Launches its budget-friendly counterpart to Sky Stream, set to release later in the year
Freely's Affordable Streaming Puck Set to Launch Later This Year
The streaming landscape is set to expand with the anticipated launch of Freely's new device, the streaming puck. This small, modern plug-in device, partnered with Netgem, promises to bring Freely's free streaming service to any TV, regardless of built-in capabilities[1][2][3].
Key Features of the Freely Puck
The Freely puck offers access to over 40 free TV channels and streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and PBS America[1][2][3]. It features the same interface as Freely smart TVs, including a 7-day forward and backward TV Guide and the ability to bookmark shows[2].
The puck is designed to be affordable, though the exact pricing details are still unknown[1][2][3]. The cost will cover the hardware only, with the streaming service itself being free.
Comparing the Freely Puck with Competitors
The Freely streaming puck differs from other streaming devices on the market. It is similar in design and concept to the Sky Stream device, but unlike Sky Stream, which is a paid service associated with Sky TV content, Freely’s service is free[1].
Here's a comparison of the Freely Streaming Puck, Sky Stream, and Apple TV 4K:
| Feature | Freely Streaming Puck | Sky Stream | Apple TV 4K | |-------------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------| | Price | Unknown, expected to be low cost | Paid, higher than Freely | Premium-priced streaming device | | Service type | Free live and on-demand TV from public broadcasters and channels | Paid Sky streaming content | Paid services + app store with many apps | | Hardware partner | Netgem (French company) | Sky (own branded device) | Apple | | Interface and features | TV Guide with 7-day forward/back + bookmarks | Sky Glass-like interface | Advanced UI, supports 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Siri | | Content focus | Free-to-air public and broadcaster channels | Sky TV subscription content | Wide range of apps including Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, etc. | | Target audience | Users wanting free streaming on non-smart TVs affordably | Sky subscribers wanting streaming without satellite | Users in Apple ecosystem wanting a premium streaming experience |
The Freely puck aims to provide a simple, straightforward streaming offering to households without smart TVs supporting the platform, focusing on affordability and simplicity. On the other hand, Apple TV 4K is positioned as a high-end device requiring paid content subscriptions. Sky Stream is a mid-level paid device focused primarily on delivering Sky’s proprietary services without satellite installation[1][2][3][4].
In conclusion, the Freely puck is an upcoming affordable free streaming device expected later in 2025 with pricing yet to be announced. It competes directly with Sky Stream on concept but offers free content, while Apple TV 4K remains a premium, subscription-based option with broader streaming app support and advanced features.
[1] Freely partners with Netgem for its streaming puck. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.freely.com/news/freely-partners-with-netgem-for-its-streaming-puck
[2] Freely's CEO on the launch of the streaming puck. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.everyone.tv/news/freelys-ceo-on-the-launch-of-the-streaming-puck
[3] Personal review of Freely's services. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/reviews/freely-review
[4] The best streaming devices of 2025. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/the-best-streaming-devices/
- The upcoming launch of Freely's streaming puck, partnered with Netgem, is set to bring a free streaming service to any TV, offering over 40 channels and services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and PBS America.
- The Freely puck, designed for affordability, will offer a 7-day TV Guide, bookmarking options, and access to 40 free TV channels and streaming services.
- In contrast to the Sky Stream device, the Freely streaming puck is a free service, while Sky Stream is a paid service associated with Sky TV content.
- The Freely streaming puck, Apple TV 4K, and Sky Stream differ significantly in price and service type, with the Freely puck being expected to be low cost, Sky Stream being a paid service, and Apple TV 4K being premium-priced.
- Users who want free streaming on non-smart TVs without resorting to paid content subscriptions may find the Freely puck an attractive option, while Apple TV 4K caters to those in the Apple ecosystem seeking a premium streaming experience.
- Reviewers highlight that Freely's services aim to provide a simple, straightforward streaming offering focusing on affordability and simplicity.
- Later in 2025, the Freely puck is expected to become a direct competitor to Sky Stream on concept, offering free content, while Apple TV 4K remains a subscription-based option with broader streaming app support and advanced features.
