Freely – the UK streaming service backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – is expanding beyond smart TVs and into plug-in devices. From later this year, you’ll be able to get the full Freely experience on any television with an HDMI port, thanks to a compact streaming puck built by Netgem.

The move is a big step for Everyone TV, the organisation behind Freely, and one that makes sense. Since launching on smart TVs in 2024, Freely has promised an easy way to watch live and on-demand TV from the UK’s biggest broadcasters, subscription-free. Now, with this “plug-in and stream” device, it’s opening the door to millions more households who don’t want – or need – to upgrade their TV to get involved.

The Netgem-built puck will support more than 40 live channels and a vast on-demand library that pulls content from BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5, PBS America and more.

The interface will be the same as on Freely-compatible TVs, complete with a Mini-Guide, seven-day programme guide, “My List” for saving your favourite shows, and the ability to pause and restart live TV.

It runs over Wi-Fi and doesn’t need an aerial or satellite dish – just plug in and you’re ready to watch (similar to Sky Stream).

Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, called it “an important and natural next step” to make Freely accessible without a full TV upgrade or monthly cost. Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, said the puck “breathes new life into existing TVs” and praised the simplicity of a fully integrated, Wi-Fi-powered setup.

It’s the latest move in a rapid rollout for Freely, which has already been confirmed for Roku Smart TVs and has partnerships with major brands including Hisense, Philips, JVC, TCL and Amazon Fire TV.

The plug-in launch promises even more flexibility – and more homes reached – as Freely looks to cement itself as the home of free TV in the streaming age.

Pricing and availability will be confirmed soon, but you can already pre-register interest via Freely.

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Spencer Hart Buying Guide Editor

About

As Buying Guide Editor, Spencer is responsible for all e-commerce content on Stuff, overseeing buying guides as well as covering deals and new product launches. Spencer has been writing about consumer tech for over eight years. He has worked on some of the biggest publications in the UK, where he covered everything from the emergence of smartwatches to the arrival of self-driving cars. During this time, Spencer has become a seasoned traveller, racking up air miles while travelling around the world reviewing cars, attending product launches, and covering every trade show known to man, from Baselworld and Geneva Motor Show to CES and MWC. While tech remains one of his biggest passions, Spencer also enjoys getting hands-on with the latest luxury watches, trying out new grooming kit, and road-testing all kinds of vehicles, from electric scooters to supercars.

Areas of expertise

Watches, travel, grooming, transport, tech