Sky Stream vs NOW: Which is better?

When it comes to the wide world of TV and streaming, Sky is a major player.

Since the 1990s, this media company has become a well-known fixture in many homes due to the diverse array of goods and services it offers. These days, their offerings range from Sky TV, Sky Glass, and Sky Live.

Besides the existing entities, it’s worth mentioning that Sky currently holds ownership of NOW (originally branded as NOW TV), a service that debuted in 2012, and Sky Stream, a platform established in 2022.

Initially, it might appear that these two services share common ground since they’re managed by Sky. But there lies a potential issue as they could potentially compete with one another. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that these services cater to distinct clientele with varying requirements.

If you’re having trouble choosing between the two options, we’ve prepared an extensive comparison guide to assist you in making your decision. Our analysis takes multiple aspects into account such as cost, sound quality, and ease of use to determine which one suits your needs optimally.

Sky Stream vs NOW: What are the key differences?

Although Sky Stream and NOW share many similarities, there are several distinctive elements that make them unique from each other.

If you’re on the hunt for a streaming service that provides both liberty and control, then either option is an outstanding pick for you.

Compared to NOW, which only provides 45 channels in its full package, Sky Stream gives you access to hundreds of channels, and even more with additional packages. Moreover, Sky Stream offers a greater number of customization possibilities for enhancing your viewing experience.

Concerning pricing, NOW offers an edge as their plans start at a budget-friendly £6.99 per month, significantly lower than Sky Stream’s £29 monthly cost.

In essence, the quality of service you receive from Sky Stream is contingent upon the amount you’re prepared to spend. Sky Stream provides personalized playlists, in addition to scanning across various streaming platforms, and offers a superior resolution of 1080p compared to NOW’s 720p.

Instead, you can take your access along wherever you go; all that’s required is your login credentials. This contrasts with Sky Stream, which necessitates the use of a physical device.

As a cinephile, I must say, these nuanced variations cater wonderfully to each viewer’s unique preferences. Every customer finds a streaming platform tailored to their individual tastes and requirements, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience that truly feels personalized.

Sky Stream vs NOW in detail

When deciding on a new streaming service, there are several important aspects to take into account. A key factor is the type and variety of content and channels it offers for your viewing pleasure.

In terms of dominance in this field, Sky Stream stands out supreme. It offers access to more than 300 satellite stations, as well as over a hundred premium channels such as Fox and Sky Atlantic. Moreover, it allows you to add extra packages like Sky Cinema and Sky Sports if desired.

Additionally, you’ll have the ability to enjoy a wider range of content from external streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney Plus.

Currently, customers have the option to select either the Entertainment pass as a standalone choice or opt for a mix of Cinema, Sports, and Hayu subscriptions on a monthly basis, based on their preferences. By choosing all passes, they gain access to approximately 45 channels.

Just like Sky Stream, it provides access to third-party streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney Plus, in addition to entertainment channels including Sky Showcase and Sky Atlantic.

Keep in mind that your membership with NOW includes on-demand access to box sets and catch-up TV, which is a feature you’d have to upgrade for with Sky Stream.

Sky Stream vs NOW: UK price

As a cinephile on a budget, I can’t stress enough the significance of cost when choosing a new streaming service. Regardless of your financial status, understanding the pricing structure will help you make an informed decision about where to invest your entertainment dollars.

With Sky Stream, the fundamental plan will cost you £31 monthly on a flexible 31-day agreement. However, by choosing a longer-term commitment of 18 months, you can lower your monthly expense to a more budget-friendly £28.

Additionally, you have the flexibility to incorporate various channel bundles such as Sky Cinema, Sky Kids, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports, along with the possibility to enhance your existing Netflix package by removing advertisements.

You can even combine your Sky Stream package with Ultrafast broadband for £39 a month.

As a cinephile, I’d be thrilled to share an exciting offer! Typically, a monthly Entertainment membership costs £9.99. But here’s a fantastic deal – for the initial six months of your subscription, you can join for only £6.99 per month! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy more movies at a lower cost.

Just like Sky Stream, you too can choose from various add-on packages, including Cinema and Sports.

Sky Stream vs NOW: Design

Another factor to consider is the design of each service.

Sky Stream functions primarily from a compact, square-edged cube (with rounded sides) that blends well due to its matte black finish. Its inconspicuous nature, as it doesn’t necessitate a direct line of sight, makes it effortless to stow away discreetly.

You can connect the puck to your TV via an HDMI 2.1 input, an Ethernet port or an aerial tuner.

With a NOW subscription, no additional hardware is necessary. Instead, you can download the app onto your television, smartphone, or computer, and even save content for offline viewing directly on your mobile device.

You can also get boxes and stick with the NOW platform on them.

Sky Stream vs NOW: Interface

For those accustomed to the Sky Glass interface, it’s worth noting that the layout of Sky Stream is exactly the same. Unlike Sky Glass which necessitates purchasing a new television, Sky Stream can be easily used by merely connecting your puck and getting started right away.

The Sky Stream interface is designed with a focus on personalization and suggestions. It primarily centers around the Playlist feature, which allows you to include shows and movies from your Sky channels, along with content from other streaming platforms.

Users of Sky Stream accounts can organize their media into distinct playlists, offering a customized experience even though it’s not quite equivalent to having individual accounts like some other streaming platforms provide.

You may also leverage the global search tool to scan all streaming platforms on your device. For instance, by typing ‘Anne Hathaway’, you will find her movies spread across various compatible third-party streaming services. If you’ve got the appropriate subscription, you can swiftly navigate to those films.

Much of the content offered by Sky Stream, particularly sports content, can be stored in the cloud for later viewing. However, most content isn’t able to be recorded directly onto the device itself. Instead, it is typically streamed on-demand from either Sky or a third-party app.

Compared to other streaming services, the current interface has a layout that is quite similar, featuring content thumbnails arranged in rows and neatly categorized for easy navigation.

I appreciate that NOW doesn’t have distinct profiles or tailored playlists, but what’s fantastic is the ability to bookmark content on my watchlist and benefit from a handy “Continue Watching” section for series and films I’ve started watching. This way, I never miss out on resuming my viewing journey!

Sky Stream vs NOW: Picture and sound quality

For those with a keen interest in superior visual and audio experiences, we have some valuable insights to share.

Sky Stream typically streams in 1080p resolution, but if you opt for the UHD and Dolby Atmos upgrade, it can handle 4K streaming. This optional extra costs £6 per month on a monthly subscription basis.

To fully enjoy Dolby Atmos, it’s essential to have a UHD and audio-compatible television setup.

Currently, the default streaming resolution for NOW is 720p. However, by adding the NOW Boost feature to your subscription, you have the option to enhance your viewing experience up to 1080p.

Currently, Boost is offering an additional feature: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound audio (for those who have compatible sound systems). This added benefit is available at a monthly cost of £6.

In terms of superior audio-visual performance, one option consistently stands out. However, to fully enjoy the benefits of both services, it’s essential that you already possess a high-definition television or audio system that is compatible with Ultra High Definition (UHD).

Sky Stream vs NOW: Our verdict

Ultimately, your choice between Sky Stream and NOW will significantly depend on the aspects that matter most to you.

If you’re seeking a broad selection of channels, customization options, and superior audio and video quality, then Sky Stream would be an ideal choice for you.

If convenience in terms of watching shows and movies while on-the-go at an affordable price matters most to you, then the current moment, or NOW, would be your ideal choice.

2025-08-20 13:50