Sky currently offers three main router models depending on your broadband package and location. The model you receive will depend on your plan speed, whether you’ve opted for add-ons like WiFi Max, and the type of network you’re connected to.
The Sky Broadband Hub is the standard router that comes with most fibre and full fibre packages. It uses Wi-Fi 5 and has four 1Gbps Ethernet ports. This is based on the SR203 model.
The Sky Max Hub, which comes with the WiFi Max add-on, is a Wi-Fi 6 router. It includes app controls, optional mesh pods (called Max Pods), and a room-by-room Wi-Fi guarantee.
For multi-gigabit packages, the Sky Gigafast+ Hub is the newest option. It uses Wi-Fi 7 and is shipped with Full Fibre 2.5 Gigafast+ and 5 Gigafast+ plans in selected areas. This hub includes two 10Gbps Ethernet ports.
Quick Specs at a Glance
Sky Broadband Hub
This is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router (802.11ac) supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It includes four gigabit Ethernet ports. It also has a built-in VDSL/ADSL modem and a WAN port for FTTP. It’s the default option provided with most plans.
Sky Max Hub with WiFi Max
This router supports Wi-Fi 6 across two bands and is managed primarily through the Sky app. The WiFi Max package includes mesh capability using Max Pods and comes with a room-by-room performance guarantee. Sky launched WiFi Max in 2023, and it remains available as a paid upgrade.
Sky Gigafast+ Hub
This is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router and is the only Sky hub currently offering two 10Gbps ports—one for WAN and one for LAN—plus additional 1GbE ports. It’s purpose-built for multi-gigabit packages and relies on selected Openreach or CityFibre full-fibre coverage.
| Feature | Sky Broadband Hub (SR203) | Sky Max Hub | Sky Gigafast+ Hub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi standard | Wi‑Fi 5 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 802.11ax | Wi‑Fi 7 802.11be |
| Bands & streams | Dual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dual-band Same layout 5× antenna array | Tri-band Wi‑Fi 7 Includes 6GHz band |
| Ethernet ports | 4 × 1 GbE LAN | 4 × 1 GbE LAN WAN via FTTP port | 1 × 10 GbE WAN 1 × 10 GbE LAN 2 × 1 GbE LAN |
| WAN interface | Integrated modem VDSL/ADSL FTTP-ready WAN | WAN only Fibre only use | Full fibre only Optical WAN port |
| Mesh support | Not supported | Works with WiFi Max Pods | Works with WiFi Max Pods |
| Coverage guarantee | Not included | 25 Mbps in every room or money back | 25 Mbps in every room or money back |
| Bridge mode | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Advanced features | Guest Wi-Fi Automatic updates | App control Device prioritisation | Multi-gig ports App control Tri-band performance |
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Setting up a Sky hub is straightforward, but the method differs slightly based on the type of broadband service.
If you’re on FTTC (Superfast), the Broadband Hub connects via your phone socket using a microfilter. Once powered on, wait for the light sequence to finish and then join the network using the credentials printed on the router or use the Sky app.
If you have FTTP (Ultrafast or Gigafast), you’ll need to connect the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to the router’s WAN port using Ethernet. Once powered on, wait for activation. This same method applies to the Max Hub and Gigafast+ Hub. As long as the WAN is active, the setup flow is identical.
If you’re using WiFi Max Pods, they’re paired using the Sky app. Place them throughout your home for best coverage—don’t group them together—and use the built-in room tests to ensure you’re meeting the performance guarantee.
What to Expect from Each Hub
The Sky Broadband Hub with Wi-Fi 5 is capable enough for day-to-day tasks, but it won’t consistently deliver full-fibre speeds over wireless. It performs better on the 5GHz band, especially at close range. To reach your actual plan speeds on Ultrafast or faster packages, it’s recommended to connect your device using Ethernet. Community sources confirm that this hub, often referred to as the SR203, includes four gigabit LAN ports.
The Sky Max Hub improves on this with Wi-Fi 6, offering better handling during peak times or in households with lots of devices. Its primary strength is consistency rather than raw speed. The WiFi Max add-on includes a coverage guarantee—if you don’t get at least 25Mbps in every room, Sky refunds you under the terms of the service.
The Sky Gigafast+ Hub steps up to Wi-Fi 7. It includes wider frequency channels and Multi-Link support, helping it manage large numbers of devices more efficiently and deliver multi-gig speeds wirelessly in the right conditions. The two 10Gbps ports make a noticeable difference for users with a NAS or high-end workstation. You can bypass Wi-Fi limits entirely by wiring directly into the 10GbE LAN port. Note that this model is only available in selected full-fibre areas and on 2.5 or 5Gbps packages.
