What Is Freely TV? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New Smart TV
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Freely is a UK television platform that lets you stream live TV and on-demand programmes over your broadband connection, without needing a traditional TV aerial or satellite dish. If you’re shopping for a new Smart TV and have noticed the Freely logo on selected models, this guide explains what Freely is, how it works, what you can watch and whether it is worth choosing in 2026.
Whether you’re upgrading your living room TV, replacing an older Freeview television or simply want an easier way to watch live UK channels over WiFi, this buyer’s guide will help you understand how Freely works and what you need to get started.
What Is Freely?
Freely is a free television platform created by Everyone TV, the organisation backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Instead of relying entirely on a traditional aerial or satellite connection, Freely brings together live television and on-demand programmes over broadband in one Smart TV experience.
This means you can move between live channels, catch-up programmes and supported streaming services without constantly switching between different apps.
How Does Freely Work?
Freely uses your home broadband connection to stream television directly to a compatible TV or Freely streaming device.
On a television with Freely built in, simply connect the TV to the internet and follow the on-screen setup process. Once configured, Freely provides its own programme guide and access to supported live and on-demand content.
- Watch live television over WiFi or Ethernet
- No satellite dish required
- No TV aerial required for internet-streamed Freely channels
- Live and on-demand programmes in one interface
- Integrated TV guide
- Pause and restart supported live programmes
- Automatic platform and software updates
You can still connect an aerial to many compatible Freely TVs if you want access to additional aerial-delivered channels or extra backup options, but an aerial is not required to use Freely's internet TV service.
Do You Need an Aerial for Freely?
No. You can use Freely without a television aerial or satellite dish.
Live and on-demand Freely content can be streamed using your broadband connection, which makes the platform particularly useful in rooms or properties where installing an aerial connection is inconvenient.
Freely can be a great option for:
- Flats and apartments without convenient aerial sockets
- Rental properties
- Bedrooms and secondary rooms
- Homes with poor traditional aerial reception
- Households that already rely heavily on broadband and streaming
If you do already have an aerial, you can choose to connect it on compatible Freely TVs to supplement the channels available over broadband.
What Channels Are Available on Freely?
Freely provides access to a growing selection of live UK television channels streamed over WiFi, including channels from the country's major broadcasters.
Popular channels available through Freely include:
- BBC One
- BBC Two
- BBC Three
- BBC Four
- ITV1
- ITV2
- ITV3
- ITV4
- Channel 4
- E4
- Film4
- More4
- Channel 5
- 5STAR
- 5ACTION
- 5USA
- Sky Mix
- Sky Arts
Freely now offers more than 70 live channels, with more than 35 available in HD, alongside a large library of free on-demand programming.
The exact channel line-up can change over time and some regional or additional channels may depend on your location or whether an aerial is connected.
What Catch-Up Services Are Available on Freely?
Freely is designed to bring the UK's major free streaming services together into a more integrated television experience.
Supported services include:
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVX
- Channel 4
- 5
This makes it easier to move between live television and programmes you may have missed without searching through multiple separate menus.
Is Freely Free?
Yes. Freely itself does not require a monthly subscription.
To use Freely you need:
- A Freely-compatible Smart TV or Freely streaming device
- A suitable broadband connection
Your normal broadband costs still apply, and some third-party streaming apps available on your Smart TV may require their own subscriptions.
You should also make sure you have the appropriate UK TV Licence where required.
What Internet Speed Do You Need for Freely?
Because Freely streams television over the internet, a reliable broadband connection is important.
Freely recommends a minimum broadband speed of 10Mbps for streaming its live internet channels and on-demand programming.
- Minimum recommended connection: 10Mbps
- Connection: WiFi or Ethernet on supported devices
- For the best experience: Use a strong and stable connection near your television
If several people in your household are streaming, gaming or downloading at the same time, a faster broadband package may help maintain consistent performance.
Can You Get Freely on an Older TV?
Yes — in many cases you now can.
When Freely originally launched, the platform was mainly available on selected televisions with Freely built in. In 2026, dedicated Freely streaming devices are also available.
These devices connect to a compatible television using HDMI and allow you to access Freely using your existing TV and broadband connection.
Current Freely streaming device options include:
- Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer
- Netgem PLEIO 4K streaming puck
This means you do not necessarily have to replace your existing TV simply because it does not have Freely built in.
If you are buying a new television, however, choosing a model with Freely built in provides the simplest setup because the platform is integrated directly into the Smart TV.
Freely vs Freeview: What's the Difference?
Freely and Freeview both provide access to free UK television, but the main difference is how channels reach your TV.
| Feature | Freely | Freeview |
|---|---|---|
| Main Signal Source | Broadband / internet | TV aerial |
| Aerial Required | No | Yes for traditional Freeview channels |
| Satellite Dish Required | No | No |
| Live TV | Streamed over broadband | Broadcast through an aerial |
| Catch-Up | Integrated into the Freely experience | Depends on TV and Freeview Play support |
| Internet Required | Yes for internet-streamed channels | No for standard aerial TV |
| Best For | Broadband-first households | Homes with a good aerial connection |
Is Freely Better Than Freeview?
Neither platform is automatically better for every household.
Freely may be the better choice if you want to watch live television without installing or relying on an aerial, or if your household already watches most television through broadband and streaming apps.
Freeview may still suit you better if you already have a reliable aerial connection and want live television that does not depend on your broadband connection.
