Sky offers three broadband routers: the Sky Broadband Hub with Wi-Fi 5, the Sky Max Hub with Wi-Fi 6 and the newer Gigafast+ Hub with Wi-Fi 7. The router you receive depends on your broadband plan and whether you take the Sky WiFi Max add-on.
The standard Broadband Hub is supplied with most Sky broadband plans. Customers who add WiFi Max receive the more advanced Max Hub, while Sky’s fastest full fibre connections use the Gigafast+ Hub.
Sky broadband router specifications
| Feature | Broadband Hub | Max Hub | Gigafast+ Hub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi bands | 2.4GHz, 5GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Dual-band / tri-band | Dual-band | Dual-band | Tri-band |
| Fastest Ethernet connection | 1Gbps | 1Gbps | 10Gbps |
| WPA3 security | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sky Max Pods | No | Yes | Yes |
| Supplied with | Standard broadband plans | WiFi Max add-on | Selected multi-gigabit full fibre plans |
Sky Broadband Hub – Wi-Fi 5
The black Sky Broadband Hub is the standard router supplied with most Sky broadband packages, including Full Fibre 150, 500 and Gigafast.
It uses dual-band Wi-Fi 5 with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. It also has automatic wireless channel selection and a built-in firewall.
The Broadband Hub can handle everyday streaming, gaming and video calls across several devices. However, its Wi-Fi 5 technology has lower wireless capacity than the newer Sky routers, particularly when several devices are transferring large amounts of data.
For Sky Gigafast customers, a wired connection is the more dependable way to achieve speeds close to the plan’s 900Mbps average download speed.
Sky Max Hub – Wi-Fi 6
The white Sky Max Hub supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and comes with the Sky WiFi Max service.
Compared with the standard Broadband Hub, Wi-Fi 6 offers more efficient wireless communication when several compatible devices are connected. It can also provide faster Wi-Fi speeds at shorter distances.
The router has Gigabit Ethernet connections and supports Sky Max Pods, which extend wireless coverage into rooms with weak reception.
You can manage the Max Hub using the My Sky app, including changing your Wi-Fi password, viewing connected devices and adjusting security settings.
Sky Gigafast+ Hub – Wi-Fi 7
The Gigafast+ Hub is Sky’s newest router, supplied with selected high-speed full fibre plans, including its 1.6Gbps, 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps services.
It supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7, including the 6GHz band, which provides additional wireless capacity for compatible devices. Older Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices can also connect, although they cannot use the newer Wi-Fi 7 features.
The Gigafast+ Hub has one 10Gbps WAN port, one 10Gbps LAN port and three Gigabit Ethernet ports.
This matters for multi-gigabit broadband. A computer connected through an ordinary Gigabit Ethernet port cannot receive more than approximately 940Mbps after network overheads. To benefit from speeds above 1Gbps on one wired device, you need the 10Gbps connection and compatible network equipment.
The Gigafast+ Hub also supports WPA3 security and Sky Max Pods. Sky includes WiFi Max with its 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps Gigafast+ plans.
Sky WiFi Max and wireless coverage
Sky WiFi Max is an optional service that provides the Sky Max Hub, access to mesh Wi-Fi extenders and a whole-home Wi-Fi guarantee.
Depending on your broadband plan, Sky guarantees a minimum wireless download speed of 10Mbps or 25Mbps in qualifying rooms. If coverage is poor, Sky can supply Max Pods or arrange an engineer visit.
The service also includes parental controls, device prioritisation and additional network security. It is available as a paid add-on with most Sky fibre plans.
Sky broadband router FAQs
Can I use Sky Q Mini boxes to extend Wi-Fi coverage?
With the older Sky Broadband Hub, compatible Sky Q boxes can act as Wi-Fi hotspots. This feature is not supported in the same way with the Sky Max Hub or Gigafast+ Hub. Sky recommends Max Pods instead.
How do I change my Sky router settings?
For the Sky Max Hub and Gigafast+ Hub, use the My Sky app to manage Wi-Fi passwords, connected devices and advanced settings.
The older Sky Broadband Hub uses a browser-based administration interface, normally accessed through 192.168.0.1 while connected to your home network.
Do I have to return my Sky router if I leave?
Yes, if Sky has supplied the router on loan and asks you to return it. Sky will tell you which equipment needs returning. Non-return charges can apply if you keep it.
You can compare the available broadband plans and their speeds in our Sky broadband review.