Most TVs sold after 2010 include Freeview as standard, but older sets often need an external Freeview box to access the full range of channels.
The cheapest Freeview boxes now cost around £20 - £30, and with no ongoing subscription fees to pay beyond a TV licence, they remain one of the most affordable ways to add live TV and radio to an older television.
There's no single standout model at the very bottom of the price range, but several low-cost Freeview boxes offer reliable access to live channels, recording support, or catch-up features - all of which we'll cover in this guide.
At a glance: cheap Freeview (and Freesat) boxes
The cheapest Freeview boxes focus on the basics - receiving live TV via an aerial - but some models add USB recording, while others include catch-up apps through Freeview Play.
If you want satellite TV instead of an aerial, a Freesat box can be a useful alternative, while Freely is best handled in a separate guide.
| Model | Resolution | Storage | Recording | Apps | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity CSTBHD1 | 1080p HD | None | No | None | £22.99 |
| Emtronics EMFBHD1 | 1080p HD | None | No | None | £22.99 |
| Teknikal HD Freeview Box | 1080p HD | USB (external) | One channel | None | £26.99 |
| August DVB415 | 1080p HD | USB (external) | One channel | None | £48.95 |
| Manhattan T4 Freeview Play | 2160p 4K | None | No | BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5 | £69.95 |
| Manhattan SX Freesat HD | 1080p HD | None | No | None | £65.26 |
Important: USB recording (where supported) requires you to supply your own USB stick or hard drive. Freeview Play catch-up apps need an internet connection. Freesat boxes require a satellite dish rather than a TV aerial. None of these boxes charge a subscription fee (a TV licence is still required to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer).
- USB recording (where supported) requires your own USB stick or hard drive.
- Freeview Play catch-up apps need an internet connection.
- Freesat boxes require a satellite dish, not a TV aerial.
- No subscription fee applies (a TV licence is still required for live TV and BBC iPlayer).
TL;DR Verdict: the cheapest Freeview box
The cheapest Freeview boxes available now are the Clarity CSTBHD1 and the Emtronics EMFBHD1, both priced at £22.99.
These are no-frills Freeview HD receivers designed purely to add live TV to an older television, supporting standard and HD channels at up to 1080p resolution.
They don't include recording features or on-demand apps, but for the lowest possible price they deliver reliable access to Freeview channels with no subscription fees beyond a TV licence.
For anyone simply looking to spend as little as possible to get Freeview on an older TV, these boxes are the cheapest and most straightforward options available.
Cheapest Freeview box
Clarity CSTBHD1 or Emtronics EMFBHD1 - £22.99
The Clarity CSTBHD1 and Emtronics EMFBHD1 are the cheapest Freeview boxes currently available, both priced at £22.99.
The two boxes use the same external casing and layout, and appear to be based on a very similar underlying design, which is common at this end of the market where manufacturers rebadge near-identical hardware.
Both are straightforward Freeview HD receivers designed to add live TV to an older television, supporting standard and HD channels at up to 1080p resolution.
They don't include recording features or on-demand apps, but that simplicity is what keeps the price so low. For basic viewing, they deliver reliable access to Freeview channels with no ongoing subscription fees beyond a TV licence.
If you're looking for the lowest-cost way to get Freeview on an older TV, these boxes offer the cheapest and most practical solution available right now.
Cheapest Freeview box with recorder
August DVB415 - £48.95
The August DVB415 is the most affordable Freeview HD box in this guide that includes built-in recording functionality, making it a strong choice if you want more than just live TV.
At its core, it's a Full HD Freeview receiver that supports resolutions up to 1080p, so you can watch both standard-definition and high-definition channels clearly on most modern TVs. Unlike basic receivers, the DVB415 includes a USB port for connecting a USB stick or external hard drive (sold separately), which lets you pause, rewind and record live TV, as well as schedule recordings via the on-screen programme guide.
Recording is basic but effective: you can use it to save shows you don't want to miss, time-shift live programmes, and build up a simple library of recorded content without needing a built-in hard drive. It doesn't have built-in smart apps or internet catch-up services - for that you'd need a Freeview Play device - but at this price point it delivers essential recording features reliably.
For anyone who wants to upgrade a standard Freeview box with recording, the August DVB415 strikes a good balance between affordability and usefulness without subscription fees beyond the required TV licence.
Cheapest Freeview Play box with apps
Manhattan T4 Freeview Play - £69.95
If you want to go beyond traditional live TV and access catch-up services and streaming apps directly from your Freeview box, the Manhattan T4 Freeview Play is the most affordable way to do it in this guide.
The Manhattan T4 combines a Freeview Play tuner with 4K video output, so it delivers both live terrestrial channels and an integrated suite of on-demand apps - including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 (All 4) and My5 - without needing a separate smart TV or streaming stick. You access live channels and catch-up content through a single on-screen programme guide, making it easier to browse shows in one place.
