Sky's newest streaming TV is now available but is it worth the upgrade?
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Sky’s dish-free TV just got a refresh. The satellite giant has just taken the covers off of the second generation of Sky Glass, its all-in-one TV with Sky built-in.
Sky Glass 2, like the original – which went live back in October 2021 – means no satellite dish, no streaming box, and no extra clutter. You just need a solid internet connection and you’re good to go.
But how does the new model compare to the first-gen TV? And do you need to upgrade from the original Sky Glass to the new model, or indeed can you?
Read on to find out all the answers and more…
Sky Glass 2 vs Sky Glass 1: Price
This is an easy one as the 2nd-gen Sky Glass is not only replacing the Gen 1 models, it’s also keeping the same pricing.
With Sky Glass you can either buy the TV outright or, more commonly, add a monthly payment to a 24 or 48-month contract.
There are 3 sizes to choose from – 43, 55 and 65-inch – and it’s £14 a month for the smaller option (or £699 up front) to £24 a month for the 65-inch version (or £1,199 up front). This is for a 48 month contract and there’s also a £20 fee up front.
If you want a wall mount it’s an extra £2 a month on top.
You’ll then need to choose your TV package to go with your shiny new Glass 2.
The Sky Essential TV is the entry level pack, and includes more than 100 channels such as Sky Atlantic, Netflix (with ads) and Discovery+. It costs £15 a month.
Sky Ultimate TV includes all of the above and more (including Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries, Sky Crime, Sky History and Sky Showcase) for £22 a month.
You will pay extra for the likes of Sky Sports, Sky Movies, Sky Kids and TNT Sports. If you opt for Sky Glass and you want Sky in additional rooms, you’ll use a Sky Stream puck. You’ll have to pay a monthly fee for multi-room but you don’t have to pay for two Sky subscriptions.
Compared: Sky Glass v Sky Stream
Once your contract ends, your Sky Glass will function as a regular TV, but you’ll lose access to Sky’s premium channels and smart features, like voice control, unless you renew.
If Sky Glass sounds too pricey, then it’s worth noting that the upcoming Sky Glass Air promises to be a more affordable, stripped-down version. It’s set to launch later this year.
Sky Glass 2 vs Sky Glass 1: Design
The Sky Glass Gen 2 comes in three size options of 43-inches, 55-inches and 65-inches, like the original Sky Glass.
At first glance, Sky Glass Gen 2 looks nearly identical to its predecessor, but there are some subtle refinements if you look closely.
The stand system has been redesigned; instead of screws, the new version features two prongs that slide directly into the TV, which should make assembly a breeze. Sky has also managed to shave 5kg off of the weight of the stand.
If you prefer wall-mounting, there’s now a tilt-and-swivel system that lets it sit flush against the wall while still offering flexibility.
Colour options have changed slightly, as well. Gen 1 came in five shades, but Gen 2 trims that down to three: Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver, and Atlantic Blue.
The remote and soundbar fascia match the new chassis colours, giving the whole setup a more unified look.
Sky Glass 2 vs Sky Glass 1: Picture quality
Sky Glass Gen 2 boasts a brighter 4K Quantum Dot display, along with advanced HDR and precision contrast enhancement technology designed to make blacks blacker and whites whiter. There’s a wider viewing angle too, and Sky has told us the Gen 2 model also offers a more accurate display than the original Sky Glass.
Sky Glass 2 boasts more dimming zones and upgraded local dimming, aiming for better brightness precision and wider viewing angles.
That’s a welcome change, as Gen 1’s contrast performance was decent but not outstanding.
Sky has expanded and refined the presets for Gen 2, offering more content-specific modes, including Entertainment, Movies, Music, Auto, Vivid, Extra Vivid, and Sport. Hopefully, this means less tweaking to get an optimal picture.
One area that hasn’t changed is the refresh rate. Gen 2 sticks with 60Hz, so while it’s fine for everyday viewing, gamers won’t find next-gen features like 120Hz support, VRR, or ALLM here.
Sky Glass Gen 2 runs on Sky OS, a rebrand of the Entertainment OS found on Gen 1. Core functionality remains the same: all major streaming apps are built-in (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Spotify, and BBC Sounds), and voice controls work hands-free—no need to talk into the remote.
HDR support is unchanged as well, with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG making the cut, but still no HDR10+
Sky Glass 2 vs Sky Glass 1: Sound quality
Sound is probably the biggest upgrade between the two generations. While the first Sky Glass delivered surprisingly good sound for an all-in-one TV, the second-gen model adds dedicated up-firing speakers to its Dolby Atmos setup. That should make for a more immersive 360-degree sound experience.
The original already performed well in terms of width, height, and bass performance. The seven-speaker, 3.1.2-channel system in the new Sky Glass builds on that foundation, with Sky promising richer, more cinematic audio. Atmos thrives on having physical height channels, so this change could make a big difference.
Sky Glass 2 vs Sky Glass 1: Features and software
Sky Glass 2, like the first-gen Sky Glass, runs on Sky OS, which is a rebrand of the Entertainment OS.
So the core functionality remains the same. All the major streaming apps are built-in (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Spotify, and BBC Sounds), and voice controls work hands-free, so there’s no need to talk into the remote.
Have a look at our Sky Glass and Sky Stream tips and tricks feature for a run down of some of the things Sky Glass can do.
Sky Glass 2 vs Sky Glass 1: Which one is right for you?
With Sky Glass 2 outright replacing the original, at the same price, there’s no real debate; Sky Glass 2 is the only version you can now get.
But that’s a good thing as the upgraded brightness, local dimming, and sound system should deliver noticeable improvements, while refinements in design and usability make the package even more appealing.
If you already own a first-gen Sky Glass, the improvements might not be dramatic enough to justify an upgrade… and that’s not actually a direct option for now.
You can’t return your Gen 1 Sky Glass to upgrade to Gen 2, you’ll need to finish any payments you have outstanding for your current Sky Glass.
However, you can add a Gen 2 model anytime you like. This would potentially mean paying for both TVs, but with the Whole Home pack, they’ll sync up seamlessly. If you’re fully paid up for your 1st-gen Sky Glass, and you’re considering a new TV for another room, then Glass 2 is a tantalising option.
For new buyers, Sky Glass Gen 2 is the obvious, and only, choice… at the moment.
Don’t forget that Sky Glass Air is arriving later this year with a lower price.
FAQs
No, Sky doesn’t offer a trade-in or upgrade program. You can, however, choose to keep your Gen 1 TV and move it to another room.
Yes, but you’ll need to continue paying off your first Sky Glass. If you add a Gen 2 model, you’ll pay for both TVs, but the Whole Home pack allows them to sync seamlessly.
Yes, since both TVs run on Sky OS, software updates and new features will be available on Gen 1 as well. However, hardware-specific improvements (like better sound and display quality) are exclusive to Gen 2.
Yes, Gen 2 has replaced the original Sky Glass. However, Sky Glass Air, a more affordable version, is set to launch later this year.
