What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Before buying a Freely box, check that your TV has a free HDMI input, your broadband connection is reliable and meets Freely’s recommended minimum of 10 Mbps, and the specific device offers the features you want. Freely delivers live TV over broadband, so an aerial is not required for its internet-delivered channels. An external box can add Freely to many existing TVs, but being a smart TV alone does not guarantee support.
Will a Freely box work with your TV?
For an external Freely device, the key TV requirement is an available HDMI input. The box connects to the television by HDMI and to your home internet. Freely’s setup guidance does not make the TV’s own Wi-Fi capability a requirement for an external box; check the device’s network options and your home connection instead. See Freely’s guide to getting Freely and its internet and aerial setup guidance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Confirm that an HDMI port is free, not just that the TV has HDMI ports.
- Check that there is room for the box and access to the required power connection.
- If you are considering Freely built into a TV, verify the exact model’s current support information. Freely says its service is not currently built into Samsung, LG or Sony TV sets; Roku says Freely is available only on certain supported Roku TVs. A brand name or “smart TV” label is not enough to establish compatibility. See Freely’s buying guide and Roku’s Freely information.
What broadband speed and connection does Freely need?
Freely recommends a minimum broadband speed of 10 Mbps for viewing. This is the service’s recommendation, not a guarantee of smooth playback: Wi-Fi coverage, congestion and other household internet use can affect performance. Freely recommends Ethernet where available. If you use Wi-Fi, consider the signal strength where the TV and device will sit. See Freely’s connection guidance and Freely support.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Freely viewing uses your broadband data allowance. If your package has a monthly cap, check its terms before making internet-delivered TV a regular part of your viewing.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
Do you need an aerial?
No aerial is needed for Freely’s internet-delivered channels. That is different from Freeview, which receives terrestrial TV through an aerial. Freely may suit a home that wants live and on-demand viewing without relying on an aerial signal, while an aerial-based service may be a better fit if broadband is weak or you prefer not to use your internet connection for live TV. On supported setups, an aerial can also be connected to receive terrestrial channels alongside Freely. See Freely’s explanation of how to get Freely and its buying guide.
Which Freely device features should you compare?
Freely describes its service as combining live channels with broadcaster on-demand viewing. Its buying guide lists more than 70 live TV channels, 35+ channels in HD and 75,000+ hours of free content. These are Freely’s published product figures, not independently audited totals, and channel line-ups and catalogues can change. Freely also describes pause and restart on supported channels, with a maximum pause period of 15 minutes in that feature description. Availability can vary by channel and device, so check the current listing for the model you intend to buy. See Freely’s buying guide.
Rank #2
- 4K Ultra HD with Cinematic Visuals & Sound: Supports 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) at 60FPS, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Delivers immersive audio via Dolby Audio and DTS:X surround sound
- High-Performance Hardware: Equipped with a Quad-Core CPU (up to 2.5GHz) and ARM G310 V2 GPU for seamless navigation and multitasking. Includes 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage (ROM) for ample app and content space
- Google TV Smart Platform: Runs the latest Google TV OS, offering personalized content recommendations, access to thousands of streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.), and voice control via Google Assistant
- Advanced Connectivity & Decoding: Features dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, and USB 2.0 ports. Supports decoding of 4K 60FPS video formats and Google Cast for screen mirroring
- Complete Setup Included: Comes with Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen), voice remote control, power adapter, HDMI cable, and user manual. Compact design (95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm) for discreet placement
Freely identifies two external device options in its buyer guidance. The details below are manufacturer descriptions, not a guarantee that every app or feature will remain available on every model.
| Device | Published description | What to verify before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Aero | Freely describes it as a compact 4K streaming box with TiVo OS, Freely and popular streaming apps. | Confirm current app availability, 4K support for the content you watch, network connection options, price, stock and returns with the seller and manufacturer. |
| Netgem PLEIO | Freely describes it as a 4K puck with Freely, streaming apps, optional cloud gaming that requires a subscription, and access to Google Play Store apps in its older-TV guide. | Check the exact model listing for current app and gaming availability, any subscription terms, network options, price, stock and returns. |
Both devices connect through HDMI, but they may differ in interface, app ecosystem and extras. Match the device’s resolution claims to your TV: a 4K box does not make a non-4K television display 4K. If gaming, a particular app or Ethernet is important, confirm that exact feature in the current device specification rather than assuming it is shared across all Freely boxes. Freely’s device descriptions are in its buying guide and setup guide.
Rank #3
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
What accounts, costs and viewing rules should you check?
Freely’s core viewing is described as free, but some broadcaster apps may ask you to create their own free account; Freely’s older-TV guide gives BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 as examples. You should also check whether you need a TV Licence for the programmes and services you intend to watch. Freely directs viewers to check the applicable requirements. See Freely support, its older-TV guide and the UK Government’s TV Licence guidance.
Quick Recap
Quick checklist before ordering
- TV: Identify the exact model and confirm a free HDMI input for an external device, or verify built-in Freely support for that precise TV model.
- Internet: Check that the connection at the TV location is reliable and can meet Freely’s recommended 10 Mbps minimum; use Ethernet if practical.
- Data: Check your broadband plan’s monthly data allowance, because Freely viewing uses it.
- Features: Compare the exact box listing for apps, 4K relevance to your TV, Ethernet, interface and any subscription-dependent extras.
- Viewing: Check whether you need separate broadcaster app accounts and whether a TV Licence applies to your intended viewing.
- Purchase terms: Confirm the current price, availability, support information and return policy with the retailer; these can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
