With Sky now getting so expensive to run, I have been looking at cheaper options. While the Sky Q software experience is quite good, it’s just not worth the money anymore (see here). An increasing amount of content on the box needs app subscriptions, while Sky’s own channels and productions are just not worth the money Sky wants. I either need to look at other options with Sky to reduce costs or look elsewhere.
My decision currently is that once out of contract with Sky TV, I will likely use an alternative.
Possible options to replace my Sky Q include streaming boxes and TV recorders that include:
Roku box
Now TV
Amazon Fire
EE TV
Sky stream
Apple 4K TV
Freesat
Freeview
Samsung Smart TV
The main requirements will be the ability to stream 4K HDR TV. Support of all the main TV apps is essential, that will also allow live streaming of broadcast channels. Recording showings is not as important as it once was due to streaming capabilities, so I can live without that.
Ideally the new setup to support our viewing habits will be using equipment I already own. The opportunity to reduce app subscriptions and only then pay for Amazon Prime, Disney plus and Netflix is appealing.
I’ve ruled out using my old Now TV USB stick as I will be limited in functionality with limited app support. However, I may revisit the functionality of my Roku box and Amazon Fire boxes to see if they support 4K, without needing a new box. However, I think the models I own are likely HD only due to their age.
Freeview and Freesat are also ruled out for me. For Freeview I would need to install a TV aerial. Freesat is more interesting as it could give capabilities to record if I bought a 4K Freesat box with recording. The difficulty though is the apps are limited and we would likely need to still use app function on the smart TV. Not a huge issue but ideally I don’t want to be switching between systems and want one solution that handles everything.
The EE TV and Sky Stream boxes are an interesting proposition with both having good app support and ability to subscribe to entertainment packages costing around the £30 to £40 a month mark. The EE TV also has an option nowadays to have an Apple 4K TV box.
With EE TV, the advantage is that you can stream all the tv channels as well as run apps. Some app subs are then included such as Netflix.
With Sky Stream, I would need to pay about £39 a month which is a little less than I pay for Sky Q. I would then drop Sky cinema and an advantage here is that it would plug into my Sky Soundbox for enhanced sound. However, not a great saving.
The Apple TV box that I already own is a strong contender though. The app support is excellent and of course supports 4K and HDR. I would likely only need to buy a second remote and work out if I could connect it to my Sky Soundbox which is basically a Devialet system. Certainly this could be the cheapest to run at around £17 (Disney sub is annual and already paying for Amazon Prime) for Netflix.
The last option is using my Samsung smart TV apps. This could be quite good. The downside though may be that Samsung is known for for dropping app support after a few years. Likely in the hope that you then upgrade your tv.
Certainly possibilities exist here to save money. The most appealing options currently are to move to Sky Stteam and have a moderate saving or going all out and using my Apple 4K TV. I guess the downside though with Apple TV is that costs could rise if I give in wanting Sky channels and then subscribe to “Now”.
Contract wise, I am tied to the Sky Q until the end of the year. I will then make a decision. An interesting development which will have influence on my overall choice is what apps will exist by then, particularly for streaming terrestrial TV. A new app is coming out called Freely that will allow streaming of all the main free to air channels soon in 2024. Currently though, details are limited as to which systems will be supported. I will keep an eye on that.
I will keep you posted on this one. Currently, the Apple TV maybe slightly ahead of having Sky Stream. I will also take a look closer the time at EE tv as well.
Do you have any recommendations?
