The real cost of cable in 2026
Advertised TV prices in Canada rarely match the bill. Here is how a typical package builds up for a household in Ontario that wants local channels, the main networks and hockey:
| Item | Monthly (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-tier TV package (about 100 channels) | $75 to $95 |
| Sports add-on (Sportsnet regional, TSN) | $15 to $20 |
| Set-top box rental (one box) | $8 to $12 |
| Second box for the bedroom | $8 to $12 |
| Subtotal before tax | $106 to $139 |
| HST at 13% | $14 to $18 |
| Total | $120 to $157 |
Over a year that is $1,440 to $1,880, and the introductory discount that made the bundle look affordable usually disappears at month 13 or 25.
The cost of IPTV for the same household
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 12-month plan, 1 device | $79 once |
| 12-month plan, 2 devices (living room and bedroom) | $129 once |
| Fire TV Stick 4K (optional, one time) | about $60 |
| Internet plan | already paid for cable anyway |
A two-screen household therefore spends $129 for the year, or $189 including a new streaming stick, against $1,440 or more for cable. The saving is between $1,250 and $1,690 in the first year, and the stick is a one-time purchase.
What you get for less
The price comparison understates the difference, because the IPTV plan includes far more:
- 50,000+ live channels against about 100 on a mid-tier cable package. That includes every Sportsnet and TSN feed, the full French lineup, US networks and international channels in 20+ languages that cable sells as $10 to $25 add-ons each.
- 190,000+ movies and series on demand, included. Cable charges per rental or pushes you to a separate streaming subscription.
- 4K on any 4K TV, without a 4K box rental.
- No contract and no auto-renewal. You pay once and the plan simply ends unless you renew.
What cable still does better
A fair comparison lists the trade-offs:
- A single bill and a single support line. Cable bundles TV, internet and phone. With IPTV you keep your internet provider and add a separate TV service.
- PVR recording to a box. Cable PVRs record locally. IPTV offers catch-up TV on supported channels and recording in TiviMate Premium or on a Formuler box, but it is not identical.
- Nothing to install. A technician sets up cable. IPTV takes about 10 minutes with a guide, and our support team helps by email in English or French.
Cutting cable without losing anything
- Keep your internet. Call your provider and drop only the TV portion. Ask for the internet-only rate; in many cases the bundle discount was smaller than the TV package cost.
- Return the boxes to stop the rental charge and any equipment fees.
- Order a 12-month IPTV plan with the number of screens you use at the same time.
- Install the app on each TV using our installation guide.
- Optional: add a $20 to $30 indoor HD antenna for over-the-air CBC, CTV and Global as a backup during an internet outage.
Try before you cancel
The safest way to compare is side by side. Request a free 24-hour trial, watch your usual evening of news and hockey on the IPTV app, and only then call your cable company. Most customers find the harder part is remembering which remote to put in the drawer.
Questions about this topic
How much does cable TV cost per month in Canada?
A mid-tier cable or fibre TV package from Rogers, Bell or Telus costs $90 to $130 a month in 2026 once you add a sports tier and a set-top box rental, before tax. Introductory bundle discounts usually expire after 12 or 24 months.
How much can I save by switching from cable to IPTV?
A typical household saves $900 to $1,300 a year. A 12-month IPTV plan on one device is $79 CAD, compared with roughly $1,200 to $1,500 for a year of cable with sports channels and a box.
Do I lose local channels if I cancel cable?
No. IPTV carries local CTV, CBC, Global, CityNews and CHCH stations for major Canadian cities, plus the French networks. Many customers also keep a $20 HD antenna as a backup for over-the-air CBC and CTV.