Your guide to Sky TV packages
Dan Howdle
Notably, Sky no longer offers a Sky Q satellite TV service. However, that's a step up rather than a step down, with Sky pushing its newer technology in the form of Sky Stream – the full, uncompromised Sky TV service we all know and love, delivered over broadband, and without the need for a satellite dish.
Sky has also recently split its Sky Stream offering into two package tiers: Sky TV Essentials and Sky TV Ultimate, essentially adding a more affordable, more accessible way in to Sky TV. That said, Sky's packages have become increasingly modular over the past few years, and it's not always entirely clear what you get, what you need, and whether you're going to have to pay extra on top of the advertised package price to get it.
In this buyer's guide we'll be covering all bases, fully exploring what Sky is offering, what you'll get, what you might need, and how to get it.
Sky TV packages
Sky Stream now comes in the form of the Sky Stream Puck (a small device you plug into your TV) and Sky Glass (a TV with Sky Stream built in). We'll get onto the ins and outs of those in the next section. Here though, let's take a look at the two basic package tiers that now make up Sky Stream.
Sky TV Essentials
Sky only recently split its Sky Stream offering, primarily to introduce an new 'Essentials' tier, which cuts down the content to just the basics and comes in at a lower price. Here's an overview of what it offers.
Sky Stream + Essential TV + Netflix
No dish neededNext day deliveryStream live TV
-
Broadband not included
100+ TV channels
No phone line
24
Month contract
Zero upfront cost
£15.00
Per month
Prices may change during contract
- Affordable pricing – Sky Essential TV is available for £15 per month on a 24-month contract, or £18 per month on a 31-day rolling contract at the time of writing, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious consumers
- Over 100 channels – A wide selection of channels, including Sky Atlantic, Sky News, and Sky Arts, along with free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4
- Netflix Standard with Ads included – Access Netflix's extensive library with the Standard with Ads plan, integrated into your Sky package
- Discovery+ – Factual entertainment, reality series, and documentaries are delivered through the included Discovery+ subscription
- Two contract options – You can choose between a 24-month contract for £15 per month or a 31-day rolling contract for £18 per month
- Available on Sky Stream and Sky Glass – You can get this package tier on either of these two platforms
Sky TV Ultimate
Sky TV Ultimate is the premium tier of Sky Stream, and was simply called 'Sky Stream' before Sky split the service into two package tiers. Sky TV Ultimate offers an all-in-one entertainment TV package that caters to those wanting more variety. Here's what Sky Ultimate TV brings to the table.
Sky Stream + Ultimate TV + Netflix
No dish neededNext day deliveryStream live TV
-
Broadband not included
150+ TV channels
No phone line
24
Month contract
Zero upfront cost
£22.00
Per month
Prices may change during contract
- Comprehensive content library – Sky Ultimate TV includes access to over 150 channels, featuring popular options like Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Witness, and Sky Documentaries, alongside all free-to-air channels
- Netflix Standard included – Enjoy Netflix's Standard plan (no ads) for seamless access to its vast catalogue of TV series, films, and exclusive content
- On-demand box sets – Get access to hundreds of Sky box sets, featuring critically acclaimed series and fan favourites across various genres
- Discovery+ subscription – Included with Sky Ultimate TV, offering additional documentaries, factual entertainment, and reality shows
- Flexible contract options – Available for £22 per month on a 24-month contract at the time of writing, or a little more on a 31-day rolling contract
- Compatible with Sky Stream and Sky Glass – Choose your poison in terms of the platform
- Ad Skipping add-on available – You can add on Ad Skipping for an additional monthly fee. Ad Skipping is not available on Sky TV Essentials
What our expert says...
"If you just want cheap and easy access to Sky's best channels, Sky TV Essentials may be the right choice. It'll save you a little money each month. However, bear in mind the drawbacks. The Netflix subscription included with Essentials has ads, and there is no ad skipping add-on available unless you take out or upgrade to Sky TV Ultimate."
Dan Howdle, Broadband and mobile expert
Sky Stream or Sky Glass
Both Sky Stream and Sky Glass offer the same two package tiers and available add-ons, with the difference being that Sky Stream is delivered via a small set-top box (the Sky Stream Puck) which you plug into your existing equipment, whereas Sky Glass is an actual television, available in various sizes, with the technology built in. Here is how they compare.
What our expert says...
"To be absolutely honest we're not enormous fans of Sky Glass. You're buying a rather average TV for more than you'd pay for many better quality televisions. Our choice will always be to go for Sky Stream and save your money for a well-reviewed TV set to plug it into if you're in the market both for Sky and for a new telly."
