WATCHING live TV without a licence is a criminal offence – but not everyone needs to pay it and there are other options out there.
Paying to use streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix isn’t illegal but it’s costly.
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You don’t need a TV licence if you are watching recorded programmes on these services.
But you’ll also need a TV licence if you watch programmes live on BBC iPlayer, YouTube and other streaming services.
A TV licence costs £159 a year and covers you if you are watching or downloading programmes through BBC iPlayer.
A licence for those with a black and white TV costs £53.50 a year.
But hundreds of thousands of households are eligible for a free TV licence if they’re claiming certain benefits – meaning they can watch TV for free.
If you’re not eligible, there are still numerous ways that you can watch TV without spending a note and we’ve explained all you need to know below.
Who’s eligible for a free TV licence?
Hundreds of thousands of households are eligible for a free TV licence but aren’t claiming one.
These households are missing out on combined savings worth £135million.
For example, if you’re on Pension Credit and over the age of 75, you might be exempt, meaning you could save £159 a year.
You can apply for the discount on the TV licensing website or by calling 0300 790 6117.
But 850,000 eligible households aren’t claiming Pension Credit which makes you eligible for a free TV licence.
Pension Credit grants you £201 a week – and it’s paid to those who have reached the State Pension age (66) and are on a low income.
You can get extra amounts to top up the benefit depending on your circumstances.
To qualify, you’ll need to have a weekly income of less than £182.60 for single people or £278.70 for couples.
We’ve previously explained everything you need to know about applying for Pension Credit.
How can I watch TV for free without a licence?
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is another free streaming service with more than 100 channels.
Anyone can access Pluto TV for free on the web or on your iPhone and Android device.
Virgin Media has just made it available via some of its boxes – but bear in mind you’d need to pay a TV licence and take out a contract with Virgin to take advantage of this.
Amazon Freevee
Amazon Prime Video may be the first thing you think of but the retail giant also has a growing free alternative.
Freevee is home to exclusives like Judy Justice.
It’s the new home of Neighbours too, which is set to return later this year.
But there’s some classic on-demand content too.
The L Word, Nashville and Parks and Recreation are among the shows available.
All4
All4 is the main source of on-demand programmes from Channel 4, E4, Film4 and More 4.
The service is free to use and funded by advertisements.
All4 offers a free and extensive library of both classic shows and more recent programmes, including complete box sets of some of our most popular series like Gogglebox.
UKTV Play
If you’re a fan of Dave, Drama, W and Yesterday then the UKTV Play is the place for you.
The latest featured shows include Meet The Richardsons, Annika and Great British Railway Journeys.
You’ll have to sign up to start watching – and there are ads.
ITVX
ITVX launched in November, replacing the old ITV Hub.
ITV now drops many new and exclusive shows online before they’re shown on ITV1.
There’s also a load of other shows, including more niche interest like anime.
Free trials
You should take advantage of free trials to keep more of your hard-earned cash.
Some trials are as short as seven days, while others last an entire month.
For example, Amazon Prime Video offers newbies 30 days streaming for free.
Now TV also offers weekly free trails for Sky Cinema and Entertainment packages.
But any savvy savers must remember to unsubscribe to any subscriptions before the end of the trial period or risk incurring further charges.
Customers can also nab a free trial of streaming services when buying new technology.
Some Apple technology purchases will include a free trial of Apple TV+.