Stream and record your favourite TV: The best Freeview box in 2024

The Manhattan T4-R 2TB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder is a brilliant addition to any home entertainment system. Its super-generous 2TB storage capacity is a standout feature, allowing you to record up to 1000 hours of standard-definition TV – perfect for those who love to stockpile several series at once. Moreover, usability is much better than most, boasting a user-friendly interface and easy-to-understand settings.

While it requires an aerial to access live Freeview channels, the inclusion of a Wi-Fi or wired network makes streaming content easily accessible. The Manhattan T4-R excels in recording and playback capabilities, supporting 4K content for those who enjoy the extra detail in their favourite shows and movies. Even better, it supports multiple simultaneous recordings, so you won't have to choose between shows airing at the same time.

Browsing and scheduling recordings is a breeze with the well-integrated Freeview Play, offering a plethora of channels and catch-up content right from the guide. However, we do wish it had built-in apps for subscription streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Despite this, for those who prefer free-to-air terrestrial channels and need more storage, the Manhattan T4-R 2TB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder is an excellent choice.

Are you in the market for a budget-friendly Freeview box? The August DVB400 might be just what you need. While it lacks streaming apps, we think it’s perfect if you’re not interested in subscription services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. This device focuses solely on Freeview, allowing you to watch and record without any hassle.

Despite being a budget option with a simplistic feature set, the DVB400 includes essential functions that enhance convenience. You can pause, rewind, and record live programs, making it indispensable for modern viewing habits. However, it doesn't come with built-in storage, so you'll need a USB memory stick. It includes a modest 32GB stick, but for recording more than a few episodes, you should consider investing in a larger USB stick.

We particularly appreciate that it boasts a good range of connection options, ensuring compatibility with TVs that have HDMI, scart, or RF inputs. While you can find recorders with more features and apps, the DVB400 offers excellent value at its price point.

So, in this age of streaming subscription services, why would anyone want a Freeview box without any apps? Well, not everyone wants to get their head around myriad service providers, not to mention all of the signups you need to do to set up accounts for those apps. Sometimes, you just want to trust everything to the aerial and see what's on.

This Manhattan T1 Freeview HD Box is a simple, yet solid Freeview recorder. It doesn't have any options for recording as it doesn't have any internal memory and it won't record to external drives either. But, if you just want to upgrade your TV with Freeview and its range of live free-to-air channels, this is the box for you.

We love the sleek low profile of this box too, which should sit nicely alongside any existing AV kit. Lastly, we're glad to see that this box keeps the bulk down by only having a single HDMI port for connection to modern TVs, but it's good to see that Manhattan also sell an analogue AV kit that plugs right into the T1 if you need scart or RCA connectivity. The ethernet port here is only for updating the firmware, so don't be tempted to think this connects to streaming services. All in all, this is an ideal box for upgrading a TV that doesn't have Freeview tuner.

Do note that this is a used model, but as a result of that, it comes in at an even more affordable price. It can also be a bit hard to come by, but if you want a similar product, consider Manhatten's Freesat box. Freesat is different from Freeview, but it's a worthwhile alternative to consider.

The Humax Aura stands out as an Android-powered powerhouse with an array of impressive features. At the forefront is voice control capability, thanks to the integration of Google Assistant into the remote control.

This box also boasts built-in Chromecast and WiFi, removing the need for the clutter of an ethernet cable. We particularly like its sound capabilities which feature Dolby Surround for immersive audio and the ability to pass through Dolby Atmos via HDMI (that is, provided you have an Atmos-capable speaker setup). There is no support for the Netflix app at the time of writing, however.

This Humax Aura has a killer ace up its sleeve too: it can record four shows simultaneously while allowing you to watch a fifth that's been previously recorded. The built-in memory is another highlight, enabling you to pause and rewind live TV. Moreover, you can record over 1,000 hours of HD programmes, ensuring you never miss your favourite shows. The electronic programme guide is cleanly presented as well, making it easy to navigate. Whether you are a casual viewer or a TV enthusiast, the Humax Aura’s robust capabilities and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for any Freeview fan.

For us, the Manhattan T4-R 500GB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder is an excellent mid-budget option for anyone looking to enhance their Freeview experience with recording capabilities. Its 500GB of storage capacity keeps the price affordable while still providing a practical amount of space for the average TV or movie fan, allowing up to 300 hours of standard-definition TV recordings at a time.

The device's minimalist modern design and user-friendly interface are similar to the beefier 2TB version. We love that it supports 4K resolution too, so you can enjoy stunning detail in your recordings. A standout feature of the Manhattan T4-R is its twin tuner capability, which allows you to record multiple shows simultaneously.

Freeview Play is the streaming platform included here, offering catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. However, you will need a digital terrestrial aerial for live TV. That said, we do wish the Manhattan T4-R range supported popular subscription apps like Netflix and Disney+. Still, it remains our top choice for those seeking a robust, reliable, and high-quality TV recorder to meet all their Freeview needs.

If you're looking for a more substantial and attractive-looking piece of kit for your Freeview experience, BT has had a lot of success with its Youview+ boxes. Apart from being very well built and designed, it's not tied to BT as a provider – meaning you don't need to pay for any of BT's services to use it.

And this box is also better equipped when it comes to connections with a more substantial TV setup. You of course have traditional aerial input and output, as well as HDMI, but you can also use this with a Scart lead and even phono (RCA) for audio and video. It is only 1080p resolution though, so no 4K support here, but that's fine for the vast majority of Freeview content.

As fans of all things audiovisual, we love that this has an optical audio output for connecting to an amp. But, Freeview is where this Youview+ box really shines, as there's a very clear and fast EPG which usefully lets you view seven days ahead to plan and watch (and record) all of your favourites. All in all, it's brilliantly designed, and easy to use. If you consider yourself not the most tech-savvy, then this is the ideal pick for you.

Decisively one of the best Freeview boxes on the market on account of its multitude of excellent features, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 Blu-Ray player and HDD recorder is perfect for true film enthusiasts. With 500GB of storage, simultaneous video recording and even the ability to record Blu-rays, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 offers plenty to users in need of a dedicated recorder, so you'll never miss your favourite shows again.

Simple and intuitive, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 simply requires plugging in, and soon enough you're watching your favourite Freeview content, it's that simple. If you're sporting an elaborate, multi-speaker setup, the DMR-PWT55 doesn't have much in the way of Bluetooth support, nor optical inputs. For some users looking to create the perfect cinema feel with a fantastic 43-inch TV, you'll find your options for great sound slightly limited.

That being said, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 is a fantastic Freeview box with plenty of functions to entice home cinema enthusiasts.

The August DVB-T405 is equal parts exciting and unusual. If you've ever wished you could drag your eyes away from the TV and your rear from the sofa, this is the Freeview solution for you.

Despite not connecting to a TV, this little wonder can plug into your existing digital TV aerial socket at home and, from there, beam that signal to your mobile device. Fancy disappearing into the garden to watch the footie? How about a bit of BBC News while you tinker on that project in the garage? If you take your phone or tablet with you, you can do just that. We really like the compact design of this Freeview tuner too, it's a practical size for all kinds of trips.

Even better is the included portable aerial - which means you can take this with you on holiday, camping or caravanning, and watch TV wherever you go. The battery is rechargeable too, and the app you use for watching and recording is free. All in all, this is a brilliantly compact way of unchaining you (and Freeview) from the confines of your living room.