Free TV by country · United Kingdom

How to watch United Kingdom TV for free

Compare official services, free-to-air antenna TV and the channel directory for United Kingdom. Online availability depends on your region, device and the source.

Official free streaming apps

BBC iPlayer

BBC · Free · Live TV

Live BBC channels and on-demand BBC programmes with no adverts; a TV licence is required to use it.

Platforms: web, iOS, Android, Apple TV, smart TVs

ITVX

ITV · Free tier + paid plans · Live TV

Free ad-supported live ITV channels, themed streaming channels and on-demand shows; ITVX Premium removes most on-demand adverts and adds BritBox.

Platforms: web, iOS, Android, smart TVs

Channel 4

Channel 4 · Free with ads · Live TV

Free live Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4 and 4seven plus on-demand programmes and an archive; free registration required.

Platforms: web, iOS, Android, Amazon, Roku, Samsung TVs, PlayStation

5

Channel 5 (Paramount) · Free with ads · Live TV

Channel 5's streaming service (formerly My5) with its live channels, free streaming channels and catch-up.

Platforms: web

Freely

Everyone TV · Free · Live TV

Built into some smart TVs and devices, it streams 70+ live channels from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and others over broadband (10Mbps recommended), with no aerial.

Platforms: smart TVs, streaming devices

Free-to-air antenna TV

Broadcast standard
DVB-T / DVB-T2
Network
Freeview

Freeview is subscription-free and needs a rooftop or indoor aerial and a Freeview TV or box; it offers around 70 TV channels, or over 100 including HD and streamed channels, depending on your area. HD channels use DVB-T2, so older DVB-T-only receivers get standard-definition channels only. Freely delivers the main live channels over broadband with no aerial.

Watch on your TV

Step-by-step guides for putting these channels on a smart TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV or Chromecast:

Good to know

  • A TV licence is needed to watch or record live TV on any channel or service (including Freeview, Freely and live streams in apps) and to use BBC iPlayer at all; on-demand content from other services does not need one.
  • The TV licence costs £180 a year according to GOV.UK; watching live TV without one can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
  • BBC iPlayer and the live streams in UK broadcaster apps are for UK viewers; Channel 4's Watch Live is limited to UK residents.

Questions

Can I watch United Kingdom TV online for free?

Official broadcasters may offer free viewing in their apps, on their websites or through free-to-air TV. Check the service’s regional restrictions and terms. Doubo browser availability is shown in the quick answer above.

What is the best free app to watch United Kingdom TV?

Official options include BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4. Compare their current free tiers, supported devices and regional restrictions. A directory listing does not guarantee playback in Doubo.

Can I watch United Kingdom TV from abroad?

Some streams play anywhere, but broadcasters often limit others to viewers inside United Kingdom because of their rights. Doubo only lists streams that broadcasters make public and does not bypass these limits.

More free playlists for United Kingdom

Other countries

Sources