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For new UK Sky TV customers, the advertised prices checked on 12 August 2026 start at £15 a month on a 24-month minimum term for Essential TV, or £18 a month on a 31-day rolling option. Ultimate TV costs £24 a month on a 24-month term or £27 a month on a 31-day rolling option. These are advertised prices, not a permanent price guarantee: offers, standard rates, setup charges and add-on prices can change, so check the final order summary before paying.
What exactly is Sky Stream?
Sky Stream is a subscription TV service delivered over broadband rather than through a satellite dish. The physical part is a compact streaming device called the Sky Stream puck. You connect it to a television’s HDMI port, connect it to the internet, and use the supplied remote to access the Sky package and apps included with your subscription.
Unlike a general-purpose streaming stick, the puck is not normally a standalone device that you buy once and then use without Sky. It provides access to the selected Sky TV service while the subscription is active. In the UK, Sky says pucks ordered after 23 February 2023 are loaned equipment and must be returned if you leave Sky or downgrade in a way that ends the equipment entitlement. In other words, do not assume that the puck becomes your property.
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- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Sky Stream is different from Sky Q in an important way: Sky Q normally uses a satellite dish, whereas Sky Stream uses your broadband connection. It may therefore suit a home where installing a dish is impractical, but its performance depends on the quality and capacity of the internet connection.
See Sky’s Sky Stream FAQs for the latest equipment, connection and account rules.
How much does Sky Stream cost?
The following were the advertised prices shown for new UK Sky TV customers when checked on 12 August 2026:
| Package | 24-month minimum term | 31-day rolling option | Advertised standard rolling price | Main inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential TV | £15 a month | £18 a month | £21 a month | Sky Atlantic, Netflix Standard with Ads, discovery+ Entertainment and more than 100 channels |
| Ultimate TV | £24 a month | £27 a month | £37 a month | Essential TV content plus additional Sky channels, Netflix Standard with Ads, HBO Max Basic with Ads, Disney+ Standard with Ads and selected Hayu content |
Sky states that prices can change during a 24-month minimum term. The advertised figures can also differ for existing Sky customers, customers taking broadband or mobile bundles, and people seeing a different promotion. Sky’s package pages have not always presented standard-price and add-on wording consistently, so treat the figures above as the offer captured on the research date rather than a contractual quote.
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Before ordering, check all of the following in the checkout summary:
- the introductory monthly price and how long it lasts;
- the price after the introductory or minimum-term period;
- the length of the minimum term;
- any one-off puck or setup fee;
- delivery charges, if shown;
- the price and contract term of every selected add-on; and
- the cancellation and early-termination conditions.
What do Essential TV and Ultimate TV include?
Essential TV
Essential TV is the lower-priced base package. Sky’s current package information lists Sky Atlantic, Netflix Standard with Ads, discovery+ Entertainment and more than 100 channels, including free-to-air channels.
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- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Ultimate TV
Ultimate TV includes the Essential TV content and adds further Sky channels and streaming services. Sky’s current information lists Netflix Standard with Ads, HBO Max Basic with Ads, Disney+ Standard with Ads and selected Hayu content, alongside the additional Sky content.
The precise programme catalogue and app terms can change. Also note that an app being available through Sky Stream does not necessarily mean every tier of that app, every programme or every premium feature is included.
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Which extras can you add?
Depending on the offer and your eligibility, Sky lets customers add options such as:
- Sky Sports;
- Sky Cinema;
- Sky Kids;
- TNT Sports;
- Netflix Standard or Premium instead of the included ad-supported tier;
- Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos;
- Ad Skipping; and
- Whole Home for additional Sky Stream pucks.
Sky Cinema currently includes Paramount+ at no additional package charge, subject to activation and the applicable terms. The price of the cinema and sports options is especially offer-dependent. For example, the indexed Sky information showed Sky Cinema at £14 a month during a qualifying 24-month offer and £17 a month at standard pricing outside that offer, while Sky Sports was shown at £35 a month outside the minimum term. Those figures should not be treated as universal current prices.
Sky says customers can watch on up to six Sky Stream pucks, but using more than one puck requires the Whole Home subscription. Sky’s help information says each puck has a one-off setup fee; the exact amount and any promotional waiver should be confirmed during the order process. A Sky Community discussion has referred to £39.95 for an additional puck, but that is a customer-community answer rather than definitive current pricing.
What do you need to use Sky Stream?
A television with HDMI
The television must have an available HDMI port. For ordinary HD viewing, the key requirement is an HDMI connection and a suitable television. UHD and Dolby Atmos need compatible television, audio and playback equipment, the relevant Sky subscription option, and sufficient broadband.
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- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Broadband
Sky recommends at least 25 Mbps broadband for Sky Stream. Its guidance gives 30 Mbps for UHD viewing or an additional puck, and approximately 35 Mbps for UHD with Whole Home. Sky recommends fibre broadband for the best experience.
Those figures are recommendations, not a promise that every connection will perform identically. Busy household usage, Wi-Fi signal strength, router position and the number of simultaneous streams can all affect playback. Ethernet is available if Wi-Fi is unreliable or the puck is close enough to the router.
You can check Sky’s current broadband and UHD requirements before ordering. A speed test taken beside the television is more useful than a package’s theoretical headline speed.
Power and a network connection
The puck needs mains power and connects to the television with HDMI. It can connect to the internet over Wi-Fi or through its Ethernet port. An extra cable is not normally the reason to buy Sky Stream: the practical first step is to use the cables supplied with the puck and replace one only if it is missing or faulty.
