A streaming app that’s been touted as a rival to Sky Glass will soon be available on more smart TVs.
First launched in April last year, Freely is a relatively new free streaming service backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and gives users the ability to stream live and on-demand TV all in one place, without paying a subscription fee.
It’s similar to Sky Glass, which also lets viewers tune into hundreds of live and on-demand channels via a broadband connection, rather than an aerial. Viewers can pause and rewind live TV with the app too.
While Sky Glass TV owners have to pay a minimum of £26 per month for content, Freely is, as the name suggests, completely free.
Sky Glass does offer premium features that viewers won’t find on Freely, however, such as personalisation for each member of the family, as well as the ability to ‘bookmark’ favourite shows.
But now it’s been announced that TVs powered by technology company Roku will have Freely installed, which includes models from brands including JVC, Logik, Sharp, METZ and Polaroid.
Meanwhile, Hisense, Bush, Panasonic and Toshiba already sell TVs with the Freely app.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, said of the news: ‘Offering freely on the Roku operating system is a major milestone for us, as we continue to expand reach for the free streaming platform.
‘We’re delighted that as a huge global player, Roku has recognised the importance of easy and seamless access to public service broadcast content for UK audiences and I look forward to seeing Freely smart TVs with Roku in market this summer.’
What to watch on Freely
Freely replicates the terrestrial TV experience of browsing through a programme guide, meaning viewers can enjoy offerings from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Film4, 5USA, U, Dave and many more.
This includes classic favourites such as Race Across the World, Downton Abbey, Derry Girls and Gogglebox.
Meanwhile, popular new shows that have landed recently include Death Valley, a cosy crime drama starring Timothy Spall, season two of BBC hit drama The Gold and The Secrets She Keeps, a gripping Australian thriller now available via Channel 4.
Earlier this year, Freely announced the launch of 16 new channels, including three Channel 4 channels that viewers ‘won’t find anywhere else’.
4Reality will feature reality TV gold like Married at First Sight, while 4Homes will offer dream homes, renovations and design inspiration with shows like Grand Designs.
The channel 4Life will bring travel, food and animals to screens with shows like The Dog House.
There are 11 new Channel 5 live channels that were also added, including Police Interceptors, 5 Cops and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
Six of these are exclusive to Freely and My5, including The Yorkshire Vet, GPs Behind Closed Doors and Milkshake.
Freely has also recently launched two ITV channels called The Chase and Saturday Night Every Night, which are also available on ITVX.
Akhila Khanna, ITV Director of Distribution, said at the time: ‘At ITV we’re proud to be part of Freely and making these channels available to the Freely TV Guide reinforces our commitment to delivering fantastic, free content through this innovative platform and showcases our continued collaboration with other leading UK broadcasters.’
A version of this article was published on April 16, 2025.
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