Sky Glass Free Channels – Full List & How to Watch in the UK (2026)
Sky Glass is a smart TV made by Sky. It brings all your television into one place. Instead of needing a satellite dish on your wall, Sky Glass uses your home internet to stream live channels, on-demand shows, and apps directly to your screen.
When people talk about “free channels” on Sky Glass, they usually mean two things Free Channels. They might mean the normal free-to-air channels everyone in the UK can watch, like BBC and ITV. Or, they might mean all the channels included in their monthly Sky Glass subscription package.
With over 10 years of experience in streaming technology, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TV platforms, Daniel specializes in Sky Glass, Firestick apps, and step-by-step methods to watch Sky content on Firestick devices in the UK.
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It is important to know that Sky Glass still requires a Sky subscription to turn on and use the TV itself. You also need a good internet connection for it to work. This guide sets clear expectations for UK users about what you can actually watch without paying extra.
We promise a complete and up-to-date channel guide to help you understand exactly what is available on your screen.
What Are “Free Channels” on Sky Glass? (Important Explanation)
The term “free channels” can be tricky. On Sky Glass, it really means two different types of channel.
First, there are free-to-air channels. These are the standard channels that broadcast across the UK. Anyone with a television can watch them. Think of BBC One, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. You do not pay a subscription fee to the channel itself to watch these.
Resetting Sky Glass TV
Before you start, it’s helpful to know about the two main types of reset. A soft reset is like restarting your computer. It fixes minor problems without deleting your apps or settings.
A factory reset is a bigger step. It returns your TV to how it was when you first bought it. A factory reset will remove all your installed apps and personal settings. It will also sign you out of your Sky account.
Step 3: Select the Find menu
Step 4: Click on the Search option
Step 5: Type “Internet Browser” and select it from the list
Step 6: Select the Internet icon When the below screen appears
Step 7: Click on “Download” and wait for the app to install
Step 8: Wait until the download is completed
Step 9: Select Open to access the installed browser
Step 10: Once the browser opens, click on Accept Terms
Step 11: Bing.com tab would be open at first.
Step 12: Click on the address bar and type this URL “maxsport.one” and click Go
Step 13: This is the interface of the maxsport.com website.
Step 14: Scroll down and choose the Sky channel (This website shows many options of Sky channels and other sports channels to stream free)
Step 15: This is your channel streaming live on your TV without spending a dime.
Congrats and Enjoy
Second, there are the channels included with your Sky Glass subscription. When you pay your monthly fee to Sky, you get a package of channels. Sky calls this your “Base” or “Entertainment” package. People sometimes call these “free” because they come with your package, but you are actually paying for them as part of your bill.
A key point is that you need no satellite dish. All these channels, whether free-to-air or part of your subscription, are delivered over your broadband connection. This often causes common UK confusion, as people are used to Freeview coming from an aerial. On Sky Glass, everything comes through the internet.
Do You Need a Subscription to Watch Sky Glass Free Channels?
This is a very important question. The simple answer is yes, you do need a subscription to access the Sky Glass TV in the first place.
The Sky Glass TV hardware requires an active Sky account to work. You cannot buy the TV, plug it in, and start watching free-to-air channels without signing up for a Sky plan. Sky does offer no contract options, like their “Sky Glass Pass,” which is a rolling monthly subscription you can cancel with notice.
What happens if your subscription ends? Your Sky Glass TV will effectively become a large, expensive monitor. You will lose access to the Sky interface, all live channels Free Channels, and your recordings. You may still be able to use some separate apps like BBC iPlayer if you log in, but the main TV function will not work.
So, the clear answer is: on Sky Glass, free channels do not mean no subscription. You need a Sky plan to use the television at all.
Full List of Sky Glass Free Channels (UK) (Main Section)
This is your complete guide to the channels you can watch on Sky Glass that are either free-to-air or included in the basic package. Remember, you need an active Sky subscription to see them.
Free-to-Air Channels on Sky Glass
These are the national channels everyone in the UK can watch. You will find them all on Sky Glass:
- BBC One, Two, Three, & Four: The main BBC channels for news, entertainment, and culture.
- ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4: ITV’s family of channels showing dramas, soaps, and sports.
- Channel 4: Home to a wide mix of innovative programming and films.
- Channel 5: Offers news, documentaries, and popular dramas.
- E4: The home of entertainment and comedy favourites.
- Film4: A fantastic channel for free movies.
- More4: Lifestyle, documentary, and real-life shows.
