Sky Glass Gen 2 TV Review (2025): Three Months Later – Is It Worth Buying?
By Tech Spurt, Home Entertainment Expert | Published May 25, 2025
Looking for a Sky Glass TV Gen 2 review to decide if this 2025 model is right for your UK home? Launched in February 2025, the Sky Glass Gen 2 is an all-in-one 4K QLED TV that streams shows, films, and sports without a satellite dish. Priced from £699 for the 43-inch to £1,199 for the 65-inch, it’s available at Sky’s website, Currys, or John Lewis with 24- or 48-month payment plans. Three months after its release, this review, inspired by a detailed YouTube analysis (Sky Glass Gen 2 Review), explores its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to rivals like the Samsung QN90F (£799) and TCL QM7K (£749). From its vibrant display to Dolby Atmos audio, here’s our Sky Glass TV Gen 2 review with 10 reasons to buy, specs, and tips for UK buyers.
What Makes the Sky Glass Gen 2 Special in 2025?
The Sky Glass Gen 2 upgrades the 2021 model with a brighter 4K QLED display, seven-speaker Dolby Atmos audio, and a sleek Sky OS. Available in 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch sizes, it comes in Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver, or Atlantic Blue. It streams Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Sky Sports, and more, needing only a reliable broadband connection (~30Mbps for 4K). Ideal for UK flats or homes, it has drawbacks like a reflective screen and no gaming support. This Sky Glass TV Gen 2 review covers why it’s a top mid-range choice, with practical advice for British shoppers.
Note: Prices are in GBP (£) as of May 2025. Check Sky’s website, Currys, or John Lewis for deals, as subscriptions (e.g., Sky Entertainment) add to costs. A Sky Broadband subscription is required.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Sky Glass Gen 2 (2025) TV
1. Bright 4K QLED Display for Vivid Pictures
The Sky Glass Gen 2’s 4K QLED panel (3840×2160) has more LEDs than its predecessor, delivering brighter whites and deeper blacks, per the YouTube review. It supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, making House of the Dragon on Sky Atlantic look stunning. Auto Mode can dim visuals, but Vivid Mode enhances clarity. The reflective screen struggles in bright rooms, unlike the Samsung QN90F’s matte coating.
Why It Matters: Enjoy Premier League matches or Netflix with rich colours.
Example: Watching The Traitors in a Leeds flat, the QLED’s vibrancy shines, though daytime glare is noticeable.
Tip: Use Vivid Mode, set brightness to ~80%. Add curtains (£10) or an anti-glare film (£5) from Amazon UK.
Comparison: The TCL QM7K (~900 nits) is brighter, but Sky’s HDR versatility stands out.
2. Cinematic Dolby Atmos Audio Built-In
With 7 speakers (3.1.2 setup, 240W), including a soundbar and up-firing drivers, the Gen 2 offers Dolby Atmos, per the review. It fills small rooms (100-150 sq. ft.) with immersive sound for No Time to Die or FA Cup finals. Vocal Enhancement Mode ensures clear dialogues at low volumes. It beats the Samsung QN90F’s 60W audio but isn’t as powerful as a Sonos Arc (£899).
Why It Matters: Saves ~£200 on a soundbar for UK budgets.
Example: In a Manchester home, Gladiator II’s battle scenes sound epic without extra speakers.
Tip: Enable Bass Boost for films. Pair with a Sky Soundbox (£249) for larger spaces. Set treble to ~3 for dialogues.
Comparison: The TCL QM7K (40W) lacks audio depth.
3. Smooth Sky OS with Your Favourite Apps
Sky OS 2025 is intuitive, integrating Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, Sky Sports, and Crunchyroll, per the review. Continue Watching tracks shows across apps, and Playlists save Doctor Who episodes. It suggests unsubscribed services like Apple TV+, which can frustrate. It’s less customizable than Tizen OS on the Samsung QN90F but ideal for streaming.
Why It Matters: Quickly find Strictly Come Dancing or football.
Example: A Bristol family resumes Sherwood on BBC iPlayer via their Playlist.
Tip: Organize Playlists by user (e.g., kids, adults). Update apps via Sky OS. Disable non-subscribed service prompts in settings.
Comparison: TCL QM7K’s Google TV is more flexible, but Sky OS is streamlined.
