IPL Streaming Checklist: Your Complete Guide to Enjoying the Season at Home

The 18th season of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) is starting on March 22, 2025. The first match of this biggest T20 league in the world will take place between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). All over the world, the fans of cricket are eagerly waiting to catch the live action of IPL matches. 

However, unlike previous years where fans could enjoy free streaming this year, TATA IPL 2025 will require a JioHotstar subscription to watch the matches online. This important change came after the merger between Mukesh Ambani-led Jio group and Hotstar. After the merger, a new platform was created JioHotstar. All the IPL matches will be broadcast through this new platform. Here is a step-by-step guide for fans to understand the best subscription plans, internet plans and TV setup which they require for the best IPL experience. 

Step 1: Get the Right JioHotstar Subscription

For the TATA IPL 2025, the JioHotsar platform is the only exclusive streaming platform available for fans. For fans all over the world, whether they want to watch matches on mobile phone screens, laptops or Smart TV the first step for everyone is to get the correct JioHotsar subscription. 

Why a Subscription has become a necessity?

• Exclusive Rights to JioHotstar only: This year, only the JioHotstar platform has the right to stream TATA IPL 2025 online. Apart from that, no other competitor can stream. If they do so, it will be illegal and can create big legal problems for the platforms. 
• Better Streaming Quality: To enjoy the TATA IPL matches at high resolution (4K) the fans need to have paid subscriptions for this superior viewing experience. 
• Ad-Free Option: A premium subscription gives the viewer an ads-free experience. To skip annoying ads the fans must have a subscription. 

Which Subscription Plan Should You Choose?

Here are the best subscription plan options available for TATA IPL 2025 for you

1. 1. JioHotstar Premium Plan

      • Price: ₹499 for 3 months.

• Features:

1. Ad-free streaming of IPL 2025.
2. Access to IPL 2025 in up to the highest 4K resolution.
3. Watch on any device with only one account (TV, phone, tablet, laptop).

1. Jio Unlimited Offer

   • Jio mobile users are getting more benefits as compared to others. They have to recharge their phones with plans above 299 Rs and they will get a complimentary JioHotstar subscription free with it.
   • Also if your existing recharge plan does not qualify for the above offer then you can always add a plan for 299 Rs to get 4K IPL streaming.

1. Airtel and Vi Offer

   • Other network operators are providing discounted JioHotstar plans together with selected recharge packages for their users to enjoy IPL, without switching to Jio sim cards. 
   • It is highly suggested that you should once check with your regional telecom provider because, in some regions, these network operators provide special offers. 

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to save your money then once check for offers with your mobile provider in your local area because they often bundle OTT subscriptions with data plans in their recharge plans.

Read Also:- IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Appoint Faf du Plessis as Vice-Captain for New Season

Step 2: Choose the Right Internet Plan for Seamless Streaming

If you are getting a subscription to JioHotstar then you are going to need a lot of internet data because high-resolution streaming will consume a lot of it. The worst thing that can happen during watching an IPL match is video buffering at important times. To avoid suffering from such nightmares you should make sure to have a fast and reliable internet connection.

How Much Internet Speed Do You Need for IPL Streaming?

• For Standard HD (1080p) Streaming: You need a minimum of 10 Mbps speed.
• For Ultra HD (4K) Streaming: A minimum 25 Mbps speed is required.
• For Buffer-Free Streaming: A speed of 50 Mbps or higher is recommended by most of the providers to avoid any lags during peak viewer density hours. 

Unlimited Data vs. Limited Data Plans

• Unlimited Broadband Plan: This plan is Ideal for a family where multiple devices are connected through the same network. The average family plan starts at ₹700–₹1,000/month for 50 Mbps or higher speed of internet. 
• 5G Data Plans: If you’re in an urban area where your network provider’s 5G coverage is decent, you can consider telecom plans from Jio or Airtel, which offer unlimited 5G data. The typical plans start at ₹299/month.
• AirFiber Plans: If you live in an area where broadband is not available then you can check for AirFiber services from service providers like Jio or Airtel. They usually offer high-speed internet over wireless networks.

Tip: If you want to stream matches in 4K then you should avoid buying limited data plans because a single match will consume at least 5-7 GB of your data.  

Step 3: Set Up the Ideal Television for an Immersive Experience

Maybe Television screens are seeing a decline in this modern age but for enjoying a cricket match nothing beats the age-old big-screen TV. One can comfortably watch matches with their family and friends. 

Which TV is Best for IPL Streaming?

1. Screen Size

   • For small spaces, the minimum recommended size for a TV is 43 inches.
   • For a big room like the living room of your home, the ideal Size would be 50–55 inches.
   • The best experience one can get for IPL matches is on a TV screen that is 65 inches or larger if budget and space allow.

1. Resolution

   • For having crystal clear visuals we recommend that you should go for a 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) TV setup. 
   • If the budget permits you to get the best experience out there, then you should definitely go for  8K TVs. 

1. Display Type

The options available for Display are LED, QLED and OLED. 

• LED TV: This is a budget-friendly option which provides a good picture quality.
• QLED TV: This display option is better than LED, it provides better colours and contrast.     
• OLED TV: The best option in terms of colour accuracy and contrast is the OLED TV option which is ideal for sports fans. 

1. Refresh Rate

   • 60Hz refresh rate is standard for a casual viewing experience.
   • If you have a better budget then you can go for a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Upgrade Your Audio Setup

No matter how good the display is for viewing, it is always incomplete without a great audio experience. The best option available for a stadium-like experience is pairing the TV with a soundbar. To understand the range, entry-level soundbars start at ₹5,000  while premium options can go beyond ₹20,000 for Dolby Atmos surround sound.