Streaming and TV in Spain: platforms, free channels and football

Key rules

• TV licence: No TV licence applies in Spain, so owning a television costs you nothing extra.
• Football: Football rights are split across several paid providers, so confirm who shows your matches this season before subscribing.
• Free TV: Free-to-air channels need only an aerial and a TV with a tuner.

Football rights, platform prices and available channels change often, so check the current details on each provider's own website before you pay.

What TV looks like in Spain

Spain has three layers: free-to-air channels, Spanish paid platforms and global streaming services. Football rights are split across several paid providers, so one subscription may not cover every match. No TV licence applies, so you pay nothing just for owning a television.

Free-to-air TV

Free channels come through a normal aerial using TDT, Spain's digital terrestrial TV. Most flats have a shared aerial, so you often only need to plug in a TV with a built-in tuner and scan for channels. Ask your landlord or building administrator if no channels appear.

Many free channels also offer free catch-up apps on your phone, TV or computer. Check the broadcaster's own app store listing for what is available.

Paid platforms

Expect a mix of global streaming services and Spanish platforms. Spanish platforms often carry Spanish-language series, local news and sport that global services lack. Before you subscribe, check three things:

• whether the content is dubbed or has English audio or subtitles;
• whether the price covers sport;
• whether you can cancel monthly without a fixed term.

Start with one month-to-month subscription, then add more only if you need them.

Football

Football rights are split across several paid providers, and the split can change from season to season. Before you pay, check which provider shows your team's league matches and Champions League games for the current season. Look at the provider's own match schedule, not an old listing. Avoid a long contract until you have confirmed this.

Before you sign up

• Check the provider's website for the current price and cancellation terms.
• Check whether a service works on your TV.
• Read any contract tied to your internet package carefully, as it may carry a minimum term.