Cable has been the default for decades, but IPTV solves several of its biggest frustrations. Here's a practical, no-hype comparison.
Hardware
Cable requires a set-top box (often rented monthly) per TV. IPTV runs through an app on hardware you likely already own — see our Devices page for the full list of what's supported.
| Factor | Cable | IPTV |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Rented set-top box per TV | App on devices you already own |
| Contract length | Often 12+ months | Month-to-month, no auto-renewal |
| Signal delivery | Fixed coaxial infrastructure | Your existing internet connection |
| Device flexibility | Limited to provider hardware | Works across TVs, phones, and computers |
Flexibility
Cable contracts often lock you in for a year or more. IPTV plans like ours run month-to-month with no auto-renewal — you decide each time whether to continue. See current options on our Pricing page.
Content delivery
Cable delivers a fixed signal over coaxial infrastructure. IPTV streams over your existing internet connection, so quality depends on your connection rather than your address's cable infrastructure. Our explainer on streaming technology covers exactly how that works.
The trade-off
IPTV quality is only as good as your internet connection. If your household has reliable broadband, the switch is usually a clear upgrade in flexibility and cost. If you do notice occasional buffering, our troubleshooting checklist covers the fixes.
Ready to make the switch? Our getting started guide walks through your first 10 minutes, and our Channels page shows what's included.