At a glance
Freeview is the UK’s free digital terrestrial TV service with over 100 TV channels
The exact number of channels you’ll get depends on your signal and where you live
Freeview may be free, but you’ll still need a TV licence and aerial to watch it
Most broadband and TV packages include Freeview as standard.
What is Freeview?
Freeview is the UK’s digital terrestrial TV service.
Since the digital switchover in 2012, it’s become the main way many households watch television and is now used by around 16 million households.
Freeview lets you watch and listen to the nation’s most popular TV and radio channels, including BBC One, ITV, Channel 4 and Radio 2.
As the name suggests, Freeview is free to watch, but you’ll need an aerial and a TV licence to get it – and, of course, a screen to watch it on.
As there’s no monthly fee or contract, you won’t be tied to a subscription package to watch Freeview TV. But it doesn’t have as much choice as pay TV services from the likes of Sky, Virgin Media and BT/EE.
How does Freeview work?
Most TVs made after 2010 have Freeview built in, so there’s usually no need to buy a separate set-top box. To watch Freeview channels live, all you need to do is connect to an aerial that’s in good working order.
If you want extra features – like the option to pause, rewind and record live TV – you can choose to buy a smart TV that includes Freeview Play or a Freeview Play recorder.
Freeview Play also gives you access to catch-up and on-demand content from services including:
BBC iPlayer
ITVX
All 4
5
UKTV Play.
For this, you’ll need an internet connection of at least 2Mpbs (megabits per second).
If you want to watch your favourite shows on the go, you can download the Freeview app to your smartphone or tablet. This way, you’ll never have to miss an episode of The Traitors or Strictly Come Dancing if you’re travelling home from work on the train.
Broadband and TV packages with Freeview
You don’t need to bundle your broadband and TV to watch Freeview, but several broadband providers do offer Freeview channels as part of their combined broadband and TV packages.
These can range from basic packages, that include just the Freeview channels, to more comprehensive plans with premium sport, movie and entertainment channels added on.
What’s right for you depends on what you like to watch – and your budget.
For example, you can’t get channels like Sky Showcase, Sky Atlantic, Comedy Central, or TNT Sports on Freeview.
So, if you’re a regular satellite and cable TV watcher, it may be better value to combine a more advanced digital TV package with your broadband, rather than paying for them separately.
If your viewing habits are based largely around streaming services like Netflix, NOW TV, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, you could opt for a combination of streaming subscriptions and Freeview TV.
That gives you access to some live TV and terrestrial channels, without forking out for hundreds of satellite channels you might never watch.
We can compare TV and broadband packages to help you find a great-value deal. Simply enter your postcode and we’ll show you options from providers both big and small, so you can choose a bundle that suits your TV viewing habits.
FAQs
Do I need broadband to watch Freeview?
No, you don’t need broadband to watch live Freeview TV. But you will need an internet connection if you want to use the extra features available through Freeview Play, such as watching shows on demand or pausing live TV.
Why can’t I get all the Freeview channels in my area?
The Freeview channels you can watch depends on the transmitter your aerial is connected to.
Some channels are only available in certain regions. For example S4C is only available on Freeview in Wales. But the Freeview’s core public service channels are available to over 98% of UK households.
Your signal strength can also affect which channels you can receive. Tall buildings, trees and even weather can all impact reception.
Your equipment matters too. For example, you’ll need a Freeview HD-compatible TV or device to watch HD channels.
What’s the difference between Freeview and Freeview Play?
Freeview Play is an internet-connected version of Freeview TV that lets you watch on-demand TV and catch up on shows you missed.
Freeview Play is now built into most new smart TVs sold in the UK, so you may already have access Freeview’s on‑demand features.
As well as a TV aerial and a TV licence, you’ll need an internet connection to use the streaming and catch-up features available through Freeview Play.
Is Freeview being switched off?
No – Freeview is not being switched off any time soon. The UK government and Ofcom have committed to supporting Digital Terrestrial Television (the platform Freeview runs on) until at least 2034, and there are no plans to remove access before then.
What happens after that date hasn’t been decided yet, but any future changes to how TV is delivered in the UK would be introduced gradually and with plenty of notice.
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Over the past decade, Kate has worked in various industries, including company secretarial, small business support and property investing.
Her move to financial services in 2022 not only helped her find her niche in personal finance writing, but also just how alienating finance can be. She’s now motivated by making everyday money a piece of cake for everyone, helping her readers feel informed and in control.
Kate now specialises in savings and current accounts as well as broadband, mobile and energy products.
Ele Clark is an award-winning editor who has held leadership roles at Which? and news-stand publications in London and Dubai. She’s appeared across the press and media, including BBC’s Panorama. With almost 20 years’ experience in personal finance, insurance and consumer journalism, she leads a talented team at Compare the Market, creating insightful, accessible content to help people make informed financial decisions.
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