Two of the most common questions we're asked in Stockport, Marple, Bramhall and Hazel Grove:"What's actually the difference between Freesat and Freeview?" and "Which one should I have?" Both are free. Both give you the main UK channels. But they arrive at your house completely differently, and one of them works far better than the other in specific pockets of our patch.
Freeview in one sentence
Freeview is broadcast from ground-based transmitters (mostly Winter Hill for Stockport and South Manchester), picked up by a rooftop or loft aerial. Roughly 85 channels, all free, no subscription. Reception depends entirely on how well your aerial can "see" the transmitter — trees, hills, buildings and modern LED noise all get in the way.
Freesat in one sentence
Freesat is broadcast from a satellite (Astra 28.2°E, high in the southern sky), picked up by a 60cm or 80cm dish. Around 170 channels, all free, no subscription. Reception is essentially immune to hills, trees to the north, or which side of a valley you're on — the signal comes from above, not from Winter Hill.
The honest comparison
Here's how the two stack up in a Stockport home:
- Channels: Freeview ~85, Freesat ~170. Freesat wins on quantity.
- HD channels: Both carry BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 in HD.
- Reliability: Freesat is more reliable in Marple, Mellor, Romiley, Strines and any home where the aerial can't see Winter Hill clearly.
- Weather: Freeview shrugs off rain but suffers in high wind (aerial wobble). Freesat is rock-solid in wind but can pixelate briefly in the very worst downpours.
- Recording: Freesat recorders (Arris UHD-4X) are still available new; Freeview recorders (Humax Aura) are too.
- Install cost: A new aerial is usually a bit cheaper than a new dish. Re-using an existing Sky dish for Freesat is often the cheapest option of the lot.
Which one should you have?
Simple rule of thumb we give customers over the phone: if your Freeview is already good, keep it. If it isn't — pixelating, missing channels, worse in bad weather, or you live somewhere with a compromised sight-line to Winter Hill — Freesat is the honest fix. If you're moving off Sky and just want a normal free TV line-up, Freesat with the existing dish is a five-minute conversion in most cases. See our Freesat installation page for the full picture and typical costs.
Areas where Freesat consistently wins
- Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor, Romiley, Strines — hills between the house and Winter Hill.
- Upper Disley, New Mills and the eastern edge of the Peak — Freeview is often patchy or missing multiplexes.
- North-facing gable walls where an aerial can't be mounted — but a south-facing dish can.
Frequently asked questions
Is Freesat really free?
Yes — after the one-off install (or dish conversion), there's no subscription and no contract. You own the equipment.
Can I use my old Sky dish for Freesat?
Almost always, yes. Same dish, same LNB — we swap the connector at the box end if it's tired and plug in a Freesat receiver. Often a fixed-price 45-minute job.
Does Freesat have all the channels Freeview does?
The main UK channels are on both. Freesat carries around 85 more channels beyond that — extra news, entertainment, kids and international channels.
Is Freesat better than Freeview in Marple and Romiley?
In most of upper Marple, Mellor, Strines and Marple Bridge, yes — Freeview signal is compromised by the hills between the house and Winter Hill, and Freesat gives a rock-solid picture from above.
Do I need a new box if I switch from Freeview to Freesat?
Yes — a Freesat box (or a TV with Freesat built-in) is needed to decode the satellite signal. Modern Freesat boxes have on-demand apps too.
Which is cheaper to install — Freesat or Freeview?
A new aerial for Freeview is usually the cheapest install. But if you already have a Sky dish on the wall, converting it to Freesat is cheaper than any new install.
Need help with TV signal problems in Stockport, South Manchester, Tameside or East Cheshire? Evolution Data & Digital is a local, engineer-led business — not a call centre or franchise. We test the system properly, explain the fault and agree the price before any repair or installation work begins. Call 0161 399 1757 or contact us online.
Free survey & quote, no callout charge. Most jobs same or next day.