The best Freeview box for you is the one that gives you a simple, versatile way of watching the best TV for free. Offering well over 100 channels in most regions, and more via apps, you should definitely pick up one of these boxes if you're looking to avoid costly subscription services. Some boxes can record to internal hard drives or an external USB stick too; allowing you to schedule recordings from the electronic programme guide (EPG).
As for free streaming apps for catchup and on-demand programming, many Freeview boxes come with a wide variety. But, if you're a fan of certain subscription services or channels, it's best to check carefully as not all Freeview boxes are made equal. Of course, if you're the proud owner of a recent 55-inch or even 65-inch 4K TV you'll be all set for digital connectivity - but if you have an older set, a Freeview box is the way to go.
Best Freeview box for recording and streaming in 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall: Panasonic DMR-PWT550E - View on Amazon
• Best budget: Oakcastle SB110 Set Top Box Receiver - View on Amazon
• Best Freeview box without apps: August DVB400 Freeview HD - View on Amazon
• Best for usability: Manhattan T2-R 500GB Freeview 4K Recorder - View on OnBuy
Luckily, Freeview boxes and Freeview recorders come in all shapes and sizes, with various features to consider - we've listed some in our guide at the bottom of the page. There's also a quick FAQ discussing indoor aerials, internet connections and how to hook up these new boxes to older, non-HD and analogue TVs.
We've been busy finding the best Freeview boxes for recording and streaming, grouped into handy categories. They've all been hand-selected by our experts here at What's The Best. So, get ready to watch and record whatever you like, whenever you like.
Best Freeview box for recording and streaming in 2024:
Please note: All prices correct at time of writing. Prices, stock and deals subject to change without notice.
Best overall Freeview box
Amazon/PanasonicDescription
Decisively one of the best Freeview boxes on the market on account of its multitude of excellent features, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 Blu-Ray player and HDD recorder is perfect for true film enthusiasts.
With 500GB of storage, simultaneous video recording and even the ability to record Blu-rays, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 offers plenty to users in need of a dedicated recorder, so you'll never miss your favourite shows again.
Simple and intuitive, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 simply requires plugging in, and soon enough you're watching your favourite Freeview content, it's that simple. If you're sporting an elaborate, multi-speaker setup, the DMR-PWT55 doesn't have much in the way of Bluetooth support, nor optical inputs. For some users looking to create the perfect cinema feel with a fantastic 43-inch TV, you'll find your options for great sound slightly limited.
That being said, the Panasonic DMR-PWT55 is a fantastic Freeview box with plenty of functions to entice home cinema enthusiasts.
Pros
- Gorgeous 4K recording
- Plenty of storage space for films and television shows
- Easy to use and intuitive
Cons
- It may take some time to load movies due to HDD storage
Best budget Freeview box
Oakcastle SB110Description
If you're on a budget or just on the lookout for an unobtrusive box that pipes Freeview to your TV, this Oakcastle SB110 is a winner. Designed in Britain, this is one of the best devices we've seen that fits the 'no-frills but does the job' ethos.
With that in mind, we're glad to see a smart black box with both start and HDMI connectivity. Offering over 150 Freeview channels, remote control and streaming apps like YouTube, this really is a plug-in and start-watching Freeview solution.
But that low price does come with some concessions compared to others here: Firstly, there's no internal storage drive - so if you are looking to record and playback you'll need to buy a USB memory stick. Secondly, this doesn't come with wifi. While we do think that's a bit of an oversight, there are two easy solutions.
One is to simply use an ethernet cable. If your TV setup is close to your router, this is a more reliable connection in any case. If you have to use wifi, that front-facing USB port can support a wifi dongle. You won't be able to record and be on wifi though, so you might also need a small two-port USB hub for that.
Pros
- Simple EPG makes this a good budget yet still usable choice
- Small and very neat minimalist case - this will slot next to any TV without getting in the way
- Recording to USB means you can take your programmes away with you
Cons
- No wifi connectivity - but supports a wifi USB dongle (you'd need a USB hub if you wanted to record at the same time as being on wifi though)
Best Freeview box without apps
Amazon/AugustDescription
So, in this age of streaming subscription services, why would anyone want a Freeview box without any apps? Well, not everyone wants to get their head around myriad service providers, not to mention all of the signups you need to do to set up accounts for those apps. Sometimes, you just want to trust everything to the aerial and see what's on.
The August DVB400 does just that, thanks to the RF aerial input in the back. But it does have a few tricks up its sleeve. Firstly, you can still pause, rewind and record live programmes if you plug in a USB memory stick. It does come with one, but it's only a measly 32GB.
That's fine for casual pause and resume functions if you're just looking to make a cuppa or skip the ads, but for storing whole shows you'll need something meatier. 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.
Pros
- Has an RF (aerial) input for picking up Freeview via your digital aerial.
- 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
Best Freeview box for usability
Amazon/ManhattanDescription
Manhattan's T2-R Freeview recorder is easily one of the best Freeview boxes of the year on account of its excellent connectivity, brilliantly intuitive Freeview recording, and solid storage which gives plenty of room for countless TV box sets and more.
Despite the Manhattan T2-R recording only in HD, the quality itself looks solid - paired with a great32-inch TV and you'll have a comfortable setup that works well in snug rooms.
Perfect for sound enthusiasts, the T2-R has optical, HDMI and even 3.5mm audio jack support, so you're spoilt for choice. What's more, Manhattan has even included Dolby Audio support, so you're getting terrific sound, whatever you decide to watch.