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How to get Sky Stream
- Open Sky’s TV or Sky Stream sales page. Start with the Sky Stream page or the relevant package page.
- Choose Essential TV or Ultimate TV. Compare the included channels and services rather than choosing solely on the introductory price.
- Select any add-ons. Add sports, cinema, kids, premium Netflix, UHD, Ad Skipping or Whole Home only if you need them. Check the individual price and term of each selection.
- Review the order summary. Confirm the minimum term, rolling price, post-offer price, setup fee, delivery details and cancellation conditions. Sky’s package information is useful for comparison, but the checkout summary is the relevant place to verify your actual offer.
- Check your equipment and broadband. Make sure the intended television has HDMI and that your home connection meets Sky’s recommendation.
- Order the puck. Sky says the puck is delivered by courier and can normally be self-installed.
- Connect and activate it. Plug the puck into HDMI and mains power, connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and follow the on-screen instructions. Sky’s setup guide explains the connection process.
Billing normally starts when the puck is activated. Sky’s help information also says that if you do not activate it within 21 days of delivery, the subscription and billing may start automatically. Do not leave an unwanted puck unopened without checking the deadline and cancellation rules.
Can you cancel Sky Stream?
Sky says the base TV service is available on either a 31-day rolling contract or a 24-month minimum term. The longer term may offer a lower monthly price, but cancelling early can result in early-termination charges. Add-ons can have their own contract terms.
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- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Sky says a 31-day cooling-off period applies to the stated contracts, after which 31 days’ notice is required for cancellation. Check your order confirmation for the terms that apply to your specific package and extras, particularly if you have taken a promotion.
When the subscription ends, return any loaned puck and other equipment Sky asks for. Sky Stream billing is separate from Sky Broadband and Sky Mobile billing, so cancelling one service should not be assumed to cancel the others.
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The Sky Stream puck is tied to the registered home address for viewing. Sky Go can be used on supported devices away from home, but Sky says customers are not entitled to use Sky Go to stream Sky outside the UK. Downloaded content may be available for offline viewing abroad, subject to the relevant app and programme restrictions.
This means Sky Stream is not a general-purpose travel TV service. If you are moving home, travelling or using a second property, check Sky’s current rules before relying on it there.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sky Stream versus a normal streaming stick
| Sky Stream | Typical streaming stick or smart-TV app |
|---|---|
| A Sky subscription with a supplied or loaned puck | Usually a device or app used with separate streaming subscriptions |
| Includes Sky TV packages and selected services according to the chosen tier | May provide access to individual services, but does not automatically include Sky’s TV package |
| No satellite dish is required | Also generally uses broadband |
| Subject to Sky contract, cancellation and equipment-return rules | Device ownership and subscription rules depend on the manufacturer and services |
A cheap streaming stick is therefore not a direct replacement for a Sky Stream subscription. Conversely, Sky Stream may be unnecessary if you only want one or two standalone services and do not need Sky’s channels or programme aggregation.
Who is Sky Stream best suited to?
Sky Stream is worth considering if you want Sky programming without a satellite dish, prefer a self-installation, or want Sky channels and several streaming services gathered in one television interface. It can also be convenient for a compatible second television if the Whole Home option makes financial sense.
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- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
It may be a poor fit if your broadband is slow or unstable, you want to own the hardware outright, you only need one inexpensive streaming service, or you are trying to avoid a long contract. Compare the total cost of the base package, extras and post-offer price—not just the first advertised monthly figure.
UK availability and an important Ireland distinction
The prices and package details in this article refer to Sky’s UK offering. Sky’s help pages separately refer to the Republic of Ireland, where availability, pricing, contract terms and equipment-loan dates can differ. Do not apply the UK figures to Ireland without checking the Irish Sky site and checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sky Stream free with a Sky subscription?
No. Sky Stream is a subscription service. The puck provides access to the selected Sky TV package while the subscription is active, and advertised package prices and possible setup fees apply.
Does Sky Stream need a satellite dish?
No. Sky Stream uses broadband and connects to the television by HDMI. It can use Wi-Fi or Ethernet and normally does not require an engineer visit.
Do you own the Sky Stream puck?
In the UK, Sky says pucks ordered after 23 February 2023 are loaned equipment and must be returned when the relevant subscription ends or is downgraded. Check your agreement for your specific order.
What broadband speed is recommended for Sky Stream?
Sky recommends at least 25 Mbps. Its guidance gives 30 Mbps for UHD or an additional puck and approximately 35 Mbps for UHD with Whole Home. Sky also recommends fibre broadband for the best experience.
Can I get Sky Stream on a 31-day contract?
Sky says the base TV subscription can be taken on a 31-day rolling option or a 24-month minimum term. Add-ons can have different terms, and 31 days’ notice may be required after the cooling-off period.
When does Sky Stream billing begin?
Sky says billing starts when the puck is activated. Its help information also says billing and the subscription may start automatically if the puck is not activated within 21 days of delivery.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Sky Stream is Sky TV delivered through broadband, using a loaned HDMI puck rather than a satellite dish. On the prices checked on 12 August 2026, Essential TV started at £15 a month on a 24-month term, while Ultimate TV started at £24 a month; rolling options were £18 and £27 respectively. Check the final checkout total, standard price, setup fee, add-on terms and cancellation conditions before ordering, and make sure your broadband and television meet Sky’s requirements.
