Watch out Sky - new UK rival finally lets you watch more TV channels for free
Sky might be top dog when it comes to premium TV, but it is facing some stiff competition from a relative newcomer. Freely launched last year and, just like Sky's latest streaming devices, it doesn't need a dish or aerial to beam content to the big screen.
All channels are whizzed into living rooms via the internet instead, making it super simple to view live and on-demand shows, sports and movies. Freely, which is owned by the same team behind Freeview and Freesat, was pretty low on channels when it first arrived in spring 2024, but things are finally getting better.
It's just been confirmed that 16 bonus services will arrive this year, including content from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
This blockbuster boost will mean users will soon have access to over 55 free channels via their Wi-Fi, along with more than 70,000 hours of things to watch on demand.
Although that can't quite match the might of the Sky, Freely is completely free to watch, and there are no subscription fees to pay. All you need is a compatible telly and a broadband connection to get access.
So what's new on Freely?
ITV says it will launch two streaming channels, The Chase and Saturday Night Every Night in the coming months and Channel 4 will add 4Reality, 4Homes and 4Life to the Freely planner.
Channel 5 is also joining the party with bonus extras such as Police Interceptors, The Yorkshire Vet and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
You'll find the full list of channels below.
• The Chase
• Saturday Night Every Night
NEW CHANNEL 4 SHOWS ON FREELY
• 4Reality
• 4Homes
• 4Life *(w/t)
NEW CHANNEL 5 CHANNELS ON FREELY
• GPs Behind Closed Doors
• Bargain Loving Brits
• The Yorkshire Vet
• History
• Crime
• Milkshake!
• Police Interceptors
• Cops
• Trucking Hell
• A&E
• Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
Speaking about the launch Akhila Khanna, ITV Director of Distribution said: "At ITV we're proud to be part of Freely and making these channels available to the Freely TV Guide reinforces our commitment to delivering fantastic, free content through this innovative platform and showcases our continued collaboration with other leading UK broadcasters."
What is Freely?
As we mentioned earlier, Freely gets delivered to homes via a broadband connection, so there is no need for an aerial.
It now comes included on many new TVs from manufacturers such as Hisense, Panasonic, Sharp, Bush and Toshiba.
Once connected to the web, homes can watch live and on-demand television. There's also the option to pause live shows, see what's on now and next via the telly guide and get recommendations of things to watch.
Of course, Sky still offers way more features and more channels but it does come at cost. Prices for Sky Stream start from £15 per month. Sky Glass will set you back around £29 per month.
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