UK television viewers now have a brand-new way to access live TV and on-demand content for free. Freely tv, a streaming service created by Everyone TV (the same team behind Freeview and Freesat), launched this year, giving you the freedom to watch your favorite programs without the need for a rooftop aerial.
Freely tv offers a simple, user-friendly experience and is already supported by major UK broadcasters like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, ensuring a solid variety of content right from day one. But what sets Freely apart, and how does it compare to established services like Sky Glass? Let’s take a closer look.
Contents
- What is Freely?
- Key Features of Freely
- How Much Does Freely Cost?
- What Channels Can You Watch on Freely?
- Does Freely Require a Fast Internet Connection?
- What TVs Are Compatible with Freely?
- Is Freely Available on Older Devices?
- Does Freely Compete with Sky Glass?
- Potential Drawbacks: Watch Out for the Delay
- Final Thoughts: Is Freely Right for You?
What is Freely?
Freely is a streamed TV service, which means it delivers live and on-demand TV via the internet rather than traditional aerial or satellite signals. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection—no aerial required. This makes it an excellent option for those living in flats or areas where installing an aerial isn’t feasible.
With Freely, you can:
- Watch live TV without interruption.
- Access a variety of on-demand content.
- Enjoy a user-friendly MiniGuide that pops up with quick access to channels and shows.
You can also pause live TV for up to 15 minutes, so if you need a quick break, you won’t miss a thing.
Key Features of Freely
Here are the standout features of this new service:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Live TV | Stream live channels via broadband without an aerial. |
| On-Demand Content | Access shows and movies on demand. |
| 7-Day Guide & MiniGuide | Easy access to programming for the entire week. |
| Pause Live TV | Pause shows for up to 15 minutes and resume watching later. |
| App Integration | Full access to apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and more. |
| Search Function | Quickly find your favorite shows and content. |
Unlike other streaming apps, Freely mimics the experience of traditional TV with its seamless channel-switching, making it a familiar and straightforward service.
How Much Does Freely Cost?
As the name suggests, Freely is completely free to use, provided you have a TV Licence. You won’t have to worry about any extra subscription fees or monthly costs.
However, Freely is only available on specific compatible TVs. Several manufacturers, including Hisense, Toshiba, Bush, and Panasonic, are producing Freely-ready televisions.
- Prices: Starting from around £229 for a 43-inch screen, and larger or higher-definition displays can go up to £1,000+.
What Channels Can You Watch on Freely?
Freely launched with about 30 live TV channels, including:
- BBC 1
- ITV1
- Channel 4
- Channel 5
- Film4
- CBBC
- CBeebies
More channels are expected to be added, including those from UKTV, which will bring popular channels like Dave, Gold, and Yesterday into the mix soon.
Does Freely Require a Fast Internet Connection?
No need for super-fast broadband here! Freely recommends a connection of 10Mbps, which is well below the UK’s average of 70Mbps, meaning most homes should have no issues streaming.
One reason for Freely’s efficiency is that it doesn’t support 4K UHD streams—content is available in Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD), which use less bandwidth.
What TVs Are Compatible with Freely?
You won’t be able to use Freely on older TVs or existing models. Instead, Freely comes pre-installed on a range of new televisions that are now entering the market.
Manufacturers currently offering Freely-ready TVs include:
- Hisense
- Toshiba
- JVC
- Bush
You don’t need any additional devices or set-top boxes; the app is already built into these televisions, making it hassle-free.
Is Freely Available on Older Devices?
Unfortunately, Freely won’t be available on older TVs, streaming sticks (like Fire TV or Apple TV), or even on mobile devices. For now, it’s exclusive to new televisions with the Freely app built in.
Does Freely Compete with Sky Glass?
Freely is often compared to Sky Glass, as both services deliver TV through a broadband connection without the need for extra hardware like satellite dishes or set-top boxes.
Here’s how Freely stacks up against Sky Glass:
| Feature | Freely | Sky Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (with TV Licence) | Subscription fees apply |
| Live TV & On-Demand Content | Yes | Yes |
| Channel Count | ~30 channels | Hundreds of channels |
| Personalisation Features | No | Yes (personalised recommendations) |
| Pause Live TV | 15 minutes | Full pause/rewind/record features |
| App Integrations | BBC iPlayer, ITVX | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc. |
| Voice Search | No | Yes |
| Playlist Function | No | Yes (cloud-based recording) |
Sky Glass does have the advantage of more advanced features like voice search, cloud-based playlists, and personalisation for different users. However, Freely is completely free and doesn’t require a subscription.
Potential Drawbacks: Watch Out for the Delay
One minor downside of Freely is the broadcast delay. Since Freely uses broadband to stream content, there can be a delay of up to 30 seconds compared to watching live TV via an aerial. This won’t be a problem for most viewers, but during live sports events, you might receive texts about a goal before you actually see it happen!
Sky Glass users face a similar issue, though Sky is working to reduce the delay.
Final Thoughts: Is Freely Right for You?
If you’re looking for a simple, no-cost way to watch live and on-demand TV, Freely is a great choice—especially for those living in flats or areas without access to a traditional aerial. With an easy setup and seamless interface, Freely offers a no-hassle solution for your entertainment needs.
While it may not have all the premium features of services like Sky Glass, its cost-free nature makes it an attractive option for many UK households.
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