The Freely streaming box that everyone’s been asking for since the Freeview successor launched is finally happening – with some interesting twists.
Everyone TV announced today that Freely will launch on dedicated streaming devices “later this year,” partnering with French technology company Netgem to create what they’re calling a “simple and affordable plug-in puck.”
We can also reveal that the new Freely box will ditch the aerial port entirely – meaning users won’t be able to access traditional Freeview channels that aren’t yet part of Freely’s streaming lineup (or have their own streaming app).
This makes it a fully internet-based device, more akin to Sky Stream or Virgin Stream than traditional Freeview boxes.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming Freely box – including what it will and won’t do.
The Long Road to a Freely Box
Since launching in April 2024, Freely has positioned itself as the streaming-age successor to Freeview and Freesat, offering a unified interface for live TV and on-demand content from major UK broadcasters – all without requiring an aerial or satellite dish.
The platform has made steady progress over the past year, adding the “Freely Next” update in May with long-awaited features like a backwards TV guide and “Never Miss” functionality.
It now offers more than 40 live channels from broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5, and UKTV.
On the hardware front, Freely has expanded to an impressive roster of TV manufacturers – Amazon Fire TV, Bush, Hisense, JVC, METZ, Panasonic, Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, TCL, Toshiba, and most recently Roku-powered sets.
But despite this progress, Freely has suffered from one massive, glaring limitation: you could only get it if you shelled out for a brand new TV.
There was no standalone box or streaming stick that would allow the millions of us with perfectly good older TVs to access the platform without forking out hundreds of pounds for a new telly.
This has been the elephant in the room since day one, and a question I’ve badgered Freely representatives about on multiple occasions.
There was a glimmer of hope in May when BBC Director-General Tim Davie revealed the broadcaster was “considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface.”
Well, here it is – though with some important caveats.
What We Know About the New Freely Box
The official announcement reveals that Netgem – a French company with significant experience in the UK streaming market – will manufacture the first Freely streaming device.
Netgem already offers 4K Freeview boxes to direct customers and through partnerships with broadband providers, so they’re no strangers to the UK TV landscape.
The upcoming Freely “plug in and stream” puck promises all the core Freely features that TV users have come to expect: the unified mini-guide for switching between channels, seamless movement between live and on-demand content, the ability to pause and restart live TV, and the My List feature for saving shows across different broadcasters.
According to Everyone TV, it will offer access to more than 40 live channels from major UK broadcasters, with automatic updates for constantly evolving features, channels and content.
However, the somewhat surprising part is that the box will be a streaming-only device with no aerial port whatsoever, as Netgem confirmed to us.
This is a departure from existing Freely TVs and traditional Freeview Play boxes, which typically allow users to “top up” streaming channels with over-the-air broadcasts (via an aerial) to access the full Freeview channel lineup.
The device will also include a library of popular streaming apps – though specific details haven’t been confirmed yet.
This suggests it could function as both a Freely device and a general streaming stick, potentially including Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, and other major platforms alongside the broadcaster apps like iPlayer and ITVX.
Additionally, the box will feature some of Netgem’s FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channels, which could potentially fill some gaps in Freely’s current channel lineup – assuming those missing Freeview channels have streaming equivalents available.
Lastly, unlike current Netgem boxes, the new Freely device won’t support recording via external USB drives or hard drives.
Instead, it will rely entirely on Freely’s watchlist and favourites features, plus the catch-up services from individual broadcasters. So, as we’ve been saying for months – TV recording is certainly on its last legs.
The Limitations That Remain
While this announcement addresses Freely’s biggest accessibility problem, some challenges remain.
The lack of an aerial port means complete dependence on Freely’s streaming channel lineup. Viewers who are fans of smaller channels that haven’t yet joined the streaming revolution will need to keep their aerial devices or find alternative sources.
The absence of recording capabilities will also disappoint those accustomed to time-shifting, though catch-up services and the watchlist functionality provide some alternative solutions.
There’s also the ongoing question of cost. While promised to be “affordable,” we don’t yet know what that means in practice.
How Does This Compare to Fire TV’s Live Tab?
The Freely box will face some competition from Amazon’s Fire TV ecosystem, which has steadily improved its live TV offering over the past year.
In March, Amazon finally added BBC channels to Fire TV’s “Live” tab, completing the lineup of major UK public service broadcasters.
This feature provides thumbnail previews of what’s currently broadcasting and a proper electronic programme guide – functionality that’s somewhat similar to what Freely offers.
The key difference is availability and integration. Fire TV’s Live tab works on all Fire TV devices, including affordable streaming sticks that cost as little as £29.99.
However, it’s essentially a launcher that jumps you between different broadcaster apps rather than providing the seamless, unified experience that Freely promises.
Fire TV also can’t browse backwards through programmes or offer the same level of integration between live and on-demand content that makes Freely appealing.
For many viewers, though, Fire TV’s approach might be “good enough” – especially if they already own a Fire TV device and aren’t looking to buy additional hardware.
Why Not Both?
Given the streaming-only approach of the new Freely box, it raises an interesting question: why not also offer Freely as an app on existing streaming platforms?
If the new device doesn’t require an aerial port and relies entirely on internet-delivered content, the technical barriers to creating Freely apps for Fire TV sticks, Roku devices, and other popular streamers seem minimal.
A dedicated box certainly has its place – offering a curated, simplified experience that could appeal to viewers who find existing streaming platforms overwhelming.
But there’s no obvious reason why this couldn’t exist alongside apps for established platforms.
This approach would give consumers choice: a streamlined dedicated device for those who want simplicity, and app-based access for those who prefer to use their existing streaming hardware.
Looking Ahead
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Freely, finally addressing the accessibility concerns that have dogged the platform since launch.
For viewers with older TVs who’ve been waiting to try Freely without buying new hardware, this could be the solution they’ve been seeking.
However, the streaming-only approach represents a clear statement about the direction Everyone TV sees the industry heading.
With the government pushing for an “IP switchover in the 2030s” and research suggesting 70% of UK homes will ditch aerials by 2040, the Freely box represents a glimpse of that future.
Whether that future includes comprehensive channel lineups, affordable access for all viewers, and the functionality people have come to expect from their TV setups remains to be seen.
More details, including pricing, specific availability dates, and confirmed streaming app partnerships are promised to be announced soon.
Given the “later this year” timeline, we’re hoping for availability before the Christmas shopping season…. Meanwhile, interested users can pre-register their interest via this form on Freely’s website.
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As others have mentioned why is a new device even needed, just release an app that any smart TV or dongle can download and use. My only thought is that they don’t have the bandwidth to support everyone moving over to freely in one go
Whilst the Freely IP channels remain quite slim, omitting the Freeview tuner to top-up the channel list send foolish. Even assuming streaming will be the direction, why not mirror the Freely TV set setup?
Good move, especially interesting it could be used as a streaming device. I would have liked it as an app but it maybe they are looking at a way to generate ad revenue.
As you’ve already stated, this can be solved with an app.
It’s a good move, but if no serial port simply provide the app for Firesticks, Roku, Apple, Google etc.