This free Sky TV update fixes one of my biggest issues with the UI
You get 30 new genre-based carousels onto the homepage. They're personalised based on what you've already watched. So instead of endless scrolling through vaguely categorised rows or digging through buried menus, you now get a homepage that feels more like a well-trained concierge.
Read more: See all the latest Sky deals
We're talking rails titled things like Hilarious sitcoms, Thrilling action movies, and Suspenseful crime drama. Yes, the titles are a bit on the nose, but that's entirely the point: to take the guesswork out of finding what to watch. There's even one for Pet shows if that's your thing. And the real kicker? These rails don't just pull from Sky's own catalogue. They also dig into Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and every other streaming service that Sky OS supports.
While this update sounds small on paper, it's the type of UI overhaul that shifts Sky OS from 'meh' to 'miles better'. I've always found the layout quite clinical, like it was trying too hard not to be a Netflix clone. Now, it's embracing its own flavour while actually doing something useful with all that data it's hoovering up.
There's also a bit of extra polish when it comes to content details. Tap into any film or show and you'll find Rotten Tomatoes scores, cast and crew links, and a way to jump directly into other titles featuring the same actor or director. It's the kind of nerdy deep-dive I love, and I'm glad it's not buried behind three submenus.
The update is free, of course, and already making its way to Sky Glass and Stream boxes across the UK. If it hasn't hit your telly yet, it's coming soon.
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Pros 120Hz refresh rate ideal for gaming Bright, colourful picture with Dolby Vision support Cons Lacks premium build quality Sound is underwhelming without a soundbar Hisense E7N Pro specs Screen 55in 3840×2160 144Hz QLED Supported formats HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG OS VIDAA OS Dimensions 1232 x 711 x 275mm / 48.5 x 28.0 x 10.8in Weight 13.7kg / 30.2lb (including stand) Hisense is a disrupter brand, packing its TVs full of technology while undercutting rivals on price. The E7N Pro is one such model, with the 55in model now available at a very affordable price, but offering something that no other TV on this list does – a 144Hz refresh rate. That's of immediate interest to gamers, while the display supports a wide range of HDR formats too. Sitting on the top of this is a sound system that offers twice the power of most of its rivals and you have an interesting proposition. The E Series from Hisense are budget QLED models, while the N in the name denotes that it's a 2024 TV. The Pro tag indicates that it offers gaming features, rare at this price. The design is a little more premium at first glance, let down by the plastic legs, but the remote also feels a little more substantial than some of its rivals. The Hisense E7N Pro packs in a lot of specs and access to 120Hz, with two HDMI 2.1 ports to support it, which means console gamers are well served. That's backed up by ALLM and VRR, as well as low input lag. This is a good, affordable option for console and PC gamers. The addition of Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive (also supporting Filmmaker Mode) adds a premium leaning to things, but in reality, the E7N Pro doesn't have the peak brightness to make those HDR highlights pop. It can lead to better colours, but sometimes seems a little aggressive when lightening dark areas of a scene, losing contrast and looking a little grey. There's also a local dimming system at work here, so sections of the screen can be turned off for a darker effect: when a scene fades to black on this TV, it's a lot darker than the rest of the models on the list. The downside is that as the dimming zones light up again, illumination can be a little uneven. Hisense's own VIDAA OS is fast and smooth, with the advantage of offering a few more core streaming apps than TiVo OS, so if you have a lot of subscriptions, it's a better choice. Access to Freely means aerial-free terrestrial TV too, while there are plenty of settings to adjust to tweak this TV's picture. What's important here is that this model was once twice the price, which explains the access to that more advanced feature set. Best budget Samsung TV 2. Samsung U8000F 55in Stuff Verdict The Samsung U8000F 55in is one of the brand's best budget options, delivering a solid experience that's boosted by its slick design and smart remote. Pros Sleek design with a premium feel Easy-to-use Tizen OS with wide app support Cons Only a 60Hz panel – not ideal for serious gaming Black levels and contrast aren't the best Samsung U8000F specs Screen 55in 3840×2160 50Hz LED Supported formats HDR10, HDR10+, HLG OS Tizen OS Dimensions 1224.6 x 759.1 x 199mm / 48.2 x 29.9 x 7.8in Weight 9.9kg / 21.8lb (including stand) Samsung is the world's number one TV producer, selling more than anyone else, thanks in part to an extensive range and being a trusted brand. The Samsung U8000F sits in its most affordable range known as Crystal UHD, and that F at the end denotes it's a 2025 model. It's an LED TV – there are no Quantum Dots here – while it runs on the same Tizen OS as the company's flagship TVs. It doesn't have all the AI features as those top models, but it's loaded with apps, giving quick access to services, including SmartThings connected devices. The design is on point too, with this being the only TV on the list where you don't need a screwdriver for the stand – the feet just plug in, which is really easy. Although finished in plastic, it looks reasonably premium with a thin matte black plastic bezel. When comparing spec for spec, the Samsung TV looks a little expensive for what you get. But the picture quality is good. There's no Dolby Vision – Samsung doesn't support it – but there is HDR10+ support, and there is Filmmaker Mode too. The lack of Dolby Vision isn't the huge issue it once was, as Netflix now supports HDR10+, but as with all budget models, this Samsung doesn't really have the peak brightness to make HDR highlights pop. I found the U8000F to offer good colours, nicely balanced with plenty of contrast despite the lack of Quantum Dots. Unlike most other TVs on this list, when watching an HDR source, there was no option to switch to a 'bright' option. In a sunny room, some darker details get lost as a result, while other TVs remain more watchable, so you might want to put this TV in a darker room. The sound is reasonable, but with support for Samsung's Q-Symphony system (where the TV's speakers work with compatible soundbars' speakers), I'd be tempted to pair it with a Samsung soundbar for the best result. Tizen OS gets 7 years of support, and it's a well-equipped OS from an app perspective, but the lack of Freely means you'll need an aerial to watch Freeview TV. I also found Tizen to be a little slower than VIDAA in navigating and opening apps. Best budget Freely TV 3. TCL T6C Stuff Verdict The TCL T6C is the best budget Freely TV we've tested, offering more settings and flexibility than most Amazon Fire TVs. Pros Freely support and strong tuner features Good overall value with solid HD and 4K performance Cons Interface can be a bit sluggish Limited peak brightness in HDR Quick specs Screen 55in 3840×2160 60Hz QLED Supported formats HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG OS Fire TV OS Dimensions 1224 x 770 x 292mm / 48.2 x 30.3 x 11.5in Weight 10.5kg / 23.1lb (including stand) TCL made its name in two areas: huge TVs that don't cost a lot and cheaper TVs that pack in the specs. Unlike Samsung, where the experience is all based around one operating system (Tizen OS) TCL uses whatever it thinks people want to buy. That's how we find ourselves with the TCL T6C, which is basically the same as the TCL P7K, but here using Fire TV instead of Google TV. Fire TV puts this set into contention with Amazon's own TVs, offering a Quantum Dot panel, Freely for aerial-free TV and Dolby Vision support, so it's packing in more than the Fire TV 4-Series. The design is a little slimmer than some, but it sticks to the trend of putting the feet towards the ends, so you'll need a wide stand for it. The remote is nice and slim, with a nice clicky action to the buttons, while nice slim bezels around the screen give a quality look to things. The Fire TV experience on the TCL is very similar to that on Amazon's 4-Series TV, but it offers Freely for convenient setup, so it is, ironically, a better Fire TV experience than Amazon's actual Fire TV 4-Series. TCL has a lot of experience in this type of direct-lit LED panel and offers support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, it displays nice, rich colours. These colours are a little more natural than some, while the dark performance is pretty good too. Dolby Vision content allows for dark and bright room settings, but strangely, HDR10 and HDR10+ content don't. There is a setting for 'HDR enhancer' in the advanced picture settings that will lighten up darker scenes in HDR10 if you can't see anything, but it's not available when watching HDR10+ content. The sound is a little thin, and like other TVs in this segment, support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding doesn't really add much to the sonic experience. Ultimately, however, the TCL T6C brings a slight twist to Fire TV that some might prefer to Amazon's own affordable model, with better picture performance for the price. Best budget Fire TV 4. Amazon Fire TV 4-Series 50in Stuff Verdict The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series 50in is a genuine