Sky Soundbox

Weighty bass ; Clear speech ; Sky Q optimisation modes mostly work well ; Large-scale sound from a compact unit

Sound lacks the subtlety for music ; Awkward form factor makes it difficult to position ; Not worth the higher price to non-Sky customers

A good soundbar that makes sense if you’re a Sky customer – as long as you have somewhere to put it.

Premium sound ; Easy setup process ; Intuitive sound modes

Box-like chassis not for everyone ; No Dolby Atmos ; Only one HDMI in

The Sky Soundbox is a fantastic-sounding speaker that packs premium technology into what is a puzzling form factor. When bought as an existing Sky customer, though, it offers great value for money.

Superb sound quality ; Smart design ; Easy setup

Forget it if you don't have Sky Q ; A little too tall for many TVs ; Do you want Dolby Atmos instead?

Clear, expressive, widespread sound ; Well built ; Easy to use ; Good integration with Sky TV ; Ample connections

Shape won’t suit all ; No Dolby Atmos ; Shockingly poor value to non-Sky customers ; Bass lacks definition ; Tough competition

Sky’s soundbar-cum-wireless-speaker delivers a big sound from a small box

Effective Sky Q sound modes ; Crystal-clear vocal delivery ; Plonk-and-play usability

Overpriced for non-Sky customers ; Could do with more bass and dynamic punch ; Slightly awkward shape

A one-of-a-kind smash-hit TV sound booster for new and existing Sky customers

Powerful sound ; Affordable for Sky customers ; Solid presets

Boxy design ; Crazy expensive for everyone else

Powerful sound from such a small box ; Easy to use and connect ; Reasonable price for Sky customers (from £249 instead of £799)

A bit on the tall side for a TV speaker ; Too pricey for non-Sky subscribers

The Sky Soundbox is a peculiar product. Viewed from some angles, it doesn't make an awful lot of sense. It isn’t the most practical size or shape – owners may have to raise their TV or place the speaker on a lower shelf to accommodate it – and it’s far...

Basically, that last line sums it up. The Sky Soundbox is a very good TV speaker indeed, and if you're a Sky subscriber stuck using your built-in TV speakers or a cheap and nasty sub-£200 all-in-one soundbar, then this is about as easy a recommendation...