Sky Stream Review

What is Sky Stream?

Sky Stream is the new alternative to Sky Glass. Sky Glass is a Smart TV that has Sky TV built-in so you can watch Sky Channels over Wifi without the need for a satellite dish or Sky TV box.

Sky Stream is a 4K HDR streaming box that plugs into the HDMI port on any TV and provides access to Sky TV Channels over your Wi-Fi. Sky Stream has the same slick Sky Glass user interface and is voice control enabled.

You don’t have to be a Sky broadband customer to have a Sky Stream box. Sky recommends that you have a broadband connection with a minimum download speed of 10Mbps to watch at HD quality.

To watch 4K HDR TV, it is suggested that you need a minimum speed of 30Mbps.

How much does Sky Stream cost?

Check out our comparison table below to see the very latest Sky Stream pricing and package details. This table is updated regularly, so you can trust you’re getting the most current deals on Sky Stream packages.

Sky Stream Review – Your Simple Guide to Sky TV Streaming

Key Points Summary

• What is Sky Stream? A small, Wi‑Fi based box that lets you watch Sky TV without needing a satellite dish.
• Features: Voice control, live restart, and an easy-to-use interface that mixes live channels with streaming apps.
• Sky Stream Packages: Flexible options like the basic Sky Ultimate package (which even comes with Netflix Basic) and add-on choices for sports and movies.
• Broadband Requirements: A stable Wi‑Fi connection is needed. For good quality, you should have at least 25 – 30Mbps.

Sky Stream – The highlights

Sky TV Without a Satellite Dish – With Sky Stream, you can enjoy all your Sky TV channels without the need for a bulky satellite dish. Instead of relying on satellite signals, every show and movie is streamed directly over your Wi‑Fi connection. This means less clutter outside your window and a more modern, streamlined setup inside your home.

No Engineer Installation and Next-Day Delivery – Forget about waiting for an engineer to visit your home for installation. Sky Stream is designed for easy setup: simply order it online and, if you place your order early enough, expect next-day delivery. This quick turnaround means you can start watching your favourite programmes almost immediately without any hassle.

Compact Size That Fits in the Palm of Your Hand – Sky Stream is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its compact design makes it easy to hide behind your TV or tuck away on a shelf. Despite its small size, it packs all the features and power needed to stream high-quality content, so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your living room.

Easy Setup – Setting up Sky Stream is simple. All you have to do is plug the device into a power socket and connect it to your TV’s HDMI output. Once powered up, follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi‑Fi, and you’re ready to start streaming. This plug-and-play approach makes it accessible even if you’re not a tech expert.

Compatible with Any Broadband Provider – Sky Stream works with any broadband provider you already use at home. You don’t need to change your current internet service, as long as you have a connection. The device requires a minimum download speed of 10Mbps for basic streaming, ensuring that even those on a modest plan can enjoy smooth viewing for standard content.

Minimum of 30Mbps Broadband for 4K HDR TV – If you want to enjoy the best picture quality in stunning 4K HDR, make sure your broadband speed is at least 30Mbps. This helps to deliver a clear and crisp viewing experience with no lag or buffering issues – which is especially important when watching high-definition sports, films, or TV shows.

Netflix Included as Standard – A great bonus with Sky Stream is that Netflix comes included as standard in your package. This means you don’t have to pay for yet another service separately. You can enjoy the best of both worlds – Sky TV and Netflix – giving you a wide range of shows and films from different platforms right at your fingertips.

Flexible Contract Options – Sky Stream offers flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can choose a 31-day rolling plan, which allows you to cancel or switch plans monthly without being tied down for too long. Alternatively, if you’re happy to commit and want the best value, there’s an option for an 18-month contract. This flexibility means you can pick the plan that suits your budget and viewing habits.

Slick Sky Glass User Interface – The user interface on Sky Stream is designed to be attractive and easy to navigate, much like the one found on Sky Glass. With a clean, intuitive layout, finding your favourite channels and apps is hassle-free. The stylish design also means that all your content is presented in a neat and easily accessible format.

