WaveFree TV streaming in the UK: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5, U and Freely (2026)
You can watch a huge amount of TV in the UK without paying for a subscription. Every main broadcaster has a free streaming app with live channels and catch-up. Here's a guide to free TV streaming in the UK, the apps to use and the one rule to know: the TV Licence.
Free TV streaming in the UK: quick answer
| Broadcaster | Service | Cost | TV Licence needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBC | BBC iPlayer | Free (no ads) | Yes, always |
| ITV | ITVX | Free with ads; paid Premium | Only for live TV |
| Channel 4 | Channel 4's app | Free with ads | Only for live TV |
| Channel 5 | Channel 5's app | Free with ads | Only for live TV |
| UKTV (Dave, Drama, Yesterday, W) | U (formerly UKTV Play) | Free with ads | Only for live TV |
01Free TV streaming and the TV Licence
"Free" means no subscription, not always no licence. You need a TV Licence to use BBC iPlayer at all, and to watch any live TV on any app. Catch-up on ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5 and U doesn't need one. Full details in TV Licence and IPTV.
02What is Freely?
Freely is a free live-TV platform from the team behind Freeview and Freesat. It streams live channels over broadband instead of an aerial, with a familiar TV guide, and comes built into a growing number of new Smart TVs. It's free to use, but it's live TV, so a TV Licence is needed.
03Scotland and Wales
- Scotland: STV Player streams STV live and on demand.
- Wales: S4C's streaming service carries Welsh-language programmes.
04Which devices support free TV streaming apps
Almost all: Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, TCL), Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV, Roku, games consoles, phones, tablets and web browsers. Most apps need a free account to watch.
05Free TV plus IPTV
Plenty of households use the free apps for UK channels and add an IPTV plan for international channels and extra entertainment on the same TV. If you're weighing up paid services too, see our best streaming services guide.
05Frequently asked questions
Can I watch UK TV for free online?
Yes. BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4's app, Channel 5's app and U are free to use, with live channels and catch-up.
Do I need a TV Licence for free streaming apps?
For BBC iPlayer, always. For other apps, only if you watch live TV; catch-up doesn't need one.
What is Freely?
A free live-TV platform from the team behind Freeview that streams channels over broadband, built into many new Smart TVs.
What happened to UKTV Play?
It was renamed U. The service and its channels (Dave, Drama, Yesterday and W) are still free with ads.
Want to test it on your own setup?
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Get a free trialAbout this guide
Written by the WaveCastUK team. We checked each broadcaster's streaming service on a Smart TV, a Fire TV and a phone, including live channels and TV Licence rules. Last reviewed October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know and we'll fix it.
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