The long-awaited Freely streaming box — highly anticipated since the launch of Freeview’s successor — is finally on the way, and it comes with some notable new features.

Everyone TV has confirmed that Freely will arrive on its own dedicated streaming devices later this year, describing the product as a “simple and affordable plug-in puck.”

What is Freely?

Freely is the UK’s next-generation free TV platform, developed by Everyone TV—backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. Unlike traditional Freeview, Freely delivers live and on-demand television entirely over the internet, with no need for a TV aerial. It offers a seamless experience combining real-time channels with catch-up content through an intuitive electronic programme guide (EPG). Initially launched on smart TVs, Freely is expanding to its own streaming box, allowing more viewers to access free UK television without subscriptions. With Freely, you get all your favourite public service broadcaster content in one easy-to-use platform.

What Is the Freely Set‑Top Box?

Freely, the UK’s free-to-air IPTV platform backed by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 (under Everyone TV), has officially unveiled its first standalone streaming device—a compact “plug‑in puck” created in partnership with French tech manufacturer Netgem.  Previously, Freely was only available built-in on certain smart TVs; this new puck is designed to bring the Freely experience to existing televisions without needing a brand-new set.

️ Key Specifications and Features

• Manufacturer: Built by Netgem, known for previous Freeview and streaming devices

• No aerial or tuner: This device does not support a TV aerial input—it streams over broadband only, similar to Sky Stream or Virgin Stream. Traditional Freeview channels not yet carried on Freely won’t be accessible via aerial

• Freely platform features:

  • Unified mini-guide and electronic programme guide (EPG) with seven-day forward/backward navigation.

  • Seamless switching between live channels and on-demand content.

  • Pause/restart live TV, and a “My List” favourites feature that aggregates shows across broadcasters

Availability & Timeline

• Announcement date: Late July 2025.

• Expected launch: Device is slated to become available later in 2025, likely ahead of the Christmas season. However, no exact release date or price has yet been revealed.

• Pre‑registration has opened via Freely’s website for interested customers.

Why It Matters

• Expands Freely’s reach: Until now, Freely could only be accessed via select smart TVs. This puck allows viewers with older, non‑supported TVs to join the platform without changing sets

• Internet-only access: Aerial‑free viewing means you only need Wi‑Fi and a valid UK TV licence—no dish, coax, or existing tuner

⚠️ Limitations & Uncertainties

• Channel availability limited: Without aerial support, channels not yet part of Freely’s streaming catalog (those still on Freeview-only broadcasts) won’t be available.

• No built-in apps yet: It’s unclear whether third‑party services like Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ will be built-in—initial rollout appears focused solely on Freely streaming content

• Pricing and final partner details pending.

⚠️ Freely in Spain

• Content on Freely will be geo restricted to UK IP addresses only.

• For use in outside the UK, a VPN (like NORDVPN)  or SmartDNS (like SmartDNSProxy ) service will be required to access the content when outside the UK:

Summary Table

In short: the newly-announced Freely device is a netstream-only puck, made by Netgem, with no aerial input, coming later in 2025. It offers live and on-demand Freely content streamed over Wi‑Fi. Key specs like price, launch partners, and app integration haven’t yet been disclosed.