Smart Features: Live TV Restart and Playlists – Sky Stream comes loaded with smart features that enhance your viewing experience. For example, if you miss the beginning of a live programme, you can simply use the live restart feature to rewind and catch up. You can also create playlists to organise your favourite shows and movies for later viewing – ideal for those who like to keep track of what to watch next.

Voice Control – For an even easier experience, Sky Stream includes voice control. With this feature, you can use your remote to speak commands instead of typing or scrolling through menus. It makes finding a specific programme or adjusting settings feel more natural and quick, allowing you to sit back and relax.

What’s the hardware spec of the Sky Stream box?

The Sky Stream box is designed to be small yet powerful. Its compact design means that it is easy to hide behind your TV or even fit neatly on your TV stand. In fact, the device measures approximately 10.8 x 10.8 x 1.8cm – about the size of a squared-off hockey puck. Despite its small shape, it packs plenty of features that deliver a great viewing experience.

Connectivity and Ports

Sky Stream comes with a range of connectivity options to suit your needs. It features:

• 1 x HDMI 2.1 Port: This ensures that you get a high-quality video signal from the device to your TV, capable of handling advanced formats.
• Ethernet Port: For those who prefer a hardwired connection over Wi‑Fi, the Ethernet port offers a reliable alternative for internet access.
• Wi‑Fi Compatibility: It is built to work with your existing Wi‑Fi network. While a minimum download speed of 10Mbps is needed for standard streaming, you should have at least 30Mbps if you want to enjoy 4K HDR content.

Media Playback and Audio Capabilities

The hardware is engineered to support high-quality streaming with features like:

• 4K HDR Support: Enjoy stunning visuals with sharp detail and vibrant colours when you watch your favourite movies and shows.
• Dolby Atmos Ready: This feature provides an immersive audio experience by delivering clear and powerful sound, perfect for home cinema setups.

Power and Build

Sky Stream is designed to be power efficient and easy to set up. It runs on a standard 230V AC power cable, making it ideal for UK homes without requiring any special converters or adapters. The build quality of the device is robust, ensuring that it will handle everyday use with ease.

Overall Design

All in all, the Sky Stream hardware is built to combine functionality with a neat, modern appearance. Its small size and slim form factor mean it won’t take up much space or spoil the look of your entertainment centre. Meanwhile, its high-quality components and multiple connectivity options ensure that you get the best performance whether you’re streaming live TV, watching on demand, or enjoying your favourite streaming apps.

How Sky Stream Compares to Other Services

There are many TV services available today. Here’s a simple comparison that may help you decide if Sky Stream is the right service for you.

Compared to Traditional Satellite TV (like Sky Q)

• Setup and Installation: Sky Q needs a satellite dish and sometimes an engineer’s visit. Sky Stream works over Wi‑Fi, making it much simpler to install.
• Interface and Use: The Sky Stream interface is easy to navigate, and all your shows are in one place. This is a big plus if you do not want to juggle between different devices.
• Recording Features: Sky Q lets you record programmes. But with Sky Stream, you watch live or on demand, which many people prefer now as catch-up services are very popular.

Compared to Other Streaming Boxes (like NOW TV)

• Content Options: NOW TV is good for basic TV viewing, but Sky Stream has a larger range of channels and extra streaming apps. This means you get more variety.
• Resolution and Quality: With support for 4K HDR and clear sound formats like Dolby Atmos, Sky Stream often gives a better visual and audio experience.
• Contract Flexibility: NOW TV typically offers month-to-month subscriptions. With Sky Stream, you have both short-term and long-term options, giving you more decisions to make.

Getting the Best Out of Your Broadband

A key to enjoying Sky Stream to its fullest is a fast, steady internet connection. For those watching in high definition, a broadband speed of at least 25Mbps is recommended, while for a smoother experience when streaming in 4K or HDR, you should aim for 30Mbps or more.

A strong Wi‑Fi signal means fewer interruptions and better picture quality. If your broadband is too slow or unstable, you might see buffering or lower video quality. Check your internet speed and use our broadband coverage checker to find the best deal in your area. This simple step can make all the difference in enjoying Sky Stream to its full potential.

How to use Sky Stream – Explainer Video

Credit: Sky help Youtube Channel

Sky Stream Frequently Asked Questions