In the not-too-distant past, any mention of looking for the best TV recorders would have someone reaching for the nearest VHS video cassette. Thankfully, television has upped its game lately - not just in the raft of quality entertainment being churned out, but technically, too. The best TVs are fully digital now, but many still don't come with a way to record your favourite shows.
The ability to record gives you full control over the way you watch. We're spoiled for choice, which can make for many scheduling dilemmas. High-quality entertainment is abundant, sent through the ether to our ever-larger smart TVs. But does it matter whether you get your shows through a digital aerial or the internet when selecting from the best TV recorders? Let's find out.
The best TV recorders of 2024 at a glance
• Best overall: FREESAT UHD-4X Smart 4K Ultra HD - 1 TB - View on Currys
• Best budget: August DVB400 Freeview HD TV Set Top Box Recorder - View on Amazon
• Best for Blu-ray: Panasonic DMR-BWT850 Smart 3D Blu-ray - View on John Lewis
• Best Freesat 4K: Freesat Recordable 4K TV Box - View on Argos
Streaming giants Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are the pioneers of video on demand, but standard terrestrial channels now offer an excellent catalogue of programmes too. If you're already used to watching these via the Freeview Play app, you might want an internet-enabled recorder with Freeview Play. Likewise, if you have a digital terrestrial Freeview aerial or Freesat dish, you'll probably want to record live TV that way. Some TVs have their own Freeview receiver and built-in schedule that will let you mark a programme for recording as well. No matter which way you receive your programmes, you'll need storage space to record them.
While the more occasional viewer might only need a TV recorder with a few hundred gigabytes of storage space, others who are into recording several series at once might need several terabytes of room. Some of the best USB sticks for smart TVs can be plugged right into some TV recorders for extra storage or even the TV itself if it has a recording function. Sound like a minefield? Don't worry - our experts have put together a guide at the end of the article. So, let's grab that TV guide and get ready for some of the best TV recorders on the market right now.
Best TV recorders of 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
The perfect choice for anyone invested in ultra-HD streaming, this fantastic TV recorder is perfect for saving countless TV shows and films all in one place, without cutting back on picture quality. Freesat's UHD TV recorder can record up to a staggering 500 hours of entertainment, including live television at the press of a button, so you'll never miss a moment from hit shows ever again.
Catch up on streaming shows with direct app links from your television remote, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and ITV, without faffing with home hubs and app downloading, the Freesat UHD TV recorder doesn't lack in convenience whatsoever.
Though there's no lack of incredible features on the Freesat TV recorder, there are certainly areas for improvement that we'd love to see in future models. The TV recorder is locked on the FREESAT platform, so you're not going to be able to access every app available across other platforms, so there may be some streaming sites you won't be able to access.
However, if you're already watching shows on a 4K smart TV, you'll likely already have access to these streaming apps, and that's where the FREESAT TV recorder comes in: you can catch all the shows that never appear on streaming.
A fantastic TV recorder that pairs perfectly with the best 4K TVs under £500, the FREESAT UHD-4X smart TV recorder is a phenomenal choice for anyone looking to capture hours upon hours of shows.
Pros
- Impressive 1TB storage
- Gorgeous 4K streaming capabilities
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Limited HDMI connections
| Storage capacity: | 1TB |
| Tuner: | Freesat HD |
| Resolution: | 4K UHD |
| Ports: | HDMI x 1, TOSLINK Digital Optical Audio, USB 2.0 x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 250 x 150 x 35 mm (H x W x D) |
Is this really a Freeview box without any apps? Well, yes – but don't let that put you off. And that's especially true if you're not bothered with streaming subscription-based service providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime and the rest. So, this DVB400 from August is all about Freeview and nothing else. Connect this to your DTB aerial and get watching and recording without any fuss.
The August DVB400 may be a budget option with a simplistic set of features, but it does have essential features that will make life easier. Thankfully, we're happy to see that you can pause, rewind and record live programmes. But, this has no built-in storage drive of its own – you'll need to plug in a USB memory stick. It comes with one, but it's a very conservative 32GB. So, if you want to record more than just a handful of episodes of your favourite show, you'll need to budget for a larger USB stick.
