Freeview vs. Freely: What's the Difference?
Freely is the new streaming platform everyone's talking about - but how does it actually compare to Freeview? And do you need to choose between them?
Here's the honest answer: they're different platforms designed for different needs. And we're in a unique position to explain the differences - because Manhattan is now the only UK manufacturer making devices for all three of the country's free TV platforms: Freeview, Freesat, and Freely.
So let's break it down.
What Is Freely?
Freely is the newest free TV platform in the UK, backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. And here's what makes it different: live TV channels streamed over your broadband. No aerial. No dish. Just Wi-Fi.
The platform offers over 60 live TV channels, with 35+ in HD – significantly more HD than Freeview's 9. You also get over 75,000 hours of on-demand content through BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5, and more.
Broadcasters are also launching new streaming-only channels on Freely that you won't find on Freeview, like 4Reality, 4Homes, The Chase, and ITV Quiz. More are coming all the time.
The trade-offs: You can pause live TV for up to 15 minutes and restart programmes on supported channels. But there's no instant rewind or recording, and if you want to watch programmes after they've aired, you're relying on catch-up. And you need reliable broadband.
What Is Freeview?
Freeview is the UK's established free TV platform, using your existing TV aerial. It's been around for over 20 years, and it's not going anywhere - broadcasts are guaranteed until at least 2034.
Connect your T4 or T4-R to broadband and you get Freeview Play, which adds catch-up apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5, plus over 75,000 hours of on-demand content and universal search across live and catch-up.
The big advantage is recording. With a Freeview recorder like our T4-R, you can record programmes to watch whenever you want, skip the ads, and keep shows for as long as you like – not just until they disappear from catch-up.
The T4-R also has a 2-hour rolling buffer. From the moment you tune to a channel, it's recording. Missed something? Rewind. You can pause live TV for up to 2 hours on the T4-R, or 90 minutes on the T4.
And there's no reliance on broadband for live TV. Your aerial handles everything, so even if your internet goes down, your telly keeps working.
The trade-offs: Freeview only has 9 HD channels. Reception varies by location. And you need an aerial, which not every room has.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Freely if:
- You don't have an aerial, or want a TV in a room without an aerial socket
- Picture quality matters - you want more HD channels
- You're happy using catch-up rather than recording
- You have reliable broadband
Choose Freeview if:
- You want to record programmes and skip ads
- You want to pause and rewind live TV for longer than 15 minutes
- You don't want to rely on broadband for live TV
- You already have an aerial installed
Our Products
For Freely: The Manhattan Aero brings Freely to any TV with an HDMI port. Just plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and you're watching. It's also a streaming hub with Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and more. Available for £69 at Amazon, Currys, and John Lewis.
For Freeview: The T4 is our non-recording box with 90-minute pause. The T4-R is our flagship recorder with 2-hour pause and rewind, recording, and storage up to 2TB.
The Bottom Line
Freely and Freeview aren't competing – they're designed for different needs. Freely brings live TV to any room with Wi-Fi, with more HD and exclusive content. Freeview gives you recording, longer pause and rewind, and independence from broadband.
The good news? We make devices for both. Choose the one that fits how you watch.