BT TV packages combine live TV, streaming services and broadband into a single bundle. Instead of locking you into huge channel line-ups, BT uses a flexible, streaming-first model that lets you add entertainment and sport only if you want them.
What Are BT TV Packages?
BT TV packages are TV and broadband bundles designed around a hybrid of Freeview and streaming apps. Rather than selling one giant channel bundle, BT TV is usually structured as:
- Freeview for core live channels
- Streaming apps for on-demand viewing
- Optional add-ons (entertainment and sport) if you want premium content
In most cases, BT TV is taken alongside BT Broadband, which makes it a strong option for households that already want a broadband contract and prefer streaming over channel surfing.
How BT TV Packages Work
BT Broadband requirement
BT TV is typically not offered as a standalone product. In practice, you’ll usually need BT Broadband as part of your package.
BT TV Box explained
BT TV generally comes with a TV box that pulls live TV and streaming apps into one interface. Depending on the package and hardware, you may get features like recording and 4K support on compatible content.
Streaming vs traditional TV
BT TV’s biggest difference versus Sky or cable TV is that it’s app-led. This can keep costs down, but it also means the “channels included” story is often really about what memberships and apps you add to your bundle.
BT TV Packages and Prices
BT TV pricing varies based on broadband speed, contract length and promotional offers. Typical bundles look like this:
| Package | What’s included | Monthly price (from) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT TV Starter | Freeview + streaming apps access + TV box | ~£30 | Basic live TV + streaming |
| BT TV + Entertainment | Entertainment membership (often via NOW) + box sets | ~£38 | Drama, box sets, premium entertainment |
| BT TV + Sport | Sport add-on (commonly TNT Sports) + Discovery+ | ~£45 | Football, European competitions, combat sports |
| Full BT TV bundle | Entertainment + Sport add-ons combined | £55+ | All-in-one premium viewing |
Tip: Sports add-ons are usually the biggest price driver. If you’re cost-sensitive, start with a base package and only add sport if you’ll actually use it weekly.
What Channels Do You Get With BT TV?
BT TV is best understood as Freeview + memberships + apps rather than a single fixed channel list. What you actually get depends on what you add to your bundle.
Freeview channels
- BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three (plus iPlayer)
- ITV1 / ITVX
- Channel 4 / All 4 streaming
- Channel 5 / My5 streaming
- News and entertainment channels available via Freeview
Entertainment channels
Entertainment is usually provided via an add-on membership (often NOW Entertainment). This typically covers premium entertainment channels and on-demand box sets.
Sports channels
BT Sport is no longer the product name most people remember. Sports is commonly delivered via TNT Sports (often with Discovery+ included, depending on the deal).
On-demand and streaming apps
BT TV is designed to make streaming easy. You’ll generally have access to popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube and UK catch-up services (availability may vary by device and package).
BT TV Deals and Offers
BT TV deals change frequently. The most common promo patterns include:
- Discounted TV add-ons for a set number of months
- Reduced upfront costs or free activation
- Bundling incentives when taken with faster fibre broadband
How to get the best BT TV deal
- Compare bundles monthly (pricing and perks can change fast)
- Separate “must-haves” vs “nice-to-haves” (sport is the big cost lever)
- Check renewal pricing before you commit to a long contract
If you’re comparing bundle value, it’s also worth looking at: TV and broadband bundles, Sky TV packages and Virgin Media TV.
BT TV Packages for Pensioners
There isn’t usually a dedicated “pensioner TV package”, but there are still smart ways to keep costs down:
- Start with the base package (live TV + apps) and avoid premium add-ons by default
- Pay only for what you use (streaming-first packages reduce “unused channel” waste)
- Review pricing at renewal (this is when bills often jump)
If someone mainly watches UK live channels and occasional catch-up TV, a basic package can be a more cost-effective fit than a large channel bundle.
BT TV vs Sky and Virgin Media
A quick way to choose is to decide whether you’re a streaming-first household or a traditional channel household.
| Feature | BT TV | Sky TV | Virgin Media TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV delivery | Streaming + Freeview (bundle-led) | Satellite / streaming options | Cable (where available) |
| Broadband required | Usually yes | No (but bundles exist) | Usually yes |
| Customisation | High (add-ons) | Lower (bundle-led) | Lower (bundle-led) |
| Sports | TNT Sports (commonly) | Sky Sports | Sky Sports (often via add-on) |
| Best for | Streamers who want flexibility | Traditional TV viewers | Homes wanting fast cable broadband |
BT TV vs Sky TV
BT TV is usually a better fit if you mostly stream and want flexibility. Sky is often better for people who want a larger “traditional TV” channel ecosystem and are happy paying more for a premium TV-first setup.
