Digital TV package deals

Ask yourself: "Do I really need every channel?" If the answer's 'no', and you're not bothered about getting hundreds of extra channels, Freeview may be the best option.

If you've a fairly new TV, it'll probably have basic Freeview built into it, giving you over 70 permanent channels and 15 HD channels. (If it doesn't and you want Freeview, basic boxes start from around £10.)

With the popularity of online streaming services and watching content on the go, you'll find plenty of free sources to watch programmes or entertainment on demand, and can usually be watched via your TV. From services such as BBC iPlayer and All4, to the less traditional video found via YouTube or even Facebook and Instagram.

If you're still after 'premium' content, then other subscription-based streaming sites can offer a flexible alternative to digital TV contracts. For example, Netflix and Now TV offer one-month rolling contracts and Amazon's Prime TV is available to anyone signed up to its Prime subscription – so always check you're not inadvertently paying for services already.

Some people can't get Freeview because of their location (check on the Freeview website), which means you'll need to look at one of the other options. Freeview says 98.5% of people will be able to get it, with channel line-ups dependent on area.

If you want to really get the most out of Freeview though, and be able to record, pause or rewind live TV or record whole series, you'll need a YouView+ box. These start at around £90 for a box with 500GB of memory (which records up to 250 hours of TV).

There's no point paying colossal prices to have access to channels you won't watch, so decide what you want and get the right package.

As channels are usually bundled up into much larger lists, such as 'Entertainment', 'Sports' or 'Kids', you could end up paying for access to 20, though you'll only really use one. If this is the case, think carefully and weigh up if it's really worth it.

If you're a keen footie fan that doesn't watch other sports, consider if you really need every sports channel. For instance, Sky customers can save by taking out a rolling one-month contract to get just the football channels, rather than the full sports package. It's also worth looking into packages you can cancel out of season, so you're not paying when you're not watching any matches. Some providers may insist on 31 days' notice, so set a reminder to do it in time.

While it's usually better to go for rolling, one-month contracts on most TV packages, so you're only paying for what you want when you want it, if you are willing to lock in long-term the equivalent monthly cost can sometimes be lower. 

The key to this is pouncing on promo offers, often attached to longer-term contracts aimed at enticing you to take out a new contract so you don't switch away.

But remember, this means you may end up paying for channels when you're not using them. For example, if you go for a sports package for the football, but the season's finished, you'll still be paying and won't be able to cancel – so make sure there's always something you want to watch on any package you go for. If you'd prefer one-month rolling contracts so you're not tied into anything, streaming and online services often win. See Watch Movies & TV online for more.

Eighteen-month to two-year contracts are now common for TV packages. If you're moving soon, most providers will charge a fee or ask you to pay the remainder of the contract – a lot of cash if you're at its beginning. At the outset, check if you can take the contract to your new postcode and if any fees apply.

The first step is to ensure you know the type of price you should be looking to beat. Providers often offer hot deals on digital TV packages for sports or films or kids (or the whole show) for new customers. But once the contract ends, prices rise.

Note down the best TV buys for the package you want using the current offer round-up above. These packages often include broadband as well, so to benchmark broadband prices, see our Broadband comparison tool for the cheapest bundled and standalone deals that are available in your area.

Then call your supplier near the time you're due to renew. As you're armed with the current best buys, you can ask for a price match or wait to compare the offers they will likely present to you and refer to them to help you negotiate.

Don't be aggressive. You've no right to a discount – just a right to leave. Think of it like financial flirting.

Good haggling is simply an exchange between two people trying to agree on a win/win deal. It should be done with seduction, a gentle patter and a touch of firmness. Aim for polite, firm and non-combative.

It's rumoured some operators have quotas on the discounts they can give, so make them want to give you a price cut.

If you're coming to the end of your contract, or are out of it, you're wielding a powerful weapon as an existing customer: customer loyalty. Companies desperately want to keep you, so if they believe they'll lose you, you can often get much better deals.

If you don't get the deal you want from the first person you speak to, tell 'em you're considering leaving. You then get put through to 'disconnections', which is really 'retentions'. It's this department's job to keep you, and it has more power to offer deals.

A deal may sound great on the phone, but always make sure you double-check what you're agreeing to. Sometimes you're offered a lower monthly payment but you may be moved to a lower package, or a slower speed of broadband for example. You may also be signing up for another 12 or 18-month contract, which sometimes isn't made clear. This doesn't make them bad deals, just ensure you're happy you know exactly what you're getting.

Equally, if your bluff is called, and the deal isn't good enough, don't be forced into a corner to disconnect. An easy 'get out of jail free' card is to say: "I need to check with my husband/wife/dog etc first – I'll call you back."

Don't assume one setback means a no. Wait a few days and try again. You may have been unlucky – the person you spoke to might have already hit a quota of discount deals, so it's worth trying again. Or maybe you talked to somebody in a bad mood, or perhaps you just didn't use enough of your haggle charm.