Britbox review

BritBox launched in the UK in late 2019. The platform started as a joint venture between the BBC and ITV and it offers an array of British films and television shows. 

Things have quickly moved on since Britbox was launched - the service is no longer accepting new subscribers, as ITV promotes its new streaming service - ITVX - instead. Read on to see whether it's worth holding on to your Britbox subscription.

Prefer the sound of a combined TV and broadband deal with Sky or Virgin Media? Find out how they stack up using our round up of the Best TV and broadband providers.

What is BritBox?

BritBox is a streaming service hosting a collection of popular British shows, encompassing comedy, drama, film and documentary. The platform was initially backed by ITV and the BBC (it is now wholly owned by ITV) and features shows from their channels as well as Channel 4 and Channel 5. 

Britbox has some original programming and exclusive content, though its focus has been on providing access to the classics.

In late 2022, Britbox stopped accepting new subscribers with customers being encouraged to sign up to ITV's new premium streaming service, ITVX, instead. Current Britbox subscribers are also being offered the opportunity to move over to ITVX, too - though Britbox continues to be available, for now.

BritBox review

Weighing up whether to hold onto BritBox? Get help with your decision using our review in the table below. 

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What can I watch on BritBox?

BritBox features nearly 300 television box sets, including popular television shows like Dr Who, Downton Abbey, The Office and Upstairs Downstairs.

You’ll also find 65 films on BritBox, including the Carry On franchise and Hitchcock thrillers.

How does BritBox compare to Netflix?

The key difference between BritBox and other popular streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, is that its entire focus is British film and television, particularly classic hits like Fawlty Towers, Poirot and Blackadder.

Feel like you might prefer a more mainstream service? Use our Best and worst TV streaming services 2024 to see how BritBox stacks up.

How does BritBox compare to free services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX?

BritBox won’t feature all of the recently aired shows that catch-up services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX (previously ITV Hub) feature. Recently aired shows will continue to be available for up to 12 months on iPlayer and 30 days on ITVX.

However, some of the shows available on BritBox are also available on free services - particularly recently screened episodes of popular shows. BritBox is for people who like to dig into the archive – episodes of Dr Who from the 1980s or Carry On films, for example. BritBox also doesn’t include advertising, meaning you can watch shows from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 ad-free.

How much does BritBox cost?

BritBox costs £5.99 a month on a rolling subscription. You can also pay £59.99 per year, which is a 16% saving.

How does BritBox compare to ITVX Premium?

ITVX is ITV's new streaming service - you can use it to access ITV's free content (with adverts), but there is also a Premium tier that costs £5.99 per month (the same as BritBox). 

If you're signing up for the first time, you will now only be able to sign up to ITVX Premium - BritBox is no longer open to new subscribers. ITV has said that most of the content available on BritBox will also be available on ITVX, though some older content doesn't seem to have been moved across.

If you're a current BritBox subscriber and are particularly attached to classic content, it's worth holding on to your current subscription for now. However, an ITVX Premium subscription will allow you to watch current ITV content without adverts.

What about the licence fee and BritBox?

BritBox doesn’t take any money from the licence fee. The platform – and any original programmes it will include – are paid for separately.

The former Director General of the BBC, Tony Hall, likened BritBox to buying classic shows on DVD and said any money the BBC made from the service will be put back into programme-making. However, BritBox is now wholly owned by ITV.

How can I watch BritBox?

As well as being watchable on your computer or laptop, BritBox can be accessed on smartphones and tablets via the BritBox app (available on both Apple and Android).

The platform is also supported by Samsung and Panasonic smart TVs or you can watch it via TV streaming devices such as Chromecast, Amazon Fire and Apple TV. Weighing up the best streaming device for you? Find out more using our guide to Best streaming device 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice.

Can I use BritBox when I’m abroad?

No - you can only watch BritBox in the UK. BritBox is also available to local customers in the US and Canada, but it’s not currently possible for UK customers to use the service while travelling in North America.

Can you download BritBox shows to watch offline?

Yes - BritBox now allows you to download its TV shows and films on both Apple (iOS) and Android mobile phones and tablets.

How many people can watch BritBox at the same time?

BritBox allows for five simultaneous streams at once - more than is on offer from both Netflix review and Amazon Prime Video review. 

For more information visit Britbox. New customers can sign up to ITVX Premium.