Netgem PLEIO can bring Freely’s live and on-demand BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 services to a compatible television without an aerial, alongside apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video and NOW. But the apps are not subscriptions included in the price, and PLEIO does not provide every pay-TV channel. It is best understood as a way to add free-to-view television and streaming apps to an existing TV—not as a complete, cost-free replacement for every Sky or Virgin Media package.
What is Netgem PLEIO?
PLEIO is a small, Freely-certified streaming puck that connects to a TV through HDMI and uses home broadband to stream television. It is designed to add Freely and streaming apps to an existing compatible TV. The standard Netgem bundle includes a voice-enabled remote and wireless gamepad. Netgem describes PLEIO on its product page; its UK launch was announced on 21 November 2025.
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Aerial-Free TV Revolution: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to the £99 Netgem Pleio – 4K Freely TV, 250+... | $15.70 | Buy on Amazon |
You need a free HDMI input, mains power and a reliable internet connection. An aerial or satellite dish is not required for Freely streaming, but broadband is: the service does not work like aerial-based Freeview during an internet outage.
Which free channels and programmes can you watch?
Freely brings together live channels and on-demand programming from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. The current Freely channel list includes services such as BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV2, E4, Film4, Sky Arts, Quest and U&Dave. The line-up can change, and availability of some services may vary by location or rights.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Netgem says PLEIO also provides more than 55 additional Freely channels beyond the main broadcaster groups. That is not a promise that it carries every Freeview channel: Freely is an internet-delivered service, while conventional Freeview relies primarily on a television aerial. Check Freely’s live list for the channels you actually watch.
Are Netflix, Apple TV and Disney+ included?
No. PLEIO provides access to the Google Play Store, with apps including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, NOW, Disney+, Apple TV and YouTube, according to Netgem’s launch announcement. App availability does not include a subscription or viewing entitlement. You must sign in to each service and pay for any plan you choose.
“Apple TV” refers to the Apple TV app and its available content, including Apple TV+ for subscribers; it does not mean Apple TV+ is bundled free. App catalogues and support can change independently of Freely, so check current device and app compatibility if a particular service is essential.
What does PLEIO really cost?
There are two prices to note. Netgem’s current offer and terms describe a £99 bundle covering the device and 12 months of the PLEIO subscription. The subscription renews at £9.99 per month after that initial period unless cancelled, subject to the terms and price shown at renewal. Separately, Freely’s device catalogue lists Netgem PLEIO from £94. These are different listings, so check the seller’s current checkout price and exactly what is included before buying.
| Cost or service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| PLEIO device and bundle | Netgem lists £99 for the device plus 12 months of the PLEIO subscription; Freely lists the device from £94. Check the live offer and bundle details. |
| Freely | No separate Freely subscription fee; Freely remains available if the PLEIO subscription is cancelled. |
| PLEIO subscription | Netgem’s terms state £9.99 per month after the first 12 months unless cancelled; the package covers extra channels and cloud gaming. |
| Streaming apps | Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, NOW and other paid services require separate subscriptions where applicable. |
| Other household costs | Broadband is needed, and a UK TV Licence may be required depending on what you watch. |
Netgem’s PLEIO terms distinguish its paid extra-channel and cloud-gaming package from Freely itself. If you want only Freely, you can cancel the PLEIO subscription and continue using Freely; check the terms for how and when to cancel before renewal.
Do you still need a TV Licence?
In the UK, a TV Licence is generally required to watch or record live television on any channel or service, including live streams through Freely, and to watch BBC iPlayer, including on-demand BBC programmes. Watching only on-demand programmes on services such as ITVX, Channel 4, My5 or U, without watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer, generally does not require one. Rules depend on what you watch, so use TV Licensing’s guidance for your circumstances. Buying a streaming device does not remove the licence requirement.
What do you need to set it up?
- A television with a free HDMI input and a nearby power socket.
