Best streaming stick or box in the UK
For most people, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max: it's on NOW's supported device list, with Dolby Vision and fast Wi-Fi 6E. If you have no aerial and want the free live channels, get a Freely box such as the Manhattan Aero instead, because none of the Fire TV, Roku, Google or Apple devices is on Freely's list.
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The picks
Best for most people
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen)
On NOW's supported list, so Sky's channels month by month work on it, plus Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi 6E.
Worth knowing: It isn't on Freely's device list, so it won't give you live free channels without an aerial. NOW memberships cost extra each month.
Best with no aerial
Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely
Freely brings the live UK channels over broadband with no aerial and no fee, alongside Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, iPlayer and ITVX.
Worth knowing: It can't record, and Manhattan says Freely won't support recording. Manhattan's app list doesn't include NOW.
£89.99 RRPDetailsSee it on AmazonFreely plus NOW
Netgem Pleio 4K with Freely
The one box here with both Freely's live channels and NOW, through the Google Play apps. Check the current price and subscription before buying.
Worth knowing: Its price and bundled subscription have changed since launch, and the extra channels and cloud games need a Pleio subscription after the included year. Check what you'd pay before buying.
Simplest menu
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
4K Dolby Vision with a home screen that isn't built around one shop, and a remote that controls the TV's power and volume.
Worth knowing: It isn't on Freely's device list, so no live free channels without an aerial.
Best wired box for Google homes
Google TV Streamer
Ethernet built in, Dolby Vision and Atmos, and it doubles as a Google Home and Matter hub.
Worth knowing: It isn't on Freely's device list, and NOW's list doesn't yet name it.
£99 RRPDetailsSee it on AmazonBest for Apple households
Apple TV 4K (4th generation)
The most capable box here, with Wi-Fi 7, Gigabit Ethernet and 128GB, at a much higher price.
Worth knowing: It isn't on Freely's device list, and it costs far more than the other streamers here. Released in November 2026.
£299 RRPDetailsSee it on AmazonCheapest 4K stick
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2026)
Amazon's cheapest 4K stick, on its new Vega system. NOW's device list doesn't name it yet, so pick the 4K Max if you want NOW.
Worth knowing: It runs Amazon's new Vega OS, and NOW's device list doesn't yet name it. If you want Sky channels on NOW, the 4K Max is the safer choice.
Hands-free Alexa
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd gen)
Voice control without a remote, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI input to pass another box through.
Worth knowing: It isn't on Freely's device list, and it costs more than a stick.
Side by side
| Model | Freely (live TV over broadband) | NOW (Sky channels) | ITVX | Netflix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes | Yes |
| Netgem Pleio 4K with Freely | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google TV Streamer | No | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Apple TV 4K (4th generation) | No | Not confirmed | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) | No | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd gen) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
From Freely’s, NOW’s and the makers’ own lists. “Not confirmed” means they don’t say, so we don’t claim it.
How to choose
- No aerial in the room? Only a Freely device (or a TV with Freely built in) gives the live channels free over broadband.
- Want Sky Sports, Atlantic or Cinema without a contract? Check the device is on NOW's supported list.
- Buffering on Wi-Fi? A box with an Ethernet port (Fire TV Cube, Google TV Streamer, Apple TV) can be wired to the router.
- Every device here needs a spare HDMI socket and a TV that can show the picture it sends (4K needs a 4K TV).
Questions
- Do I need a TV Licence with a streaming stick?
- Only to watch live TV as it's broadcast, or to use BBC iPlayer. Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video on demand don't need one.
- Does a Fire TV Stick give me Freeview channels?
- Not without an aerial. Fire TV devices aren't on Freely's list, so they show the channels' own apps but not Freely's live guide. A Freely box does that over broadband.
Related guides
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen)Best for most people
See it on AmazonDesk research by Tely from the makers’, Freely’s and NOW’s own pages, checked 5th November 2026. We haven’t tested these ourselves; each product page lists its sources. Prices are the makers’ listed starting prices; shops often charge less. How we check.