If you want the very best connected TV in the business, it’s hard not to be impressed by Sky Glass. This super smart television offers instant access to live and on-demand content along with coming pre-loaded with apps such as Netflix, Disney+ and Apple TV+. Personalised recommendations help you find things faster, there’s a Playlists section that store recordings and it even includes an in-built soundbar for improved audio.
The best part is there’s no need for a dish with everything beamed to the 4K screen via your broadband. It’s a very good system but even with Sky running its Black Friday sale it’s still going to cost you at least £35 per month to own – that’s over £350 a year.
If that simply sounds like too much for bank balance there is a new alternative. Freely launched earlier this year and comes built into a number of new TVs.
This platform also offers instant access to free live and on-demand content via the web rather than an aerial.
There’s also a full and mini TV guide, recommendations and even the ability to pause live telly.
At launch there were only a few screens available but more and more manufacturers have now joined the party with many cutting prices in time for Black Friday.
Right now you can grab a Bush 50-inch model for just £229.99 (save £40) or pick up a 50-inch Hisense for just £279 (saving £50).
Once you’ve paid the upfront fee there’s no monthly subscriptions or additional charges.
Of course, unlike Sky Glass, you can’t access Sky channels such as Sports or Cinema and Freely doesn’t offer any way of recording content but it does offer a cheap way to watch the telly without needing an aerial or dish.
