Forget Sky and Virgin Media, this tiny device comes with all major UK TV channels for free – plus Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+ and more

You can now add Freely streaming to any TV with Netgem's Android-powered Pleio puck

Netgem Pleio puck and accessories
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
Quick Summary

The first Freely set-top-box has arrived and it's not only smaller than expected, it's considerably more powerful too.

Running on Android TV, the Netgem Pleio box provides access to Freely live TV services, more than 150 additional channels, cloud gaming, plus streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+ and Prime Video. All for just £99.

Netgem has been providing internet-streamed TV services for many years, but might have slipped under your radar before. That's because it has largely worked with individual internet service providers up and down the UK, with its devices and services tied-into specific broadband plans.

Freely is a streaming service backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and the U network. It provides all their channels (and more) live over the internet, along with an easy way to catch up with programming you might have missed.

However, it has only been available on select Smart TVs to date – including models from Hisense, Panasonic and TCL. Now Netgem has introduced Pleio – an Android TV-powered streaming puck that has the Freely service front and centre, so you can add it to any TV.

And, at just £99 on Amazon with no mandatory subscription fees, you can get it up and running from the box.

Netgem Pleio puck and accessories

(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)

In some ways, it's like the Sky Stream or Virgin TV Stream boxes. It provides directly, easy access to live television without the need for an external, over-the-air source. You just need a half decent broadband connection and solid home Wi-Fi.

But it must be said that the Pleio puck does a whole lot more besides. In fact, it's like a Google TV Streamer too, as it has access to the Google Play Store and therefore almost every streaming app you can think of.

The likes of Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Paramount+ are available to subscribe to individually. And should you want to add Sky channels, including sports and cinema, you can do so through the Now app.

In addition, Netgem offers more than 150 FAST channels too (albeit with an additional Pleio subscription), and there's an extra accessory included in the package that makes it even more an entertainment powerhouse – a dedicated Bluetooth games controller.

Netgem Pleio puck and accessories

(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)

That's because Netgem also owns a cloud gaming service, so you can play more than 250 titles on the Pleio without needing a console or additional account. You get three months of access for free, then they'll be part of the same Pleio subscription as the 150 extra channels.

The Pleio puck is 4K HDR enabled and runs on Android TV 14. It's available from Amazon now, although you might also be able to get it through your regional ISP.

Rik Henderson
News Editor

Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.

Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.

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