What's the difference between Freely and Freeview?

Freely and Freeview are two distinct but related television platforms in the UK, both offering access to free-to-air channels but with different technologies, features, and user experiences. Understanding their differences can help consumers choose the right service based on their needs. Here’s an in-depth comparison of Freely and Freeview, covering their core differences in terms of delivery method, features, accessibility, and more.

1. Overview of Freely and Freeview

Freely:

Freely is a new streaming service launched in 2024 by Everyone TV, a collaboration of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. It brings together live and on-demand content from the UK’s major broadcasters, but unlike Freeview, Freely is entirely delivered over the internet. You don’t need an aerial or satellite to access Freely, just a broadband connection and a compatible TV or device.

• Launched: 2024
• Technology: Internet-based (IPTV)
• Supported Devices: Smart TVs (like 2024 Hisense models), streaming devices, and mobile apps (expected to roll out across more platforms).

Freeview:

Freeview is the UK’s primary free-to-air digital terrestrial TV service, which has been in operation since 2002. It uses an aerial to broadcast television signals and provides access to more than 70 standard-definition channels and 15 high-definition channels. Freeview has evolved over the years with the addition of Freeview Play, which combines traditional broadcast TV with on-demand content, provided you have internet access.

• Launched: 2002
• Technology: Digital terrestrial TV, aerial-based (with Freeview Play using broadband for catch-up).
• Supported Devices: Any TV with an aerial, set-top boxes, Freeview Play-enabled devices, and apps.

2. Delivery Method and Technology

Freely:

• Streaming-Only Platform: Freely delivers television entirely through internet streaming (IPTV). This means you don’t need an aerial or satellite dish. It’s ideal for people with strong broadband connections but less suitable for those in areas with weak internet speeds.
• No Aerial Required: This feature makes it especially convenient for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to install hardware.
• Wi-Fi Dependent: Freely relies on a Wi-Fi connection to stream live and on-demand TV content, which can be accessed from anywhere in the house or even outdoors, as long as the Wi-Fi reaches.

Freeview:

• Digital Terrestrial TV: Freeview broadcasts television signals via a traditional aerial. To access channels, you need an aerial connected to your TV or a Freeview box. This makes it less dependent on internet infrastructure compared to Freely.
• Freeview Play: In addition to over-the-air broadcasts, Freeview Play combines traditional TV with on-demand content available via broadband. However, live TV still requires an aerial.
• Reliability in Rural Areas: For people in areas with limited broadband, Freeview’s reliance on aerial-based signals can be more reliable than streaming-based services like Freely.

3. Channels and Content

Freely:

• Live and On-Demand: Freely gives access to live broadcasts from the UK’s major broadcasters, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. In addition to live channels, you can stream on-demand content from catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, and My5 without leaving the platform.
• 95% of Popular Channels: It offers 95% of the UK’s most-watched free-to-air channels. Key channels include BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, as well as digital channels like BBC Three, BBC Four, ITV2, E4, and More4.
• No Regional Channels (Yet): Unlike Freeview, which provides regional variations for local news, Freely does not yet offer such localised programming.

Freeview:

• Over 85 Channels: Freeview offers over 70 standard-definition channels and 15 high-definition channels. The lineup includes BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and a host of digital channels such as BBC News, ITV2, ITV3, E4, More4, and Film4.
• Catch-Up with Freeview Play: Freeview Play integrates live TV with on-demand services, allowing you to scroll backwards through the program guide and access shows you’ve missed, provided you have a broadband connection.

4. Devices and Hardware Requirements

Freely:

• Smart TVs and Internet Devices: Freely is built into newer smart TVs, starting with 2024 Hisense models. You can access Freely by simply connecting to the internet. As the service evolves, it’s expected to be available on a wider range of devices, including other TV brands, set-top boxes, and potentially mobile apps.
• No External Hardware Needed: Since Freely operates via the internet, you don’t need an aerial, set-top box, or satellite dish. You can start streaming right away on a compatible TV or device with internet connectivity.