That said, the convenience of those pause and resume functions is excellent and indispensable for modern viewing habits. Lastly, it has a good range of connection options - so if your TV has HDMI, or only has scart or RF, this will still do the job. All in all, you'll find better recorders with more features (and, of course, apps) – but not at this price.
Pros
- Has an RF (aerial) input for picking up Freeview via your digital aerial.
- Record, pause and rewind live TV (with a USB inserted)
- Plenty of connections, including a coaxial output for hooking audio to an amp/speakers
Cons
- Comes with a USB stick - but it's only 32GB so you'll need to get your own
| Storage capacity: | None - but records to an external USB storage |
| Digital Tuner: | Freeview |
| Resolution: | Up to 1080p Full HD via HDMI |
| Ports: | HDMI x 1, SCART x 1, RF in x 1, RF out x 1, coaxial x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 41 x 150 x 110 mm (H x W x D) |
This smart model from Panasonic is a bit of a wildcard in our selection of the best TV recorders. For starters, yes, it's capable of recording 4K and full-HD programmes to the built-in 1TB hard drive, but it'll also archive some of this content onto blank DVD or Blu-ray discs. If you're enjoying standard definition or HD content, this will even upscale it to 4K for you as you watch. An added bonus is support for the playback of 3D Blu-Ray discs. It's not a cheap option, but it's a classy piece of kit.
What this does best is Freeview Play. With twin tuners, you can record two programmes at the same time. But of course, you have the Freeview Play service itself, which will give you instant access to all of the usual catchup services with entertainment from the previous seven days. Freeview itself is fast and easy to use, with your digital terrestrial aerial plugged into the back, you'll be able to pause and rewind live TV.
But, all that Freeview and recording goodness comes with a trade-off - there is only the Panasonic app store. While the box comes with excellent Freeview Play functionality and regular catch-up services like iPlayer and ITV, the rest is fairly limited. Other than access to Amazon Instant Video and Netflix, and a few others, it's limited. But with 4K, Freeview Play and a huge hard drive for pure Freeview, this is a real winner.
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- 4K recording and upscaling
- Ability to archive recordings to DVD
Cons
- Blu-Ray or DVD recordings can only be played back in a Panasonic player
| Storage capacity: | 1TB, 684 hours of HD recording |
| Tuner: | Freeview HD and Freeview Play |
| Resolution: | Full-HD / 4k |
| Ports: | 1 x aerial in, 1 x loop out, 1 x ethernet, 1 x HDMI, 1 x digital audio, 1 x USB 2.0 |
| Dimensions: | 66 x 430 x 238 mm (H x W x D) |
The Freesat Recordable 4K TV Box is the only set-top box that anyone who uses Freesat will need. With access to over 170 channels, the box carries enough tuners to allow four programmes to record at once. It’ll store up to 1000 hours of SD content and allow you to pause or rewind live TV. There is, of course, the need for a satellite dish for reception, so don't forget to factor this into your costs if you don't already have one.
As you'd expect with this unit coming from Freesat themselves, the user interface has been well thought out and is intuitive. With an internet connection (wifi or ethernet), you can also unlock the box’s on-demand and streaming services.
BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub and 4OD are here for those looking to keep things free. Access to Netflix is available via a subscription, as is Amazon Prime Video. As its plain-speaking title suggests, the box allows you to watch any 4K content from services like Netflix and YouTube. Then there's the massive 2TB of hard drive storage, a great upgrade from the previous Freesat Recordable 4K TV Box 500GB model; plus Dolby Atmos and Dolby 5.1 for incredible sound. All in all, it's our pick for anyone who prefers Freesat over Freeview.
Pros
- Plenty of storage
- Fantastic 4K recording
- Great user interface
Cons
- If you don't have a satellite dish already, it's an extra cost
| Storage capacity: | 2TB (1000 hours of SD video) |
| Digital Tuner: | Freesat |
| Resolution: | Full-HD / 4K |
| Ports: | LNB x 2, HDMI, USB 2.0, Optical Out, Ethernet |
| Dimensions: | 40 x 250 x 150 mm (H x W x D) |
BT's YouView HD recorder may not be a super-low budget option, but in the world of reliable feature-rich TV recording gadgetry, it's spot-on for lots of features while still keeping the device solid and reliable.
