The best Freeview box for recording and smart streaming services

The T2-R has many of the same functions as the smaller Manhattan T1 Freeview HD Box, such as an eight-day programme guide, ethernet connection for internet channels and HD upscaling — however, being the second upgraded model, it has some extra perks. It can pause and record live television and hold 300 hours of recordings. Additionally, you can record two programs simultaneously and arrange a whole TV series to record with one click.

Customer review: "I’m very happy with this Manhattan Freeview HD Recorder as it gives some of the perks that the other TV companys do but at a much better price and no monthly bills and a lot more TV channels than I thought."

The Humax has many outstanding options making it one of our top picks. Its EPG (electronic programme guide) is clearly set out. Also, due to the inbuilt memory, you can pause and rewind live TV and record four shows at once while you watch a fifth from your pre-recorded catalogue.
The 1TB box offers 500 hours, but you can also get the 2TB variant for 1,000 hours of recording or the 500GBbox for 250 hours.
This entertainment hub, when linked up with the internet, also provides you access to a range of streaming and catch-up apps, including Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. So there will be no shortage of entertainment in your house. This box also has built-in WiFi, so no need for an ethernet cable and rogue cables everywhere.
Additionally, the Humax Freeview box has great connectivity and an added app that will stream recorded TV straight to your smart device. It also has USB ports for watching films and home videos from external storage devices.

Customer review: "Really happy with the box, brought it to save money I was spending on sky but still wanted to be able to record programs - this is great as no subscription and can still access players and apps."

The Manhattan T3-R HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart Freeview Play TV Recorder offers standard Freeview with over 85 channels and Freeview Play features; you will have access to services such as Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, UKTV Play and more. Not only that, but you can pause and rewind live TV, record two channels at the same time, and record an entire series at the touch of a button.

Another perk of the T3 is that it can handle 4K UHD content, so if you’ve got a 4K TV, then you can watch 4K content from apps, like BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Netflix. However, don't worry if you have just got a standard 1080p HD TV - everything on the box will still work for you.

Customer review: "Does what it says. Has breathed new life into my old TV. Love being able to pause live TV. Small and compact and unobtrusive. So easy to use. Great product."

The Humax Aura is the first Freeview Play Recorder with Android TV. It's user-friendly, stylish, and centralises live TV, on-demand content, and apps. With a smart voice remote, it integrates Google Assistant for voice commands, searches and smart home control. The device can store up to 1000 hours of TV and provides access to over 400,000 movies and shows, music, games, and popular apps via Android TV. Enjoy stunning 4K shows, free box sets and seamless streaming from various services.

Customer review: "The Humax Aura has changed the way I watch TV because it turns your box into a smart TV plus the features are fairly easy to understand. It's a lot better than having to pay for subscription channels. Very pleased and would highly recommend."

Panasonic’s DMR-BWT850 is a fantastic Freeview box that has an inbuilt-recording function to pause and rewind live TV, 1TB memory, and can record two shows at once here. Additionally, it even comes with a Blu-ray play with the Freeview Play included to see 8-days forward and 7-days back in the programme guide.

It also offers streaming services such as Netflix, ITV Player, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video and is compatible with 4K media. If you are a frequent Panasonic user, then you can connect a Panasonic camera or camcorder to the box, and you will be able to look back and archive your UHD footage. A range of additional video and music files are also supported, such as MP4, WAV, FLAC, and MPEG2.

There is also a Panasonic app called, TV Anywhere which allows you to stream recorded content to a smartphone or tablet and can program new recordings to be set.

Customer review: "Very pleased with this device. Great when you can record two programmes at the same time. Good reception on BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. Easy to set up."

The Panasonic DMR-PWT550EB Blu-Ray Player and HDD Recorder with Freeview Play records 4K and full-HD programs to its 1TB hard drive, upscaling standard and HD content to 4K. It excels in Freeview with twin tuners for simultaneous recording and instant access to catch-up services. While the Panasonic app store is limited, it includes Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and more. The addition of a Freeview Play button on the remote provides convenient one-touch access to the catch-up service. The Panasonic Blu-ray recorder supports 4K content, upscaling Blu-ray to 4K, recording 4K content on its built-in HDD. Overall, with 4K capability, Freeview Play, Blu-ray/DVD playback, and a spacious hard drive, it's a versatile and winning choice.

Customer review: "It can record two programs simultaneously, also has Freeview Play so you can watch a program broadcast days earlier."

The Oakcastle SB110 Freeview box delivers full HD 1080p quality, supporting connection to existing aerials. It offers easy setup, enabling access to 150+ Freeview TV channels without subscriptions. The built-in USB recorder allows recording on up to 1TB USB storage. Additionally, it supports multi-connection options, including Ethernet or WiFi dongles for internet access, providing features like YouTube and weather apps. Oakcastle provides full technical support and a 36-month warranty with registration.

Customer review: "The box was extremely easy to set up and within five minutes had 132 Freeview channels listed. Saved a lot of money in not having having to buy a new 'Freeview Ready' TV. Recommend this smart little box to anyone in a similar situation."

If you are looking for a Freeview box that doesn't take up much space - look no further. If you plan to put the Freeview box in your bedroom, you may want to opt for a smaller device. We love that this little box still enables you to watch Free-to-air channels, including HD. You can even pause and rewind live TV for up to 30 minutes.

Customer review: "This replaced my old square box for my bedroom. It is much nicer to look at, a great size and everything works! Does what it said in the description. Can't fault it!"