Which freeview boxes

If you want subscription-free TV through a satellite dish, this is the best set-top box you can buy. On test, we found it was quick to load programme guides, menus and on-demand players. Read the full Freesat 4K recordable TV box review.

This is the top Freeview option. Available with 1TB or 2TB of storage, you can watch and record live TV as well scroll backwards in the guide to access previously broadcast shows on catch-up.

The Android Play Store is built in, so you can download thousands of apps, including most major streaming services. Google Assistant is built in, so you can play and pause some streaming services, get the weather, or even control your smart home devices with your voice. During our tests, it proved quick to display programme guides, on-demand players and the menu.

Until now, this has only been available through paid-for TV services. This Freeview box comes a close second. The highest storage option would give you up to hours of high definition recording space. You can watch and record live TV and the box is capable of recording four different shows at the same time.

It allows you to access all the major catch-up services and Netflix, but not other paid-for streaming services or other apps. Read the full Humax FVP review. Then check out our PVR and set-top box reviews.

How do I get it? The Freesat signal is received via a satellite dish. What will I be able to watch? For an up-to-date list of channels offered see the Freesat website. Can I record live TV? Yes, if you have a Freesat PVR. This gives you access to the Freesat channels but also functions as a personal video recorder that lets you pause and rewind live TV, as well as record programmes onto a built-in hard drive.

However, the user interface is great, with useful features such as a global smart search and watchlists, and image quality is impressive, with the T3R even upscaling standard-definition video in style. Plus with this one you can pause and rewind live TV or record single programmes or whole series — the T3R will suggest alternatives when programmes clash or HD broadcasts when they are available, making the whole experience fuss-free.

With nippier performance than many older Freeview Play recorders, the T3R gives you a premium Freeview Play experience without the matching price-tag. Humax had its work cut out to beat the FVPT, but the Aura is — in nearly every respect — even better. As with the FVPT, you can record up to four channels simultaneously. Recent updates have fixed some of the inconsistencies in the interface, with improved recommendations, featured content and now-and-next guides.

It can even stream Google Stadia games. One of the cheapest Freeview Recorders you can get, and for such a low price — it does its job well, but with a few issues. Recording is done by connecting an external USB stick, which means you need to buy another device. An excellent FreeviewPlay box with a speedy, slick interface that also serves as an advanced — but limited — streaming device. Picture quality support is currently the best out there with 4K, however, it only works with YouTube and some limited BBC iPlayer content — for now.

Read my full Manhattan T3 Review here. Best Freeview Box. Manhattan T3-R GB. Editor's Choice. Near-perfect recorder with super-fast interface, 4K and streaming apps. Humax Aura 1TB. Runner Up. Humax FVPT. Our Rating. Best Value Freeview Boxes. Manhattan T1 Freeview HD. Digi-Fun Freeview Receiver. Basic and cheap Freeview player that can record into an external USB stick. Best Freeview Play Box. Manhattan T3 Freeview Play. Speedy and easy to use 4K Freeview box with catch-up apps, but no recording.

Table of Contents. How To Get Freeview Many people wrongly believe they need a Sky or similar subscription if they want to watch Freeview.

That is NOT the case: In order to be able to watch the Freeview channels, you need two main components: A TV Aerial: Freeview channels are broadcast over the air, so you need an aerial that can intercept those signals.