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The short version: a cable or satellite package with sports typically costs $90–$150 a month in Canada once equipment is included. Three or four streaming apps add up to $50–$80. An IPTV subscription such as TrendyScreen covers live channels, sport and on-demand content from $12.99 a month, or $6.67 a month on a yearly plan.
The three ways Canadians watch TV
| Cable / satellite | Streaming apps | IPTV (TrendyScreen) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost | $90–$150 with sports | $15–$25 per app | From $6.67 to $12.99 (USD) |
| Live channels | Yes, by package | Few or none | 20,000+ channels |
| Sports | Add-on packages | One league or service per app | Included |
| Films & series | Limited on-demand | Yes, each app’s own catalogue | 120,000+ titles |
| International channels | Costly add-ons | Rare | Included |
| Contract | Often 2 years | Monthly | None, one-time payment |
| Equipment | Rented box | Your devices | Your devices |
Prices are typical ranges for 2026 and vary by province, provider and promotion. Always check the price after any promotional period ends.
Cable and satellite
The traditional packages from Canada’s big telecoms still offer the simplest experience — one remote, one bill — but the price rises quickly. Basic packages are affordable, but sports networks, premium film channels, a second box and the PVR service each add to the bill, and two-year contracts make it hard to leave.
Streaming apps
On-demand streaming services are excellent for films and original series, and broadcaster apps cover their own shows. The catch is that each one only covers part of what you watch, live channels are limited, and sport is split across several apps. Three or four subscriptions quickly cost as much as a basic cable package.
IPTV
IPTV delivers live channels over the internet to an app on your TV or stick. With TrendyScreen that means Canadian, US and French channels, sports, international channels for every community and a large on-demand library on one login. You pay once for 1 to 12 months, with no contract and no rented equipment. Read what IPTV is and what IPTV costs for the details.
Three setups that cut the bill
Live TV lover
- IPTV for live channels and sport
- Antenna for local news as a backup
- No other subscriptions
Series fan
- IPTV for live TV and the VOD library
- One on-demand service for its originals
- Rotate that service every few months
Hockey household
- IPTV for NHL and other sports
- Ethernet to the main TV
- A Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Shield
What you need to switch
A steady internet connection (15 Mbps for HD, 40 Mbps for 4K), a device for each TV — see the best streaming devices — and about ten minutes per TV with our setup guides. Try it first with a free trial before you cancel anything.
Cancelling cable?
Before cancelling cable, check whether your internet is bundled with it. Some providers raise the internet price when TV is removed — ask for the internet-only price first.
Streaming in Canada questions
What is the cheapest way to get live TV in Canada?
Free over-the-air TV with an antenna is the cheapest for local channels. For a full line-up with sports and international channels, an IPTV subscription is usually far cheaper than cable — TrendyScreen works out to $6.67 a month on the yearly plan.
What is the best streaming service in Canada?
It depends on what you watch. On-demand services are best for films and series, sports apps for one league, and broadcaster apps for Canadian shows. IPTV is the option that combines live channels, sports and on-demand in one place.
Can I replace cable completely?
Most households can. A combination of IPTV for live TV and sport, plus one on-demand service if you love its originals, covers almost everything a cable package does for much less.
Do streaming bundles from telecoms save money?
They can, if you already pay for the services included. Check what the bundle costs once promotional prices end, and whether it requires a contract.