Freeview:

• Aerial Required: To watch live TV on Freeview, you need a working aerial connected to your TV. This is a key difference, as Freeview cannot function without this setup for live broadcasting.
• Set-Top Box Options: If your TV doesn’t have Freeview built-in, you can purchase a Freeview box or a Freeview Play-enabled device to access live and on-demand channels.
• Freeview Play for Smart TVs: Many smart TVs come with Freeview Play built-in, combining the traditional Freeview experience with internet-based on-demand content.

5. Internet Dependency

Freely:

• Entirely Internet-Based: As a streaming platform, Freely depends fully on your internet connection. If you have poor broadband speeds or limited data, you may experience buffering or service interruptions.
• Convenience: Without the need for an aerial, you can move your TV or streaming device around the house as long as you have a good Wi-Fi signal. This gives Freely an advantage for viewers in places where aerial reception is limited or nonexistent.

Freeview:

• Aerial for Live TV: Freeview’s live TV doesn’t require an internet connection, making it ideal for viewers in rural or remote areas where broadband might not be reliable.
• Freeview Play Requires Broadband: If you want to access catch-up and on-demand content through Freeview Play, a broadband connection is necessary. However, if your internet goes down, you can still watch live TV via the aerial.

6. User Interface and Experience

Freely:

• Unified Streaming Experience: Freely aims to reduce the need for multiple apps by bringing together live TV and on-demand services from all the major broadcasters into one platform. The streamlined interface allows users to switch between live and on-demand content without needing to open individual apps like BBC iPlayer or ITVX.
• Intuitive Guide: Freely features a “Mini Guide” and a more detailed TV guide to help users quickly find what’s on now, next, and later. This is similar to the Freeview Play guide, but Freely is designed to be more interactive and modern, optimised for streaming.
• Pause and Restart Live TV: With Freely, you can pause and restart live broadcasts, a feature typically only available on premium pay-TV services.

Freeview:

• Traditional TV Experience: Freeview retains the traditional TV viewing experience with a focus on live broadcasting. The interface is simpler and familiar to those who are used to watching TV via an aerial.
• Freeview Play Interface: Freeview Play adds a layer of on-demand functionality, with a program guide that allows you to scroll back through the last seven days of programming to catch up on missed shows.

7. Accessibility

Freely:

• Broad Coverage of Popular Channels: Freely covers 95% of the UK’s most popular TV channels, making it highly accessible to users with internet connections. It does not require any subscription fees and offers the convenience of internet streaming without hardware installation.
• No Regional Channels Yet: Currently, Freely does not offer regional versions of the BBC or ITV channels, limiting local news and programming compared to Freeview.

Freeview:

• Wider Reach: Freeview is available to 98% of UK households, as long as they have a working aerial. It offers more extensive channel coverage, including regional variations of BBC and ITV channels, making it the go-to option for those wanting local programming.
• Limited by Aerial Reception: However, Freeview is limited by aerial reception, meaning that households in areas with poor signal may experience issues with live TV.

8. Future Trends and Development

Freely:

Freely is designed with future streaming trends in mind. As internet infrastructure continues to improve, more people are shifting towards internet-based viewing, which Freely supports. The service is expected to expand its channel offerings and develop apps for more devices, possibly making it a central hub for all free-to-air TV in the UK.

Freeview:

Freeview has a long-established presence in the UK, but as more viewers migrate to streaming services, it may gradually phase out in favour of hybrid services like Freeview Play. Nevertheless, its simplicity and wide availability make it likely to remain a staple for live TV, especially for viewers in rural areas or those without fast internet.

Conclusion: Freely vs Freeview – Which is Better?

Choosing between Freely and Freeview largely depends on your personal viewing preferences and the technology available to you.

• Freely is ideal for households with strong broadband connections who prefer the convenience of streaming without the need for an aerial. Its integration of live and on-demand content into one platform offers a streamlined, modern viewing experience, and the fact that it’s internet-based means it can work anywhere with Wi-Fi.

• Freeview, on the other hand, is perfect for those who rely on traditional TV broadcasting. It doesn’t require internet for live channels, making it more reliable in areas with poor broadband, and Freeview Play offers a good mix of live and on-demand content for households with internet access.

Ultimately, both services cater to different needs, and many households may benefit from using both, depending on their circumstances.