We look at everything you need to know about Sky Glass and answer questions like What is it? How is it different from Sky Q?
What is Sky Glass?
Sky Glass is Sky’s all-in-one smart TV that removes the need for a satellite dish or set-top box. You connect it to your broadband, sign into a Sky TV subscription, and you’re ready to stream live TV and apps like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and more using Sky’s intuitive Sky OS interface.
Sky Glass streams all content over broadband. That means no dish outside, minimal cables, and a sleek setup perfect for modern living rooms.
Key features include:
- Integrated TV + Sky box + apps — no external hardware needed
- Voice control with far-field microphones for hands-free navigation
- Cloud playlists — save content from multiple services in one place
- Streaming over broadband, requiring around 25 Mbps for HD and 30–35 Mbps for 4K UHD
How Sky Glass Works
Unlike old Sky products that relied on dish and set‑top boxes, Sky Glass is a standalone TV with built‑in Sky services. When you buy a Sky Glass TV, you pay for:
- The TV hardware — either outright or on a 24/48‑month 0% financing plan.
- A Sky TV subscription — separate monthly cost required for live channels and premium content.
Once set up:
- Sky OS becomes your home screen experience, showing live channels, streaming apps, recommendations and voice search.
- Freeview and on‑demand content are accessible online.
- You can connect external devices (game consoles, Blu‑Ray players) via HDMI.
In essence, Sky Glass turns your TV into a centralised streaming hub with Sky at the core — ideal for people ditching satellite and embracing broadband‑centric viewing.
Sky Glass Gen 2 — The Premium 2025 Sky TV
Sky Glass Gen 2, launched in February 2025, is the flagship model in Sky’s 2025 Glass TV lineup, offering premium features and advanced performance.
Display & Picture Quality
- 4K Ultra HD Quantum Dot display with advanced HDR
- Local dimming zones for deeper contrast
- Ambient light sensors and dynamic gamma adjustments
Sound & Audio
- Built-in Dolby Atmos system with seven speakers and dual subwoofers
- Cinematic 360° sound without needing an external soundbar
Sizes & Colours
- Sizes: 43″, 55″, 65″
- Colours: Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver, Atlantic Blue
Features & Experience
- Sky OS with voice control and personalised recommendations
- Smart features like Sky Auto-Enhance for content optimization
- Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG
Sky Glass Air — Budget-Friendly 4K TV
Sky Glass Air, released in June 2025, is a more affordable alternative, aimed at users who want Sky Glass features without paying full flagship prices.
Display & Audio
- 4K HDR Quantum Dot display with over a billion colours
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio
- Thinner, lighter design made from recycled plastic
Sizes & Colours
- Sizes: 43″, 55″, 65″
- Colours: Carbon Grey, Cotton White, Sea Green
Smart TV Experience
- Same Sky OS interface as Gen 2, with voice control and streaming apps
- Simpler audio but still delivers crisp visuals and solid everyday performance
Sky Glass Gen 2 vs Sky Glass Air — Comparison Table
| Feature | Sky Glass Gen 2 | Sky Glass Air |
| Display | 4K QLED HDR with local dimming | 4K QLED HDR with global dimming |
| Sound System | 7-speaker Dolby Atmos w/ dual subwoofers | Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio |
| Voice & Smart OS | Sky OS with voice control | Sky OS with voice control |
| Sizes Available | 43″, 55″, 65″ | 43″, 55″, 65″ |
| Colour Options | Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver, Atlantic Blue | Carbon Grey, Cotton White, Sea Green |
| Build Materials | Aluminium chassis | Recycled plastic chassis |
| Best For | Premium cinematic experience | Affordable, everyday smart TV |
| Starting Price | Higher entry cost | Lower entry cost |
Broadband Requirements for Sky Glass
Because Sky Glass streams everything over the internet, a reliable broadband connection is essential.
- Minimum: 25 Mbps for HD streaming
- Recommended: 30–35 Mbps for 4K UHD or multiple users
Additional tips:
- Wired connections offer better stability than Wi-Fi
- Poor broadband can cause buffering or drops in picture quality
- Works with most UK broadband providers
Who Is Sky Glass Best For?
Sky Glass is especially suitable if you:
- Want to ditch the satellite dish
- Are upgrading an older TV
- Live in a flat or rental property where installation is difficult
- Prefer a single interface for live TV and streaming apps
- Like the option to pay monthly for the TV
It may not be ideal if:
- You have slow or unreliable broadband
- You already own a high-end TV
- You mainly watch Freeview and streaming apps without Sky channels
In those cases, Sky Stream could be a better fit. (Read our full Sky Stream guide)
How Sky Stream Differs from Sky Glass
If you like the idea of Sky TV without a satellite dish but don’t want to replace your television, Sky Stream is the alternative worth knowing about.
Sky Stream is a small streaming box that plugs into any existing TV via HDMI. Like Sky Glass, it delivers live Sky channels and on-demand content over broadband using the same Sky OS interface — but without the built-in screen or speakers.
Sky Stream vs Sky Glass at a glance:
| Feature | Sky Glass | Sky Stream |
| Hardware | All-in-one TV with built-in screen & speakers | Compact streaming box for existing TVs |
| Audio | Built-in Dolby Atmos or stereo speakers | Uses TV’s built-in audio |
| Interface | Sky OS with voice control & cloud playlists | Sky OS with voice control & cloud playlists |
| Ideal For | Upgrading your TV | Keeping your current TV |
For a deeper dive into setup, pricing, and broadband requirements, check out our full guide on Sky Stream
Sky Glass FAQs
Do I still need a satellite dish with Sky Glass?
No, you don’t. The great thing about Sky Glass is that it already has Sky inside, so you do not need a satellite dish. Instead, you stream content over broadband. Simply connect the TV to your WiFi and you’re good to go.
Do I need a Sky subscription to use Sky Glass?
Yes. Sky Glass requires a Sky TV subscription to access live channels and premium content. The subscription is separate from the TV hardware cost.
What is the minimum broadband speed for Sky Glass?
As all content on Sky Glass is streamed via your broadband, a minimum speed of 25mbps is recommended. This is increased to 30Mbps if you want to stream in UHD and with Dolby Atmos.
The Whole Home requires a minimum broadband speed of 30mbps for Whole Home plus one Sky Stream Puck. Each additional puck then requires a further 5mbps.
Can I use Sky Glass with any broadband provider?
Yes. Sky Glass works with most UK broadband providers, as long as your connection meets the recommended speed.
Will Sky Glass work if my broadband is down?
Because Sky Glass relies on broadband, live TV and streaming services won’t work during an outage