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Best Freeview Recorder - [Best Box UK] | Posh Living Magazine
![Best Freeview Recorder - [Best Box UK]](https://posh.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/3-Best-Freeview-Recorder-1-1-150x150.png)
Catch-up TV is a great idea, but, let's be honest, it's nowhere near as good as being able to record TV to watch whenever you want. For starters, catch-up TV leaves you dependent on the platform keeping the content available – and they generally only do that for a limited time.
On the one hand, this is understandable, on the other hand, that's not a lot of help to you if you want to watch something after the provider removes it.
With that in mind, we think a Freeview recorder is a good investment even if you have a TV with Freeview-recording capabilities. In the same way that digital cameras still do a better job than even the best mobile-phone cameras (including the top end models where cameras are very decent), so Freeview recorders tend to do a much better job of recording TV than the recorders built in to digital TVs. Here are three reasons why.
How We Evaluate Freeview Recorder Boxes
Our recommendations combine manufacturer specifications, verified UK retailer data, independent testing sources, and where we've had access, direct hands-on experience. We focus on the factors that matter most for recording flexibility, storage capacity, and smart TV integration.
What We Look For
- Performance & reliability: Recording quality (HD/4K support), number of tuners, simultaneous recording capability, EPG functionality
- Build quality: Hard drive capacity and longevity, cooling systems, component quality
- Ease of use: Interface responsiveness, remote control design, app functionality, catch-up TV integration
- Value: Storage per pound, feature set relative to typical UK pricing, future-proofing (4K readiness, Wi-Fi)
- Safety: UK certifications, overheating protection, established brand reliability
Note: Where exact measurements aren't available from manufacturers, we provide clearly marked estimates. We never list live prices—our focus is on function, features, and value.
They are much better at recording HD
Modern Freeview boxes are designed for full HD, namely 1080p resolution. Older boxes and some digital TVs will not support HD at all or not as well.
They are better for navigating your way through content
Choice can be either great or chaotic. If you have a well-designed user interface, then you can really enjoy viewing and accessing everything on your main Freeview channels and, in some cases, extra apps as well
Many boxes can access other apps
Many set-top boxes can access video-on-demand services (like Netflix) so you can enjoy them from the comfort of your TV screen. This can also save you the cost of buying add-on devices such as the Amazon Fire stick.
So with all that said, here is our pick of the top Freeview recorders.
Editors Pick
BT Youview+ Set Top Box with Twin HD Freeview
Best for: Flexible catch-up and remote recording without subscription
The BT YouView+ Set Top Box with Twin HD Freeview is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy TV shows and films without the need for a costly subscription. Designed to handle both live and recorded TV, it offers convenient features that make your viewing experience more flexible.
Key Features:
- 500 GB HDD stores up to 300 hours of TV
- Twin HD tuners let you record two channels simultaneously while watching another
- Pause, rewind, and fast-forward live TV for complete viewing control
- 7-day backward and forward EPG with on-demand services (BBC iPlayer, ITVX)
- Remote scheduling via smartphone app for recordings
Pros:
- Generous 500 GB storage capacity holds up to 300 hours of content
- Twin HD tuners provide dual recording flexibility while watching another channel
- Full live TV control with pause, rewind, and fast-forward capabilities
- Comprehensive 7-day catch-up EPG integrates seamlessly with BBC iPlayer and ITVX
- Remote scheduling through BT YouView app adds real convenience
Cons:
- Slow wake-from-standby time
- Remote button layout could be improved
We recently tested the BT YouView+ Set Top Box, and we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. The recording and playback features are seamless, and the interface, once fully loaded, is intuitive and easy to navigate. We loved the quiet operation and compact design which fits perfectly in any home setup. One of the standout features is the ability to schedule recordings remotely via the app—talk about convenience!
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB |
| Recording Hours | Up to 300 hours |
| Number of Tuners | 2 HD tuners |
| Simultaneous Recordings | 2 channels |
| Wi-Fi Enabled | No (Ethernet only) |
| 4K Support | No |
| Catch-Up Services | BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4 |
| Streaming Apps | Limited to EPG catch-up |
| Remote Control App | Yes (BT YouView app) |
Runner Up
Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder
Best for: 4K HDR and on-demand catch-up in compact form
The Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a subscription-free TV experience. It offers over 85 Freeview channels and on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and more, making it ideal for modern households.
Key Features:
- 1 TB HDD holds up to 600 hours of recording at SD
- Dual recording and pause/rewind live TV
- Ultra HD 4K HDR support for future broadcasts
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet simplifies streaming app access (BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub, YouTube)
- Learning remote controls TV volume and input selection
Pros:
- Massive 1 TB hard drive holds up to 600 hours of SD recording
- Dual recording capability lets you record two programmes simultaneously
- Future-proof Ultra HD 4K HDR support via HDMI 2.0
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet for easy streaming app access
- Learning remote controls TV volume and input for streamlined operation
Cons:
- Lacks native Netflix and Amazon Prime apps
- Occasional software glitches requiring resets
We recently tested the Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder and were thoroughly impressed by its exceptional ease of use and fast performance.