BT TV vs Virgin Media
Virgin Media can be compelling where it’s available, particularly for very fast broadband. BT is typically more widely available and can be strong if you want a streaming-first TV bundle without relying on cable coverage.
Pros and Cons of BT TV Packages
Pros
- Flexible add-ons so you can tailor entertainment and sport
- Streaming-friendly setup for modern viewing habits
- No satellite dish required for most setups
- Works well when bundled with BT fibre broadband
Cons
- No TV-only packages in most cases
- Less “traditional channel depth” than Sky-style bundles
- Sports add-ons can make monthly costs climb quickly
Is BT TV Worth It in 2026?
BT TV can be worth it if you already want BT Broadband, prefer streaming over channel surfing, and want the option to add entertainment or sport without committing to a huge channel bundle.
It’s less ideal if you want hundreds of live channels, prefer a fully traditional TV experience, or want a specific sports setup that’s better served elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About BT TV Packages
What is included in the BT TV package?
BT TV packages typically include a TV box, access to Freeview live channels, and streaming apps. Entertainment and sport are usually optional add-ons, so what’s included depends on the bundle you choose.
What is BT TV and what channels does it include?
BT TV is a hybrid of Freeview and streaming memberships. You get core UK channels via Freeview and can add premium entertainment or sports via add-ons (often delivered through apps like NOW and TNT Sports).
What is the basic BT package?
The basic setup is usually a broadband bundle with BT TV Starter, which focuses on Freeview and streaming access rather than large premium channel lists.
What channels are on BT TV?
You’ll typically get Freeview channels as standard. Premium entertainment and sport channels depend on which memberships you add to your package.
How much does BT cost per month?
Monthly pricing varies based on broadband speed, contract length and add-ons. A bundle with basic TV typically starts around the £30/month mark, with entertainment or sport increasing the cost.
How much is BT TV a month for pensioners?
There isn’t usually a specific pensioner TV tariff. The cheapest approach is often a basic TV bundle without premium add-ons, then reviewing the bill at renewal to avoid price increases.
Why is my BT package so expensive?
The most common reasons are the end of an introductory offer, added premium services (especially sport), or a contract moving onto higher out-of-deal pricing. Reviewing add-ons is usually the fastest way to cut costs.
How can I get BT to lower my bill?
The most effective tactics are removing unused add-ons, comparing alternative bundles, and negotiating at renewal. Having competitor prices to hand can help you get a better retention offer.
Is Netflix cheaper through BT?
Netflix pricing is typically set by Netflix, but bundling can make billing simpler. The “cheaper” benefit is more likely to come from an overall bundle promotion rather than a discounted Netflix price.
Is BT TV cheaper than Sky?
BT TV is often cheaper than Sky for basic and entertainment-only setups because it’s more streaming-led and modular. Sky may be better value for people who want a bigger traditional channel ecosystem.
Is it worth changing from Sky to BT?
It can be worth switching if you mainly stream, want a lower entry price, and don’t need Sky’s wider traditional channel line-up. If you’re heavily invested in Sky channels or Sky Sports, compare carefully first.
Who is cheaper than BT?
“Cheaper” depends on what you need (broadband speed, sport, premium channels). In many cases, stripping back premium add-ons or choosing a simpler TV package is the biggest cost saver, whichever provider you choose.
Is BT TV worth having?
BT TV is worth having if you prefer a streaming-first experience and want flexible add-ons. If you want lots of traditional live channels and a TV-first service, you may prefer Sky or cable bundles.
Can you get TV-only packages?
BT TV is typically bundled with BT Broadband, so TV-only options are generally not the standard offering. If you want TV without broadband, you may need to consider standalone streaming services instead.
Why is BT losing customers?
Providers often lose customers due to price rises after introductory deals end, changing product needs, or competition offering cheaper bundles. The best protection is reviewing your package at renewal and removing anything you don’t use.
Useful links
- Internal: BT Broadband review
- Internal: Best broadband deals
- Internal: TV and broadband bundles
- Internal: Sky TV packages
- Internal: Virgin Media TV
External reference: Check current BT TV package details on BT TV packages and general consumer guidance on Ofcom.
