Sky does n’t often release hardware , but when it does , we ’ve detect it ’s usually jolly skilful . TheStream puckandQ solidification - top boxfulfil similar requirements but do so in slenderly unlike ways , their differences are wide of the mark enough that they ’ll appeal to different consultation .
Unlike theGlass TVwhich does depiction , sound and content without needing extra author , the Stream and Q box are for those who already have a TV and need a source to prey it picture and auditory sensation .
If you ’re expect to get into the Sky ecosystem and are thinking of the best agency to do so , we ’ll help guide you as to what ’s the better option . Sky Stream or Sky Q ?
Price
Since we first save this article , Sky Q with the Sky telecasting and Netflix add - on package has gone up from £ 26 / month to £ 31 / calendar month on an 18 - calendar month contract .
Sky Stream , on the other hired man , presently has a deal that establish more or less cheaper than it was before . An 18 - month is £ 23 / calendar month compared to the £ 27 / calendar month declaration that was available at the beginning of 2023 .
Another difference is that Sky Stream offers the the pick of a 31 - sidereal day rolling contract bridge at £ 26 / calendar month that can be cancelled at any time . Sky Q does n’t offer up that option .
Installation
Sky Q requires a satellite dish to be establish by a professional , so you will need to have one installed one to get the Q military service if you do n’t already have a bag . Sky has made a few alteration so if your satellite connection plump down for any understanding , you may bank on broadband to watch TV .
Sky Stream requires no satellite facility as it runs off the net . All you need to do is stop up it into the top executive and link up to the cyberspace through its Ethernet connexion or Wi - Fi . If your cyberspace go down there is a backing in the signifier of a tellurian antenna .
Of the two , Sky Stream is easier to set up . pass on the style amusement divine service are run low , you may find that Stream is less of a hassle than relying on a satellite service .
Design
Sky Q is the crowing gadget of the two , though its unruffled curves and simple front pattern give it an elegantly minimal appearance . The Stream hockey puck is likewise simplistic in its pattern but takes on a much modest step . The Q is well served placed within an AV cabinet , while the Stream can be positioned next to a TV without string tending .
In terms of connections , the Q has anHDMI port , planet , USB , optical and Ethernet LAN . The Stream puck act over the cyberspace so there ’s no satellite , optical or USB option provided , but there is an aery port in case the internet give-up the ghost down so you may watch terrestrial depicted object via more traditional means .
It really depends on what you ’re looking for here . The Q set - top loge has more connections , and you may plug a sound system straight into it ( as long as it ’s through the optical port )
It ’s also more circumspect and better suited to those who do n’t have quad for a ‘ bigger ’ box next to their idiot box . In this respect , the Stream is the more convenient of the two .
Channels and content
Access to epithelial duct and content depends on your subscription , but in general , Sky Q and Stream gift a similar array of subject matter .
Sky Q has a large numeral of TV channel , partly because it also include standard definition channel . Q also has the likes of BoxNation , FreeSports , Al Jazeera and a few 12 outside channels which are n’t on Stream . you could find out which channel Sky Stream is missingon this varlet .
Sky Stream ( and Sky Glass ) current in HD and above , so the number of channels you have memory access to in the EPG ( electronic program guide ) is few , but that also means not experience to wade through spare channels in a miserable resolve .
The difference between Q and Stream is how content is delivered . With Sky Q , subject matter is institutionalize over a satellite connexion , while Stream is fundamentally an net banner . Both have all the free - to - air channels and access code to premium Sky channels , as well as VOD apps in form ofNetflix , Amazon Prime Video , Disney+,Apple TV+ , Lionsgate+ and more . With sealed Sky subscriptions , subject fromPeacockandParamount+are included as monetary standard .
If you ’re not interested in receiving content over satellite , or indeed a artificial satellite dish ca n’t be instal in your surface area , then Sky Stream is the respectable choice if you have memory access to the internet .
But note that 4 grand streams will take up more internet bandwidth , as will adding more pucks . If you intend to watch in 4 chiliad HDR you ’ll need a fairly high download velocity and some headroom on top of that to accommodate more puck .
Recording
Sky Q carries 12 tuner to record mental object with 1 TB and 2 TB repositing pick available . Sky Stream takes a dissimilar overture to ‘ recording ’ content . With its Playlist feature , content is ‘ saved ’ ( a well word would be bookmarked ) because all content is streamed ( therefore there are no means to download content ) . Content is stored in the cloud , accessible for when you want to learn it , but this approach has its disadvantages .
The main disadvantage is that content subject to right wing agreement will disappear from your Playlist once the agreement pass away . play shows or events like Match of the Day and the NFL Super Bowl are dependent to these type of accord , so once it expires you wo n’t be able-bodied to watch them again on Sky Stream .
On Sky Q the welfare is that a transcription never run out unless you delete it from storage , so you’re able to look on content repeatedly for as long as you desire .
So , if you opt to keep hold of mental object , Sky Q does that . If the want of transcription ability makes no difference to your enjoyment , then Sky Stream fits your needs better .
Multiroom
When it comes to multiroom , each twist tackles it in a unlike mode . If you want to add access to other screens in the home with Sky Q , that can be done with Sky Mini box . These connect directly to the main corner and pullulate live channels from the satellite connection . Recordings can be downloaded over your home internet , and the only prison term the Mini box will need to connect to the internet is to stream from the likes of Prime Video or Disney+ .
With the Stream , Sky offers the Whole Home package . This allows for find out Sky in dissimilar room , and you’re able to have up to six Stream pucks streaming simultaneously . As each one connects to the internet , they eat up bandwidth ( 10Mb / s for HD , 25Mb / s for 4 K ) . A quick net connection and high download speeds is recommended if you go down the multiroom way with Sky Stream .
Verdict
Both Sky Q and Sky Stream have their positive degree and negative , and each equipment carve out its own path in how it operate .
boil in its simplest terms , Sky Q is for those who have ( or can get ) a orbiter connection and are concerned in preserve their recording . Sky Stream run over the internet and has no facility for storing recording unless it ’s in the swarm .
Otherwise , they ’re a middling even match on the content side , with Sky Q volunteer more channels but all the major ace are covered by both devices . Stream is often cheaper , and there ’s the choice of choosing a trilled contract bridge that can be cancelled at any time .
Of the two , Sky Stream is the more approachable whether its the excogitation , payment choice , installing and approach to streaming content . But Sky Q can do much of what Stream does and throws in recording too , as well as being less reliant on using up bandwidth and high-pitched download amphetamine as Stream is , especially if you go down the multiroom itinerary .
