Sky Q has dominated the UK TV market for over a decade, remaining a favorite among users for its extensive recording capabilities. However, a new competitor may soon challenge its popularity by offering similar features without subscription fees.
Freely, integrated into many new televisions, enables households to access live and on-demand content without requiring an aerial connection, as content is delivered via the internet. Initially available only through the purchase of a new TV, Freely is expanding its reach with the introduction of a dedicated set-top box that can be connected to existing TVs. The first Freely box, developed by Humax, not only provides free TV access but also allows users to record programs, resembling Sky Q functionality. Moreover, the box supports 4K resolution, delivering superior picture quality compared to standard HD.
While the price for the Freely box may start at under £250, making it a relatively costly investment upfront, users will enjoy free access to all Freely content without additional charges. Although an exact launch date for the new Freely boxes remains undisclosed, they are expected to hit retailers soon.
Despite offering features akin to Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q, Freely falls short in content variety compared to Sky, lacking access to premium sports, movies, and box sets available on Sky’s channels like Sky Atlantic and Sky Max. Additionally, Freely does not support external services like Netflix within its platform. To access such additional content, users would need to subscribe to one of Sky’s plans, which now start from £15 per month and may include Netflix.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, emphasized Freely’s mission to make free TV accessible to all households, expanding its reach through plug-and-stream devices to enhance the viewing experience without requiring a TV upgrade or paid subscription.
The removal of an online listing for the Freely box hints at potential delays in its launch, with updates expected as new information becomes available.