What Is IPTV? A Plain-English Guide for US Viewers
IPTV explained simply: how internet TV works, what you need to watch it, how it compares to cable and streaming apps, and how to pick a service.
2 min readRead article
Explained
IPTV vs Cable: How Much Can a US Household Save?
Compare the real yearly cost of cable or satellite TV with an IPTV subscription, including box rental, fees and contracts, with worked examples.
For many American households, the TV bill is one of the biggest monthly subscriptions. Once you add box rentals, broadcast fees and regional sports surcharges, a cable or satellite package can cost far more than the advertised price. Here is how the numbers compare with IPTV.
Where cable costs come from
A typical cable or satellite bill is made up of several parts:
- The base package price, which often rises after a 12-month promotional period
- Equipment rental for each box or receiver in the house
- Broadcast TV and regional sports fees, which are added on top of the package price
- Taxes and other fees
- Early termination fees if you cancel a contract early
Many households find their real bill is well over $100 a month once all of these are included.
What IPTV costs
With IPTV, the price you see is the price you pay. Our plans are prepaid for the length you choose, with no equipment rental and no added fees:
| Plan | 1 device | 2 devices | 3 devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $15 | $22 | $29 |
| 12 months | $89 | $129 | $169 |
| 12 months, per month | $7.42 | $10.75 | $14.08 |
See every plan length on the pricing page.
A worked example
Take a household that watches on two TVs:
- Cable at $110/month (package, two boxes and fees) costs $1,320 a year.
- IPTV, 12-month plan for 2 devices, costs $129 a year.
That’s $1,191 back in your pocket in the first year, before the one-time cost of a streaming stick for each TV if you need one.
What you give up (and what you don’t)
You keep: live channels, a full TV guide, catch-up on supported channels and on-demand content.
You need: a reliable internet connection (about 15 Mbps per Full HD screen) and a compatible device for each TV.
You lose: the contract, the rented boxes and the surprise fees.
Make the switch without risk
- Start a free 24-hour trial on the TV you watch most.
- Watch at prime time to check the picture on your own connection.
- If you’re happy, pick a plan and cancel cable at the end of your billing cycle.
Questions about switching? Message us on WhatsApp (see how to reach support) and we’ll help you plan it.
