Do you want to ditch the aerial? Or are you having issues with your aerial? If that’s a yes, then we have you covered! We will show you how to watch live and on demand TV without an aerial.
Watching TV using an aerial is quickly being superseded by digital methods using Wi-Fi and devices, but don’t worry getting started using digital methods is relatively easy and straight forward.
What you will need:
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- A smart device – for example a smart TV or smart streaming stick.
- Streaming service(s) – the cost will depend on what you want to watch. There are some free services available.
Step 1 – Get a Smart Device
These smart streaming devices will probably be most suitable for you if you do not have a smart TV and are looking to watch TV without an aerial. These devices will transform your ordinary TV into a film and TV show wonder! There are quite a few devices you can choose from on the market, but we’ll cover the best.
NOW TV Smart Box
The NOW TV Smart Box plugs into your TV and allow you to watch TV shows and films relating to what NOW TV passes you have, it also enables you to use catch-up TV apps such as BBC iPlayer. Apps on this device are a lot more limited though in comparison to the Amazon or Roku streaming sticks.
Available from NOW TV directly at the time of writing for just £45.99 (or get it bundled with several passes for just £49.99).
Amazon Fire Stick
The Amazon Fire Stick is one of the most used and versatile streaming devices in the world. Plug it into your TV and you are given access to over 10,000 apps and games, including Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix, and more whilst giving you access to millions of websites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit.
Available from Amazon at the time of writing for £24.99
Chromecast
Chromecast is a device which grants you access to streaming apps such as Netflix, You Tube and more. The Chromecast device even allows you to watch content on your TV from your laptop or mobile all without having a TV aerial.
Available from Currys at the time of writing for just £20.
Roku Express Streaming Player
The Roku Express streaming stick is similar to the Amazon Fire Stick and offers a convenient way to watch TV. The stick enables you to use many streaming, catch-up and on-demand apps to view the latest films, TV shows and sports.
Available from Amazon at the time of writing for just £29.99
Step 2 – Choosing Streaming Services
Streaming services are the newer and ever more popular way to watch TV without an aerial. Streaming services are usually on a subscription basis and are available on multiple devices such as your smart tv, mobile phones and gaming consoles. There are quite a few streaming services out there, but we will cover the main three. It is recommended you have good internet speeds to use these streaming services smoothly.
Netflix
Netflix is the most popular streaming service to date. It has both TV shows and films both of which you can watch without having an aerial. Netflix produces its own TV shows such as Stranger Things and Narcos, but it also has other popular TV shows they don’t make such as friends, bodyguard and more.
Netflix has three plans you can choose from ranging from – £5.99, £7.99 and £9.99 depending on what you want to get out of the streaming service, but you can start by using a free trial.
Amazon Prime Video
Like Netflix Amazon Prime Video also has TV shows and films to watch without needing an aerial. They also produce their own shows such as The Grand Tour. Prime Video is £7.99 a month, but also offers a free trial (and discounts if you pay for the year in advance). By having Prime Video you also get a range of other Prime benefits including free One-Day Delivery on your orders from Amazon.
NOW TV
NOW TV is slightly different to Netflix and Prime Video as it has different passes for TV, film and sports. You can pick and mix the passes that you want. NOW TV usually has the latest films and TV shows airing on TV and once more, you can watch these without having an aerial. Each pass has a different price tag, if you would like to learn more check out our in-depth NOW TV guide.
TVPlayer
TVPlayer is a way to watch live TV for free with out an aerial! TVPlayer has over 50 live TV channels available you can watch. They also have a range of apps for devices like the Amazon Fire TV stick. For just £6.99 a month you can get some premium channels and the ability to record shows!
For all your catch up TV needs there are free streaming services and apps available (without the need for subscription) for BBC (iPlayer), ITV (ITV Hub), Channel 4 (All 4) and UKTV (UKTV Play) channels. For premium channels NOW TV provide a catch up TV library with their ‘Entertainment pass’.
Now you have some great options for watching TV without an aerial, what are you waiting for? Cut the cord, ditch your costly Sky or Virgin TV subscription and save money in this new era of TV and streaming.