Question
Is Freesat a better alternative to Freeview? Can I get all the HD channels from Freesat?
Asked by : Robert Compton
Our Answer
Freeview and Freesat are the two main subscription-free services on offer in the UK. Many of the free TV channels can be found on both of these services, but there are a few key differences.
Here, we’ll explain what you need to know:
| Freeview | Freesat | |
| How to get it | Via a TV aerial | Via a Satellite dish |
| TV Channels | Over 40 | Over 100 |
| Coverage | 95% of UK by 2012 | 98% of UK |
| HD | BBC (x2), ITV, Channel 4 | BBC (x2), ITV, Channel 4 & HNK World |
| Box cost | From £20 | From £30 |
Why pick Freeview?
Although Freeview carries less channels that Freesat, there are three channels offered on Freeview that you won’t currently find on Freesat:
- Dave
- 5*
- 5 USA
It’s also important to note that with Freeview, there is the option to get ESPN, Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 2 and GOLD, using a service called Top Up TV. There is no equivalent option for Freesat.
Why pick Freesat?
Freesat offers a greater coverage of the UK, as it gets a signal from a satellite not a TV aerial
Freesat offers channels not on Freeview, such as:
- CBS Drama, CBS Reality, CBS Action, Horror Channel, Men and Movies
- Movies 4 Men
- True Movies, Bloomberg
- Pop / Tiny Pop (Kids)
5* and 5usa now on freesat as well as the equivalent +1 channels