Freely TV: The UK’s Game-Changing Free Streaming Service Revolutionising How We Watch Television

What is Freely TV?

Freely is a British free-to-air IPTV service launched in 2024 by Everyone TV, a joint venture between the country’s public broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5. This innovative platform represents a significant shift in how British viewers access their favourite television content, eliminating the need for traditional aerials or satellite dishes.

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 have teamed up to bring you the live and on demand telly you know and love, for free. The service brings together live television and catch-up content in one unified interface, all you need is Wi-Fi to stream live TV for free.

Why Freely TV Matters for UK Viewers

The launch of Freely TV addresses a crucial challenge facing traditional broadcasting. With more than half of U.K. homes expecting to watch TV exclusively via broadband by 2030, it “will bring live and on-demand content together all in one place for free, ensuring that TV remains relevant and accessible to audiences of all ages.” This represents the natural evolution of free-to-air television in the streaming age.

Freely aims to tackle this shift head on and protect free TV for the future. By combining the convenience of modern streaming platforms with the accessibility of traditional free-to-air broadcasting, Freely TV ensures that quality British content remains available to everyone without subscription fees.

Major Breakthrough: Streaming Boxes Arrive in November 2025

Since its April 2024 launch, Freely TV has primarily been available only on new smart televisions from brands like Hisense, Panasonic, and TCL. However, November 2025 marked a significant milestone. The resulting first Freely box called Netgem Pleio launched in November 2025 and does not feature an aerial port.

PLEIO integrates Freely – the free streaming platform backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and U – offering over 50 live channels and a deep on-demand line-up over Wi-Fi. In the consumer market it will initially be sold via Amazon in the UK for £99, including three months’ free access to PLEIO Extra – the 150+ additional channels and 250+ cloud games. This development means millions of households with existing televisions can now access Freely without purchasing a new TV.

Key Features and User Experience

The Freely TV app makes this transition to all-in-one viewing feel effortless, giving you access to over 100 live TV and radio channels, plus a wide range of on-demand content. The platform includes innovative features such as pause and restart for live TV, a unified electronic programme guide that seamlessly integrates content from all broadcasters, and a MiniGuide that helps users discover related content when switching channels.

You’ll also need to pay for an internet connection with a speed of at least 10Mbps and a TV Licence, which costs £174.50 a year in 2025. However, the service itself remains completely free with no subscription or hidden fees.

The Future of Free British Television

Freely TV represents more than just a new streaming service—it’s a strategic investment in the future of public service broadcasting. The service is expected to gradually replace Freeview (although Sky, which has some free channels in DTT, is not part of Freely). With the November 2025 launch of standalone streaming devices and continued expansion of compatible smart TVs, Freely is positioned to become the primary way British households access free television content in the coming years.