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LED, LCD and plasma TV: Free TV and pay TV services Your best digital TV choice

What to consider when choosing a digital TV service

  • Channels Look at the options with each service to see which providers have the range of channels you are looking for.
  • Premium channels Do you want premium sport or film content? If so, check which pay digital TV services offer what you want.
  • Bundled service Are you interested in getting a TV service from the same provider as your phone line or broadband?
  • Availability Not all digital TV services are available in all areas.

How to choose the right digital TV service 

Free TV

If you’re only interested in basic TV, a free-to-air TV service such as Freeview or Freesat will probably suit your needs. These don't require you to pay a monthly fee or be tied to a contract. 

Click here to read the Which? guide to Freeview and Freesat digital TV

Pay TV

If you would like access to premium services, such as Sky Sports, or a greater range of channels you should consider a pay digital TV service. If you’re interested in getting your broadband or phone service from the same provider, you’ll need to look at a pay TV service from Sky, Virgin Media or BT. 

Click here to read the Which? to cable TV, satellite TV and digital TV packages

Sky Digibox

The set-top box you get will depend on which TV service you choose

TV equipment

Equipment and setup needs vary by TV service provider, but you‘ll need a minimum of a set-top box or a TV with the service built in (known as an integrated digital television or IDTV).

With a pay-monthly TV service, set-top boxes are generally included as part of the deal. Freeview and Freesat equipment is produced by various manufacturers and will need to be bought separately. Prices vary considerably depending on the brand and the features included.

More advanced equipment will allow you to record, replay, and even pause live TV. These boxes are referred to as personal video recorders or PVRs.

At Which? we test all the latest Freeview and Freesat equipment - see the Freeview & Freesat set-top box review and PVR review to see which models come out top.

HD TV

High-definition (HD) TV brings you a much sharper, life-like image. If you'd like to watch TV programmes broadcast in HD, you'll need an HD-ready TV, the right HD equipment and access to an HD service.

Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat and Freeview all offer HD content. Sky offers the biggest range of TV channels but charges an extra monthly fee while Freesat and Freeview HD offer free HD content but channels are much more limited.