Sky Stream alternatives 2026: licensed services to switch to and free options
Sky (Comcast) · sky.com
If Sky Stream is missing a channel, costs too much or caps your streams, these are the licensed alternatives in the same market: NOW (NOW TV). Each entry says when switching makes sense, and the free public-broadcaster apps cover the basics at no cost. No unlicensed service is listed here.
Alternatives compared
| Plan | Monthly price | Simultaneous streams | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOW (NOW TV) | £7.99/month | 3 | None at present |
| Sky Stream | from £26/month | 1 | None |
When to switch
NOW (NOW TV)
Switch to NOW (NOW TV) if: Best for Sky Sports and Sky Atlantic without a dish or a contract; add Boost if you want Full HD without adverts.
Free legal alternatives
- BBC iPlayer: All BBC channels live; TV licence required.
- ITVX: ITV1-4 live, Premier League highlights, FA Cup and England games on ITV.
- Channel 4: Channel 4, E4, More4 live and F1 highlights.
- Freely: Live TV over broadband with a full guide on supported smart TVs, no aerial.
- Pluto TV UK: 100+ free live channels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Sky Stream?
NOW (NOW TV) for most people; the right one depends on the channel or sport you are switching for, which the table shows per service.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Sky Stream?
The table lists the entry price of every licensed rival in United Kingdom; the public-broadcaster apps are free.
Can I run two services at once?
Yes; monthly plans without a contract make it easy to keep one all year and add another for a season.
Are cheap IPTV subscriptions an alternative?
No. Services offering thousands of channels for a few units of currency are unlicensed; the legality page for United Kingdom explains the risks.
Will I lose recordings if I switch?
Yes, cloud recordings stay with the old service. Watch or note anything you need before cancelling.