In this guide
  1. Contracts and commitment
  2. Equipment
  3. Screens and rooms
  4. Guides and on-demand
  5. Payment
  6. Cost
  7. What to weigh
  8. The short version

People often compare CatchOn TV with cable, satellite and streaming services. Each has its place, and the right choice depends on what you watch and how you like to pay. This article compares them on the points that matter, without declaring a winner for everyone.

Contracts and commitment

Cable and satellite packages are often sold on fixed contracts, commonly twelve or twenty-four months. CatchOn TV plans run for the length you buy, from one month to two years, and do not renew by themselves. If you want flexibility, the shorter lengths suit you. If you want a long commitment at a low monthly cost, the longer lengths do.

Equipment

Cable and satellite usually come with a set-top box, a dish or an installer visit. CatchOn TV runs on a screen you already own, provided it is an Android device, so there is nothing to install beyond the app. Samsung, LG and Apple devices use another player instead.

Screens and rooms

A cable package often needs a box for each room. A CatchOn TV plan covers up to five screens on one plan, and each extra screen adds a fixed share of the plan price.

Guides and on-demand

Traditional packages include a programme guide and often a catalogue of on-demand titles, sometimes for an extra fee. CatchOn TV includes a programme guide for supported channels and an on-demand library with every plan.

Payment

Cable and streaming services take cards and direct debits, and they renew automatically unless you cancel. CatchOn TV takes only crypto, and nothing renews without your choice. That suits some people and not others, so consider how you prefer to pay.

Cost

Compare the total cost over the period you intend to watch, not the first month alone. Cable and satellite prices vary widely by package, provider and region, so get a written quote from your provider before comparing. Our price guide gives the CatchOn TV figures.

What to weigh

  • Picture and reliability. Cable and satellite do not depend on your home network. CatchOn TV does, so the connection matters.
  • Channels. Look at the channels you watch in each option, since line-ups differ.
  • Payment and contracts. Decide whether you want crypto and no automatic renewal.

The short version

If you want no contract, no equipment and a crypto payment, CatchOn TV may suit you. If you need a guaranteed picture regardless of your network, or prefer card payments and an installed box, a traditional provider may be better. Questions can go to our FAQ.