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Three ways to watch
Freeview
Free-to-air channels through an aerial, received by your TV’s built-in tuner or a Freeview box. Free to receive, extremely reliable, but limited to channels broadcast in your area.
Freely
Launched in 2024 by the main public service broadcasters, Freely streams live free channels over broadband to compatible new smart TVs, with no aerial needed.
IPTV subscription
A paid service that delivers channels and on-demand content over broadband to a player app on almost any device.
Side by side
| Freeview | Freely | IPTV subscription | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Free (TV Licence needed) | Free (TV Licence needed) | Subscription |
| Needs | An aerial | Broadband and a compatible TV | Broadband and a player app |
| Channels | Free-to-air channels | Free-to-air channels | Depends on the service |
| Devices | TVs and boxes with a tuner | Compatible smart TVs | TVs, sticks, phones, computers |
| Works if broadband is down | Yes | No | No |
When to keep Freeview
If your aerial works, keep it. It costs nothing to receive, it is unaffected by broadband problems and the government has committed to terrestrial TV until at least 2034. It is also a useful backup on nights when broadband is unreliable.
When IPTV adds value
- You want channels or content beyond the free line-up.
- You cannot receive a good aerial signal, or your home has no aerial point.
- You want to watch in rooms without an aerial socket, or on phones and tablets.
- Several people watch different things at once. See multi-screen plans.
For a wider comparison including satellite and cable, see IPTV vs traditional TV.
Combining them
Most smart TVs switch between the Freeview tuner and apps with one remote, so keeping Freeview for the main channels and adding IPTV for extra viewing is the most resilient setup. Whatever mix you choose, a TV Licence is required for live TV. See licensing.
Picture quality: Freeview HD and streaming
Freeview HD channels are broadcast in high definition and look excellent with a good aerial signal, but there are no 4K channels on Freeview. Some 4K programmes are available to stream from broadcaster apps, and the quality of any internet stream depends on your connection as well as the source.
Freeview Play, Freely and plain Freeview
Freeview
Live channels from the aerial, with no internet needed.
Freeview Play
Live channels from the aerial plus catch-up apps over broadband, in one guide.
Freely
Live channels over broadband on compatible newer TVs, with no aerial needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Freeview IPTV?
No. Freeview is broadcast through an aerial. Freely, its broadband counterpart, is IPTV.
Do I need an aerial for Freely?
No. Freely streams live channels over broadband to compatible smart TVs.
Can IPTV replace Freeview?
It can, if your broadband is reliable. Many households keep Freeview as a free backup and use IPTV for everything else.