bargain if you buy it during one of Amazon's frequent sales, making it a great entry-level option for Fire TV fans. Pros Excellent value during Amazon sales Alexa voice control built-in Cons Basic picture performance compared to rivals No support for Dolby Vision or advanced gaming features Amazon Fire TV 4-Series specs Screen 50in 3840×2160 60Hz LED Supported formats HDR10, HLG OS Fire TV OS Dimensions 1121 x 649 x 290mm / 44.1 x 25.6 x 11.4in Weight 9.5kg / 20.9lb (including stand) The 4-Series Fire TV from Amazon sits above the 2-Series and below the Omni QLED, so it's mid-range for Amazon's offering, but offers good value for money, especially during sales events, when you'll find big discounts on this model. The big appeal of the Fire TV is that it easily integrates with Alexa, allowing voice searching via the remote, simple setup through your phone and access to a full range of streaming services and apps. If you're an Echo fan, there's a good chance that you'll enjoy Fire TV too, but at this level, you can't preview cameras like you can on the more expensive Fire TV Omni models. Fire TV is easy to use, it's easy to find content, and the searching is about as good as it gets. There are an increasing number of adverts in around the OS, but it's easy to jump around streaming services to continue binge watching. This is a direct LED TV – typical of this price bracket – which means it's a little thicker than mid-range TVs, which might have a more aesthetically pleasing design. There's support for HDR10 and HLG on the Fire TV 4-Series, so you'll get HDR content from BBC iPlayer, streaming services and discs if you connect a compatible player. The brightness of the Fire TV 4-Series isn't huge, and this limits the impact of HDR performance – plus there's no support for more advanced Dolby Vision or HDR10+ formats – but it's a little brighter than some of its rivals. There's no shortage of detail thanks to the 4K display; the colours aren't as impactful as the QLED models on this list, like the Toshiba QV2F, but once you get out of the energy-saving features that come with the standard mode, you'll get a better experience. It's only 60Hz, though, so not great for gamers. The sound isn't too bad – there's some richness to the soundtrack – but very little bass, and the Fire TV OS can be a little slow to navigate sometimes, but it does have a comprehensive set of apps and streaming services. Shop on a discount day and you'll get a lot for your money from the Fire TV 4-Series: this is a good, affordable TV, packed with features, but it's hard to justify at full price. Best budget TV for picture quality 5. Sharp GM6245K 50in Stuff Verdict The Sharp GM6245K 50in offers great value and impressive picture quality, making it one of the better-performing budget TVs in this size. Pros Great colour reproduction for the price Smooth upscaling from HD sources Cons Mediocre sound quality Interface feels dated and slow at times Sharp GM6245K specs Screen 50in 3840×2160 60Hz LED Supported formats HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG OS TiVo OS Dimensions 1117 x 705 x 260mm / 44.0 x 27.8 x 10.2in Weight 9.7kg / 21.4lb (including stand) It's impossible to mention Sharp without conjuring up images of Manchester United from the 1990s – and the 50GM6245K is something of a hat-trick for Sharp. It's a QLED TV, offering Freely for aerial-free television, and it offers good picture performance for the price too. This TV sits in the middle of Sharp's range, with cheaper Roku TVs beneath it and more expensive Android TVs above. Priced to fall smack-bang into the middle of this affordable segment, this 2025 TV brings with it a design that doesn't reveal its budget status from the front, with a slim bezel and brushed metal looks across the front. The metal feet quickly screw in, but are at the ends of the TV, so you'll need a wide stand. Around the back, it's par for the course and finished with black plastic, again rather thick because of the direct illumination that powers this panel. The remote is compact and responsive enough, with TiVo offering smart TV services and Freely allowing access to terrestrial broadcasts without an aerial. Adding Quantum Dots to the LED backlighting results in a picture that's more colourful than rivals that only offer an LED panel, like the Amazon Fire TV. It's impressively natural in its colouring too, avoiding the over-saturation that you'll find on the Metz MQE7600. Like all the models on this list, you have a 4K panel offering the detail from those streaming services that TiVo adroitly serves up. While there's support for HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10, the panel doesn't really have the brightness to deliver impactful HDR highlights – but it definitely looks its best when streaming this type of content. Like most TVs at this level, the black performance