True 2-Year Cost Comparison
Sky Stream Bundle:
– Year 1: £57 × 12 = £684
– Year 2: £65 × 6 = £390 (assume renegotiate after 18 months)
– Total: £1,074 over 18 months
Virgin Media Bigger Bundle:
– Year 1: £45 × 12 = £540
– Year 2: £90 × 12 = £1,080
– Total: £1,620 over 24 months (or £1,080 if you switch after year 1)
BT Big Entertainment:
– Year 1: £50 × 12 = £600
– Year 2: £60 × 12 = £720
– Total: £1,320 over 24 months
NOW Broadband + NOW Entertainment (Flexible):
– Year 1: £36 × 12 = £432
– Year 2: £36 × 12 = £432
– Total: £864 over 24 months
Cheapest Option: NOW Broadband + NOW Entertainment (£864 over 2 years, fully flexible)
Should You Bundle or Buy Separately?
When Bundling Makes Sense
✅ Choose a Bundle If:
Example: Virgin Bigger Bundle (£45/mo year 1) vs Virgin Broadband only (£30) + Sky Sports via NOW (£35) = £65 separate. Saving: £20/month year 1
When Separate Services Are Better
✅ Buy Separately If:
Example:
– Broadband only: Community Fibre 150 Mbps £25/mo (1-month rolling)
– Netflix Standard: £10.99/mo
– Disney+: £7.99/mo
– Total: £43.98/mo, cancel anytime
vs Sky Stream Bundle £57/mo (18-month contract)
Verdict: Separate services offer better value if you don’t need Sky/premium channels
Hidden Bundle Costs
Watch Out For:
1. Mid-Contract Price Rises
– All providers increase prices each April by CPI+3.9% (typically 6-9% total)
– Example: £50/mo becomes £53.50 after first April
2. Year 2 Price Jumps
– Virgin Media: Often doubles (£45 → £90)
– Sky: Increases 10-30% (£57 → £70)
– BT: Moderate increases (£50 → £60)
3. Setup Costs
– Installation: £0-75
– Equipment delivery: £0-20
– Activation: £0-30
4. Early Exit Fees
– Sky: ~£10/month remaining
– Virgin: ~£15/month remaining
– BT: ~£20/month remaining
– Example: Cancel 12 months early on BT = 12 × £20 = £240 penalty
5. Equipment Return
– Must return TV boxes, routers when leaving
– Non-return fees: £50-150
6. Add-on Creep
– Sky Sports: +£22/mo
– Sky Cinema: +£11/mo
– Multi-room: +£10-15/mo
– 4K upgrades: +£5/mo
Best Bundle Deals January 2026
Top Recommendations by Scenario
For Premier League Fans:
– Virgin Bigger Bundle: £45/mo (year 1) with Sky Sports included
– Alternative: BT Big Sport £65/mo (all sports)
For Champions League Fans:
– BT Big Entertainment: £50/mo with TNT Sports
For Sky Atlantic/HBO Fans:
– Sky Stream: £57/mo with Netflix included
– Cheaper Alternative: NOW Broadband £26 + NOW Entertainment £10 = £36/mo (no contract)
For Budget-Conscious Families:
– TalkTalk + Basic TV: £27/mo + add streaming apps separately
For Apple Users:
– EE Full Works: £60/mo (broadband + mobile + Apple TV 4K hardware)
For Renters/Flexible Needs:
– NOW Broadband + Streaming: £26/mo broadband (1-month) + add NOW Entertainment if wanted (£10/mo, cancel anytime)
Negotiating Bundle Prices
How to Get Better Deals
1. New Customer Deals (Best Discounts)
– Switching providers gets you 30-50% off year 1
– Use comparison sites (Uswitch, MoneySavingExpert, BroadbandChoices)
2. Existing Customer Renewal (Harder)
– Call retentions team 1 month before contract ends
– Threaten to leave (credibly—know competitor prices)
– Ask for loyalty discounts
– Success rate: 50-70% get some discount
3. Timing Your Call
– Call at month-end (reps have monthly targets)
– Avoid peak times (lunch, evenings)
– Be polite but firm
4. Script Template:
“I’ve been a customer for [X years], but my contract is ending and [Competitor] is offering [specific deal]. I’d prefer to stay with you—can you match that price or offer a loyalty discount?”
5. Leverage Switching
– Use Openreach providers (can switch in 10 days)
– No need to wait for contract end—just pay exit fee if worth it
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are TV bundles cheaper than buying broadband and streaming separately?
A: Sometimes. Virgin Bigger Bundle (£45/mo year 1) saves £20/mo vs separate services if you want Sky Sports. But if you only watch Netflix/Disney+, separate broadband (£25-30) + streaming (£20) is cheaper and more flexible.
Q: Can I cancel just the TV part of a bundle?
A: Usually yes, but you lose bundle discount. Broadband-only price may be higher than original bundle price.
Q: Which bundle has the best value for sports?
A: Virgin Bigger Bundle (£45/mo year 1) includes Sky Sports + fast broadband. After year 1, consider switching or renegotiating.
Q: Do I need a satellite dish for Sky bundles?
A: No. Sky Stream (£57/mo) is streaming-only, no dish required. Sky Q requires satellite dish installation.
Q: What happens to bundle price after year 1?
A: Expect 20-100% increases. Virgin doubles (~£45→£90), Sky increases moderately (£57→£70). Call to renegotiate or switch providers.
Q: Can I get Netflix included in a broadband bundle?
A: Yes. Sky Stream (£57/mo) and BT Big Entertainment (£50/mo) include Netflix Standard. Virgin and others offer it as paid add-on.
Q: Are bundles worth it for families?
A: Depends. If you watch Sky Sports/Cinema, yes (saves £10-20/mo). If you only watch mainstream streaming, no—separate broadband + Netflix/Disney+ is cheaper and more flexible.
Q: What’s the cheapest broadband + TV bundle?
A: NOW Broadband (£26/mo) + NOW Entertainment (£10/mo) = £36/mo total with 1-month rolling contracts. No long commitment.
Bottom Line: Bundles save money ONLY if you actually want the included TV content (Sky channels, sports, cinema). For most households watching mainly Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, buying fast broadband separately (Community Fibre £25/mo, Hyperoptic £26/mo, or Virgin broadband-only £30/mo) plus streaming subscriptions offers better value and flexibility. If you love Premier League (Sky Sports) or Champions League (TNT Sports), Virgin Bigger Bundle (£45/mo year 1) or BT Big Entertainment (£50/mo) make sense—just be ready to renegotiate or switch after year 1.
Quick Decision Guide:
– Sky Sports fan: Virgin Bigger Bundle £45/mo (year 1 only, then renegotiate)
– Champions League fan: BT Big Entertainment £50/mo
– Sky Atlantic/HBO fan: NOW Broadband £26 + NOW Entertainment £10 = £36/mo (flexible)
– Mainstream streaming only: Fast broadband separately (£25-30) + Netflix + Disney+ = £45/mo (no contract)
– Budget-conscious: TalkTalk £27/mo broadband + free Freeview + add streaming apps as needed
Pricing verified December 2025/January 2026. Bundle prices typically increase in April (CPI+3.9%) and dramatically after promotional periods. Always check provider websites for latest offers and read the contract small print carefully.
