Television options without a paid subscription

Before you start

Compare the programmes you actually want with what each official option offers. Internet access or an antenna may still have separate costs.

A practical way through

1. Check whether a compatible antenna, tuner and local free-to-air services meet your needs. Reception and available programmes depend on your location and equipment.
2. Look for official broadcaster apps, public-service services and authorised ad-supported channels. Free access can still have region, account or programme restrictions.
3. Check the content provider’s official distribution information and the conditions that apply where you live. Internet delivery alone does not establish whether a source is authorised.
4. Understand the difference between a player, an internet connection and a content service. Each can have its own provider, charge and support route.
5. Choose hardware by its maintained operating system, official app availability, networking, remote and video-format support, not only memory or advertised resolution.

Check the result

Test one live channel and, where available, one on-demand item. Check picture, sound and navigation. If the result is different from what you expected, note the exact error before changing another setting.