Humax Aura discontinued in UK: new Freely 4K box could challenge Pleio set-top launch

Humax has officially discontinued the Aura, one of its last Freeview-powered recorders with integrated streaming capabilities, removing it from major UK retailers including Amazon, Argos, and Currys as of January 2026. The device, capable of storing up to 1,000 hours of recordings and supporting 4K content, allowed viewers access to BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney+, and over 70 free-to-air channels via Freeview. Humax confirmed that the Aura is no longer in production, but the company is reportedly developing a new Freely-powered device that will combine broadband streaming with traditional TV reception, reports The WP Times, via Humax.

Humax Aura: what has changed

The Humax Aura, launched in 2022, was one of the last hybrid Freeview recorders offering both traditional broadcast reception and internet streaming.

Key features included:

• 4K content support
• Up to 1,000 hours of recording storage
• Access to BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney+ and 70+ Freeview channels

The Aura’s discontinuation reflects a strategic pivot by Humax toward broadband-based television solutions. For households, the loss of Aura units means fewer options for recording and streaming within one device. Consumers who relied on its hybrid functionality may need to adjust either by switching to broadband-dependent boxes or maintaining separate devices for live TV and streaming. Retail channels report stock clearance in January 2026, and refurbished units are now the only immediate alternative for Aura owners seeking continuity.

Freely platform: internet TV without an aerial

Freely, launched in early 2024, is a broadband-based platform developed by the same team behind Freeview and Freesat. Unlike Freeview, Freely does not require an aerial, allowing stable reception in any room.

Key facts about Freely:

• Live channels: 55+ including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, UTV, GB News
• On-demand content: over 75,000 hours, including catch-up services
• Supports 4K resolution
• My List feature aggregates content from multiple streaming services
• Over 1 million users in the UK as of January 2026

Freely’s adoption shows strong market demand for aerial-free television solutions. Users benefit from consistent picture quality unaffected by weather or signal issues. Broadband speed requirements are essential: at least 10 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K. Households with suboptimal connections may need upgrades to fully utilise Freely features. The platform’s cloud-based content also allows viewers to access recorded programmes from multiple devices, increasing convenience compared to traditional Freeview.

New Humax Freely device coming soon

Humax is reportedly preparing the Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder, expected to combine:

• Freeview channels via aerial (optional)
• Freely internet streaming
• 4K resolution
• Up to 1,000 hours of recording

This hybrid approach allows users to transition gradually from traditional broadcast to broadband streaming. By including an optional aerial socket, Humax addresses concerns in regions with slow or unstable broadband. Internal testing is ongoing, with announcements expected within weeks of January 2026. If released mid-2026, the Aura EZ could coincide with seasonal electronics sales, maximising consumer uptake. Early reports suggest pricing may be competitive with Pleio (£119.99) to capture users seeking both traditional and internet-based content.

Comparing Aura EZ and Pleio

The upcoming Aura EZ will compete with the Pleio set-top box from Netgem, launched in late 2025. Pleio is a plug-and-play Freely device compatible with any HDMI-equipped TV.

The Aura EZ’s hybrid model contrasts with Pleio’s fully broadband-based approach. Consumers who still want access to Freeview channels benefit from Aura EZ, while those prioritising plug-and-play internet TV may prefer Pleio. The subscription-based Pleio model includes a 12-month premium channel package and cloud gaming, meaning actual ownership is deferred until subscription completion. Households should weigh upfront costs, broadband readiness, and channel preferences before choosing between the devices.

What UK consumers should do

Households currently using the Humax Aura can take the following steps:

1. Check small retailers or refurbished units for remaining Aura stock
2. Consider Freely-compatible devices: Pleio or the upcoming Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder
3. Ensure broadband meets Freely requirements: 10 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K
4. Register for Freely accounts via www.freely.tv
5. Backup recorded content from Aura before device decommissioning

Adapting to the new ecosystem requires both technical readiness and content migration planning. Backup ensures no loss of valuable recordings. Broadband-dependent devices also make households sensitive to network interruptions. Users must review their internet infrastructure and consider upgrading routers or connection plans to fully utilise 4K streaming and cloud recording.

Regional availability and support

• Freely hardware is available across the UK
• Broadband speed and stability may vary by region
• Official support: Humax www.humaxdigital.com, Netgem www.netgem.com/support
• Warranty: typically 12 months, aligned with UK consumer law

Consumers in rural areas may encounter lower broadband speeds, affecting 4K and HD streaming quality. Freely and Humax recommend minimum speeds and provide guidance for testing connection quality before purchase. Warranty and support channels are essential for troubleshooting new devices, and households should retain purchase documentation for subscription and service verification.

Technological and market implications

The shift from aerial-based Freeview to broadband Freely systems reflects broader trends:

• Stable reception and cloud-based recording
• Integration of live TV and on-demand services in one interface
• Subscription-based ownership models

This transition benefits urban households with strong broadband but may challenge rural users. As more devices move to internet delivery, consumer expectations will focus on software updates, seamless content aggregation, and cross-device access. Competition between Humax and Netgem will likely drive new features, pricing strategies, and bundled subscriptions in 2026.

What this means for viewers

The Humax Aura discontinuation marks a clear transition from hybrid Freeview recorders to broadband-based television. Consumers will have access to both live TV and on-demand content but must:

• Ensure reliable broadband
• Understand subscription-based device ownership
• Prepare for transition from aerial-dependent devices

For households, this means increased flexibility and access to streaming content, but also a need to adapt to internet-delivered services. Transitioning now ensures uninterrupted access to channels and cloud recordings, avoiding service gaps once older devices are phased out.

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