The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely, priced at £89.99 from Argos, provides access to over 70 live channels and thousands of on-demand titles from BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 without requiring an aerial or satellite dish. This device competes directly with Sky Glass TVs, which start at £309 and require at least £15 per month in subscriptions.
How It Works and Key Features
Plugging the Manhattan Aero into a TV via HDMI and connecting to WiFi enables streaming of Freely's content, plus apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. It runs on the TiVo operating system and includes TiVo+, which offers over 400 additional free channels. The device supports 4K HD resolution for crisp picture quality and comes with a voice remote for hands-free search.
Comparison with Competitors
Unlike Sky Glass, the Manhattan Aero has no monthly fees for Freely, though paid subscriptions are needed for Netflix and similar services. Amazon's Fire TV Stick range starts at £39.99 for HD and £69.99 for 4K Max, but the Aero offers live TV channels without an aerial. Argos customers have rated the Aero 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Customer Reviews
One reviewer said: "This is a great little box. I have a TV in the bedroom with no aerial, so I could only use iPlayer etc. Connected the box and went through an easy setup, and within five minutes I’m watching live TV. Cheaper than having someone come and connect to the aerial, and to be honest, less breakup of picture, which I often get with the main TV." Another called it "a worthwhile investment," adding: "It was so simple to install yet so effective when put into use. Has increased channel availability and also, to some extent, improved screen contrast." However, a four-star review noted: "Not as good as I hoped; picture not sharp; sound is low compared to Roku stick. No way to access BBC text which I really do miss." A five-star review praised: "Easy to set up. Simply follow the on-screen instructions. Picture quality is good. Almost all commonly used TV stations plus a separate button for Netflix and YouTube."
