After more than three years of waiting, Sky has finally updated its all-in-one streaming TV. The original Glass was revolutionary when it launched – the first TV that ditched Sky’s iconic satellite dish completely – but it was far from perfect, with picture quality and sound that left much to be desired.
Having spent the past three years with the original Glass (and some hands-on time with Gen 2), I can tell you that while some things have definitely improved – like the picture quality in dark scenes and the overall sound presence – other issues still remain.
And with Sky keeping the same price point, is this new model actually worth it?
Here’s everything you need to know about the differences between the two models, including what’s actually changed, what hasn’t, and whether you should consider upgrading.
What Is Sky Glass?
Back in 2021, Sky made what was probably its biggest change in 30 years – they started selling their first-ever TV with everything built-in, marking a dramatic shift away from satellite dishes.
After decades of drilling holes in walls and installing dishes (which some housing associations don’t even allow), Sky Glass represented a major turning point: a TV that comes with Sky’s full streaming service built right in, along with Dolby Atmos speakers – and all you need is a broadband connection.
The TV gives you access to Sky’s content library and their live channels, but it also comes with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video (and soon – Max is coming too).
Instead of a traditional hard drive for recordings, you add shows to a cloud-based “Playlist” that streams them on demand.
The original Glass launched to a lot of fanfare, and according to Sky, 90% of their new customers are now choosing either Glass or Sky Stream (their streaming box) over the traditional Sky Q satellite box (though, to be fair, Sky Q is now quite hidden on Sky’s website).
But after more than three years – which is an eternity in TV tech terms – the original Glass was definitely showing its age, especially when compared to newer TVs.
So now, Sky’s finally giving it a hardware refresh with Gen 2.
The good news is that when it comes to content and software features, absolutely nothing has changed between Gen 1 and Gen 2 – they both run Sky OS (previously known as Entertainment OS), and will continue to get the exact same updates going forward.
But the hardware? That’s where things have finally improved… a bit.
Picture Quality: Better, But Don’t Expect Miracles
While both models use 4K Quantum Dot technology, Gen 2 moves to a VA LCD panel type, which typically offers better contrast ratios.
Both still output over 1 billion colours and support the same HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG), but the new model’s additional dimming zones make better use of these capabilities.
Having looked at both models, the blacks are indeed better on Gen 2, but they’re still not close to what you’d get from premium TVs.
Dark HDR scenes, which were quite problematic on the original Glass, have improved somewhat – though you might still find yourself squinting during those moody Netflix dramas.
The viewing angles are notably better though, so family members sitting off to the side won’t suffer as much picture degradation. There’s also a new ambient light sensor working with dynamic gamma adjustment for better contrast.
One disappointing omission is the lack of 120Hz refresh rate – Gen 2 sticks with 60Hz just like the original. That’s a bit of a let-down, especially since many TVs at similar price points now offer 120Hz, which is great for gaming and sports.
Sound: Seven Speakers Are Better Than Six
The sound output has jumped from 215W to 250W total power. The original Glass’s sound system showed promise but often fell short, especially in the bass department (something I’ve noticed consistently over three years of use).
Gen 2 adds an extra speaker, bringing the total to seven, with a completely revised configuration:
- A new dual subwoofer setup (vs single in Gen 1)
- Three outward-firing speakers (left, right, centre)
- Two upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos
Both models support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+, but during my hands-on testing, voices definitely seemed clearer on Gen 2, and the overall sound had more presence.
The bass has improved thanks to the dual subwoofer setup, but even now, don’t expect it to replace a proper external subwoofer.
Design and Build: Slimmer and Lighter
Gen 2 brings some significant physical improvements across all sizes:
- 43″: Down from 19kg to 14.7kg with stand
- 55″: Reduced from 28kg to 21.9kg with stand
- 65″: Dropped from 35kg to 30.3kg with stand
The new model comes in Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver, and Atlantic Blue, replacing the original’s Ceramic White, Anthracite Black, Racing Green, and Dusty Pink options.
There’s also a completely redesigned tool-free stand that simply slots into place – a massive improvement over the original’s screw-based assembly.
One niggle that hasn’t been fixed is the awkward HDMI port placement – they’re still flat against the back, making them tricky to access, especially if you wall-mount the TV.
All models retain three HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC support, and no Optical port (so if you DO want to connect an external soundbar, you’d have to sacrifice the eARC HDMI port).
Power and Efficiency
Power consumption varies between the models:
- 43″ Gen 2: 53W SDR/93W HDR (vs 66W SDR/79W HDR)
- 55″ Gen 2: 52W SDR/165W HDR (vs 77W SDR/117W HDR)
- 65″ Gen 2: 71W SDR/232W HDR (vs 85W SDR/169W HDR)
The larger models actually use more power in HDR mode than their predecessors, likely due to the enhanced brightness capabilities.
Price and Value
Sky has kept the pricing identical to the original model:
Monthly payments (48 months):
- 43″: £14/month (£20 upfront)
- 55″: £19/month (£20 upfront)
- 65″: £24/month (£20 upfront)
Or buy outright from £699 to £1,199, plus your chosen Sky subscription package.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Sky Glass 1 | Sky Glass 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | ||
| Panel Type | Quantum Dot | Quantum Dot VA LCD |
| Local Dimming | Standard zones | Enhanced zones |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Audio | ||
| Total Power | 215W | 250W |
| Speakers | 6 total (1 subwoofer) | 7 total (2 subwoofers) |
| Physical (65″) | ||
| Weight w/stand | 35kg | 30.3kg |
| Depth w/stand | 28.8cm | 32.9cm |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI | 3x HDMI 2.1 | 3x HDMI 2.1 |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Starting Price | ||
| 43″ (48 months) | £14/month | £14/month |
Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the original Glass and you’re happy with it, there’s probably no pressing need to upgrade. The improvements are welcome but incremental – especially considering there’s no upgrade programme or trade-in option.
However, if you’re in the market for Sky Glass for the first time, Gen 2 is definitely the one to go for. It addresses some (though not all) of the original’s shortcomings, while keeping the same price point.
Just remember that this is most certainly not a premium TV despite its somewhat considerable price.
According to Sky, the price still represents a good deal, since you’re also getting the built-in soundbar – but you can certainly find cheaper combinations out there (or better TVs, at this price range).
Therefore – you’re paying a premium for getting everything from Sky in one box.
Also, remember that the streaming and content experience remains identical between both models, so you’re really just paying for the hardware improvements.
It’s worth mentioning that Sky has also announced Sky Glass Air this week – a slimmer version without the built-in soundbar that’s coming later this year.
While we don’t have full details yet, it’ll come in the same three sizes but with side-mounted ports (finally!) and its own set of colours (Carbon Grey, Cotton White and Sea Green).
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