Dan Howdle, Broadband and mobile expert
Sky TV add-ons
Sky offers a wide range of add-ons to customise your TV package, giving you access to premium channels, features, and services tailored to your household's needs. Here’s an overview of what’s available.
| Add-on |
What it offers |
Price |
| Sky Sports |
Live sports channels |
£20/month |
| Sky Cinema |
Latest movies |
£10/month |
| TNT Sports |
Extra live sports |
£30/month |
| Netflix |
Entire Netflix library |
Included free |
| UHD & Dolby Atmos |
4K, better sound |
£6/month |
| Ad Skipping |
Skip adverts |
£5/month |
| Sky Kids |
Kids’ shows & channels |
£5/month |
| Sky Whole Home |
Multiroom viewing |
£8/month |
Sky Sports
For sports fans, Sky Sports is rather expensive must-have. With 11 dedicated channels, you’ll get live coverage of football, cricket, Formula 1, golf, and more. Whether it’s the Premier League or international tournaments, you’ll never miss a game. Sky Sports can be added to your package for an additional monthly fee (at the time of writing, £20 per month on a 31-day rolling contract).
Sky Cinema
Sky Cinema gives you access to over a thousand of movies on demand at any given time, including recent blockbusters. There are 11 Sky Cinema channels, each dedicated to a specific genre or theme, such as action, drama, or family films, currently starting at £10 per month (at the time of writing).
TNT Sports
Formerly known as BT Sport, TNT Sports brings you even more live sport, including UEFA Champions League matches, rugby, UFC, and more. It's for those who want to expand their sports viewing beyond what’s available on Sky Sports, but it is extremely expensive in our opinion at a sticker-shock price of £30 per month.
Netflix
Netflix is fully integrated into all Sky packages, allowing you to access its vast library of shows and movies directly through your Sky interface. With Sky Essential TV, Netflix Basic (with ads) is included as standard, but with Sky TV Ultimate you'll get Netflix Standard (no ads).
UHD & Dolby Atmos
If you want to watch your Sky TV in 4K (where available), you'll need this add-on. It offers stunning picture quality and immersive sound, perfect for blockbuster movies, live sport, and nature documentaries, albeit at a cost. Available for an additional fee £6 per month.
Ad Skipping
Sick of adverts? With Sky’s Ad Skipping add-on, you can fast-forward through ads on recorded content and catch-up TV. It’s an optional extra for those who value uninterrupted viewing, available for £5 per month (at the time of writing). If you're already a Sky TV customer, you can try it for free for one month before incurring the additional monthly cost.
Sky Kids
The Sky Kids add-on includes dedicated kids’ channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and BabyTV, plus thousands of on-demand episodes. You’ll also get access to the Sky Kids app, packed with fun and educational content for £5 per month.
Sky Whole Home (multiscreen)
Want to watch Sky TV in multiple rooms? The Sky Whole Home add-on lets you do just that. With an additional Sky Stream Puck (or however many you need), you can extend your subscription to additional TVs in your home. You’ll also be able to pause in one room and pick up where you left off in another. Available for £12 per month at the time of writing, you'll also need to bear in mind that each additional Puck beyond the first additional one come with a £39.95 one-off cost.
What our expert says...
"When looking at Sky TV as a whole service it's especially important to factor in all the things you actually want or need from it. Want 4K? Ad Skipping? Multiroom? Those cost extra. It can quickly add up, especially if you're thinking of adding premium sports and movie channel packs."
Dan Howdle, Broadband and mobile expert
Sky TV contracts
Sky's pretty good when it comes to allowing you to have the contract length you want. But what Sky wants is to tie you in for as long as possible, which is why you'll pay more for a one-month rolling contract than you will for one that ties you in for two years. Contract lengths vary depending on the service you select. Here's how it breaks down.
24 months
The standard contract length for most Sky TV packages, including Sky Stream and Sky Glass is 24 months. By committing to a 24-month contract you will get the best monthly price, making it ideal if you plan to stick with Sky long term.
One month rolling
If you prefer the freedom to change or cancel your service without being tied down, Sky Stream is available on a one-month rolling contract. It’s perfect if you’re unsure about committing or only need Sky for a short time. Keep in mind that it costs slightly more per month compared to the 24-month option.
48 months (Sky Glass only)
For Sky Glass customers, there’s an additional 48-month option. The idea is that it spreads the cost of your Sky Glass TV over four years with interest-free monthly payments. This is separate from your TV subscription, which can still be taken on a 24-month basis. Just bear in mind if you fancy this option that four years is a very, very long time and your situation may change a lot during that period.
Bundling Sky TV with Sky Broadband
One of the best aspects of Sky TV is that unlike any other subscription TV provider you can get it without subscribing to the provider's own broadband. That means if you fancy broadband from Virgin Media (for example), but you want your TV from Sky, you can do that. In fact it's a good way to get the best of both worlds.
However, Sky is also an excellent broadband provider which, among other fine achievements, consistently garners the fewest annual complaints of any provider. It should be noted though that Sky has recently had its wrist slapped by Ofcom for calling its bundles bundles, because although you buy the two products together, they are on separate contracts. We're still calling them bundles because in our eyes that's still what they are, but do bear that in mind.
