What is Freeview – and is it really free?
Some of the UK’s most popular TV channels, including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, are part of a package of channels known as Freeview. Despite the name, you do need to pay to watch Freeview channels live.
Here’s everything you need to know about the confusingly named television service.
What is Freeview TV?
Freeview TV is a collection of more than 100 channels available in the UK. The exact number of channels included depends on where you live, with some being regional or unavailable in certain areas.
The platform is home to BBC One, Two, Three and Four, ITV One, Two, Three and Four, Channel 4, E4 and Film 4, as well as Sky Mix, Food Network, HGTV and more. You can see the full channel guide and check out what’s on here.
How can I get Freeview TV?
While digital TV services like Sky are starting to offer internet-only options to their customers, Freeview or terrestrial TV is still delivered via signal to your home’s aerial. Usually mounted on your roof, your TV aerial receives the channel broadcasts made nationwide and converts them into some of your favourite shows, via a coaxial cable.
In order to receive and display these broadcasts, you’ll need a Freeview-enabled TV or set-top box. Almost all TVs produced in the UK since 2010 have Freeview reception built in, so you can simply plug your coaxial cable directly into your set.
If you have an older TV, there are a number of external devices available that can bring Freeview into your living room. These set-top boxes connect to your aerial and your TV set, bridging the gap and bringing you hundreds of channels without paying for a subscription.
Top tip! No Aerial? No problem! You can purchase indoor aerials that don’t need to be mounted on the roof, making them great for renters.
Is Freeview really free?
Freeview TV gets its name from the fact that there is no subscription fee for its service. If you can legally watch TV in the UK, you can watch Freeview without paying a subscription.
That ‘if’ can catch some people out, however. To legally watch live TV in the UK – whether through Freeview or a premium TV provider like Sky or Virgin Media – you must have a TV licence.
A TV licence costs £174.50 a year – so that’s the amount you’ll have to pay to access Freeview TV’s live service, as well as catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer.
What channels aren’t on Freeview?
Despite offering more than 100 channels, there are even more TV channels that aren’t available through Freeview.
Sky, the UK’s most popular premium TV provider, offers its customers more than 300 channels, including live sports, new release films and popular British and American dramas.
Can I watch the Premier League for free?
While many upcoming football matches will air on Freeview TV – including World Cup 2026 qualifying matches – the Premier League isn’t among them.
The top league of UK football airs on dedicated sports channels Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with Sky Sports airing 215 matches this season.
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