Not only will this attractive modern box sit nicely next to your TV, but it can also deliver great content with all of the possible catchup services you could want. 500 GB is plenty of storage space to record your must-watch shows, and if you feel you can spare the extra bit of digital room, you can even record them in HD. That said, for those who binge a lot of TV and movies, other recorders with higher storage capacities can be found for a similar price.
Best of all, if you're out and about and have forgotten to set something up to record, you can set it up to do so using the companion app on your phone. All in all, we think this is a great option for anyone looking for reliable and well-designed equipment for recording all of their favourites as easily as possible.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works great with BT setups
- Handy companion app
Cons
- Other TV recorders outclass it in terms of total storage
| Storage Capacity: | 500 GB (Up to 150 hours in HD) |
| Digital Tuner: | Yes |
| Resolution: | HD |
| Ports: | Ethernet, AC, HDMI |
| Dimensions: | 110 x 400 x 110 mm (H x W x D) |
As looks go, we love the design of the Manhattan T4-R 2TB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder. It's a sophisticated and understated addition to any home entertainment system. Best of all, this has a super-generous 2TB storage capacity. That means you can record up to 1000 hours of standard-definition TV – ideal for those who love to stockpile several series at once for later binge-watching. It's also one of the better TV recorders for usability, with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-understand settings. Yes, you’ll need an aerial to access live Freeview channels, but the addition of a Wi-Fi or wired network makes accessing streaming content a breeze.
But let's not forget the resolution on offer here. The Manhattan T4-R can record and playback 4K content which is perfect for those who enjoy all that extra detail from their favourite shows and movies. Even better you won't have to choose between shows if they're on at the same time, as the Manhattan box supports multiple simultaneous recordings. It's also easy to browse through and schedule recordings, Freeview Play is well-integrated here, offering a plethora of channels and catch-up content right from the guide.
Despite all of its strengths, we do wish that the Manhattan T4-R had built-in apps for subscription streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. That said, this device is clearly aimed at those who prefer free-to-air terrestrial channels for their daily viewing and recording. Overall, we think the Manhattan T4-R 2TB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder is a robust TV recorder for viewers who love Freeview content need more storage for it.
Pros
- High storage capacity with space for up to 1000 hours of SD content
- Supports 4K and HD recordings
- User-friendly interface and remote control
Cons
- Limited streaming app options
| Storage capacity: | 2TB, 1000 hours SD |
| Tuner: | Freeview |
| Resolution: | Up to 4K |
| Ports: | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB |
| Dimensions: | 48 x 280 x 200 mm (H x W x D) |
Not everyone needs a massive storage drive for their regular recording and viewing habits. Enter the Manhattan T4-R 500GB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder. It's a fantastic mid-budget option for anyone looking to bring recording to their TV viewing experience with ease. And it's the 500GB of storage capacity that keeps the price of this down, while still providing a practical amount of space for the average TV or movie fan. It'll store up to 300 hours of standard-definition TV recordings at a time. Much like the beefier 2TB version we've mentioned in our list, we like its minimalist modern looks and user-friendly interface. 4K resolution support is there once more, so you can enjoy stunning detail.
A star feature of the Manhattan T4-R is its ability to record multiple shows simultaneously thanks to its twin tuner capability. Of course, Freeview Play is the streaming platform of choice here, with a wealth of catch-up services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. However, as with all Freeview boxes, you'll need a digital terrestrial aerial for live TV.
However, once again we wish that the Manhattan T4-R rage had support for popular subscription apps like Netflix, Disney+ and so on. That said, we think it’s a top choice for those seeking a robust, reliable, and high-quality TV recorder that will serve all of your Freeview needs with style and ease.
Pros
- Twin tuners for simultaneous and multiple recordings
- Supports 4K and HD recordings
- User-friendly interface makes recording whole series easy
Cons
- Limited app variety beyond Freeview Play
| Storage capacity: | 00GB, 0.5TB, 300 hours of SD recordings |
| Tuner: | Freeview |
| Resolution: | Up to 4K |
| Ports: | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB |
| Dimensions: | 48 x 280 x 200 mm (H x W x D) |
If you've ever wished you could escape the living room TV and leave the sofa behind, the August DVB-T405 is the innovative portable Freeview solution you've been waiting for. It can't record programmes on its own as it has no storage, but it basically streams the Freeview service right to your smartphone or tablet via an app. And it's the app that lets you record your shows onto your device's internal storage.
