10 Best Digital Freeview Recorder

The HUMAX Aura Android TV 4K Freeview Play Recorder stands out in the digital-freeview-recorder category due to its impressive 2TB storage capacity, which allows for ample recording space. With its triple tuners, you can record up to four shows while watching a fifth, making it highly versatile for avid TV watchers. The recording quality is top-notch, offering up to 4K UHD and HDR for exceptional picture clarity.

The user interface is intuitive, leveraging Android TV for easy setup and access to a plethora of apps and games through the Google Play Store. The inclusion of Google Assistant and Chromecast adds to the convenience, allowing voice control and the ability to cast content from other devices. Connectivity options are solid, with HDMI and Wi-Fi support, though it's important to note that an aerial connection is required, and it is not compatible with satellite connections.

For users looking for a feature-rich, high-quality recording device with extensive app support and smart capabilities, the HUMAX Aura is a strong contender.

The HUMAX FVP-5000T is a solid Freeview Play HD TV recorder with a 500 GB hard drive, allowing you to record up to around 500 hours of standard definition TV. It has three tuners, which means you can record up to three shows at the same time while watching another recording or catch-up content. This makes it great for households with multiple viewers who don’t want to miss their favorite programs.

The built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections offer flexible ways to connect it to your home network, and it supports popular catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4, so you can access a wide range of on-demand content directly. The user interface is generally straightforward, allowing easy pausing, rewinding, and recording of live TV. However, the storage might fill up quickly if you often record in high definition, as the capacity is more suited to standard definition recordings.

While it does support HD channels, only 15 channels are available in HD, which is fairly standard but not exceptional. The device is a bit on the larger side and requires AAA batteries for the remote, which some may find inconvenient. For those seeking a dependable Freeview recorder that handles multiple recordings well and offers good catch-up TV options, this model is a practical choice; however, if you need more storage or the absolute highest HD recording quality, you might want to consider alternatives.

The BT Youview+ Set Top Box is designed for people who want to record and watch Freeview TV with some added smart features. It offers a generous 500GB storage, letting you record up to 300 hours of TV shows, which is great for anyone who likes to save lots of content. It includes twin tuners, meaning you can record two channels at the same time or watch one while recording another, providing flexibility for busy households. The user interface is straightforward, with a TV guide that lets you scroll back and watch shows from the past 7 days without needing to record them first. This catch-up feature is handy if you miss a program and don’t want to set a manual recording.

The box supports HD recording, so picture quality is sharp and bright for a good viewing experience. It requires an internet connection for setup and catch-up services, but it only supports wired Ethernet, no WiFi, which might limit placement options near your router. It also has two USB ports for additional connectivity. The device operates quietly, which is a nice touch for those sensitive to background noise.

The absence of WiFi might be inconvenient, and since the product was first released in 2014, it could lack some newer smart features found in more recent models. For users focused on reliable Freeview recording and simple catch-up TV without monthly fees, it delivers solid performance and ease of use.