Sky is primarily known for TV, but their broadband packages—especially bundled with Sky TV—offer solid value. They use Eir and SIRO networks, so coverage is wide.
Sky at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | ~90% via Open Eir + SIRO |
| Max Speed | 1Gb |
| Starting Price | €35/month (broadband only) |
| Year 2 Price | €64/month |
| Contract | 18 months typically |
| Best For | TV + broadband bundles |
Sky's Current Plans
Broadband Only
| Plan | Speed | Year 1 | Year 2 | 2-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superfast | 150Mb | €35 | €52 | €1,044 |
| Ultrafast | 500Mb | €35 | €64 | €1,188 |
| Gigafast | 1Gb | €40 | €72 | €1,344 |
Broadband + TV Bundles
| Bundle | Speed | TV | Year 1 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Stream + BB | 500Mb | 150+ channels | ~€45 | Best value bundle |
| Sky Glass + BB | 500Mb | Built-in TV | ~€50 | Includes Sky Glass TV |
| + Sports/Cinema | Varies | Premium | +€20-40 | Add-ons available |
The Good
1. Best TV Bundles
Sky's main strength is TV integration:
- Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, TNT Sports
- Sky Stream box (or Sky Glass built-in TV)
- Comprehensive channel lineup
- Netflix, Disney+ integration options
If you want premium TV with your broadband, Sky is the clear choice.
2. Wide Availability
Sky uses both Open Eir and SIRO networks, meaning availability matches Eir's ~90% coverage.
3. Competitive Bundle Pricing
When you factor in the TV value, Sky bundles often beat paying separately for broadband + streaming subscriptions.
4. Good Customer Service
Sky's customer service reputation is better than Eir or Virgin Media. Issues are generally resolved more smoothly.
5. Sky Stream/Glass Experience
The Sky Stream box offers a modern streaming-first interface. Sky Glass eliminates the need for a satellite dish entirely.
The Bad
1. 18-Month Contracts
Most Sky plans require 18-month commitments—longer than the industry standard 12 months.
2. Year-Two Price Jump
Broadband-only pricing increases significantly:
- 500Mb: €35/month (Year 1) to €64/month (Year 2) — 83% increase
This makes Sky expensive if you're not bundling with TV.
3. Broadband-Only Not Competitive
For broadband without TV, Sky doesn't offer great value:
- 2-year cost (500Mb): €1,188
- Pure Telecom equivalent: €1,020
4. Sky Stream Recording Limitations
The newer Sky Stream box has restrictions on recording certain channels (notably BBC), which frustrates some users compared to traditional Sky+ boxes.
5. CPI-Linked Increases
Like other major providers, Sky applies annual inflation-linked price increases.
Who Should Choose Sky?
Sky makes sense if:
- You want broadband + premium TV (Sky Sports, Cinema)
- You prefer Sky's streaming interface
- You want wide availability without Virgin coverage requirements
- Customer service quality matters
Sky doesn't make sense if:
- You only need broadband (choose Pure Telecom)
- You're price-sensitive
- You want short contracts
- You don't watch live TV
Sky vs Competitors for TV Bundles
| Provider | BB + TV Bundle | Channels | Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | ~€45-70 | 150+ | Best (Sky Sports) |
| Virgin Media | ~€50-80 | 100+ | Good |
| Eir TV | ~€40-50 | 70+ | Limited |
| Vodafone TV | ~€50 | 70+ | Basic |
Sky wins for sports fans and premium TV watchers.
Sky Glass vs Sky Stream
Sky Stream (€0 upfront):
- Separate streaming box
- Works with any TV
- Requires good WiFi
- Monthly rental included
Sky Glass (from €13/month):
- All-in-one smart TV with Sky built-in
- No dish, no box
- Premium design
- Higher ongoing cost
For most people, Sky Stream offers better value unless you need a new TV anyway.
Verdict
Rating: 3.5/5
Sky is excellent for TV + broadband bundles but not competitive for broadband-only. If you want Sky Sports or Cinema, the bundles make sense. Otherwise, choose Pure Telecom or Vodafone for better broadband value.
Choose Sky if: You want premium TV with your broadband.
Avoid Sky if: You only need broadband (better options exist).
Last updated: January 2026