Ditching Sky Stream for the Google TV Streamer 4K (UK) – Anyone made the switch?
Hey all,
I’m based in the UK, and it’s that time again—my Sky contract has come to an end and the renewal price is ridiculous. But it’s also brought the realization once again: why am I paying so much essentially to stream Freeview TV?
I’ve actually had Sky for years and years, pretty much since I was a child. I tend to go through this exact same "should I, shouldn't I" decision cycle every single time my contract is up. In the past, I’ve tried other UK solutions like EE TV (and BT TV back in the day), and I've even dabbled with Fire TV sticks, a Roku stick, and a Fire TV Cube. I never got on with any of them. At the time, I wasn't familiar with the software or the whole streaming concept, and I found those early sticks incredibly slow and buggy. Ultimately, I always ended up running straight back to Sky+, Sky Q, or whatever variation they had at the time.
However, now that I've become used to the streaming setup with Sky Stream, I can finally see the positives. I hardly ever watch live TV anymore, so an EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) isn't essential for me. I mostly just do a voice search for the show I want, or visit my playlist, select the show, and press play. I know I can still watch live TV if I really want to just by loading up specific apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, or Channel 4.
This brings me to why I'm researching now. I recently came across the Google TV Streamer (4K), which I wasn't at all familiar with. As far as I can tell, it’s more or less the same concept as Sky Stream, just Google and Android-branded.
My current streaming setup looks like this:
- Freeview & Catch-up: 99% of what I watch is on normal Freeview apps anyway, including U (formerly UKTV Play).
- Sky Content: For the handful of shows I watch on Sky, I’ve realized I can just use the NOW app. A NOW Entertainment membership for Sky Atlantic and Sky Max is far cheaper (usually no more than £10 a month, often less with deals) compared to my £40 Sky Stream renewal.
- Prime Video: I hardly use it, but I get it included with my Amazon Prime membership anyway.
- Disney+: I get this free through my bank account.
- Netflix: I barely use it, but I don't mind paying for a basic plan as and when I need it for a couple of months to binge a specific series, and then cancel it.
The feature I'm most curious about: One feature I'm really keen on is the watchlist. Am I right in thinking I can add TV shows and films to my "Watchlist" on my phone via the Google app, and it will automatically sync straight to the streamer? If so, that would be perfect, as the lack of mobile syncing on Sky Stream drives me mad.
My questions for the community:
- Has anyone else in the UK with a heavy Sky background made the jump from Sky Stream to Google TV?
- Knowing that I hated old, slow streaming sticks but quite like the speed and feel of Sky Stream, how does the Google TV Streamer compare performance-wise?
- Are you happy with the decision, or do you have any regrets?
Your views and opinions on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!