Despite not connecting to a TV, if you want to it can plug into your existing digital TV aerial socket at home if you fancy disappearing into the garden to watch the footie. Want BBC News while you tinker on that project in the garage? No problem. Just take your phone or tablet with you and you can forget having to trail wires and television sets around the household./
We particularly appreciate the included portable aerial and rechargeable battery. Take this away with you on your caravan or motorhome trips or holidays in the UK and you can enjoy all of your regular programmes and movies on the go. Lastly, the app you use for watching and recording is free.
Pros
- Truly portable battery-powered solution - ideal for holidays
- Connects to mobile devices via a free app which also allows for recording programmes
- Can be plugged into a fixed digital rooftop aerial socket for wireless watching around the home
Cons
- Not for actual television sets
| Storage capacity: | None (recordings are made via the app) |
| Digital Tuner: | Freeview |
| Resolution: | Up to 1080p HD |
| Ports: | Aerial in x 1, Wi-Fi |
| Dimensions: | 18 x 42 x 68 mm (H x W x D) |
How to choose the best TV recorder for you
A TV recorder doesn’t just have to be another set-top box added to the shelf - it can replace them. Many options bundle in Freeview live TV programming and Freeview Play (or even Freesat TV if you have a dish), along with streaming apps, like BBC iPlayer and Netflix. This means that a TV recorder could become your primary entertainment hub, rather than just an add-on.
These boxes aren’t only about recording, either. Some have compatible smartphone and tablet apps that allow you to set recordings or stream them to your device. With so many TV recorders to choose from, it can be tough to know how much you'll need to spend. The rule of thumb for all kinds of TV recorder users is: go bigger if you can afford it. Here are just a few pointers:
Consider your TV
If you've got a full HD TV, then getting a 4K TV recorder may be a waste of cash. There's a good chance that your TV will already have a Freeview or Freesat aerial connection but without a way to store recordings. An external USB drive, like those mentioned below, may be all you need. But, not all smart TVs are fast and easy to use. And, of course, you may not want a cumbersome external drive sticking out of your brand-new 4K set. So, if you're looking to get the most out of your stunning UHD display, you're better off going for a 4K TV recorder.
How much do you need to record?
How many shows or movies are you planning to record? If you want plenty of space for your favourite shows without the need to go on a deleting spree - go for something with more capacity. 1TB recorders are fantastic for a whole library of entertainment.
But, those who love to stockpile several series at once for later viewing, or lots of movies, should consider the larger capacity recorders. As always with recording devices, we recommend you go for as large a storage capacity as you can afford. Especially if you're looking at recording 4K content which takes up a lot more space.
Top tip before you buy: Can your smart TV already record?
If you own a smart TV, it's likely able to record, pause and rewind live digital terrestrial channels. However, as smart TVs do not typically ship with an internal HDD for such purposes, these features are unavailable until an external memory drive connects via a USB port.
If your television has this capability, you won’t need to pick up a TV recording set-top box - an external drive will do. And, because these external drives don't come with smart features and user interfaces, you can get a lot more memory capacity for your money. Here are our top recommendations, all take you to the product page on Amazon.co.uk:
Best external drive for your smart TV
Best overall: WD 4TB My Passport Portable HHD
Best large-capacity: Seagate Desktop, 8 TB, External Hard Drive HDD
Best SSD (solid state drive): Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB
Best large-capacity SSD: Seagate Portable Drive, 5 TB
Best compact USB stick: Samsung Fit Plus, 128GB
Please note: Some drives may need formatting before your TV recognises them. If in doubt about your TV's compatibility, please check with the manufacturer.
Best TV recorders of 2024: buyer's guide
No matter what kind of user you are, when it comes to TV recorders more is more. The larger you can go with the resolution, hard drive capacity and the number of tuners the better. But, of course, the more you get the higher the price. So, cut your cloth to fit. It's important to consider which of the following key areas will be at the top of your shopping list:
HDD capacity - HDD stands for Hard Drive Disk and refers to the amount of memory that a TV recorder has built-in. 500 GB is about the starting capacity and typically will store around 200 to 250 hours of standard definition recording. However, this number can vary as the file type and method of storage used by manufacturers can affect this number.
