Freely is quickly becoming the new standard for free-to-air UK television, delivering live BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 entirely over the internet, without the need for an aerial or satellite dish.
For people watching UK TV abroad using a VPN router with a UK residential IP, the choice of Freely TV box matters mainly in terms of usability, connectivity, and additional features.
Until now, the Netgem PLEIO has been the most established external Freely device. In early February, a second option has launched: the Manhattan Aero Freely TV box.
This article compares both devices in a practical, real-world way, focusing on how they perform when used abroad with a VPN router.
Freely is a fully internet-based TV platform designed as a modern replacement for Freeview and Freesat. It provides:
Freely is now built into a growing number of new UK televisions. For existing TVs, an external Freely TV box is required.
For customers adding Freely to an existing TV, there are currently two main options:
Both connect to a TV via HDMI and rely entirely on an internet connection. Neither includes built-in VPN functionality, so both require a VPN router to be used abroad.
One practical difference between the two devices is network connectivity.
For many users, this difference is minor. Most Freely users connect their TV devices over Wi-Fi, particularly in holiday homes, apartments, or temporary setups abroad. However, for those who prefer a wired connection or have a TV cabinet close to their router, Ethernet support on the Manhattan Aero may be an advantage.
Both devices perform well over Wi-Fi when paired with a stable internet connection and VPN router.
Another key difference is the underlying platform:
Netgem PLEIO. Android-Based
The Netgem PLEIO runs on an Android-based platform. This allows access to a wider range of apps via the Google Play ecosystem, beyond the core Freely services.
This can include:
For users who want more than just UK TV channels, this flexibility can be appealing.
Manhattan Aero. TiVo-Based
The Manhattan Aero uses a TiVo-based platform. This focuses more tightly on live TV, catch-up, and a simplified viewing experience.
While app availability may be more limited compared to Android, some users prefer a cleaner interface with fewer distractions, particularly in shared or guest environments.
The Netgem PLEIO includes an Xbox-style game controller, which can be a useful extra feature.
This is particularly popular:
The Manhattan Aero does not include a gaming controller and is more focused purely on TV viewing.
From a location and streaming perspective, both devices behave in exactly the same way.
Freely itself is restricted to the UK. To use either the Netgem PLEIO or the Manhattan Aero abroad, a VPN router using a UK residential IP is required.
When connected through such a router:
The Freely TV box does not need to be configured individually. All location handling is done by the router.
There is no single “best” option. The right choice depends on how you plan to use it:
Netgem PLEIO may suit you if:
Manhattan Aero may suit you if:
Both devices work well with Freely and are compatible with Stream UK TV Abroad VPN router setups for use abroad.
At Stream UK TV Abroad, our focus is on providing setups that work reliably outside the UK.
We stock and support Freely TV devices that integrate seamlessly with our pre-configured VPN routers. As new Freely hardware becomes available - such as the Manhattan Aero - we test and support it alongside established options such as the Netgem PLEIO.
This allows customers to choose the device that best fits their preferences, while relying on the same proven UK residential IP router setup.
The launch of the Manhattan Aero is a positive step for Freely, offering more choice and flexibility for users adding internet-based UK TV to an existing television.
We stock both the Netgem PLEIO and Manhattan Aero for immediate dispatch, enabling our customers to start using Freely straight away with their SmartHub VPN router.
Both devices are supported with our VPN router setups for use abroad, allowing you to select the hardware that best suits your preferences.
Whether you choose the Netgem PLEIO or the Manhattan Aero, the most important factor for watching Freely abroad is the network setup behind it. A VPN router using a genuine UK residential IP remains essential.
With the right router in place, both Freely TV boxes provide a reliable and straightforward way to watch UK TV abroad, without aerials, satellite dishes, or complicated workarounds.
