Free TV and streaming options: antenna broadcasts and ad-supported services

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Paying for several streaming subscriptions adds up quickly. In many countries, a surprising amount of television is available without a monthly fee, through an antenna, satellite, broadcasters' own apps or free ad-supported streaming services. Here is how the main options work.

Free-to-air broadcast television

Many countries have digital terrestrial television, received with an aerial or antenna. National and local channels broadcast free-to-air, so once you have the equipment there is nothing more to pay for reception itself. Standards differ by region:

DVB-T and DVB-T2 are used across Europe and many other countries.
ATSC is used in North America and South Korea, with the newer ATSC 3.0 standard being rolled out in some places.
ISDB-T is used in Japan and much of South America.
DTMB is used in China.

A TV bought locally will usually have a matching tuner built in. A TV imported from another region may not receive local broadcasts, and the newest standards may need a compatible TV or a separate receiver.

Getting good reception

Check coverage. Broadcasters or regulators in many countries offer online coverage checkers that tell you which channels you should receive at your address and which direction to point an antenna.
Choose the right antenna. Indoor antennas work if you are close to a transmitter. Further away, a loft or rooftop aerial is more reliable.
Point it correctly. Aim towards the transmitter recommended for your area.
Run a channel scan. Use the TV's auto-tune or channel search, and repeat it whenever channels change or after moving the antenna.
Rescan when told. Broadcasters occasionally move frequencies, and a retune restores missing channels.

In some countries free-to-air satellite services offer a similar line-up with a dish and receiver, which helps in areas with weak terrestrial reception.

Licence fees and rules

Free to receive does not always mean free to watch. Some countries charge a licence fee for watching live broadcasts or using particular broadcasters' services, regardless of how you receive them. Check the rules where you live.

Broadcasters' own apps

Public and commercial broadcasters often offer free catch-up and live streaming apps on smart TVs, streaming devices and phones. Some are funded by advertising and some by licence fees. These are often the easiest way to watch something you missed.

Free ad-supported streaming

FAST, short for free ad-supported streaming television, combines two things:

Linear channels that play continuously, with a channel guide much like traditional TV.
On-demand libraries of films and series, with advert breaks.

Many TV makers build their own free channel services into their sets, and several standalone apps offer similar line-ups. Availability varies by country. What to expect:

Adverts. Breaks are part of the deal.
Rotating libraries. Titles come and go, and catalogues lean towards older films and series.
Accounts are often optional, though signing in may let you save progress.

Note that the cheaper advertising tiers of paid streaming services are a different thing: you still pay a monthly fee, just less of one.

Other free sources

Public libraries in some areas give members free access to film streaming services. Ask at your local branch.
Official channels on video platforms sometimes upload full episodes or films legally.

Stick to legitimate services. Unofficial streaming sites and modified boxes may break the law where you live and often carry malware or scams.

Putting it together

A free-to-air antenna, a few broadcaster apps and a free streaming service can cover news, sport, entertainment and films for many households. Many people then keep just one paid subscription and rotate it every few months. Which free channels or services do you rely on most? Share your favourites in the comments.