Free TV without contract
- No subscription, no monthly fee
- On demand with Smart TV
- HD channels for crisp, clear picture
About Freeview
Freeview is the UK’s free-to-air digital TV service, offering a wide range of channels with no subscription. The only cost is the set-top box, and viewers can watch channels including BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Box Comparison |
Freeview |
Virgin |
Sky |
BT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pause & rewind live TV |
Pause & rewind live TV
|
Pause & rewind live TV
|
Pause & rewind live TV
|
Pause & rewind live TV
|
| Series record |
Series record
|
Series record
|
Series record
|
Series record
|
| Access to On Demand |
Access to On Demand
|
Access to On Demand
|
Access to On Demand
|
Access to On Demand
|
| TV in High Definition |
TV in High Definition
|
TV in High Definition
|
TV in High Definition
|
TV in High Definition
|
| Catch-up TV |
Catch-up TV
|
Catch-up TV
|
Catch-up TV
|
Catch-up TV
|
| Number of channels |
Number of channels
74
|
Number of channels
230
|
Number of channels
350
|
Number of channels
90
|
| More info | More info | More info | More info |
Key features
- Pay once with no subscription fees
- HD channels included as standard
- Pause and rewind live TV
Freeview FAQs
What channels can I get on Freeview?
Freeview allows you to watch all the standard terrestrial channels as well as a number of digital channels like Dave, with 74 total channels to choose from.
How much do I have to pay?
Freeview is a free-to-air service, meaning you only have to buy a Freeview box to start watching. Most TVs also come with Freeview as standard, meaning you can probably access it without a box.
How do I know if my TV includes Freeview?
If your TV includes Freeview, there’ll be a small sticker somewhere on the set that tells you it’s included. The vast majority of new standard and Smart TVs include Freeview.
Our Freeview review
Freeview is the UK's free-to-air digital TV service which give you access to a wide selection of channels without a subscription. This includes original analogue channels like BBC One, BBC Two and ITV as well as plenty of others that offer top-quality entertainment. You can watch Freeview using a Freeview box, connected to your home aerial.
All you need to get Freeview is a Freeview set-top box, a functioning aerial in your home and a TV. Many TVs now come with a Freeview receiver built into the hardware but if you do need to buy one, they cost very little and are available from most supermarkets and high-street tech shops.
A Freeview set-top box plugs into your TV via a SCART lead which usually comes in the box. There are a few different boxes to choose from, including some with a pause, rewind and record function as well as those with HD capabilities meaning you can watch in stunning high definition.