A practical tip: if you’re seeing capped speeds around 1Gbps on a wired connection with a Gigafast+ plan, check your equipment. Some Ethernet cables, switches, or PC network cards only support 1Gbps. You’ll need 10Gbps-capable gear throughout your network to unlock full multi-gig performance.
Bridge Mode and Compatibility with Third-Party Mesh Routers
Sky doesn’t offer a standard bridge or modem mode on its routers. This is due to how Sky handles authentication across its network. With the Max Hub, user feedback and support pages confirm that there’s no bridge mode. If you want to use your own router or mesh system, the common workaround is to set them up in access-point mode or double NAT mode with DHCP disabled.
If you’re aiming to avoid double NAT—for example, if you’re hosting online games or remote services—you should configure your third-party mesh in access-point-only mode. Another option is to keep routing handled by the Sky hub and just use the mesh for wireless. While this isn’t a concern for most households, it’s something that advanced users should be aware of.
Which Plans Include Which Hub?
If you’re on Superfast or Ultrafast plans (up to around 500Mbps), you’ll usually receive the standard Broadband Hub. If you want better Wi-Fi or guaranteed coverage, you can upgrade to WiFi Max, which includes the Max Hub and mesh Pods. Wired devices will generally reach your plan speed; wireless performance will depend on your device and location in the home.
If you’re on Gigafast (roughly 900Mbps), the default router may still be the Broadband Hub unless you’ve opted for WiFi Max. Testing with Ethernet is the best way to confirm you’re getting the correct line speed.
For Full Fibre 2.5 Gigafast+ and 5 Gigafast+, Sky ships the new Wi-Fi 7-enabled Gigafast+ Hub. These plans also include WiFi Max at no additional cost according to Sky’s current product terms. Availability is limited by fibre coverage in your area.
Pros and Cons of Sky Broadband Routers
What’s Good
Sky now covers three distinct user needs with its router range. The Broadband Hub suits general fibre usage. The Max Hub with WiFi Max gives a structured fix for weak coverage, with a clear in-home guarantee. The Gigafast+ Hub provides multi-gig capability for those on faster full-fibre plans, with features like 10GbE ports and advanced Wi-Fi 7 support.
What’s Not So Good
The lack of a standard bridge mode makes it harder to use third-party routers seamlessly. The default Wi-Fi 5 Broadband Hub can limit wireless speeds on faster packages unless you upgrade or use Ethernet for key devices.
What’s Missing
Advanced features like full VLAN control, QoS tuning, or modem mode aren’t available on these routers. And for users looking to build a home network with 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps switching, you’ll need to ensure the rest of your hardware is compatible—routers alone don’t guarantee end-to-end speeds.
Choosing the Right Sky Router for Your Needs
If you’re using Sky for general streaming, browsing, and online tasks, the Sky Broadband Hub will be fine. It covers the basics and supports wired speeds up to 1Gbps.
If your home has lots of devices or suffers from patchy Wi-Fi, the Sky Max Hub with Pods is the better option. The WiFi Max system comes with a performance guarantee, making it easier to fix coverage issues without trial and error.
If you’re on a multi-gig plan, the Sky Gigafast+ Hub is the only suitable option. It comes with two 10Gbps ports, supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, and is built to handle advanced use cases like local file transfers, multi-gig gaming, or professional workstations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which router will I receive with a new Sky plan?
Most customers get the Sky Broadband Hub. If you add WiFi Max, you’ll receive the Max Hub instead. For multi-gig plans (2.5Gbps or 5Gbps), the Gigafast+ Hub is included.
Is WiFi Max backed by a guarantee?
Yes. Sky offers a room-by-room Wi-Fi guarantee with WiFi Max. If your signal doesn’t reach 25Mbps in every room, you can request a refund under their coverage policy.
Can I use bridge mode or modem mode with Sky routers?
No, there is no bridge mode on Sky’s hubs. You’ll need to use your own mesh or router in access-point mode or accept double NAT.
What makes the Gigafast+ Hub different?
It uses Wi-Fi 7 and includes two 10Gbps Ethernet ports. It’s designed to support Sky’s new multi-gig fibre tiers and offers better performance for large homes or device-heavy networks.
Will my Wi-Fi match my plan speed?
Not always. Wi-Fi 5 often underperforms on higher-speed plans. Wi-Fi 6 improves that, and Wi-Fi 7 improves it further, but Ethernet remains the most reliable way to hit full speeds—especially above 500Mbps.
How do I set up the hub on a full fibre connection?
Connect the ONT to the hub using the WAN port and Ethernet. Power it on, wait for activation to finish, then join the printed network name or use the Sky app to get connected.
