What is Sky Stream? The new Sky platform you can use with just a plug in from October 18

Today Sky has launched a new platform called Sky Stream. We know, it feels like there has been a barrage of new streaming sites over the past couple of years, with Paramount+ launching in the UK in June, Disney+ launching in 2020, and platforms offering better deals and an increasing number of mind-blowing shows as the market gets ever more crowded.

So it makes sense that Sky would want to get involved. Available for purchase from October 18, Sky Stream customers will be able to stream Sky’s cutting-edge interface Sky Glass, plus other TV apps, to any TV over Wi-Fi, rather than having to get anything specially installed. As with an Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, you just plug the device into your TV, and you’re ready to go.

But what will be available to watch? And is it actually cost-effective? Here’s everything there is to know about the new streaming site.

What’s it all about?

The idea is that Sky Stream is the easier way to get Sky’s super modern Sky Glass interface and features, without having to buy a special TV (up until now Sky Glass has come inside of a TV).

Everything is streamlined - all the apps (such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, iPlayer and Amazon Prime) are in one place, customers will have access to 120 channels, there’s voice remote control, and now all you need is Wi-Fi.

What are Sky Stream’s notable features?

Sky Stream’s main selling point is that platform will be straightforward to access, but there are dozens of other features too.

These include voice remote control, a standard HD interface (with Ultra HD available too), and Sky Stream has been set up to work with high dynamic range (HDR) televisions, too.

You can restart TV shows even when they’re live, and make playlists from apps, channels, on-demand and live, so you can aggregate all your favourite TV shows in one place.

How do you actually use it?

It’s really simple: plug Sky Stream into a power socket and then into your TV’s HDMI output, then connect to the internet and you’re done. You just need to make sure your internet has a minimum speed of 10Mbps.

How much will it cost? And where can I buy it?

Arguably the biggest selling point of the new platform is its price. There are two options: a 31-day rolling plan (which you can cancel anytime) which is from £29 a month, or there’s an 18-month contract option, which is from £26 a month. Both of these options include Sky Ultimate TV & Netflix Basic.

(For comparison, at the moment if you buy a Sky Glass TV on Sky.com you can get a 48 month interest free loan from £37 a month, which includes a 43” TV.)

Then Sky offers all the usual add-ons, such as BT Sport, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and UHD & Dolby Atmos. There’s an extension option too for £12, after which five additional devices in your home can also use Sky Stream.

You can buy it from October 18 on Sky.com and it’ll be available to purchase in Sky stores and hubs too. If you buy online the device is sent next-day delivery.

Any hidden costs?

They aren’t hidden, but it’s worth noting that there’s a £39.95 “set-up fee” for the service, which is £20 if you go for the 18-month contract option.

What are the top shows I could watch?

Well, the possibilities are really almost endless. Imagine – there are all of Sky’s own shows, which include House of the Dragon and Gangs of London, plus Netflix (so, Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, Squid Games, etc), plus all the shows on Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, YouTube, Discovery+, Peacock, and Fiit. All in all that covers over 120 channels, so really, the better question is what shows are not going to be available on the site?

Sky Stream will be available in the UK from October 18.