Streaming Starter Guide

Moving away from a traditional TV bundle doesn’t mean losing your favourite shows. In the UK, almost every major channel is now available as a standalone app. With a fast fibre connection, you simply download the services you want.

The Manhattan T4•R is a straightforward, one-off purchase that brings back proper TV recording without tying you to a monthly bill. While streaming services constantly delete shows when their licensing deals expire, anything you record on this box stays on your hard drive for as long as you want it. It gives you total control over your viewing schedule, immunizes you against future streaming price hikes, and lets you build a permanent home library completely free of ongoing costs.

Record Without the Subscription

If you are used to the convenience of Sky or Virgin—where you can record a whole series, pause live TV, and fast-forward through the commercials—you don’t have to give that up to save money.

  • Freely: The new standard for smart TVs. It brings live channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 together in one place via your Wi-Fi.
  • BBC iPlayer: For all BBC channels, live and on demand.
  • ITVX: Replaces the old ITV Hub with a massive library of British box sets.
  • Channel 4: High-quality drama, comedy, and documentaries.
  • My5: All the best from the Channel 5 family.

Free TV

You don’t need an aerial or a satellite dish to watch the UK’s primary channels. These apps provide live TV and vast on-demand libraries for free: 

  • NOW Entertainment: The easiest way to get Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, and Sky Kids without a long-term contract.
  • Netflix: The global leader for original series and movies.
  • Disney+: Essential for Star Wars, Marvel, and family classics.
  • Apple TV+: Premium original content like Ted Lasso and Slow Horses.

Subscription shows and films

If you miss the “premium” feel of cable TV, these services offer the best box sets and exclusive US dramas:

  • NOW Sports: Access all 11 Sky Sports channels. Opt for a "Day Membership" for one-off events or a Month Membership for a rolling subscription.
  • discovery+ (Premium): The exclusive home of TNT Sports. Watch the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and MotoGP with the freedom to cancel anytime.
  • Amazon Prime Video: While they’ve stepped back from the Premier League, they are now the home of Tuesday night Champions League "first pick" matches.

Subscription sports

You can still catch every match on a rolling monthly basis—no 18-month tie-ins required: