Through advancing technologies and the emergence of flashy new systems, one thing is for certain, we do love to be entertained. The best TVs are always in a state of flux, with both hardware and software constantly evolving to deliver an ultimately better viewing experience. Sky Glass is one such development. It's been around since 2021, and there's a lot to love, but if you're unfamiliar with the TV range and are wondering what Sky Glass entails, we've got you covered.
We got our hands on a Sky Glass TV for ourselves – which you can read about more in our review – so we know the ins and outs of the TV well. Below, there's everything you need to know about the Sky Glass experience.
What is Sky Glass?
Sky has long been a household name in television. If you're of a certain pedigree, you'll remember the classic Sky boxes from back in the day. In 2021, Sky decided it was going to change the game once again, or at least take a very good stab at it. Sky Glass was launched, an all-encompassing TV viewing experience spearheaded by the brand-new Sky Glass TV which folded TV tech and its streaming and services packages into one.
Sky Glass isn't just a TV, it's an entertainment package.
How does Sky Glass work?
The Sky Glass experience works much like many other smart TVs. You choose which Sky TV you’d like, there are three sizes: 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch. You have the choice between five colours, too, including Anthracite Black, Ocean Blue, Racing Green, Dusky Pink, and Ceramic White.
Once you’ve picked your Sky Glass TV, you can add on and customise your package and subscriptions. You’ll have all of Sky's streaming and content to choose from, and you can make an entirely personal plan.
How much is Sky Glass and how do you pay for it?
There are a few ways to pay for Sky Glass, but whichever way you choose you have the TV itself to pay for and then any subscriptions you select on top of that.
You can pay for the Sky Glass TV in one go, with the prices ranging from £699 to £1,199, depending one each respective screen size. These prices are fair and representative of the wider market – for example, the Sky Glass 55-inch TV is in a similar ballpark to some of the best 50-inch TVs that are currently retailing.
The other payment option is that you can pay for the TV and your custom package as a recurring monthly bill. Monthly payments start from £14 per month for the smallest screen, but that is before any add-ons.
Is Sky Glass worth it?
For some, Sky Glass is a logical choice if you’re after that all-in-one entertainment experience. You’re getting some impressive hardware and an all-class entertainment catalogue wrapped up in one package. If you’re guaranteed to make the most out of a Sky Glass TV and the subscriptions on offer, it’s tough to see Sky Glass not being a worthwhile investment. At either the touch of a button or the mutter of a command, you have a near-endless supply of channels at your disposal. Sky Cinema, Sports, Atlantic, Kids, Showcase, Sci-Fi, and much, much more.
Its integration with Sky services makes it special, so if you just want a new TV to watch some Blu-rays and plug in your favourite streaming device, then Sky Glass is not worth it.
Sky Glass vs smart TVs
There’s no ignoring the fact that Sky Glass and 4K smart TVs both aim to offer similar experiences. There’s also no denying the elements of Sky Glass that knock smart TVs out of the competition. For example, Sky Glass eliminates the need for a satellite dish or a TV box, meaning you don’t just have access to the Sky channels, but you have access to all channels as soon as you power it up. You can even add the streaming packs to your plan, meaning you can watch Sky TV on other screens that aren't even Sky Glass TVs. Sky Glass TVs also come with a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar, which packs a real punch.
That being said, there are many smart TVs on the market that outperform Sky Glass TV in a few ways. For example, there are sharper 4K screens available, and the integration of a soundbar, though exciting for some, adds a powerful sound that might be over doing it for smaller rooms.
The Sky Glass TV range is a clever all-in-one package that tick many boxes, but for those looking for a refined viewing experience from a TV, Sky Glass might not be up your alley. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.