4. Handy Voice and Motion Controls
The “Hello Sky” voice control is ~80% accurate, searching for Great British Bake Off or recommending content, per the review. It’s less sensitive to false triggers than the original. The Find My Remote feature beeps to locate it, great for cluttered UK homes. Motion detection turns the TV on when you enter, but it can annoy during quiet tasks. It’s more reliable than TCL QM7K’s voice system.
Why It Matters: Saves time navigating apps.
Example: A Sheffield mum says, “Hello Sky, play ITV,” starting I’m a Celebrity instantly.
Tip: Disable motion detection for quiet moments. Use clear voice commands. Get a £5 remote organizer from Argos.
Comparison: Samsung QN90F supports Bixby and Alexa, but Sky’s voice is simple.
5. Premium Design with Easy Wall-Mounting
The Gen 2’s aluminium frame in Grey, Silver, or Blue looks sleek, per the review. Its flush back and optional wall brackets (£99) make mounting easy (300x300mm VESA for 55-inch). At 30.3kg (65-inch), it’s heavier than the Samsung QN90F (~24kg), and the stand wobbles on uneven floors. The tool-free stand simplifies setup.
Why It Matters: Fits stylish UK homes or flats.
Example: A London couple mounts their 55-inch Gen 2, saving space for holiday decorations.
Tip: Hire a professional for mounting (£50). Use a sturdy TV unit (£30) for stands. Choose a frame colour to match your decor.
Comparison: TCL QM7K’s design is less premium.
6. Wide Viewing Angles for Family Viewing
The Gen 2’s QLED panel offers better viewing angles (~30° with minimal fade), per the review, perfect for UK families on wide sofas. At extreme angles (>45°), colours dim, unlike OLEDs like the LG C5 (£1,099). It outperforms the TCL QM7K for group viewing.
Why It Matters: Great for watching Taskmaster with friends.
Example: A Birmingham family enjoys Six Nations rugby, with clear visuals from side seats.
Tip: Keep viewers within 30° for best colours. Use Entertainment Mode for groups. Add £10 cushions for comfort.
Comparison: Samsung QN90F’s angles are slightly better but pricier.
7. Eco-Friendly Features Save Energy
Using 22% recycled materials, plastic-free packaging, and an ambient light sensor, the Gen 2 reduces power use, per The Guardian. Auto-standby activates when no motion is detected, saving energy in UK homes. It’s greener than the Samsung QN90F.
Why It Matters: Cuts energy bills for eco-conscious Brits.
Example: A Cardiff family saves ~£5/month with auto-standby during work hours.
Tip: Enable Eco Mode in settings. Unplug when not in use. Recycle old TVs via Currys (£10).
Comparison: TCL QM7K lacks recycled materials.
8. Flexible Payment Plans for Budgets
Starting at £699 (43-inch) or £14/month over 48 months, the Gen 2 is affordable, per the review. A Sky Entertainment subscription (£15/month) is needed, with add-ons like Sky Sports (£31/month) or UHD + Dolby Atmos (£6/month). Total costs can hit £1,800 over two years, more than the TCL QM7K (£749).
Why It Matters: Eases costs for UK households.
Example: A Liverpool teacher pays £18/month for a 55-inch, enjoying Sky Cinema without a big cost.
Tip: Choose a 24-month plan to save. Check Sky’s website for bundles (e.g., free Sky Sports for 3 months).
Comparison: Samsung QN90F lacks payment plans but is cheaper long-term.
9. Reliable Connectivity Options
With 3 HDMI ports (1 eARC), USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, the Gen 2 connects soundbars, consoles, or USB drives, per the review. Ethernet ensures stable streaming, but Wi-Fi dropouts occur, unlike the Samsung QN90F. It’s enough for most UK setups.
Why It Matters: Supports multiple devices.
Example: A Glasgow family connects a Fire Stick and soundbar, streaming Happy Valley via Ethernet.
Tip: Use Ethernet for 4K (£5 cable). Add a Wi-Fi booster (£20) from Argos. Use HDMI 2 (eARC) for soundbars.
Comparison: TCL QM7K’s 4 HDMI 2.1 ports are better for multi-device use.
10. Sky Glass Air: Cheaper Alternative Coming Soon
The Sky Glass Air, launching late 2025, offers a budget 4K QLED panel (less bright), no soundbar, and Sky OS, per the review. Expected at ~£500 (43-inch) in black, white, or green, it’s ideal for small UK homes.