- Home Wi-Fi and broadband. Freely recommends at least 10 Mbps for live internet channels and on-demand viewing; this is a recommendation, not a guarantee of uninterrupted streaming.
- Separate login details for the paid apps you use.
- A TV Licence if your viewing falls within the licensing rules.
For setup, connect PLEIO to the TV by HDMI and to mains power, select that HDMI input, pair the voice remote when prompted, then connect the device to Wi-Fi and complete account setup as needed. Open Freely for broadcaster television; use the Google Play Store to install or open supported apps. Menu wording may change with software updates. Wi-Fi signal strength, household congestion and router distance can affect performance even when your broadband plan exceeds the recommended speed. Freely’s equipment guidance explains its connection requirements.
PLEIO or Manhattan Aero?
PLEIO is not the only plug-in option for adding Freely to a TV. Freely lists the Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer from £89, compared with PLEIO from £94 on the same catalogue. Prices and offers can change; the table reflects the listed starting prices, not a guarantee of the price at checkout.
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|---|---|---|
| Netgem PLEIO | From £94 on Freely’s catalogue; Netgem’s £99 offer includes 12 months of its subscription. | Freely, app access, and a bundle that includes extra channels and cloud gaming for the initial term; standard bundle includes voice remote and gamepad. |
| Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer | From £89 on Freely’s catalogue. | A Freely plug-in alternative positioned around live television and streaming apps. Check the current manufacturer details for its app support and included features. |
Choose PLEIO if its included gamepad, cloud gaming and extra-channel package matter to you. Consider the Aero if you want a lower listed entry price and a Freely device without specifically seeking PLEIO’s subscription extras. Compare current listings and terms before deciding; the two products should not be assumed to have identical app catalogues or subscription arrangements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does it compare with a Fire TV Stick, Roku or Google TV streamer?
A conventional streaming device is often a better fit if you mainly want apps. PLEIO’s distinguishing feature is Freely integration: it brings UK broadcaster live channels and on-demand services into a more traditional television-style experience alongside apps. On a general-purpose streamer, viewers may instead need to open broadcaster apps individually. Exact app support varies by device and can change, so check the services you rely on.
- Choose a Freely device if an integrated live-channel guide for major UK broadcasters is a priority.
- Choose an app-first streamer if you mainly want paid streaming apps and do not need Freely’s integrated live-TV experience.
- Keep or use an aerial if you need terrestrial television to continue during broadband outages.
Can it replace Sky or Virgin Media?
For a household that mainly watches free-to-view broadcaster channels and already has the streaming subscriptions it wants, PLEIO can replace the set-top-box role and may remove the need for a satellite dish or traditional cable-TV installation. Whether it saves money depends on the package being cancelled, any remaining contract or equipment costs, and which paid services the household still wants.
It does not automatically include Sky Sports, TNT Sports, premium movie channels or all the other content and features of a pay-TV package. Nor does it reproduce every provider’s recording features, bundled support or service guarantees. If those extras matter, compare the full package rather than only the headline monthly price.
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Who is PLEIO best for?
It is a good fit if you
- Want Freely on a TV that does not already support it.
- Prefer a combined live-TV guide and streaming-app interface.
- Want to avoid installing an aerial, and have reliable broadband.
- Will use PLEIO’s extra channels or cloud gaming during the included subscription period.
Look elsewhere if you
- Only need a cheap way to watch one or two streaming apps.
- Already own a Freely-compatible TV and do not need another device.
- Have unreliable broadband or need television to work through an internet outage.
- Need premium sports, premium films or pay-TV recording features included.
- Do not want a bundle that renews unless cancelled.
Verdict
PLEIO is a credible way to bring Freely’s principal UK broadcasters and a range of streaming apps to a compatible TV without an aerial. Its value rests on Freely integration and the bundled extras, not on making paid streaming free. Check the current channel and app lists, confirm the offer’s renewal terms, and compare PLEIO with the lower-listed Manhattan Aero if you want Freely without the gaming package.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