isn't particularly strong and in darker scenes, you'll find that it's hard to make out what's happening – but outside of that, this TV looks good with all sources of content. There's a Harman Kardon-branded sound system on the GM6245K with the claim of Dolby Atmos support, but it's one of the weakest-sounding TVs on this list. Indeed, turn the volume up too loud and it's distorted, while Dolby Atmos content doesn't bring any additional immersion. This TV would definitely benefit from adding a soundbar. Although priced close to the Bush TV and offering many of the same features, the Sharp's software is smoother and faster to use. Best budget large-screen TV 6. Toshiba QV2F 55in Stuff Verdict The Toshiba QV2F 55in delivers excellent value if you're after a large screen without spending a fortune, with performance that punches above its price. Pros Large screen at a low price Fire TV platform with built-in Alexa Cons Average motion handling Backlight blooming in dark scenes Toshiba QV2F specs Screen 55in 3840×2160 60Hz LED Supported formats HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG OS VIDAA OS Dimensions 1233 x 776 x 259mm / 48.5 x 30.5 x 10.2in Weight 12.6kg / 27.8lb (including stand) Toshiba has a long history in TV, but having shuffled things around over the past decade, it now mostly operates at the affordable end of the market. There are two attractive things here, the VIDAA operating system (developed by Hisense) and Freely, so this is a model that will give you broadcast TV without an aerial. The design of Toshiba QV2F is surprisingly close to the Sharp model on this list, with metal legs and a brushed metal-looking strip across the bottom of the display. Around the back, it's the same as the rest, an expanse of black plastic. This is a direct LED TV with Quantum Dots, while there's a sound system that boasts Onkyo collaboration. As such, the QV2F is positioned towards the upper middle of Toshiba's line-up, looking to give a little more performance for the money. VIDAA is generally fast and smooth, but has the advantage of offering more native apps than TiVo TV. It also links into Alexa for voice searching, which is fast and generally the best for searching for content. If there's one thing that's annoying about the Toshiba remote (and this is a VIDAA feature), it's that the play/pause button doesn't play or pause when in streaming apps. Instead, it opens an on-screen controller, so it's a little fiddly and will no doubt confuse some users. The picture quality of the Toshiba QV2F is strong, with nice, rich colours. It's certainly more colourful than the Sharp, giving the Metz a run for its money with saturation. Some might feel it goes a little too far, but I like the overall richness. Again, there isn't huge brightness, so while it supports Dolby Vision, the highlights never really pop, and dark scenes are still a little muddy. I also spotted some brighter patches around the edges of the display, but only really noticeable in dark scenes at night. The sound isn't great, with the Atmos label not really resulting in immersive audio and that Onkyo branding nothing to be excited about. I found the QV2F throwing up connection errors until I used a cable to connect to my router and update the TV's software, after which those problems were fixed. Where this Tosh really shines, though, is offering a 55in version for less than some of the 50in models on this list: it's a great value for money. Best budget TV for light rooms 7. Metz MQE7600 50in Stuff Verdict The Metz MQE7600 50in is ideal for light-filled rooms thanks to its matte screen, though its vivid picture might not suit everyone's tastes. Pros Matte screen helps reduce reflections TiVo OS offers plenty of streaming content option Cons Colours can look over-saturated Build quality feels a bit plasticky Metz MQE7600 specs Screen 50in 3840×2160 60Hz QLED Supported formats HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG OS TiVo OS Dimensions 1110 x 710 x 267mm / 43.7 x 28.0 x 10.5in Weight 8.5kg / 18.7lb (including stand) Metz is a German TV brand that operates at the affordable end of the market, looking to compete with the likes of Sharp or Toshiba. It has adopted TiVo OS for the MQE7600, offering Freely for terrestrial TV over the internet, but makes its play by offering a QLED display, rather than straight LED, which is more common at this end of the market. Using direct LED illumination, this is a TV that's fairly bulky around the back, but this Metz has a design that's a little more premium from the front. That includes a central stand, meaning you don't need a wide piece of furniture to place it on; interestingly, you can also attach the feet for a wider stance if you prefer. There's a smoothness to Metz's menus, although governed by TiVo's system, they're a higher quality than those you get from Bush, so the