Comparing Sky Q, Glass, Stream, and Now: Finding the Ultimate TV Experience

If you reside in the UK, Sky offers one of the top entertainment platforms for enjoying the latest hit shows and must-watch films. Unlike similar services such as Netflix or Disney+, Sky provides multiple ways to access its extensive content library.

If you’re uncertain about which Sky TV package suits you best, our informative guide can simplify the decision-making process.

Until recently, customers could choose between Sky Q, Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and the company’s streaming service, Now. However, Sky Q has been discontinued for sale after nearly a decade on the market, making it unavailable for new purchases online.

Despite the impending phase-out of Sky Q, we have included it here until it is completely phased out.

For students, budget-conscious consumers, or individuals who prefer watching TV on laptops or phones, Now may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy traditional TV viewing experiences, Sky Glass and Sky Stream are the preferred options. Each service has unique features that differentiate them, so continue reading to explore what each offers.

If you’re not fully committed to upgrading to Sky, consider exploring our roundup of the best streaming sticks as an alternative. Additionally, if you want to compare Sky with its competitors, check out our guide to the best TV streaming services for comprehensive information.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick overview of the key differences between Sky’s major platforms:

Price & Contracts 

The cost of Sky services depends on various factors, including the desired TV channels and additional features.

Sky Essential TV starts at £15 a month for the Entertainment & Netflix package. This includes Essential TV, offering a slightly smaller content library than the premium tier but still providing access to Sky Atlantic (featuring shows like The Last of Us), along with Netflix with Ads and Discovery+. The included Netflix plan is the Basic option, offering HD streaming on one device with no simultaneous streams.

For full access to all Sky content, the Ultimate TV package is recommended. Priced at £22 per month, this option includes subscriptions to Netflix, Disney Plus, and all TV channels offered by Sky.

These prices apply to Sky Stream and Sky Glass, with additional costs for Glass related to the TV itself. Sky Glass offers two TV options: the premium-level Sky Glass Gen 2 and the more affordable Sky Glass Air, available in 43-, 55-, and 65-inch sizes. TVs can be purchased outright, starting at £699 for Gen 2 and £309 for Air, or through monthly payments starting at £10.25pm/£4.24pm after a £20 upfront fee. Sky Q was priced slightly higher at £31 per month.

For additional features beyond the basic package, consider adding Sky Sports, Ultra HD picture quality, and Multiscreen. Here’s a breakdown of common add-ons:

Complete pricing overview for subscription inclusions:

Glass/Stream prices per month 

• Sky Sports – £20 
• Sky Cinema – £10 
• TNT Sports – £31 rolling 
• Sky Kids – £8 rolling 
• Paramount+ – Free with Sky Cinema 
• Ultra HD & Dolby Atmos – £6 rolling 
• Ad skipping – £6 rolling 
• Netflix Standard – £4.50 rolling 
• Whole Home – £10 

As evident from the pricing, costs can escalate once additional features are added to the Essentials TV package. Incorporating Sky Sports and Ultra HD will result in an extra £26 monthly expense.

The flexibility of Sky services allows for customization tailored to individual preferences.

If the pricing discourages you, Now emerges as a cost-effective solution. This standalone streaming service from Sky eliminates the need for additional hardware. Similar to Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, Now allows viewing on various devices such as smartphones, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.

Costs can add up when opting for multiple features, but for specific offerings like Sky Sports, Now proves to be a more economical choice compared to Q or Glass. Various Membership options are available:

• Entertainment – £9.99pm 
• Cinema – £9.99pm 
• Entertainment + Cinema – £11.98pm (12-months) 
• Sports – £14.99 (24 hours) 
• Sports – £34.99pm
• Hayu – £5.99pm 
• Boost – £6pm
• Ultra Boost – £9pm

Most of these packages are self-explanatory, offering access to Sky channels within their respective categories. Hayu specializes in US reality shows like Real Housewives, Million Dollar Listing, and Below Deck.

Boost isn’t a channel package but an add-on for enhanced viewing experience in Full HD quality, ad removal, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, streaming on two devices simultaneously, and Sky Sports in 50fps. Ultra Boost elevates the experience to 4K with Dolby Atmos surround sound and streaming on up to three devices. Note that some features may have hardware requirements.

Now frequently offers deals and bundles, especially during sale seasons like Black Friday. Canceling and re-signing up for Now may also lead to discounts as an incentive.

Sky

In conclusion, Sky Glass Gen 2 stands as the priciest option, factoring in the TV cost alongside the content subscription. Sky Stream/Sky Air strike a balance for those seeking an extensive content library without breaking the bank, while Now emerges as the budget-friendly choice for individuals without a TV or looking to minimize expenses.

Hardware 

Now is excluded from this section as it’s a pure online streaming service that requires users to provide their own hardware. Sky’s other products, however, present distinct differences in terms of hardware:

Sky Q functions as a traditional set-top box that connects to your TV and satellite dish, enabling TV viewing without relying on broadband or Wi-Fi. It includes a hard drive for recording and storing broadcast television.

Sky Q Mini, an optional addition primarily designed for Multiscreen functionality, also serves as a Wi-Fi network extender in conjunction with Sky Wi-Fi.

Sky

Sky Glass functions as a smart TV with integrated Sky services. Simply plug it in and connect to your Wi-Fi network to start streaming. The user interface differs from Sky Q, focusing more on streaming-based content delivery.

No satellite dish is required for Sky Glass, but a reliable broadband connection is essential to prevent buffering. Recommended speeds are 10Mbps for HD and 25Mbps for UHD. Both Glass and Stream feature Ethernet ports for wired connections, offering an alternative to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi speeds can be checked for optimal performance.

Switching from Sky Q to Sky Glass introduces a broadcast delay of approximately 22 seconds. While inconsequential for most content, this delay may impact live sports or real-time shows where immediate interaction is crucial to avoid spoilers

See also  Troubleshooting the Yellow Light on Your Oral-B iO: A Guide to Fixing Common Issues