Sky TV Reviews
Detailed reviews of Sky TV services, including Sky Stream and Sky Glass, covering channel availability, pricing, contract terms, and how Sky TV works in UK homes.
Sky TV: What's on offer?
Sky TV is delivered over broadband using the Sky Stream puck or Sky Glass television, including Sky Glass Air model, allowing customers to watch live channels and on-demand programmes without needing a satellite dish.
Sky offers different TV tiers depending on the channels and streaming services included. Its lower-cost Essential TV package includes Sky Atlantic, Netflix, and discovery+ Entertainment, providing access to Sky Originals, HBO programming shown on Sky Atlantic, and on-demand streaming content at a reduced monthly price.
The main Sky Ultimate TV bundle combines live Sky channels with integrated streaming services. It includes Netflix as standard and will incorporate HBO Max from launch, with additional subscriptions such as Disney+ and Hayu also being added as part of the bundle at no extra monthly cost.
Sky Stream and Sky Glass support HD viewing as standard, with optional upgrades for Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos on compatible packages and equipment.
Sky TV can be taken as a standalone television service or combined with Sky broadband in a bundled contract. Most Sky TV deals are sold on fixed-term agreements, with pricing varying depending on the chosen device, channels, and add-ons.
Read more in our guide to Sky TV packages.
How is Sky TV installed?
Sky TV is now primarily delivered over broadband using Sky Stream and Sky Glass, which do not require a satellite dish or professional installation. Instead, the service connects directly to your home Internet connection.
Sky recommends a minimum broadband speed of around 25Mbps for reliable HD viewing on Sky Stream and Sky Glass. Faster speeds are recommended for households streaming on multiple devices at the same time.
Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos content requires higher bandwidth, with download speeds of at least 30Mbps recommended for consistent playback.
Installation is designed to be self-setup. The Sky Stream puck connects to your TV using HDMI and plugs into a standard mains power socket, then guides you through connecting to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and pairing the remote.
Sky Glass televisions have Sky TV built in, so setup involves connecting the TV to power and signing in with your Sky account.
Once connected, your Sky account controls your channels, subscriptions, and add-ons, which can be managed directly through the on-screen interface.
What's available on Sky TV?
Sky TV packages vary depending on the subscription tier. Entry-level Essential TV includes Sky Atlantic alongside integrated streaming services such as Netflix and discovery+ Entertainment, while the main Ultimate TV bundle adds 35 premium channels including Sky Entertainment channels, such as Sky Max, Sky Showcase, and Sky Witness, alongside Sky Atlantic.
Sky TV also provides access to 100 UK free-to-air channels and Sky's on-demand library.
Customers can customise their subscription by adding premium channel packs on either fixed-term or rolling monthly contracts.
TV packs available on Sky include:
- Sky Sports
- Sky Cinema
- TNT Sports
- Sky Kids
The Sky TV platform also supports a wide range of free-to-air and subscription streaming apps, including Disney+, discovery+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hayu, YouTube, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5, which can be accessed directly through the Sky interface.
Discovery+ Entertainment is included with Sky TV, while Paramount+ is included at no extra cost with Sky Cinema subscriptions.
New customer offers
The comparison table above lists Sky TV deals available to new customers. Existing Sky subscribers, or those who have cancelled recently, may not be eligible for introductory pricing.
Sky TV deals typically include discounted monthly prices during the minimum contract term, reduced setup fees, or lower prices on selected channel packs.
Additional savings may be available when combining multiple TV packs, such as Sky Sports and Sky Cinema, or when bundling Sky TV with Sky broadband as part of a single contract.
We update our comparison regularly to reflect current Sky TV pricing and availability. Final pricing, eligibility, and contract terms are confirmed during the sign-up process.
Compare Sky TV and broadband deals.
Key terms for Sky TV deals
Sky TV is usually sold on a fixed-term contract lasting 24 months. Sky Stream also offers the option of a 31-day rolling contract, which provides more flexibility but costs around £3 more per month compared with the equivalent 24-month agreement, whether you choose Essential TV or Ultimate TV.
If you cancel a fixed-term Sky TV contract before the minimum term ends, early termination charges may apply. Rolling monthly subscriptions can be cancelled with 31 days' notice.
Premium channel packs such as Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and TNT Sports can be added on either fixed-term or rolling monthly agreements, with rolling options usually costing more per month.
Customers who purchase a Sky Glass television using monthly payments enter a separate repayment agreement, typically lasting between 24 and 48 months depending on the repayment term selected.
Sky's terms state that subscription prices may increase during the contract period. For example, Sky has confirmed that broadband and TV prices will rise from 1 April 2026, with increases affecting some TV packages and add-ons. Read more about Sky's April 2026 price rises.
The Sky Stream puck is provided for use with the service and may need to be returned if the subscription ends. Sky Glass televisions, once fully paid for, remain the customer's property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sky TV be bundled with Sky broadband?
Yes, Sky TV can be bundled with Sky broadband as part of a combined contract and monthly bill. Sky Stream and Sky Glass both work over a broadband connection, so customers can take them alongside any Sky broadband package.
Sky offers bundles across its full fibre and superfast broadband range, and combined deals may include lower introductory pricing compared with taking TV and broadband separately, depending on current offers.
What equipment do I get with Sky TV?
Customers who sign up to Sky Stream receive a Sky Stream puck and a voice-controlled Sky remote. The puck connects to your TV using HDMI and streams Sky TV over your broadband connection. The device is provided for use with the service and may need to be returned if the subscription ends.
Customers who choose Sky Glass receive a Sky Glass television with Sky TV built in, along with a voice-controlled remote. The television is purchased outright or through monthly payments and remains the customer's property once fully paid.
Additional Sky Stream pucks can be added through Sky's Whole Home subscription, allowing Sky TV to be watched on multiple televisions within the same household.
How many channels are on Sky TV?
Sky TV provides access to around 100 live free-to-air channels available in the UK, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 services, all delivered through the Sky Stream or Sky Glass platform.
The Sky Ultimate TV subscription adds around 35 additional pay TV channels, including Sky Max, Sky Showcase, and Sky Witness, alongside Sky's on-demand library and integrated streaming services such as Netflix and discovery+ Entertainment.
Customers can also add premium channel packs such as Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, TNT Sports, and Sky Kids.
Do you need a satellite dish for Sky TV?
No, Sky TV delivered through Sky Stream or Sky Glass does not require a satellite dish. Both services stream live channels and on-demand content over your broadband connection.
This means Sky TV can be installed without an engineer visit in most homes, as the Sky Stream puck connects directly to your TV using HDMI, while Sky Glass televisions have Sky TV built in.
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