Freeview vs. Freely: What's the Difference?

There’s a new player on the UK TV scene - and it goes by the name of Freely. You may have seen adverts for it and wondered what, if anything, this means for your trusty Manhattan box. Or you may be looking at buying a new TV and wondering whether you should future-proof your viewing by opting for one with Freely.

You may also be wondering what this means for Freeview and if you’re going to be forced to adapt to a new service. Well there’s no need to worry - Freeview’s not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, if you use an aerial for live telly and value the ability to record it to watch later, then Freeview remains essential. So essential, in fact, that recent government decisions have guaranteed that broadcasts can continue until 2034, and there's already discussions about extending that further.

So while both Freely and Freeview offer live TV, which you choose will depend on the type of viewing experience you’re after.

So if you're confused about what Freely brings to the table or whether Freeview is still your best bet, grab a cuppa and let us explain.

So What's Freely All About?

Freely is the new kid on the block, and it takes a different approach to live telly. Instead of using your aerial, it streams live TV channels through your internet connection. If you've ever thought "I wish I could just plug in my TV and watch live channels without dealing with an aerial," that's exactly what Freely offers.

Currently, Freely offers around 30 TV channels through internet streaming, along with BBC radio stations—meaning you won't find popular stations like Smooth Radio, talkSPORT, Capital, Heart, Classic FM, or LBC

And while you can connect an aerial to pick up all of the Freeview channels, there are still limitations. Freely only offers limited pause and restart features on some internet channels (up to 15 minutes of pausing, with no rewind capability), whereas the T4•R gives you full control with up to 2 hours of pause and rewind on every channel.

Crucially, Freely doesn't let you record anything. Even if you connect an aerial to a Freely TV, you still can't record your favourite telly. So if you value being able to keep the shows you love for as long as you love them, you’ll want to look at a Freeview based solution - like our T4-R.

Another key difference is that all Freely TVs work exactly the same way. While this means you know what you're getting, it also means you don't get the extra features and customisation that come with dedicated Freeview boxes like the T4•R.

So why opt for Freeview?

Simply put - Freeview is the only way to record live TV broadcasts.

If you've got a Freeview recorder like the Manhattan T4•R, you can pause live TV, record your favourite shows, and even series-link entire seasons. The T4•R is always recording in the background, which means you can pause any channel for up to 2 hours or rewind up to 2 hours to catch something you've missed—perfect if you've popped out to make a cup of tea! These features work across all channels, including radio.

But it's not just about recording. The T4•R comes with a carefully designed interface that makes watching TV a breeze. Our TV Guide is clear and simple to use, with different ways to view and find your programmes, plus seamless integration with catch-up services. These features have been refined over years based on what viewers actually want and need.

Which One Should You Choose?

It really comes down to how you like to watch TV:

If you want to record programmes, control your viewing experience, and enjoy TV your way, stick with the T4•R and Freeview. The ability to record shows, pause live TV, and enjoy a feature-rich interface makes it the more flexible choice. Plus, with Freeview guaranteed until at least 2034, you can invest in a recorder like the T4•R with confidence.

On the other hand, if you're moving house, don't have an aerial, and aren't bothered about recording live TV, Freely might suit you better. It's simpler to set up—just plug in your TV, connect to Wi-Fi, and you're ready to go.

The Bottom Line

There's room for both Freeview and Freely in the UK TV landscape. They're designed for different needs, and neither is going to replace the other. If you're happy with your current Freeview setup, especially if you enjoy recording shows, there's absolutely no reason to change.

Remember: the choice isn't about which service is "better"—it's about which one works for your preferences and habits. So if that includes recording shows or having more control over how you watch, Freeview remains your best bet.

Looking for the ultimate Freeview experience? Take a look at the Manhattan T4•R - the best Freeview Recorder you can buy today.