There are two main advantages of 'bundling' Sky Broadband with your Sky TV package.
- One monthly bill – Keep things simple with a single payment for both broadband and TV
- Bundle discounts – You save money by combining your Sky TV and broadband services
What our expert says...
"You can almost always save money by bundling Sky Broadband with Sky TV, and that will suit many. However, Sky's flexibility in offering TV on its own, leaving you to choose whichever broadband provider you like, remains one of its greatest strengths, and not everyone will end up with the best speeds, value and/or features if they take out all of their services with Sky."
Dan Howdle, Broadband and mobile expert
Sky TV channel highlights
Sky offers a wide range of channels, but there are a few that stand out. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable channels available with Sky TV. Keep in mind though that not all of these channels are available in the Sky TV Essentials package (shown as Sky Ultimate only where not), which will be a key consideration when selecting your package.
Sky Atlantic
Sky TV Essentials
Sky TV Ultimate
Sky Atlantic is the go-to channel for big-budget dramas and exclusive US imports, most notably those from HBO. It's the only place in the UK where you can watch critically acclaimed shows like Succession, The Last of Us, and House of the Dragon.
Sky Max
Sky TV Ultimate
Sky Max focuses on entertaining, big-scale shows. Think of it as a mix of light-hearted dramas, exciting action series, and family-friendly favourites. Recent hits include A League of Their Own and Brassic.
Sky Witness
Sky TV Ultimate
Sky Witness shows gripping crime dramas, medical shows, and other procedurals. It's home to popular imports like Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1, and Law & Order: SVU. If you enjoy a mix of fast-paced storytelling and drama, Witness has it in spades.
Sky Documentaries
Sky TV Ultimate
Sky Documentaries offers a wide selection of high-quality docs. Covering everything from true crime to sports and pop culture, recent highlights include Tina and Ghislaine Maxwell: Epstein's Shadow.
Sky Comedy
Sky TV Ultimate
Sky Comedy is the home of both new and classic comedies. You'll find popular US sitcoms like The Office (US), Parks and Recreation, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, alongside Sky Originals. If you're looking for a laugh, this channel has you covered.
Deals and new customer offers
Depending on when you dicide to sign up, you may or may not find a selection of special introductory offers available, designed to entice new customers to sign up. These can take several forms, but are usually…
Slashed monthly pricing
- Discounted packages – New customers often get access to significantly reduced monthly prices on Sky TV packages compared to standard rates
- Limited-time deals – Offers like money off for the first 'X' months are commonly available, and sometimes Sky will waive the current yearly price rise it has scheduled if you sign up close enough to its arrival
Reward cards and cashback
- Prepaid gift cards – Sky sometimes includes gift cards worth £50 or more as a bonus for signing up
Free trial periods
- Test before committing – Free trials of add-ons like Ad Skipping are often available to new and existing customers
- Short-term promos – Some plans include a month of premium channels at no extra cost before you need to decide whether to keep them
Next-day installation
One of the things we like the most about Sky's move from its Sky Q satellite service to its broadband only Sky Stream service is the speed with which you can be up and running. whether you're getting Sky Stream or Sky Glass it's possible to be up and running with it within 24 hours of your order. We tested this recently and for us it was just under 16 hours between clicking to order and plugging in and setting up our Sky Stream Puck.
The only possible variations on this speed of delivery and installation are if you are…
If you're taking out Sky Broadband
If you're bundling Sky Broadband with your Sky TV you can elect to wait the roughly two weeks to get Sky Stream and have the technician that installs your broadband set it up on the same day, or you can get your Sky Stream box straight away. That's up to you. The two contracts are separate so you will need to be mindful that your contracts won't start on the same day if you choose get Sky Stream immediately without waiting for your broadband.
If you're getting Sky Glass
Sky provides the option to have a technician deliver and install your Sky Glass TV if you so desire. This option is less about whether or not you have the technical know-how to plug in a television and more about the fact that a top size of 65" the sets can be heavy and awkward to unbox and place for some.
Additional features
Finally, there are a couple of things that don't really fit any other category and that either come with Sky TV as part an parcel or take the form of an optional extra that's a little bit whacky and a little bit less relevant for most of us. They are:
The Sky Go app
Sky Go lets you watch your Sky TV channels and on-demand content on the go, using your phone, tablet, or laptop. It’s included as part of your Sky TV package, so you won’t have to pay extra to use it. The app is perfect for catching up on your favourite shows when you’re away from home or if someone else has claimed the TV. You can even download some content to watch offline, making it great for commutes or air travel.
Sky Protect
Sky Protect is an optional insurance plan that covers your Sky equipment, such as Sky Stream pucks or your Sky Glass TV, against damage, faults, or breakdowns. It also includes cover for accidental damage to your other devices, like TVs or laptops, offering a little extra peace of mind. It’s maybe worth considering if you want to avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs, but for most people we regard Sky Protect as unnecessary upsell.
