A fair comparison, from a company with an interest
IPTV vs DTH vs cable vs streaming apps
We sell IPTV, so read this with that in mind. We have tried to be fair, and that includes saying when something else would suit you better. Most homes in fact end up with a mix.
| Question | IPTV | DTH | Cable | Streaming apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What do you need at home? | Broadband and a player app | Dish and set-top box | Cable line and set-top box | Broadband and each app |
| Is installation needed? | No visit, app setup only | Usually a technician | Usually an operator visit | None |
| Live TV? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited, varies by app |
| On-demand films? | Yes | Limited | Limited | Their main strength |
| Watch on a phone? | Yes | Through the provider’s app, if offered | Rarely | Yes |
| In heavy rain? | Fine while broadband holds | Signal can drop | Depends on local lines | Fine while broadband holds |
| If your internet is poor? | Struggles | Not affected | Not affected | Struggles |
| Moving house? | It moves with you | Reinstall the dish | Depends on the area | It moves with you |
This is a general guide. Individual providers vary, so please check the details of any service before you buy it.
Straight advice
Which is right for your home?
Keep DTH or cable if…
your broadband drops out often or has a low monthly limit, or your parents are happy with what they have and have no wish to learn a new menu.
Use one streaming app if…
you mostly watch a few on-demand shows and rarely care for live TV. It is simple, and you know exactly what you are getting.
Consider IPTV if…
you have steady broadband and want live channels, films and sport in one menu, across a TV and phones, with no dish or set-top box to manage.
How to compare any IPTV provider
IPTV providers vary widely, and it is hard to judge them from their websites alone. Whoever you consider, including us, these are good questions to ask.
- Can I contact a person before I pay, and how soon do they reply?
- Are the refund terms published where I can read them?
- Will you confirm the specific channels I care about?
- Does the provider have the right to offer the content I am paying for? Ask, and check what the rules are where you live
- Do they ask for risky things, like an OTP, or an app from an unknown link? If so, walk away
Be careful of any offer that sounds too good to be true, or of very long prepaid plans from a provider you know nothing about. Starting with a short plan limits your risk with anyone, including us.
Think IPTV might be right for you?
Ask us anything on that list. If it is not the right fit for your home, we will say so.