Free IPTV UK 2027: Freely, Freeview Play & Free Legal Streaming Apps

Quick answer: You can watch most UK TV for free with Freely (live channels over broadband on many new smart TVs) or Freeview Play (aerial + broadband). Add the free apps BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and My5 for thousands of hours on demand. These are the only genuine free IPTV options in the UK. You need a TV licence to watch live TV on any channel or service, and to use BBC iPlayer.

Freely: free live TV over broadband

• Run by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5

• Live and on-demand UK channels in one guide, without an aerial

• Built into many new smart TVs. Look for the Freely logo when you buy.

• Cost: free (TV licence needed)

Freeview Play: free TV with an aerial

• 70+ live channels through your aerial, plus catch-up apps over broadband

• Built into most UK smart TVs from the last decade

• Good choice if your broadband is slow or unreliable

Best free streaming apps in the UK

• BBC iPlayer: all BBC channels live and on demand (TV licence required)

• ITVX: ITV channels, box sets and films, with adverts (ad-free Premium optional)

• Channel 4: Channel 4, E4, More4 and Film4 content

• My5: Channel 5 shows and box sets

• U (UKTV Play): Dave, Drama, W and Yesterday content

• YouTube: free, with official clips and full shows from many UK broadcasters

• Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus: free ad-supported channels

Do I need a TV licence?

You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel or device, or use BBC iPlayer. You don't need one if you only watch on-demand content from non-BBC apps like Netflix, ITVX catch-up or Prime Video. Check the rules at the official TV Licensing website.

How to get free TV on your TV

1. Check your TV for a Freely or Freeview Play logo in the settings or home screen

2. Connect the TV to Wi-Fi (and your aerial for Freeview Play)

3. Run the channel tune or Freely setup from the TV menu

4. Install iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and My5 from the TV's app store

5. Older TV? Plug in a Fire TV Stick and install the same free apps

FAQ

Is Freely really free?

Yes. There's no subscription. You need broadband, a compatible TV and a TV licence for live channels.

What's the difference between Freely and Freeview?

Freeview uses a TV aerial. Freely delivers live channels over your internet connection, so you don't need an aerial.

Are free "IPTV" apps with Sky channels legal?

No. Any free or cheap app showing Sky, TNT or film channels without a subscription is unlicensed, and many contain malware.

Want more channels? Compare the best paid UK IPTV services.