- Dave: The channel full of comedy and entertainment you “probably” know.
- Yesterday: All about history and factual programming.
- Quest: Great for documentaries and reality TV.
- Food Network: Cooking shows and competitions.
- HGTV: Programmes about homes, gardens, and property.
Remember, there are regional variations in the UK. Your version of BBC One or ITV1 will automatically be the one for your local area in the UK.
Free HD Channels on Sky Glass
One of the best things about Sky Glass is HD availability. Almost all the free-to-air channels broadcast in high definition (HD) on Sky Glass. There is no extra cost for HD on these channels.
This is a big advantage compared to satellite Sky or Freeview. On those services, you often need to pay extra or upgrade your equipment to get HD versions of channels like BBC One HD. On Sky Glass, they are included and look fantastic by default.
Free On-Demand & Catch-Up Apps on Sky Glass (UK)
Alongside live channels, your Sky Glass TV gives you access to brilliant free on-demand apps Free Channels. You can download these from the app store on your TV.
The major UK broadcasters all have their apps:
- BBC iPlayer for all BBC content.
- ITVX (which replaced ITV Hub) for ITV shows.
- Channel 4 (All 4) for Channel 4, E4, and More4 programmes.
- My5 for Channel 5’s catch-up service.
There are also great free streaming apps:
- Pluto TV has hundreds of live channels and on-demand movies for free.
- YouTube needs no introduction!
- Amazon’s Freevee has thousands of free movies and shows with adverts.
These apps work without extra fees. You do not pay Sky to use them. However, you do need your own login for some, like BBC iPlayer, and you must watch some adverts in the apps themselves. They are separate from your Sky subscription but live right on your Sky Glass home screen.
Can You Watch Sky Glass Free Channels Without Paying?
Let’s give an honest answer. There is no permanent free access to Sky Glass. The TV is designed as part of a subscription service.
You can sometimes find free trials when Sky offers them to new customers. This lets you try the full service for a month before you pay. Also, you can always watch the free apps like BBC iPlayer or YouTube on the TV without buying any Sky passes, but you still need the active Sky account for the TV to function.
There are legal limitations in the UK on how broadcast TV is distributed. Sky has agreements that mean they cannot simply give away their television hardware as a free Freeview box. The model is based on an ongoing subscription.
Sky Glass Free Channels vs Freeview (UK Comparison)
How does the free channel line-up on Sky Glass compare to traditional Freeview?
In terms of channel count, a basic Freeview aerial might give you slightly more very small, niche channels. However, Sky Glass includes all the major free-to-air channels you actually watch. The HD availability is far better on Sky Glass, as most channels are in HD without any extra cost or complicated tuning.
For ease of use, Sky Glass is simpler. There is no aerial to install, and the channel guide is modern and integrated with streaming apps. The choice comes down to internet vs aerial. If you have fast, reliable broadband Free Channels, Sky Glass offers a better picture and experience. If your internet is poor or you want to avoid a monthly fee entirely, a Freeview aerial is the better choice for your UK home.
Common Problems Watching Free Channels on Sky Glass
Sometimes you might run into issues. A channel might not load, or you could see the wrong regional channel. You might experience buffering issues or app crashes.
Here are some quick fixes to try:
- Restart your TV by turning it off and unplugging it for 60 seconds.
- Check your broadband speed and connection. As everything streams, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause problems.
- Update your software in the Settings menu to make sure you have the latest fixes from Sky.
FAQs – Sky Glass Free Channels
Are Sky Glass free channels really free?
The free-to-air channels (like BBC) are free from the broadcaster. However, you need a paid Sky Glass subscription to access the TV to watch them.
Do I need an aerial?
No. Sky Glass does not use an aerial. All live TV and on-demand content comes through your internet connection.
Can I watch BBC without a Sky subscription?
Not on Sky Glass. You need the Sky subscription to use the TV. You could then use the separate BBC iPlayer app, but the TV itself requires the Sky plan.
Are local UK channels included?
Yes. You will get your correct regional version of BBC One, ITV1, and other channels based on your UK postcode.
Conclusion
In summary, Sky Glass gives you access to all the major UK free-to-air channels in high definition, plus a world of free on-demand apps. It is important to have realistic expectations: you need a monthly Sky subscription to use the television.
We recommend Sky Glass for UK users who want a modern, dish-free TV experience with everything in one place, integrated seamlessly with their broadband.
Want to learn more? Check out our related articles on how to record on Sky Glass, how to reset your TV, or a comparison of Sky Glass vs Sky Q.