Short answer: UK smart TVs can watch a huge amount of TV legally for free through the broadcasters’ own apps — BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 5 and U — plus free ad-supported channels such as Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels and Pluto TV. You need a TV licence for live TV and for BBC iPlayer.
Best free TV apps in the UK
| App | What you get | TV licence needed? |
|---|---|---|
| BBC iPlayer | BBC live channels and box sets | Yes |
| ITVX | ITV channels, live and on demand (free with ads) | For live TV |
| Channel 4 | Channel 4, E4, More4 and box sets | For live TV |
| 5 | Channel 5 and its sister channels | For live TV |
| U (formerly UKTV Play) | Dave, Drama, W, Yesterday and more | For live TV |
| STV Player | STV content, mainly for Scotland | For live TV |
| Samsung TV Plus / LG Channels | Free streaming channels on those brands | Only if showing live broadcast TV |
| Pluto TV / Rakuten TV free | Free ad-supported channels and films | Generally no |
| YouTube | Videos and some free films | No |
Freeview Play and Freely
Freeview Play brings live aerial channels and catch-up together in one guide on most UK smart TVs. Freely, available on some newer TVs, streams live channels over broadband so you can watch without an aerial.
Do I need a TV licence?
You need a TV licence to watch or record programmes as they are shown live on any channel or service, or to download or watch anything on BBC iPlayer. If you only watch on-demand content outside iPlayer, you may not need one. Check the official TV Licensing website for your situation.
Are free IPTV apps legal?
Official broadcaster apps and licensed free channels are legal. Apps or “free IPTV” lists offering paid channels such as Sky Sports for free are not licensed, can expose you to malware and may be illegal to use. Stick to apps from your TV’s official store.
FAQ
Can I watch live TV on a smart TV without an aerial?
Yes — through the broadcasters’ apps or Freely, if your TV supports it.
Which free TV apps are on Samsung and LG TVs?
See our Samsung apps and LG apps guides.