All your home entertainment in one place: Humax Aura TV Recorder review

No matter how great a TV you have, it can always be enhanced with some equally great accessories, and the Humax Aura provides a lot of utility to improve your viewing experience. It's simultaneously a TV recorder, a Freeview box, and practically a steaming device, so you get a full suite of entertainment all in one compact piece of tech.

Depending on the model, you can either store up to 1TB or 2TB of recordings. Regardless of which you pick, that's a lot of storage. That extra space is well worth it, as you can download higher-quality versions of your shows without needing to worry about space. If you prefer to stream your shows and movies, the Humax Aura uses an Android operating system (OS) that has excellent compatibility with plenty of apps.

That sounds great, but you might want to know what it's like to use the Humax Aura before purchasing it. That's where we come in. We're here to help you determine whether this is the right Freeview box for you, whether it's got the key streaming features you need, and whether it's a great value product that's worth your time and budget.

One of our tech experts, Kyle Purves, has tested the Humax Aura. From Freeview to streaming apps, they covered every aspect of it. After using it for multiple weeks, they've become familiar with the key strengths and quirks of every feature, and they are now ready to discuss whether the Humax Aura should be your next purchase.

What's good?

While I used the Humax Aura most as a streaming device, I was very impressed by its capabilities as a Freeview and recording box. There's a seven-day EPG, so you can get a solid grasp of scheduled shows, and with over 70 Freeview channels, you should have plenty of choice. Recording live TV is a nice addition, not to mention the ability to record four shows at once while watching a fifth.

One of the most important aspects for me when using a device like this is how easy it is to navigate. After all, no matter how technically impressive it may be, it'll lose its appeal if it's a pain to use. Thankfully, the Humax Aura's OS makes navigation a breeze. The menus are laid out in an intuitive manner, so I was never lost. The controls are also responsive, with minimal input delay and next to zero lag in any of the menus, which I was quite impressed by.

Another bonus for the navigation is the voice controls. In my testing, they were very effective, and I experienced little issue with it. This was an especially pleasant surprise since I am used to voice control software struggling to decipher my Scottish accent.

The model I tested was the 1TB option. It's no secret that videos take up a lot of space, especially in higher resolution, but I never found myself lacking in storage with the Humax Aura. I imagine that someone who records a lot of sports may prefer the 2TB model, but the 1TB should be more than sufficient for most users. The 1TB hard drive is capable of recording up to 500 hours of TV.

For those prioritising the streaming angle of the Humax Aura, you'll be glad to know that the selection is excellent. I didn't spot any notable exclusions, so this can act as the main streaming app hub for your TV. If you don't have a smart TV, then you'll get even more of a benefit from this.

Although your TV's specs matter most, the Humax Aura alone sports an impressive set. It's capable of 4K visuals, so getting a detailed picture is very easy, and the audio can work with Dolby Atmos. As such, the Aura doesn't hold your TV back from performing the best it can, so be sure to make the most of these specs.

What's okay?

Although I am a fan of the various connections available, setting up the Humax Aura wasn't the easiest process. The OS side was fairly simple, with Google sign-in making it straightforward to log in to various streaming services, but the physical setup was somewhat of a pain. Be prepared to spend a bit of time getting this device set up and running, but beyond that one-time annoyance, it shouldn't be an issue at all. Besides, it's much better to have all these connections and cables included rather than go without them.

Beyond that, the only other aspect I am torn about is the remote. It also has no shortage of options, but this time, I feel as though there are too many. While a dedicated button to bring you to Freeview is nice, a few others feel somewhat superfluous, such as LiveTV, Kids, and Top Picks. The consequence of all these buttons is that the remote is notably large for a modern design and not the most comfortable to hold.

Any downsides?

With its glossy coat, the Humax Aura is bound to attract fingerprints and marks very easily. While I appreciate the buttons on top of the box, I am puzzled by the decision to include them on such a glossy surface. If you are someone easily bothered by visible dust and marks, be prepared to wipe this clean quite regularly.

It's important to note that you need an aerial to use the Humax Aura's Freeview feature. A satellite dish will not work with this device, so you will be limited to the apps and other services. This is a great pickup as a streaming device, but it's still crucial to be aware of this if you want to use the entirety of the Humax Aura.

More items to consider?

If you're not sure if the Humax Aura is right for you, you may want to consider similar products. Here are a couple of other Freeview boxes we think are worth considering.

Who tested it?

Kyle Purves is one of our tech writers, and they have tested the Humax Aura over the course of a few weeks. They're familiar with streaming devices and know what makes for a good TV viewing experience. As such, they know what to watch out for with this type of device and have examined all of its features closely.

How was it tested?

I tested the Humax Aura for a few weeks by replacing my regular TV box with it. Although my TV already has a smart OS, I opted to use the Aura's over this period, making the most out of its selection of apps. After experimenting with the settings and connections to find my preferred setup, I became familiar with the layout and navigation of the OS. I also made ample use of the voice controls, being pleased by how responsive they proved to be.

Why should you trust us?

At What's The Best, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best technology products available. Anything less would undermine our commitment to being a trusted source of unbiased product information.

Our dedicated in-house writing team comprises experts with extensive experience and a genuine passion for technology. Collectively, we have spent decades testing and writing about tech, leveraging our expertise in all our articles, advice pieces and reviews.

We maintain complete editorial independence and do not accept payment for product reviews. Our writers have full control over their content, ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers. While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website, this never affects our product choices. These links enable us to continue offering valuable consumer advice, without compromising the integrity of our reviews.

Read more about why you should trust us.

How we test products at What's The Best

Real people, real reviews and trusted buying advice.

Tired of confusing tech reviews? At What's The Best, we cut through the jargon with down-to-earth product evaluations. Our team of experienced reviewers puts everyday gadgets to the test, using them just like you would. We don't waste time on unrealistic scenarios; instead, we focus on real-world performance that matters to consumers.

This means unbiased buying advice you can trust. We only review products that are significant and relevant, so you can be sure you're getting the latest insights. Haven't seen a review for what you're looking for? Don't worry, we're constantly adding new products to our growing catalogue.

For in-depth details on our testing process, visit our dedicated tech and electronics how we test page.

Kyle Purves is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.

They're well-versed in reviewing a variety of tech products, with a soft spot for speakers and earphones. They're also no stranger to hunting down the best savings, always wanting to get the best deal possible. Outside of work, they can often be found playing through an RPG, listening to Japanese noise rock, or trying to catch up with their ever-expanding list of shows and anime to watch. If possible, they try to play Dungeons and Dragons a couple of times a week, but getting six adults to be free at the same time is easier said than done.

Subscribe to the What's The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What's The Best team.