Pay TV subscription: millions watch less than half their channels

Most pay TV customers are wasting hundreds of pounds on channels they don't need. Here's how to find the right deal for you.

Are you making the most of your TV subscription?

Research by price comparison site uSwitch.com has found that 71% of us watch fewer than half the channels available on our package.

Yet we’re spending more than £500 a year on those unwatched shows.

Customers signed up to Sky, Virgin or BT admitted that, on average, they only watch a third of the channels included in their package.

“It’s irksome to have to flick through dozens of channels you never watch,” says Ewan Taylor-Gibson, TV and broadband expert at uSwitch.com.

“If you’ve found yourself sitting on the sofa questioning whether you’ve made the wrong decision to sign up to a bells and whistles pay TV package, you know it’s time to look at other options.”

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Work out what you need

On average we spend £508 a year on our paid TV subscriptions, but a third of us spend more than £50 a month and around a quarter of Sky and Virgin Media customers are paying more than £720 a year for their TV subscriptions.

If you are paying that much but aren’t watching the majority of the channels it’s time to reassess you package.

“There are households who would get the most out of a full on premium pay TV package – big families or young professionals sharing are prime examples – given the need for content to suit different tastes and requirements,” says Taylor-Gibson.

But many more people have simply ended up on the wrong package and are paying for channels they never watch.

If you think you might be overpaying sit down and think about the channels you actually watch.

Then take a look at the deals and see if there is a cheaper package that includes those channels.

“Just consider your viewing habits and look out for good introductory deals,” says Taylor-Gibson.

“It’s also wise to note when your contract ends so you can switch package or provider to take advantage of another deal.”

Also consider whether you might be better ditching your TV subscription and opting for a streaming service instead.

They tend to be cheaper and offer a huge amount of films and TV box sets – including critically acclaimed original shows such as The Crown or House of Cards.

The best TV deals

Product	No. Channels	Contract Length	Monthly Cost	uSwitch.com’s opinion
TalkTalk TV with fast broadband	80	18	£22.95	“TalkTalk TV is bundled with their broadband. This offers good value Freeview TV with access to catch-up services.”
Now TV Entertainment and Box Sets	97	One month	£6.99	“Great value booster that gives access to box sets & 11 Sky Channels, including Sky Atlantic.”
BT Infinity & Entertainment Starter	100	12	£32.99	“A great value way to access BT sport. Also gives you access to Freeview TV and catch up services. This comes bundled with fibre broadband.”

Source: uSwitch