We began the year 2025 with Apple TV hardware but switched to Sky Stream in March, and we have been fairly impressed. We do subscribe regularly to a lot of apps. Here are my thoughts on the various paid and free apps that we use, usage tips and the app casualties not worth subscribing to.
BBC iPlayer
This year’s iPlayer usage for viewing shows has been disappointing. We’ve used it less than usual in 2025 except for popular programmes like “The Traitors” and the “Stacey & Joe” series.
While I’ve always considered the BBC good value, this year it wasn’t. Perhaps it’s time the BBC switched to subscriptions rather than a TV licence.
ITVX
We kicked off the year with several box sets. And finally this year we’ve been able to watch the latest “The Bay” series after delays making it available to UK viewers.
Last month we decided to stop paying for ITVX Premium. We now use Sky’s ad-skipping feature to fast-forward through adverts. Since we don’t use the extra ITVX Premium content, it’s no longer worth the extra premium cost.
Channel 4
This year we’ve enjoyed a diverse range of fantastic content on this app including “Bake Off”, “Married At First Sight” and much more.
I’ve also stopped paying for the ad-free version of channel 4 also due to the ad skipping feature in Sky Stream. However, since we watch so much on this app, I’d go ad-free again if we ever stop subscribing to Sky.
Five
This year a new app launched with fresh content and Fast channels. We don’t watch much on Five except “All Creatures”, “22 Kids and Counting” and “Hotel Inspector”.
Netflix
After years of paying for the premium version, we’ve downgraded the app to the basic with ads version. The content simply wasn’t good enough to pay for 4K anymore and the ad-supported version is already included in our Sky subscription. I personally don’t watch much Netflix anymore though my wife enjoys all the true crime shows.
The ads aren’t bad at all and not many to view. It’s definitely worth the lower-cost subscription with ads. The biggest annoyance though is the new user interface for this app and I am not a fan.
Prime Video
We currently pay for ad-free (extra monthly sub) but I’ll be removing the ad-free ad soon. Production has stopped on a favourite show of mine and will not use Prime as much next year. There’s not much new content to watch but Clarksons Farm is good.
YouTube Premium Lite
This is our absolute favourite app. We started with the full premium version but now use the new Premium Lite app to save money while still enjoying ad free. It’s our most-used app and offers a wealth of excellent content from talented creators.
U (Previously UK Play)
I don’t use this free app at all currently. I might revisit it later this year perhaps to watch “Bergerac”. Hence I have the app.
Paramount +
This app rarely updates with decent new content and I can’t see it lasting. I bought the Black Friday half-price annual membership last year and it’s a complete waste of money. I haven’t renewed.
Disney +
After a year away, we decided to subscribe again late Summer. We chose the cheapest ad-supported plan and the content remains worthwhile. There are some really good new films and now Hulu is available too. It’s a relief they’ve dropped the Star branding; Hulu is much more well-known.
Apple TV
We subscribe whenever something interesting is available to watch. We recently renewed our subscription for the latest “Slow Horses”. Currently, we’re on Apple One Family which slightly reduces the cost.
Discovery Plus
We don’t use it much but get it for free with Sky. We do watch “Richard Hammond’s Workshop” and “Vinnie Jones”.
I believe this app is also being rebranded as Max next year or at least that’s the rumour.