Many compatible Freely TVs can also use an aerial, so choosing a Freely television does not necessarily mean you have to abandon traditional broadcast television completely.
Best Freely Smart TVs Available at eFones
Best QLED Freely TV – Hisense 65" E7Q
The Hisense 65E7QTUK is an excellent choice for a main living room, combining a large 65-inch QLED display with 4K resolution and Freely built directly into the VIDAA Smart TV platform.
- 65" QLED 4K Ultra HD display
- Freely built in
- Quantum Dot colour technology
- Dolby Vision HDR support
- Dolby Atmos audio support
- VIDAA Smart TV platform
- WiFi and Ethernet connectivity
View Hisense 65" E7Q QLED Freely TV – Check Price & Availability
Best Freely TV for Gaming – Hisense 55" E7Q 144Hz
The Hisense 55E78QTUK is a strong option for shoppers who want Freely alongside more advanced gaming and entertainment features.
Its 55-inch 4K QLED display combines Quantum Dot colour with high refresh-rate performance, while Freely is integrated into its VIDAA Smart TV platform.
- 55" 4K QLED display
- Freely built in
- Up to 144Hz gaming performance
- Dolby Vision HDR
- Dolby Atmos audio
- VIDAA Smart TV platform
- WiFi and Ethernet connectivity
View Hisense 55" E7Q Freely TV – Check Price & Availability
Best Premium Freely TV – Hisense 75" U7Q Mini-LED
For a premium large-screen setup, the Hisense 75U7QTUK combines Freely with a huge 75-inch Mini-LED display and high refresh-rate gaming features.
It is an excellent choice for larger living rooms and home cinema setups where you want Freely for everyday television alongside premium picture technology for movies, sport and gaming.
- 75" 4K Mini-LED display
- Freely built in
- Up to 144Hz gaming performance
- Advanced local dimming
- Dolby Vision support
- Dolby Atmos audio support
- VIDAA Smart TV platform
View Hisense 75" U7Q Mini-LED Freely TV – Check Price & Availability
Is Freely Worth It in 2026?
For many UK households, Freely is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional aerial-based television.
It is particularly useful if you want:
- Live UK television without relying on an aerial
- Live and on-demand programmes in one place
- A simpler Smart TV experience
- A television for a room without an aerial socket
- More flexibility over where your television is positioned
- A broadband-first alternative to traditional broadcast TV
The addition of Freely streaming devices also makes the platform more flexible in 2026, because you can now add Freely to many existing TVs rather than only accessing it through a television with Freely built in.
Who Is Freely Best For?
Freely is particularly well suited to households that already have reliable broadband and regularly use streaming services.
It can also be especially useful for:
- Renters who cannot easily install a new aerial
- Flats and apartments
- Bedrooms and secondary TVs
- New homes where television is primarily streamed
- Anyone wanting fewer cables and a simpler setup
Can You Watch Freely Over WiFi?
Yes. Freely is specifically designed to stream live and on-demand television using an internet connection.
A compatible Freely television or streaming device can connect over WiFi, although using Ethernet may provide a more stable connection where your equipment supports it.
If your television is far away from your router or your WiFi signal is weak, improving your home network can help provide a smoother viewing experience.
Browse Freely TVs at eFones
Explore the latest Smart TVs at eFones, including selected Hisense models with Freely built in, from living-room QLED TVs through to large-screen Mini-LED models.
Browse All Smart TVs | Shop Hisense TVs
Frequently Asked Questions About Freely
Does Freely need WiFi?
Freely requires an internet connection to stream its live internet channels and on-demand programmes. This can normally be provided using WiFi or, on compatible equipment, an Ethernet connection.
What broadband speed do I need for Freely?
Freely recommends a minimum broadband speed of 10Mbps for live internet channels and on-demand content. A faster connection can be useful in busy households where several devices use the internet at the same time.
Can I use Freely without an aerial?
Yes. Freely allows compatible televisions and streaming devices to receive live and on-demand television over broadband without requiring a traditional TV aerial or satellite dish.
Can I still connect an aerial to a Freely TV?
Yes. Many Freely televisions allow you to connect an aerial if you want to supplement the channels available over broadband with additional aerial-delivered services.
Is Freely free to use?
Yes. Freely itself does not require a monthly subscription, although you still need a broadband connection and the appropriate UK TV Licence where required.
Can I add Freely to my existing TV?
Yes. Freely-compatible HDMI streaming devices are now available, allowing many existing televisions to access Freely without needing to replace the TV.
Which Freely streaming devices are available?
Freely currently supports dedicated streaming products including the Manhattan Aero and Netgem PLEIO. These connect to a compatible television through HDMI and stream Freely over your broadband connection.
Does Freely have BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5?
Yes. Freely includes live and on-demand content from the UK's major public service broadcasters, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
How many channels does Freely have?
Freely currently offers more than 70 live television channels streamed over broadband, including more than 35 HD channels. The exact line-up can change as new services are added.
Is Freely the same as Freeview?
No. Both services provide free UK television, but Freely is built around broadband streaming while traditional Freeview receives live channels through a TV aerial.
Is Freely better than Freeview?
It depends on your setup. Freely is particularly useful if you have reliable broadband and do not want to rely on an aerial. Freeview can be preferable where you already have a strong aerial signal and want television that does not depend on your internet connection.
Do all Hisense TVs have Freely?
No. Freely support depends on the specific Hisense model. Always check the individual product specification or look for Freely listed among the television's features before purchasing.