TV and streaming services

Online streaming lets you watch your favourite TV or movies in real time, without having to download them first.

With no need to store lots of data on your device, you can watch, listen to music or play video games on demand.

Faster internet speeds rolling out across the UK are helping to drive the popularity of streaming services, so you should be able to find a deal that’s right for you.

You can enjoy the best TV and movies from around the world by adding Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services to your TV bundle.

You may find these services on offer when you sign up to a new deal, or you can usually choose to include them later through your set-top box or online account.

Our viewing habits continue to evolve at pace. ​​Almost 19 million UK households now subscribe to at least one streaming TV service, according to Finder.

And with ​​nearly 7 in 10 UK homes now having access to ultrafast full-fibre broadband, TV streaming services in the UK offer you more flexibility with your devices than ever before.

With so much choice on offer, plus discounts galore and trials to tempt you, you should be able to find a paid TV streaming service deal that suits your budget.

Remember that each service will regularly mix up its range of shows and films to keep its range of content fresh and appealing. You can also pick and choose whether to include ads or not, for a premium.

BT has several TV options depending on your budget and the kind of package you want, including:

• Netflix – a Netflix subscription can be included in your entertainment package or be bolted on to your BT TV package for a monthly fee. This gives you access to thousands of films and TV shows, including Stranger Things and Wednesday. You can sign up to Netflix either on your BT TV box or through your account online.

• NOW TV – you can also add Sky's streaming service to your BT package, giving you access to Sky movies, entertainment and sports.

• BT TV Store – all BT packages give you access to boxsets and movies that you can buy and stream directly to your TV.

• Catch-up services – free services such as the BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 are also available.

Sky has a range of TV packages with access to streaming services, including:

• Netflix – with a Sky Q box, you can enjoy ad-free Netflix alongside your favourite Sky shows by upgrading to Sky Ultimate TV. You can also download the Netflix app to watch content on the go. If you’ve already got Netflix, you can bundle it in and combine both in one bill.

• Disney+ – Sky Q customers can also get Disney’s streaming service with its huge library of family entertainment. This includes Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian and Marvel films such as The Avengers, as well as Disney classics including Fantasia and Lady and the Tramp. You can add Disney+ to your monthly bill, or log into it if you’re already a customer.

• Sky Store – you can choose from thousands of movies to rent or buy. ​​​​Stream your purchases through the Sky Store app on your mobile devices. New films are added to the store every week, including some of the most recent Hollywood blockbusters.

• Catch-up services – Sky comes with more than 60 catch-up channels. These include Sky Atlantic and Fox, as well as BBC iPlayer.

Virgin Media lets you add various services to its streaming bundles. These include:

• Netflix – you can add Netflix membership to your TV subscription service either through your box or by logging on to your My Virgin Media account. If you want to stream shows on the go, simply download the Netflix app.

• Amazon Prime Video – Prime is also available directly through your Virgin box. To access it, sign up to Amazon Prime Video via its website and log in on your TV box.

• Virgin Media Store – you can buy and own the latest films and boxsets to stream directly to your TV or watch them on the go through the Virgin Media Store app.

• Free streaming services – Virgin’s TV packages also give you access to free services including YouTube and BBC iPlayer.

We’ve made comparing broadband and TV deals quick and easy:

• Enter your postcode

• Tell us the name of your current provider and what type of broadband service you want

• You’ll then be able to scroll down a results page with a list of streaming deals in the UK. You can filter your results for length of contract and which TV channels you want included.