Short answer: Freeview uses a TV aerial, Freesat uses a satellite dish, and streaming uses your broadband. Both Freeview and Freesat are free with no subscription (you still need a TV licence for live TV). Most UK smart TVs have Freeview built in; many homes combine it with streaming apps.
| Freeview | Freesat | Streaming (apps/Freely) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs | Aerial | Satellite dish | Broadband |
| Monthly cost | Free | Free | Free apps + optional paid |
| Channels | Varies by location; check the channel checker on the Freeview website for your address | 100+ according to Freesat (Freesat’s count includes HD, regional and radio channels) | Depends on apps |
| Built into TVs | Almost all UK TVs | Some models | All smart TVs |
| Best for | Most homes | Poor aerial reception | No aerial or dish |
Channel counts change, so check the official Freeview and Freesat websites for current line-ups.
What you need for each option
- Freeview: a TV aerial and a TV or box with Freeview built in. Freeview says the channels you get depend on coverage at your address and that an aerial upgrade or a new receiver may be needed, so use the postcode checker on the Freeview website first. For catch-up and on-demand on Freeview Play, Freeview says you need broadband of at least 2 Mbps, and HD channels need Freeview Play equipment.
- Freesat: a satellite dish plus a Freesat box or a TV with Freesat built in. Freesat says an existing dish, including many former Sky dishes, can often be reused. There is no monthly subscription, but a box is a one-off purchase. Recording depends on the box: Freesat’s recordable box can record and pause live TV, while its non-recordable box cannot.
- Streaming: a broadband connection and a smart TV or streaming device. Check what broadband speed you need before relying on streaming as your only source of TV.
Which should you choose?
- Good aerial signal → Freeview (Freeview Play on most smart TVs).
- Weak aerial signal but a dish → Freesat.
- No aerial or dish → broadcaster apps, or Freely on compatible TVs.
Do you need a TV licence?
According to TV Licensing, you need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record programmes as they are being shown live on any TV service or streaming service. You also need to be covered to download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, whether live, catch-up or on demand. TV Licensing says you do not need a licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes on TV services other than BBC iPlayer, and that a licence is not needed to watch S4C programmes on demand.
TV Licensing also says it does not matter what device you use, so these rules apply whether you watch through Freeview, Freesat or streaming. Check the official TV Licensing website if you are unsure about your situation.
For legal free options, see our guide to free TV apps in the UK.
Thinking about paid TV instead? See smart TV vs Sky and Virgin Media. If you want TV in more than one room, read our multi-room TV streaming guide.
FAQ
Do I need an aerial for a smart TV?
Only for Freeview channels. Streaming apps work over broadband.
Is Freesat free?
Yes, with no subscription once you have a dish and receiver.