It doesn't include built-in storage for recording (unlike some standalone PVR boxes), but its focus is on bringing internet-connected services to TVs that otherwise only have a basic tuner. Because it runs Freeview Play, you can pause and rewind live TV using an external USB drive if you choose to add one, although the core advantage is seamless catch-up viewing and smart app access over broadband.
At around £70, the Manhattan T4 offers great value for anyone who wants both live Freeview and modern on-demand apps in one device, all without ongoing subscription fees beyond your TV licence and broadband cost.
Cheapest Freesat box
Manhattan SX Freesat HD - £65.26
If you don't have a TV aerial but do have a satellite dish, a Freesat box is the cost-effective way to get free live TV without subscription fees - and the Manhattan SX Freesat HD is the most affordable option in this guide.
The Manhattan SX is a straightforward 1080p HD Freesat receiver, delivering the full range of satellite-broadcast Freeview-equivalent channels - including regional variations and a solid lineup of digital radio services - all via a dish connection. It doesn't include recording functionality or smart apps, but it reliably brings live TV and radio to your screen without subscription costs beyond a TV licence.
Unlike standard Freeview boxes, Freesat boxes require a satellite dish rather than an aerial, so installation is a key consideration; once that's in place, however, Freesat can deliver superior reception in areas where terrestrial signal is weak. The Manhattan SX presents a low-cost entry point to Freesat TV, making it a good pick for households that already have a dish or are willing to fit one.
For anyone looking specifically for the cheapest way to get Freesat TV, the Manhattan SX Freesat HD offers dependable performance at a low price - though if recording or smart apps are priorities you'd need to look at higher-end models.
Freeview mobile app
One of the cheapest ways to watch Freeview content is on a smartphone or tablet using the Freeview mobile app.
The app is free and available on Android and iOS, and lets you watch a mix of live TV and on-demand content on your mobile device without needing a TV aerial or set-top box.
It also includes a 15-day TV guide, with the option to set reminders for upcoming programmes, which makes it useful as both a viewing app and a planning tool.
However, the app doesn't carry the full Freeview channel line-up. Instead, it focuses on the main public service broadcasters and selected on-demand services:
| Channel | Type |
|---|---|
| BBC | Live and on-demand (iPlayer) |
| ITV | Live and on-demand (ITVX) |
| Channel 4 | Live and on-demand |
| Channel 5 | Live and on-demand |
| UKTV Play | On-demand only |
Viewers will also need the apps that correspond to each of the on-demand channels - e.g. the iPlayer app - as the Freeview app acts as a hub for these services, rather than a replacement.
Still, it's much easier to deal with than several separate apps with varying qualities of interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TV licence to watch Freeview?
Yes. You need a valid TV licence to watch or record live Freeview TV, and to watch or stream BBC iPlayer, whether on a TV, computer, tablet or smartphone.
A standard colour TV licence currently costs £174.50 per year and covers a whole household. It can be paid annually, quarterly or monthly, although paying monthly or quarterly usually costs slightly more overall.
How many channels are on Freeview?
Freeview offers dozens of live TV channels, including a selection of HD channels, plus a range of digital radio stations.
The exact number of channels available varies by location, signal strength and device, and can change over time as channels are added or removed.
For comparison, Freesat generally offers a larger overall channel line-up, including more HD channels, but requires a satellite dish rather than a TV aerial.
How do I watch Freeview in HD?
To watch Freeview in HD, you need:
- A HD-ready TV, and
- A Freeview HD-compatible receiver (either built into the TV or via an external Freeview HD box).
Some older TVs are HD-ready but only include a standard-definition Freeview tuner. In those cases, adding a cheap Freeview HD box is the simplest way to access HD channels.
What is Freeview Play?
Freeview Play combines live Freeview TV with on-demand and catch-up content, delivered over an internet connection.
It brings services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5 and UKTV Play together into a single programme guide, letting you scroll back through schedules to watch shows you've missed.
Freeview Play is available on compatible smart TVs and selected Freeview Play set-top boxes. An internet connection is required for catch-up and on-demand content.
Summary: Freeview can be a cheap way to upgrade an old TV
For viewers who don't need lots of extra features, using a Freeview set-top box is a simple and affordable way to add more live TV to an older television.
The cheapest Freeview boxes cost under £30, and because Freeview has no ongoing subscription fees (beyond a TV licence), it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to expand your home entertainment setup.
If you just want basic live TV, the Clarity CSTBHD1 or Emtronics EMFBHD1 are the cheapest options available. Those who want recording features should look at the August DVB415, which adds pause, rewind and recording via USB for a higher but still relatively low price.
That said, as more broadcasters prioritise on-demand apps and streaming, some users may be better served by a streaming stick or smart TV box, especially if they already have good broadband and don't need traditional channel recording. These can be a cheaper alternative to full Freeview Play recorders.
Virgin Media broadband customers can also consider the Virgin Stream TV box, which has a one-off setup cost and a small £5 monthly fee unless optional channel packs are added, making it another low-cost way to access free and on-demand TV content.
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