Why It Matters: Affordable Sky tech for budget buyers.
Example: A Brighton student plans to buy the Air for their flat, adding a soundbar for Gogglebox.
Tip: Watch for Air deals on Currys. Pair with a JBL soundbar (£149). Check TechRadar for updates.
Comparison: Unlike TCL QM7K, the Air focuses on streaming.
Key Specifications: Sky Glass Gen 2
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (43-inch, Upfront) | £699 |
| Price (55-inch, Upfront) | £949 |
| Price (65-inch, Upfront) | £1,199 |
| Monthly (48 months) | £14-£24 |
| Display | 4K QLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Audio | 7 speakers, 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos, 240W |
| OS | Sky OS 2025 |
| Connectivity | 3 HDMI (1 eARC), USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Sizes | 43”, 55”, 65” |
| Subscription | Sky Entertainment (£15/month) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Source: Sky Glass Gen 2 Review, Sky’s website.
Limitations to Consider
- Reflective Screen: Glare in bright rooms; use Vivid Mode or curtains (£10).
- No Gaming Support: 60Hz, no VRR or 120Hz, unlike Samsung QN90F (165Hz).
- Wi-Fi Dropouts: Occasional “No connection” errors; use Ethernet or a Wi-Fi booster (£20).
- Subscription Costs: Adds £15-£50/month, pricier than TCL QM7K.
- No Local Recordings: Streaming Playlists only, unlike Sky Q.
Workaround: Optimise settings, use Ethernet, stream HDR via Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
Why Buy in May 2025?
- Stable Pricing: Matches Gen 1 with upgrades, per TechRadar.
- Deals: ~10% off or free wall mounts (£99 value) on Sky’s website, Currys, or John Lewis.
- Sky Glass Air: Wait for late 2025 for a budget option.
Warning: Prices may rise post-May, with Sky Glass Air potentially offering better deals.
Comparison: Sky Glass Gen 2 vs Competitors
| Feature | Sky Glass Gen 2 | Samsung QN90F | TCL QM7K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (55-inch) | £949 | £799 | £749 |
| Panel | QLED, ~800 nits | Mini LED, ~1,900 nits | Mini LED, ~900 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz, VRR | 144Hz, FreeSync |
| OS | Sky OS | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Audio | 240W, Dolby Atmos | 60W, Dolby Atmos | 40W, Dolby Atmos |
| Gaming | ALLM only | 4K @ 165Hz, FreeSync | 4K @ 144Hz, G-Sync |
Why Choose Sky Glass Gen 2? Its streaming focus and 240W audio are ideal for non-gamers, but Samsung QN90F excels in brightness, and TCL QM7K is more affordable.
Buying Tips for UK Buyers
- Track Deals: Check Sky’s website, Currys, or John Lewis. Follow @TechDealsUK on X for alerts.
- Broadband Speed: Ensure ~30Mbps for 4K; test with BT, Virgin Media, or Sky Broadband.
- Reduce Glare: Use curtains (£10) or an anti-glare film (£5) from Amazon UK.
- Test in Store: Visit Currys or John Lewis to see QLED displays.
- Audio Upgrade: Add a Sky Soundbox (£249) for larger rooms.
- Settings: Use Vivid Mode, brightness ~80, disable auto-backlight for best visuals.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Sky Glass Gen 2?
In this Sky Glass TV Gen 2 review, we find the 2025 model, at £699-£1,199, a compelling mid-range QLED TV for UK buyers wanting a dish-free streaming hub. Its 4K QLED display, 240W Dolby Atmos audio, and Sky OS shine for Premier League, Netflix, or BBC iPlayer, but a reflective screen, Wi-Fi issues, and no gaming support are drawbacks. Gamers should opt for the Samsung QN90F (£799) for 165Hz, while budget buyers may prefer the TCL QM7K (£749). For non-gamers, it’s a stylish, all-in-one choice, especially during May 2025 deals. Wait for the Sky Glass Air for a cheaper alternative.
Check Sky’s website, Currys, or John Lewis for offers, and use Ethernet for stable streaming. Buy now before prices rise!
About the Author: Tech Spurt is a home entertainment expert helping UK / Indian buyers choose the best TVs with simple, practical advice. Follow her on YouTube for tech tips.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate based on May 2025 exchange rates and trends. Verify costs before buying.