experience feels more refined. This TV is all about the Quantum Dot layer that Metz includes, designed to boost the colours and increase the contrast. Out of the box, the Metz TV has colours that are really saturated, and some may prefer that. The reds are noticeably richer than rival TVs at this level, but I think the greens go a little too far. The TiVo OS is simple to navigate, putting streaming content at your fingertips, but that richer palette is a double-edged sword: some content looks great, some looks a little artificial. The display has a matte finish, which can kill reflections from windows and lights. However, in direct sunlight, it can make blacks look a little grey and appear slightly softer than glossy rivals. This TV looks its best when fed Dolby Vision content, although, like most of the TVs on this list, there isn't really the brightness to deliver a truly impactful HDR experience. But as a TV for rich visuals, the Metz MQE7600 looks good. Availability is a little more limited, as this brand is less widely stocked than the likes of Hisense or Samsung. The sound purports to support Dolby Atmos, but the speakers can't really deliver the immersion that Atmos is known for. The bass is weak and limits the experience when it comes to movie watching. A soundbar is recommended. Best cheap budget TV 8. JVC Roku TV Stuff Verdict The JVC Roku TV keeps things simple with Roku's easy-to-use interface, but its performance is fairly basic compared to pricier rivals. Pros Intuitive Roku interface One of the cheapest smart TVs available Cons Picture quality is basic No support for Dolby Vision or HDR10+ JVC Roku TV specs Screen 43in 1920×1080 60Hz LED Supported formats HDR10, HLG OS Roku OS Dimensions 961.9 x 619 x 220mm / 37.9 x 24.4 x 8.7in Weight 6.8kg / 15.0lb (including stand) A couple of years back, Roku lifted the operating system from its popular streaming sticks and moved it into televisions. Adopted by a number of manufacturers, it provides to simple-to-use and affordable route to a smart TV, without the bloat or complexity that often comes with rival platforms. That's the reason why Roku TVs are popular with users, because there's no TV platform that's more approachable. With your streaming apps presented front and centre, you don't have to skip through recommendations and lots of functions you don't need; you just select the service you want and off you go. To some, that might be too linear, but even on this affordable LT-43CR330 JVC TV, it's fast and fluid to navigate and oh so easy to use. But this is a budget TV, and the build reflects that. The 4K version of this TV (which also supports Dolby Vision) is not much more, so it's worth shopping around. While the operating system is nice and clean, supporting a full range of streaming apps as well as Freeview Play, there are fewer controls for things like picture quality. That means there's little you can do to tweak the picture quality, which isn't really the primary concern on cheaper TVs like this. On this model, there is HDR support, with the option to select normal, bright or dark to suit the conditions you're watching in. That's useful on a TV at this level, where the lack of brightness can make things a little gloomy, at which point the bright HDR setting makes a difference. Note, though, that HDR is only supported through the streaming apps, as the HDMI 1.4 ports don't support HDR. With a Full HD pane, the detail is limited compared to 4K, but if you're not paying for premium streaming services, that might not matter. It's also perfectly good for watching Blu-rays, and I found the picture to be nice and colourful. At 43in, it's a forgiving size, and in terms of picture quality for the price, it's hard to complain. The speakers are limited in performance, especially shrill at higher volumes, so don't turn them up too much. If you're looking for a simple and super-connected TV for a bedroom, the JVC Roku is a pleasure to use. This TV is limited in its performance, however, so best suited for those smaller screens, as the restrictions become more apparent once you get to larger screen sizes. Best budget TV for streaming options 9. Bush UT24SB 50in Stuff Verdict The Bush UT24SB 50in stands out for its surprisingly strong picture quality, giving you loads of streaming options without stretching your budget. Pros Impressive image sharpness for the money Good range of streaming apps built-in Cons Limited brightness and HDR impact Speakers lack depth – a soundbar is essential Bush UT24SB specs Screen 50in 3840×2160 60Hz LED Supported formats HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG OS TiVo OS Dimensions 1120 x 648 x 260mm / 44.1 x 25.5 x 10.2in Weight 9.5kg / 20.9lb (including stand) Those of a certain age will be familiar with Bush TVs, but the brand hasn't been as visible recently as it perhaps once was. Your Nan