Definition/Resolution - TV recorders are available in both 1080p (Full-HD) and 4K variations. Which is right for you depends on your current setup and any plans that you may have for future upgrades. It’s also worth noting that recording in higher definitions requires more memory.
Tuners - Digital terrestrial tuners deliver your live TV programming. To record one channel while watching another will require the TV recorder to have two of these tuners. If you’re looking to record multiple channels at the same time, consider a device with four tuners.
Freeview and Freeview Play - Freeview Play is a service that combines digital terrestrial channels and catch-up television streaming into one place, allowing you to browse forward to see what’s upcoming, and also see shows from the previous week.
If you're new to Freeview, you'll be glad to know that terrestrial aerials are cheaper than the dish you'd need to buy for use with its satellite-based cousin, FreeSat. If you're familiar with Freeview and want to invest in a dedicated recorder that uses it, we have a guide to the best Freeview boxes.
An aerial is required to watch live TV on Freeview Play, the same as for standard Freeview. Only the on-demand and catch-up features require an internet connection. According to Freeview, you’ll need a minimum broadband speed of 2Mbps.
Freesat and IPTV - There are plenty of TV recorders that are based on other signal sources, such as Freesat or IPTV. Freesat is basically a receiver similar to a Sky box as it has a satellite dish connected, but the programming is free - like Freeview. IPTV is another name for streaming live or on-demand programmes via the internet.
Freely - Freely is a brand new service launching soon that is backed by the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5. It is expected to bring all of the UK's terrestrial channels together in a single platform. Some think that this will replace Freesat and Freeview in time. If you'd like to know more, check out our guide to Freely TV.
Companion apps - Some devices have companion smartphone and tablet apps. The function of these apps varies from device to device, but even the most basic ones can be very useful. For example, some allow for recording to be set remotely, while others allow recorded programming to stream directly to the app. Note that these features will require an internet connection for both the device and the recorder.
FAQs: your questions answered
What is the best way to record TV programs?
Long gone are the days of VHS recorders and even DVD recorders. Nowadays there's really only a couple of ways to record your programmes, and they're both based on digital files rather than recording to physical media like discs. The real question here is: can your TV already record programmes via its electronic programme guide, or do you need (or want) a separate digital TV recorder instead?
Sometimes this choice will come down to which interface you like using the best, or which features you need – like being able to easily program your device to record a whole series, for instance. So, find out what your smart TV is already capable of, list the features you want, and make sure you read the specifications for any TV recording boxes you're interested in.
Why record when you can stream?
Having a recording of a programme means that you are not at the mercy of your internet connection. You can keep the programme for as long as you like, long after it disappears from the online schedule. Plus, you won’t have to tolerate poor internet connectivity or max out your broadband data limit if you have one. Not big on broadcast or terrestrial content?
Then you're probably more suited to streaming-only entertainment, so you may want to consider the best streaming devices instead. They're easy to use, cheap and perfect for instant entertainment.
Best of all, recording television is free. You are not tethered to subscription service, where you lose access to your favourite shows once the billing stops.
Can you record on a smart TV?
Yes, so long as your smart TV is compatible with the process. It's sometimes referred to as PVR (Personal Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The process will record directly from your smart TV’s Freeview, and it’ll also allow you to pause and rewind live TV.
The process requires a large chunk of memory, however, and often only becomes accessible after adding some storage via an external device, like a USB stick or portable HDD. We’ve listed some of these external storage options above.
For more storage options for your beloved PC, laptop, or even console, here are the best external hard drives - affordable, powerful, and perfect for portability.
Once the external drive is ready to go, you should be able to record with the touch of a single button or even set recordings right from the TV’s EPG (electronic program guide).
How we chose these products
We selected our pick of the best TV recorders based on reliable and trusted brands, average user reviews, price, and suitability for each use case. We look carefully at the technical specifications of all products before we recommend them to ensure that they will meet buyers' needs without requiring modifications or costly additions to function as intended. With TV recorders, our main focus is on recording capacity, streaming and live TV functionality, overall design and connectivity options. Our writers also choose products based on hands-on experience where we own or have reviewed them ourselves. Retailers are selected based on price, availability and reputation as reliable and trusted sellers.
William Lobley is the Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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