The quad-core processor truly shines, providing smooth navigation, and the personal watchlist feature makes managing recordings incredibly simple. We also loved how compact it is, a real space-saver for those wanting to streamline their entertainment setup.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Recording Hours | Up to 600 hours (SD) |
| Number of Tuners | 3 digital tuners |
| Simultaneous Recordings | 2 channels |
| Wi-Fi Enabled | Yes |
| 4K Support | Yes (HDMI 2.0, HDR) |
| Catch-Up Services | 7-day EPG catch-up |
| Streaming Apps | BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube |
| Remote Control App | No |
Best Budget
Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB Smart Network HDD Recorder
Best for: Maximum storage and integrated Panasonic ecosystem
The Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB is a compact and efficient HDD recorder, offering a range of features that make recording and watching TV easier. With a recording capacity of up to 341 hours in HD, it's perfect for those who want to store plenty of content without worrying about space.
Key Features:
- 500 GB HDD with up to 341 hours HD recording in Long Record mode
- Series Link auto-records complete TV series
- Freeview Play catch-up (7 days back/8 days forward)
- Miracast and DLNA streaming to Android devices
- Built-in Wi-Fi and smartphone remote recording/viewing
Pros:
- Exceptional 500 GB storage with Long Record mode stores up to 341 hours of HD content
- Series Link function automatically records entire TV series
- Freeview Play catch-up (7 days back/8 days forward) with BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4
- Miracast and DLNA streaming to Android devices
- Built-in Wi-Fi and smartphone remote recording via Panasonic TV Anywhere app
Cons:
- Limited third-party app market
- Slight remote response delay
We recently had the chance to test the Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB, and we were thoroughly impressed with its seamless integration with Panasonic TVs and its incredibly user-friendly interface.
The 8-day forward and 7-day backward EPG is one of the standout features, making planning and managing recordings a breeze. This device handles digital videos and photos with ease, making it a versatile option beyond just TV recording.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB |
| Recording Hours | Up to 341 hours HD (Longest mode) |
| Number of Tuners | 2 DVB-T2 tuners |
| Simultaneous Recordings | 2 channels |
| Wi-Fi Enabled | Yes |
| 4K Support | 4K JPEG playback only |
| Catch-Up Services | Freeview Play, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 |
| Streaming Apps | Limited (browser + DLNA) |
| Remote Control App | Yes (Panasonic TV Anywhere) |
Humax FVP-5000T Review
Best for: Feature-rich top-end PVR and mobile streaming
Humax has quietly established itself as the standard to beat when it comes to Freeview recorders. It specialises on top-of-the-range devices which do, admittedly, come with top-of-the-range prices but given that, for many people, the television has long since taken over from the hearth fire as the heart of the home (or if you're really lucky, sits just above it so you get both), you may well see the cost as an investment.
Key Features:
- Options up to 2 TB HDD for 500 hours HD recording
- Triple tuner design allows up to 4 simultaneous recordings with finesse
- Native apps including Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub
- TV Anywhere for live streaming to mobile devices
- Remote recording and control via Humax Live TV app
Pros:
- Scalable storage options (500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB) providing 125, 250, or 500 hours of HD recording
- Triple tuner design enables up to 4 simultaneous recordings with finesse
- Comprehensive native apps including Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub
- TV Anywhere functionality streams live TV to mobile devices anywhere
- Remote recording and control via Humax Live TV smartphone app
Cons:
- Sluggish and sometimes confusing interface
- Higher price point than competitors
This device comes in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions. We'd say that the 1TB or 2TB versions are worth the extra cash if you have it spare, mainly because HD appears to be taking over the world and so we think the more disk space you have, the better.
The Humax FVP-5000T has three tuners, but with a bit of finesse you can make it record up to 4 channels at once. It also includes a range of popular apps, so you can enjoy your internet-based video-on-demand services in the glory of a proper TV screen. In addition to allowing you to control your set-top box from a mobile device, the Humax FVP-5000T can also stream to smartphones and tablets.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB |
| HD Recording Hours | 125 h / 250 h / 500 h |
| Number of Tuners | 3 DVB-T2 tuners |
| Simultaneous Recordings | Up to 4 channels |
| Wi-Fi Enabled | Yes (built-in) |
| 4K Support | No |
| Catch-Up Services | BBC iPlayer, All 4, All 5, UK TV Player |
| Streaming Apps | Netflix, YouTube, Demand 5, UK TV Player, Pop Player |
| Remote Control App | Yes (Humax Live TV) |
Kevin is a fitness fanatic and award-winning product reviewer. With over 20 years of experience, Kelvin’s freelance offerings have been featured all across the web on such outlets as NY Times, Forbes Magazine and more and is a great asset to the team. Kelvin loves his job and passing on his knowledge. Appeared on TV numerous times. Always smiling and raising money for charity in between servicing the demand for his talents