In 2026, the term "Cutting the Cord" has moved from a tech-savvy trend to a mainstream financial strategy for Irish households. With the cost of traditional TV packages from giants like Sky and Virgin Media continuing to climb, many are looking at IPTV as a viable, high-quality alternative. But how much can you actually save? And what are the trade-offs? This deep dive compares the costs, content, and convenience of traditional Irish TV vs. the IPTV revolution.
The Rising Cost of Traditional TV in Ireland
For decades, Irish homes have been dominated by a few major players. While they offer premium hardware and reliable service, the price tag is significant.
The "Sky" High Costs
A typical premium package in Ireland often includes:
- Base Entertainment: €30 - €40
- Sky Sports Add-on: €20 - €35
- Sky Cinema Add-on: €10 - €15
- Multi-room / HD / Ultra HD Fees: €10 - €20
- Broadband Bundle: €40 - €60
When you add it all up, many Irish families are paying between €110 and €170 per month for their TV and internet. Over a year, that’s a staggering €1,320 to €2,040.
The IPTV Alternative: A Financial Breakdown
IPTV operates on a completely different business model. Since it uses your existing internet connection, you aren't paying for satellite maintenance or massive corporate overheads.
The IPTV Cost Structure
- High-Quality IPTV Subscription: €10 - €15 per month
- One-time Hardware Cost (e.g., Firestick): €40 - €60
- Broadband (Standalone): €35 - €50
Total Monthly Cost: ~€50 - €65 Annual Total: ~€600 - €780
The Verdict: The Savings
By switching to IPTV, the average Irish household can save approximately €80 to €100 per month. That’s over €1,000 in annual savings—enough for a family holiday or a significant contribution to the rising energy bills.
| Feature | Traditional (Sky/Virgin) | IPTV |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (TV Only) | €70 - €110 | €10 - €15 |
| Contract Length | 12 - 24 Months | No Contract / Monthly |
| Equipment | Satellite Dish / Proprietary Box | Any Smart Device |
| Channel Count | 100 - 500 | 10,000+ |
| Installation | Professional Required | DIY (5 Minutes) |
Content Comparison: Are You Missing Out?
Savings are great, but not if you lose access to your favorite shows. Let's look at the content availability in Ireland.
Irish Locals & News
Both traditional providers and IPTV offer RTÉ, Virgin Media, and TG4. In fact, many IPTV services provide these in higher bitrates than the standard "basic" cable packages.
Sports: The Ultimate Battleground
This is where IPTV often wins. While a Sky subscription gives you Sky Sports, you might still need TNT Sports or Premier Sports for certain matches. A premium IPTV service typically includes all of these in one package, including international sports networks that show 3 PM Premier League kick-offs not broadcast in Ireland or the UK.
Movies & On-Demand
Traditional providers have "On Demand" sections, but they often charge extra for new releases. Most IPTV services include a massive VOD (Video on Demand) library with thousands of movies and series included in the base price.
The "Hidden" Costs of Cutting the Cord
To be fair, there are some things you need to consider before making the jump:
- Internet Reliability: IPTV is 100% dependent on your broadband. If your internet goes down, your TV goes down.
- User Experience: While apps like TiviMate are excellent, they might not be quite as "polished" as the Sky Q or Sky Glass interface.
- Technical Setup: You (or a tech-savvy friend) will need to spend 10 minutes setting up the app and hardware.
Is it Legal? The 2026 Perspective
The legal landscape in Ireland has become clearer. Using a service to access copyrighted content without authorization is against the terms of service of content creators. However, the technology of IPTV itself is legal. Many users choose to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to ensure their streaming habits remain private and to bypass any ISP-level throttling.
Step-by-Step: How to Cut the Cord in Ireland
Ready to save? Here is the roadmap:
- Audit Your Viewing: List the channels you actually watch.
- Check Your Internet: Ensure you have at least 25 Mbps download speed.
- Buy Your Hardware: Get an Amazon Firestick 4K Max or a Google TV Streamer.
- Pick a Provider: Choose a reputable IPTV service (like those mentioned in our Top 10 guide).
- Test with a Trial: Never cancel your old service until you've tested the new one for at least 24 hours.
- Cancel the Old Contract: Enjoy your savings!
Related Reading
For more information, check out our IPTV vs traditional TV comparison.
For more information, check out our Top 10 IPTV services guide.
For more information, check out our guide on IPTV legality in Ireland.
Conclusion: The Future is Streamed
The financial argument for IPTV in Ireland is undeniable. While traditional providers offer a premium, "hands-off" experience, the cost-to-value ratio is becoming harder to justify for the average family. In 2026, cutting the cord isn't just about being "techy"—it's about being financially smart.