Sky Q has dominated the market for more than a decade, remaining a top choice for TV viewers in the UK. Known for its extensive recording capabilities, Sky Q faces potential competition from a new player that offers similar features without requiring any subscription fees.
Freely, integrated into many new televisions, enables households to access live and on-demand content via the internet without the need for an aerial. While initially limited to purchasing a new TV to access Freely, a new development is on the horizon that could challenge Sky Q’s dominance.
The creators of Freely, also responsible for Freeview, have revealed plans to introduce a dedicated set-top box that can be connected to existing TVs. A Freely box, manufactured by Humax, not only provides free TV access but also allows users to record programs, akin to Sky Q. Additionally, the Freely box supports 4K resolution for superior picture quality.
Although the initial price for the Freely box may exceed £250, there are no ongoing fees as all Freely content is complimentary. While an exact release date for the new Freely boxes remains undisclosed, they are expected to hit stores soon.
While a listing for the Freely box was briefly available online before being removed, updates on its availability will be shared promptly. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, emphasized that Freely aims to make free TV accessible to all households through plug-and-stream devices, eliminating the need for TV upgrades or paid subscriptions.
Despite offering similar features as Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q, Freely lacks access to premium sports, movies, or boxsets from channels like Sky Atlantic or Sky Max. Furthermore, it does not support external services such as Netflix within its platform. To access such additional content, users would need to subscribe to one of Sky’s plans, starting as low as £15 per month and often including Netflix.
At Reach and its affiliated entities, user data is collected to enhance website experience, analyze usage, and display personalized advertisements. Users have the option to opt out of data sharing by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button. By using the website and services, users agree to the cookie usage and practices outlined in the Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy.