The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 22, with an exciting opening clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Unlike last year, when IPL streaming was free, viewers will now need a JioHotstar subscription to catch the live action. To make the most of your IPL viewing experience from the comfort of your home, here’s a detailed checklist to enhance your streaming setup: Get a JioHotstar subscription JioHotstar is the exclusive platform offering live streaming of IPL 2025. While users with cable television (TV) can watch IPL 2025 on Star Sports in up to 4K resolution, those without a 4K-compatible set-top box can enjoy the same experience via the JioHotstar app. For the best experience, we recommend the JioHotstar Premium subscription, priced at Rs 499 for three months. Alternatively, network operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi offer the same plan at discounted rates. Jio recently introduced an “Unlimited Offer”, which includes a complimentary JioHotstar subscription with every recharge plan priced above Rs 299. Additionally, users with an active recharge plan can purchase an add-on plan for Rs 299, enabling IPL streaming in up to 4K resolution on the JioHotstar app. Get an unlimited Wi-Fi or data plan Streaming IPL in 4K resolution consumes a lot of data, so we recommend subscribing to an unlimited broadband plan for an uninterrupted experience. However, if you live in an area with excellent 5G coverage, this may not be necessary, as both Airtel and Jio offer unlimited data on select recharge plans, which should be sufficient for streaming live cricket matches. For a seamless 4K streaming, it is recommended to have internet with at least 25 Mbps, and we suggest getting a plan with at least 50 Mbps for a no-buffering streaming experience, which should cost less than Rs 1,000 from most internet service providers. Alternatively, you can explore AirFiber plans from Airtel and Jio, especially if broadband services are unavailable in your area. Get a television – the bigger, the better With the right subscription and internet plan in place, you can stream IPL on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC. However, for the best possible experience, a large-screen smart TV is ideal. When purchasing a smart TV for IPL streaming, we recommend a 4K resolution model – or even 8K if you’re feeling fancy. Most 4K TVs are smart TVs and are likely to support JioHotstar. Entry-level 4K smart TVs start at around Rs 20,000, while high-end models featuring organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, higher refresh rates, and advanced features can cost significantly more. Depending on your budget and space constraints, you can opt for a 40-inch, 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, or even a 60-inch smart TV. Larger models, such as 70-inch, 80-inch, or even 100-inch TVs, are also available at premium prices. The majority of smart TVs offer a 60 Hertz (Hz) refresh rate, and you can also consider one with a higher 120Hz refresh rate, which will not only come in handy while streaming IPL but will also double as a gaming monitor. Again, if your budget supports it, get a smart TV with either a Quantum dot Light light-emitting diode (QLED) or an OLED to experience an excellent colour and contrast ratio. Since television is a long-term investment, choose a reputable brand like LG, Sony, Samsung, Xiaomi, and more. Prices vary based on features, but you can further enhance your experience by pairing your TV with a soundbar – many great options are available on the market. With just these three essentials, you’ll be all set to enjoy IPL 2025 from the comfort of your couch!
