If you’re still on the fence regarding Sky’s streaming-based box, Sky Stream – the company is rebooting a tempting offer: a no-strings-attached, entirely free 1-month trial of the box, along with Sky’s premium channels, Netflix, and Freeview via streaming.
Sky Stream, a standalone 4K streaming box also referred to as the “puck,” has made waves since its introduction last year due to it being a major turning point for Sky – in more ways than one.
Eschewing traditional satellite-based broadcasting, Sky Stream harnesses the power of broadband to deliver content, positioning itself alongside the likes of Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google’s Chromecast in the streaming device market.
This time around, Sky is taking care of the costs, including the setup fee, as part of the promotion. As such, potential users can sample the service and the device for one month, obligation-free (just be careful not to sign up for the 18-month contract, if you don’t want any strings attached – see full details below).
Also on the docket is Sky’s other streaming-based device, Sky Glass, which comes with an offer of 3 free months and an optional 6 free months of Sky Sports deal, subject to an 18-month contract.
Of course, as with any offer – there are a few caveats. And, it’s worth learning what Stream and Glass can and can’t do – so read ahead for more.
What Is Sky Stream?
Sky Stream (see my review) is a standalone 4K streaming box, also known as the “puck”, launched by Sky last year.
Unlike Sky’s older devices (such as Sky Q), Stream doesn’t use a satellite dish but relies on broadband (via WiFi or Ethernet) to stream content, comparable to other popular streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google’s Chromecast.
Once you sign up for Sky’s service, you get all of Sky’s channels, as well as third-party channels and some Freeview channels, streamed to the box via broadband.
Sky Stream also includes apps for most of the major streaming services available in the UK, including Amazon’s Prime Video, Netflix, and Paramount+
Another major difference between Stream and Sky’s dish-based boxes, is that Sky Stream doesn’t require a long-term contract. The basic contract is a rolling 31-day agreement that you can cancel at any time without penalty charges.
However, an 18-month contract option is also available, which can lower your monthly subscription costs
Another broadband-based solution from Sky is its TV set – Sky Glass (see my review). It’s a 4K TV set with a QLED HDR display and a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar with six speakers.
Sky Glass uses the same OS as Stream – but, in Glass’ case, you have to buy the TV itself along with Sky’s service and channels.
And of course, there’s also Sky’s long-running streaming-only service, NOW – which works on every streaming device and doesn’t need a specific one from Sky – see my Sky Stream VS NOW comparison.
- Also See: Sky Stream Questions Answered
Sky Stream Pricing
Normally, Sky Stream’s cost depends on whether you take the 31-day contract (which you can cancel anytime) or the 18-month contract.
The mandatory basic package for Sky Stream users is Sky Ultimate, which includes Sky Entertainment (a pack of channels like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, and others), Freeview, and the basic Netflix plan with a video resolution of 720p
It’s worth noting that even though Netflix recently discontinued its Basic, ad-free plan for new subscribers – that plan is still available on Sky’s bundles – so that’s what you’ll be getting here (unless you upgrade).
The rolling-contract version of this package on Sky Stream normally costs £29/month, and the same plan, with the 18-month contract, is £26/month.
On top of that, you can add more packs and channels from Sky and 3rd parties. As of this writing, the costs are:
- Sky Cinema (which includes Paramount+) for £13/month on the rolling contract, and £11/month on the 18-month contract.
- Sky Sports is currently on offer for £20/month (instead of £25) on the 18-month contract, and is £27/month on the rolling contract.
- Sky Kids for £6/month on either contract.
- TNT Sports (Previously BT Sport) – Currently on offer for £28/month (instead of £30) on either contract.
If you want to add 4K and Dolby Atmos, that’s another £6/month. And if you want to be able to fast forward adverts – that’s £5/month (it used to be free on the first year – but that’s no longer the case).
And lastly, if you want to be able to watch in other rooms – you need the “Whole Home” add-on, which is £12/month. The first Whole Home puck (so the second for you in total) is free for now – but you will have to pay £39.95 for additional ones.
Sky Stream’s Free Trial Offer
As part of this limited-time offer, you can get Sky Stream (the puck), along with a full month of Sky Ultimate (with Sky Atlantic and many other premium entertainment channels), along with Netflix and Freeview via streaming – for £0.
You can choose whether to sign up for the 31-day rolling contract or the 18-month contract – but be careful – if you sign up for the 18-month contract, you’ll start paying the regular £26/month once your first month is up (for 17 more months) – so it’s a free month, but not a free trial in that case.
However, if you sign up for the rolling contract – and then decide to cancel within the first month – you’ll end up paying nothing (you do have to return the puck to Sky though).
You can also get the rolling contract and then – if you’re satisfied – switch to the 18-month contract later on and lower your monthly cost (Although I’m not a big fan of long-term TV contracts – as you lose the cord cutting flexibility of being able to switch between different streaming services at will).
Also note that if you choose to add any additional add-ons to Sky Ultimate, those will NOT be free, and you’re going to pay for them from Day 1.
And unfortunately, as is usually the case – the offer is only available for new Sky Stream customers.
Sky Glass Offer: Get Sky Sports For Free
If you’re also looking into Sky Glass – the full TV set from Sky – it’s currently available with 3 free months of Sky Ultimate.
But, as an added cherry on top – you can also get Sky Sports for free – for six full months – if you get Sky Glass and add Sky Sports with an 18-month contract (though there are ways to save on Sky Sports without taking long-term trials).
Remember that once the free months are up, you’ll start paying the regular Sky Sports price, which is currently £25/month.
Also, keep in mind – with Glass, you’re also buying the TV set.
Why they trying to force people to Netflix?