No. Downloading the apps doesn’t involve payments but some may require a subscription. Some pre-installed apps like YouTube are free but others like Netflix aren't and would require a subscription. You have the option to choose which apps you want to subscribe to and pay for.
Some pre-installed streaming apps are Netflix, Lightbox, and YouTube. There are plenty of other apps available on Google Play.
No. However, you can record through a one-off purchase of the New Freeview Recorder which gives you unlimited access to various Freeview features.
Yes. With a Freeview account, you’ll only need to sign in once because it bypasses multiple logins and registration processes from your other accounts in ThreeNow, Māori TV, and other broadcaster apps.