Best Freeview box for recording and smart streaming services

This is the newest of the Manhattan Freeview boxes, which combine the ability to pause, rewind, and record live Freeview TV with On Demand services. It makes searching across live and catch-up TV seamless. You can record up to two channels simultaneously whilst watching a third. Its internal hard drive can store up to 300 hours of recording.

It's extremely simple to set up. You connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable. It also connects to On Demand TV via Wi-Fi. You can enjoy 4K high-definition picture quality, so the BBC's HD channels look amazing.

Online reviews say this is the best Freeview box, and customers praise it for being easy to set up, having a user-friendly search, and having great picture quality. Just be aware that it's not possible to view Netflix and other streaming services via this product, but customers say they've gotten around this by using a separate device, such as a Firestick.

The T2-R has many of the same functions as the smaller Manhattan T1 Freeview HD Box, such as an eight-day programme guide, ethernet connection for internet channels and HD upscaling — however, being the second upgraded model, it has some extra perks. It can pause and record live television and hold 300 hours of recordings. Additionally, you can record two programs simultaneously and arrange a whole TV series to record with one click.

The Humax has many outstanding options making it one of our top picks. Its EPG (electronic programme guide) is clearly set out. Also, due to the inbuilt memory, you can pause and rewind live TV and record four shows at once while you watch a fifth from your pre-recorded catalogue.
The 1TB box offers 500 hours, but you can also get the 2TB variant for 1,000 hours of recording or the 500GB box for 250 hours.

This entertainment hub, when linked up with the internet, also provides you access to a range of streaming and catch-up apps, including Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. So there will be no shortage of entertainment in your house. This box also has built-in Wi-Fi, so no need for an ethernet cable and rogue cables everywhere.

Additionally, the Humax Freeview box has great connectivity and an added app that will stream recorded TV straight to your smart device. It also has USB ports for watching films and home videos from external storage devices.

The Manhattan T3-R HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart Freeview Play TV Recorder offers standard Freeview with over 85 channels and Freeview Play features; you will have access to services such as Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, UKTV Play and more. Not only that, but you can pause and rewind live TV, record two channels at the same time, and record an entire series at the touch of a button.

Another perk of the T3 is that it can handle 4K UHD content, so if you’ve got a 4K TV, then you can watch 4K content from apps, like BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Netflix. However, don't worry if you have just got a standard 1080p HD TV - everything on the box will still work for you.

The Panasonic DMR-PWT550EB Blu-Ray Player and HDD Recorder with Freeview Play records 4K and full-HD programs to its 1TB hard drive, upscaling standard and HD content to 4K. It excels in Freeview with twin tuners for simultaneous recording and instant access to catch-up services. While the Panasonic app store is limited, it includes Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and more. The addition of a Freeview Play button on the remote provides convenient one-touch access to the catch-up service. The Panasonic Blu-ray recorder supports 4K content, upscaling Blu-ray to 4K, recording 4K content on its built-in HDD. Overall, with 4K capability, Freeview Play, Blu-ray/DVD playback, and a spacious hard drive, it's a versatile and winning choice.

Panasonic’s DMR-BWT850 is a fantastic Freeview box that has an inbuilt-recording function to pause and rewind live TV, 1TB memory, and can record two shows at once here. Additionally, it even comes with a Blu-ray play with the Freeview Play included to see 8-days forward and 7-days back in the programme guide.

It also offers streaming services such as Netflix, ITV Player, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video and is compatible with 4K media. If you are a frequent Panasonic user, then you can connect a Panasonic camera or camcorder to the box, and you will be able to look back and archive your UHD footage. A range of additional video and music files are also supported, such as MP4, WAV, FLAC, and MPEG2.

There is also a Panasonic app called, TV Anywhere which allows you to stream recorded content to a smartphone or tablet and can program new recordings to be set.

The Humax Aura is the first Freeview Play Recorder with Android TV. It's user-friendly, stylish, and centralises live TV, on-demand content, and apps. With a smart voice remote, it integrates Google Assistant for voice commands, searches and smart home control. The device can store up to 1000 hours of TV and provides access to over 400,000 movies and shows, music, games, and popular apps via Android TV. Enjoy stunning 4K shows, free box sets and seamless streaming from various services.

The Oakcastle SB110 Freeview box delivers full HD 1080p quality, supporting connection to existing aerials. It offers easy setup, enabling access to 150+ Freeview TV channels without subscriptions. The built-in USB recorder allows recording on up to 1TB USB storage. Additionally, it supports multi-connection options, including Ethernet or WiFi dongles for internet access, providing features like YouTube and weather apps. Oakcastle provides full technical support and a 36-month warranty with registration.

If you are looking for a Freeview box that doesn't take up much space - look no further. If you plan to put the Freeview box in your bedroom, you may want to opt for a smaller device. We love that this little box still enables you to watch Free-to-air channels, including HD. You can even pause and rewind live TV for up to 30 minutes.