If you’re like me, you probably love taking some time to rest and relax in front of the box. But what about subscription costs? As it happens, even nowadays, TV doesn’t have to be pricey.
Freesat offers a great way of getting access to tons of TV channels, pretty much for free – a massive boost in this day and age of cost of living squeezes. However, there’s a little bit of a catch involved. You will need to pay the initial fee for a Freesat box itself before you can tuck into all that free programming.
So, what are the cheapest Freesat boxes on the market today, and what do they include? Let’s take a closer look at my top picks below, with a short guide to how Freesat works thereafter.
What are the Cheapest Freesat Boxes Available to Buy?
You’re in luck – there are more than a few Freesat boxes out there that shouldn’t stretch your budget too far. Here are some great picks I’ve found online for you that you can buy via Amazon.
Freesat 4K TV Box (Non-Recordable)
- 170+ channels with no monthly fees: Entertainment at your fingertips with lots of amazing channels, over 20 in crystal-clear HD.
- On Demand: Watch content, including 4K where available, from some of the most popular free and paid On Demand players including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix, Britbox & Amazon Prime Video.
This Freesat box comes with over 170 channels built-in, with up to 20 in glorious HD!
Once plugged in and ready to channel surf, this box’s menu is easy to navigate – making it my top choice for user-friendly setups.
The best aspect of this particular Freesat box is its easy installation! As long as you have a functional UK satellite dish, all you need to do is plug the cables into the back of the box, and you’re good to go.
As the name suggests, the only really big caveat here is that you won’t be able to record your shows or movies. Otherwise, it’s probably the best Freesat box at this price point, considering the quality!
If you do value the recording functionality, Freesat does have a recordable box with 500 GB drive that lets you store many hours of programming. It does of course raise the price to £180 – £200 range.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up
- Arrives with HD channels
- Fantastic browsing interface
Cons:
- Won’t record shows
Manhattan SX Freesat HD Box
- Enjoy an unrivalled line-up of subscription-free TV from Freesat with 170+ channels including 20+ in HD.
- Set reminders for your favourite shows in one tap and create your own list of favourite channels to jump straight to them.
Next, the Manhattan SX Freesat box rolls in at a very reasonable price tag, along with up to 13 HD channels. There’s also a nifty 8-day viewing guide, making it easy for you to plan ahead. It’s packaged with a 1.2m HDMI cable, too.
For older televisions, you can easily connect to this Freesat box using a SCART or RCA with an analogue AV kit (also included in the box).
You’ll also benefit from a generous 2-year warranty and in-house UK Technical support should you need it. Just make sure you register your product within 30 days of purchasing the unit to access your full warranty.
It’s probably the best Freesat box to replace Sky Q if you’re on a budget, but, fair warning – there’s no internet connectivity.
Pros:
- Generous warranty
- Extensive TV guide
- HDMI and SCART cables included
Cons:
- No internet connection
Goodmans GFSAT101SD Freesat SD DVBS Set Top Box
Finally, the Goodmans is a brand many of you probably recognise, and thankfully, their landmark Freesat box isn’t too pricey. With the Goodmans GFSAT101SD Freesat DVBS box, you have access to all Freesat Channels and Radio Stations at no extra cost.
This box also comes with a 7-day TV guide to help you find your favourite shows and films whenever you want – meaning it shouldn’t take too long to learn the basics.
It also comes complete with a red button interactive service and digital text and audio description that tells you what is happening on the screen when no one’s talking. This is a fantastic option for those that are hard of hearing.
Pros:
- Red button service
- Handy on-screen guide
- One of the cheapest Freesat boxes available
Cons:
- Standard Definition (SD) box – no HD channels
- No internet connection (so, no streaming apps)
What is Freesat?
Freesat is a TV service provided by the BBC and ITV. It works via satellite and offers more channels than Freeview. All of the channels are free, and there are no subscription payments you have to worry about!
To get Freesat working, you must set up a satellite dish that works with your chosen box. You’ll probably have to book an installer to get you hooked up.
Freesat is probably worth the dish if you want access to some of the service’s extra channels over Freeview.
Once you have a Freesat dish installed, you will need a Freesat box to tune into all its promised channels.
Is Freesat cheap?
A Freesat box (cheapest) costs approximately £70. Remember that once that initial payment is made, you don’t have to pay for any TV packages.
That said, the overall cost depends on the setup in your home. If you already have a functional satellite dish that works with Freesat, all you will need to do is plug in the Freesat box – and you’re good to go.
However, if you need to have a satellite dish installed, repaired or upgraded, you could be looking at an extra setup cost of up to £250. A repair can cost up to £150, too.
Upgrades can cost anywhere from £30 to about £50 – meaning it really does pay to price up ahead of time.
Before You Go…
There are a couple of options for cheap boxes not only for Freesat, but for Freeview as well. If you’re interested in checking out some options, I have a dedicated article on the Best Freeview Boxes that would be worth your time.
FAQs
What is the difference between Freesat and Freeview?
The main difference between Freesat and Freeview is how they deliver TV to your home. Freeview reaches your home via an aerial, while you’ll need a satellite dish for Freesat boxes.
Can any TV use Freesat?
Freesat does indeed work with most TVs! All they need is a satellite cable to link to the set-top box. Ideally, they should also be able to connect an HDMI cable from the box to the TV. Many Freesat boxes don’t have HDMI capabilities, however.
Is Freesat worth getting?
Freesat is an excellent option for those who do not want to invest in entertainment subscriptions. For many, it is also a better option than Freeview due to its running through satellite. This means that the image and sound are often clearer and are not affected by bad weather.
Does Freesat have Netflix?
No, Freesat does not come with Netflix. You’ll need to set up a Netflix subscription separately and download their app on a supported device (such as a smart TV, smartphone, or tablet).
How many channels does Freesat get?
Freesat has over 170 TV channels and radio stations!
How much is Freesat?
As the name suggests, Freesat is free! There are no monthly charges. If you don’t have a Freesat box and a satellite dish antenna, you will have to pay a one-time upfront cost to purchase and install them.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links