The Sky Q concept as a whole is not one box. In fact, it's three - as a minimum. And they may be becoming a dated concept as Sky begins to pivot towards promoting its Sky Stream TV-via-internet packages. However, if you decide you just want Sky TV, with no broadband and only in one room, then you'll only need one box. Anything more than that and you are going to need more boxes, which Sky will supply you, depending on what you choose. Let's take a look at them to get a clearer idea of which you'll need.
As outlined above, there are essentially three different Sky Q boxes. The main Sky Q box, the Mini and the Hub router.
For basic Sky TV all you'll need is the Sky Q box. That's it. Nothing else. If you also want Sky broadband, you can add it on after you have put together your Sky TV bundle. As with any provider, Sky broadband availability depends on the area, so you will be asked to put in your postcode to check.
If you want to watch Sky on more screens, you will need to sign up to Sky Multiscreen. For an extra monthly fee, Sky will provide you with one Sky Mini box to watch your Sky TV content on one other TV screen. If you want to watch on additional TVs, you will require more Sky Mini boxes – a maximum of four are allowed in total but the price for each extra box on top of the first one is extremely expensive. Note that you can only order additional Mini boxes after you have placed your Sky TV order.
Finally, if you have a 4K TV and want to watch Sky's – somewhat limited – 4K programming, you will have to request a Sky Q 2TB box or UHD box, which not only provides double the storage space, but also enables 4K viewing. You will also need to pay extra and bolt on the UHD pack to your chosen Sky bundle. This box is not available at the point of ordering – you will need to contact Sky after you have placed your order.
All Sky TV packages come with the basic Sky Q 1TB box. You can choose to upgrade to the 2TB box if you wish, and add Sky Q mini boxes if you want multiscreen. Although you can watch SKy TV without broadband, you will need a broadband service in order to enjoy the benefits of Sky Q, such as accessing TV shows and movies on demand.
In terms of your Sky TV package, everything starts with basic Sky TV, which is currently referred to as Sky TV Ultimate, and forms the core of Sky’s TV offering. This includes 18 Sky channels, including Sky Atlantic and Sky Showcase, along with around another 280 channels in total. It also comes with 500 Box Sets, a Netflix Basic subscription, and Sky Go – the mobile app – that allows you to enjoy your Sky TV subscription anywhere on your laptop or mobile. From this core offering, customers can then choose to add on various extras.
As a whole, Sky Q is a set-top box, an app, several smaller boxes known as Sky Q Minis (if you want multiroom TV), and a broadband router (Sky Q Hub) if you're bundling TV with Sky broadband. Together they are designed to bring a seamless, integrated internet and entertainment experience to your entire household. Here are the services Sky Q can deliver, depending on the type of package you choose.
Of course, Sky isn't the only game in town when it comes to TV. However, there are really only two major alternatives that offer a decent subscription TV deal on top of their broadband offering. Namely, Virgin Media and BT. NOW TV is the only other option – essentially Sky TV in another form. Let's take a quick look.
They come and go. Most of the time, depending on what you get – TV and broadband or just broadband – you'll find some sort of introductory offer. This will usually take the form of a voucher, cashback or some sort of free gift for signing up. You can see what's available right now on this very page. Just go to the top of the page and check the 'includes offer' box on the left, under 'Pricing and contract'.
Sky Q deals start from £14 per month but it depends what you're getting. The Sky Q box itself will only cost you extra if you opt for the 2TB model, while the deals and bundles vary in price depending on what's included.
It changes constantly. And what do we mean by best? Cheapest? Most channels? Best can mean different things to different people. The best way to find the deal that's suited to you, however, is right here on this page. Use the filters and tools in the main list to hone down exactly what you want.
Any sort will do, so long as it's not absolutely ancient. Any reasonably modern, flat-panel television with an HDMI input will suffice. If you want to watch Sky in 4K (very, very high resolution) content, you will need a compatible 4K TV.
Yes. In fact, Sky would prefer that you did. And if you want the full Sky Q ecosystem, it really is better to go with Sky broadband bundled with Sky TV.