Watch out Sky and Freeview - UK homes are switching to a new way to watch TV

Freeview and Sky are still some of the most popular platforms for UK homes wanting to watch TV, with millions of customers using these services every day. However, a relatively new rival appears to be gaining ground at a pretty rapid rate. Freely launched last summer and offers a simple way to view live and on-demand content without the need for an aerial drilled into the chimney.

It's also owned by the same team behind Freeview, which means everything beamed to screens is totally free to watch and there are no monthly subscription fees to pay.

The only thing homes need to tune in is a compatible TV. At launch, Freely screens were limited, but there are now a swathe of models on the market with some costing under £150. Panasonic, Toshiba, Bush and Hisense have all joined the Freely revolution with more expected to follow in the future.

Freely says that just over 12 months since it was switched on, it now reaches over half a million weekly users and is proving to be especially popular with 16–34s - the largest group of early adopters.

Freely is also boasting that it's forecast to become the UK’s largest TV device platform by 2030.

Along with its ease of use, another bonus of Freely is its new features and regular updates. Those with a Freely TV can now pause live TV, get content recommendations and go back in time via the backwards telly guide.

Although Freeview and Sky still win when it comes to sheer user numbers, it seems that Freely is gaining traction and could be a serious rival in the future.

Amy Rowcliffe, Marketing Director at Everyone TV, said: “As a mum of two young girls, I see every day how TV brings us together. Whether it’s watching Bake Off as a family or the girls singing along to The Masked Singer. Some shows just become part of your family life, and our research proves that’s true across the country.

“With Freely, we’re making sure those moments are easy for everyone to stream and enjoy. All the best British TV, in one place, and completely free. It’s brilliant to see younger audiences embracing it too, which shows free TV has a big role to play for the next generation.”

Of course, Sky now offers its Glass TV and Stream box which also use the web to beam shows, movies and more to screens.

Although there is a monthly fee to pay, Sky's products also offer access to more premium content, including the latest films, F1 action and Premier League football.