Freeview Play is searched about 3,600 times a month in the UK, often by people who are not sure whether they have it, or what Freely is.
What is Freeview Play?
A label on TVs and recorders that combines aerial channels with on-demand apps. Scroll back in the TV guide and you can play programmes from the last seven days in iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 or My5 without opening each app.
What is Freely?
Freely is the next step. Launched in 2024 by Everyone TV and backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, it streams the live channels themselves over broadband. A home with Freely needs no aerial at all. It now carries more than 70 live channels, including newer internet-only ones.
How do they compare with paid IPTV?
| Freeview Play | Freely | Paid IPTV plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live channels | Through the aerial | Over broadband | Over broadband |
| Needs an aerial | Yes | No | No |
| UK Sports, TNT Sports | No | No | Depends on the provider and its licences |
| Film and series library | Broadcasters’ catch-up | Broadcasters’ catch-up | Large on-demand library |
| Monthly cost | Free | Free | From £6.25 with us |
| TV licence needed | Yes, for live TV | Yes, for live TV | Yes, for live TV |
Which should you use?
If you only watch the main channels, Freely or Freeview Play is all you need, and it costs nothing beyond the licence. People add a paid service for the pay channels, the sport and channels from home countries. You can use both on the same TV.
Readers also ask
Is Freeview Play the same as Freely?
Which TVs have Freely?
Can I get Freeview Play on a smart TV that doesn't have it?
Sources
- Stuff: What is Freely? checked 6 October 2026
- Everyone TV: Freely new channel partners checked 6 October 2026
- Broadband TV News: Freely adds 10 more streaming channels checked 6 October 2026