probably had a Bush, but in more recent years, the likes of TCL, Hisense and Amazon have moved into this space. The UT24SB has a trick up its sleeve in two of the latest technologies – TiVo OS and Freely, which brings it right up to date again. Bush caters for the affordable end of the spectrum, and at this price for a 50-inch TV, this is a TV that's all about budget. That's reflected in the build, which uses cheap-looking plastics, while the stand doesn't lift the TV too much, so if you did want to use a soundbar, it might overlap the bottom of the screen if placed in front. TiVo OS is a new platform that's brand agnostic, so it won't prefer a particular streaming service, but it still contains 'sponsored' suggestions. It's designed for simplicity, access to streaming services and good recommendations, escaping the leaning you might get on some other platforms to home-grown content, like Prime Video on Fire OS. Freely, on the other hand, is a recently-launched service in the UK for streaming terrestrial broadcasts over the internet, rather than using an aerial. It means you can put this Bush TV in the corner of your spare room, hook it up to the Wi-Fi and watch EastEnders. It's about as easy as it can get. The UT24SB is a surprisingly competent TV. It's a direct LED technology, which explains the TV's thickness. Dolby Vision content looks rich, and while there isn't the brightness to really wow with HDR content, it's bright enough for comfortable daytime watching. The picture settings in many cases include bright and dark settings, whether you're watching HDR10 or Dolby Vision. Unless you're watching in complete darkness, the dark setting might be a little dim, but the bright setting can over-lighten images, blowing out some highlights. The viewing angles on this TV are narrow, but otherwise, it's a good experience. The speakers are a little harsh and can distort under heavy load, and despite claiming Dolby Atmos support, it's hard to perceive any improvement from an Atmos track. You'll definitely see an improvement with a cheap soundbar. The menus also look a little basic and dated compared to the likes of Metz and Sharp, making this TV a little slower to navigate. How to choose the best budget TV When you're shopping for a budget TV, size still matters. While cheaper models tend to be smaller, there are plenty of 55in (and larger) sets that won't break the bank. Just be careful with anything under 50in if you're going for 4K – the extra resolution might not make much of a difference unless you're sitting quite close or using it in a small room. The smart platform is another key thing to check. Some budget TVs run systems that miss out on major apps – for example, TiVo OS doesn't currently support Apple TV+. If you're loyal to a particular streaming service, double-check that it's available before you buy. Sound quality is often a weak point at this end of the market. Built-in speakers usually sound thin or tinny, so it's worth factoring in the cost of a budget soundbar. Even a cheap one will give you clearer dialogue and punchier sound for movie nights and everyday viewing. Gamers should keep an eye out for HDMI 2.1 ports and 120Hz refresh rates, though these are rare in budget models. Lastly, check the stand design. Many cheaper TVs have wide-set feet, so make sure your furniture can handle it, or plan for a wall mount. If you've got a bit more to spend, check out our best mid-range TV guide – or, for the top-tier experience, head to our best premium TV guide. How we test the best budget TVs We've tested and reviewed most of the budget TVs on this list, so you can trust our recommendations when choosing your next telly. Each model goes through at least a week of hands-on testing, giving us time to properly assess the features that matter – especially when every pound counts. We focus on real-world performance, not just specs. That means watching everything from blockbusters like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga to test motion and sharpness, to colourful animations like Elemental for checking vibrancy and detail. We also put darker shows through their paces – think moody thrillers like The Perfect Couple – to see how well each TV handles contrast and shadow detail. We know sound is a common weak spot in cheaper sets, so we test built-in audio as well as pairing them with affordable soundbars to see what difference a bit of extra kit can make. For gaming, we connect current-gen consoles and check input lag, responsiveness and refresh rates – useful if you're after a budget-friendly gaming screen. We also test things like viewing angles and app performance, and check how well each TV copes in different lighting conditions. So when we say a budget TV is worth buying, we mean it. For more information on Stuff's rating and review process, read our page on how we test products.