Pros
- Rapid Freeview recording
- Great connectivity for speaker setups
- Intuitive to use
Cons
- standard HD quality isn't very impressive
Best-designed Freeview box
Amazon/BTDescription
If you're looking for a more substantial-looking piece of kit for your Freeview experience, BT has had a lot of success with its Youview+ Set Top Boxes. Apart from being very well built and designed, it's not tied to BT as a provider - meaning you don't need to pay for any of BT's services to use it.
And this box is also better equipped when it comes to connections with a more substantial TV setup. You of course have traditional aerial input and output, as well as HDMI, but you can also use this with a Scart lead and even phono (RCA) for audio and video.
You even have an optical audio output for connecting to an amp. But, Freeview is where this Youview+ box really shines, as there's a very clear and fast EPG which lets you view 7 days ahead to plan and watch (and record) all of your favourites. Brilliant.
Pros
- Despite being a BT product, you don't need a subscription to use Freeview
- Great, modern design with loads of connectivity that will complement any TV setup
- Good amount of storage space for recording several series for later
Cons
- No wifi - only ethernet (but will support a USB wifi dongle)
Best portable Freeview box
Amazon/AugustDescription
The August DVB-T405 is equal parts exciting and unusual. If you've ever wished you could drag your eyes away from the TV and your rear from the sofa, this is the Freeview solution for you.
Despite not connecting to a TV, this little wonder can plug into your existing digital TV aerial socket at home and, from there, beam that signal to your mobile device. Fancy disappearing into the garden to watch the footie? How about a bit of BBC News while you tinker on that project in the garage? If you take your phone or tablet with you, you can do just that.
Even better is the included portable aerial - which means you can take this with you on holiday, camping or caravanning, and watch TV wherever you go/ The battery is rechargeable and 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 televisions
Best Freeview recorder under £30
Amazon/TeknikalDescription
Quite easily one of the most affordable Freeview recorders on the market, the TEKNIKAL Freeview recorder has precisely what you need to start capturing your favourite films and television shows in a pinch.
This simple, yet solid Freeview recorder doesn't have dedicated internal memory, but you can transfer your recorded films and TV onto a USB stick easily. As for the overall look of the TEKNIKAL Freeview recorder, it's certainly rough around the edges. The user interface looks particularly ugly and isn't nearly as slick as some of the pricier options.
Needless to say, the Teknikal Freeview recorder isn't perfect, but it's what you should expect from a Freeview recorder for less than £30 - if you're looking for function over form, this is the Freeview recorder for you.
Pros
- Excellent value Freeview recorder
- Good build quality
- Quick programme access
Cons
- Ugly user interface
Best Freeview box for recording and streaming in 2024: Buyer's guide
With the advent of smart TVs and the like, the choice of Freeview box is dwindling - but there are still a few to choose from. While the ability to pause and rewind live TV is a common enough feature, when it comes to advanced features like 4K resolution and Dolby sound support, you'll likely need to shop around. But, for the rest of us, let's look at the features you can expect to find.
What common features are found on Freeview boxes?
Programme Guides
At the very least, you’re going to find your Freeview box has HD connectivity and a well-presented electronic programme guide, or as it’s sometimes known, EPG. This gives you instant access to the upcoming television schedule and allows you to set reminders for shows that you can’t afford to miss.
Catch up with Freeview Play
Boxes that have incorporated Freeview Play into the mix offer you even more value and entertainment options. This service combines standard Freeview functions with catch-up systems - you’ll be able to scroll back over the previous week's schedule and watch anything you want with the touch of a button. Just be aware that to use Freeview Play, you will require an internet connection.
Recording, rewinding and pausing
Some boxes have onboard memory, sometimes known as hard drives (HDD), which will allow you to pause, rewind and record live TV. These Freeview recorders come with varying storage capacities, but even with the smallest, you’ll be able to store hundreds of hours of television. Depending on the Freeview recorder, you’ll also be able to record as many as four channels at the same time, even while watching a fifth.
Streaming and on-demand
A more recent feature of many Freeview set-top boxes is the inclusion of smart apps. Similar to a smart TV or media streaming device, like a Fire TV Stick or Roku Express, Freeview boxes with smart apps will provide you with access to a multitude of on-demand streams and catch-up services. These include the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and YouTube. While access to these features does require an internet connection, the amount of extra entertainment options provided is staggering. And that’s before you start to combine them with recording and Freeview Play capabilities.
Best Freeview box for recording and streaming in 2024: FAQs
Can I connect a HD box to an analogue TV?
Yes, you can connect an HD Freeview box to an analogue TV set. However, to do so, you will need to purchase an adapter.
To connect any HDMI device to a Scart connection, you’ll need a converter like this HDMI to Scart Converter.
To connect any HDMI device to an RCA connection, you’ll need a converter like the Gana HDMI to RCA Composite Cable Adapter.
Note that, though the box and channels may be HD, by running the display through a convertor/adapter and an analogue TV, the image will no longer be in high-definition.
Do I need an aerial to watch Freeview?
Yes, a digital aerial is required to receive Freeview’s digital terrestrial channels.
Can I use my Freeview box with an indoor aerial?
Yes, you can, but many manufacturers advise against this method as indoor or portable ariels are prone to interference and are far less reliable than standard outdoor home aerials. Freeview recommends the following on its website:
“To get the best results, we recommend that you use a wideband aerial. Also known as Type T (for 'total') or Type W (for 'wideband'), these cover the entire range of signals used to transmit digital TV and continue to work even if there are changes to your TV signals”.
What is 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 backwards to see shows from the previous week. You can watch the video below for more information:
Do I need an aerial to watch Freeview Play, or can I use an internet connection?
You can watch Freeview Play without an aerial. Freeview Play allows you to catch up on programmes you’ve missed and access on-demand content through an internet connection. The internet connection is typically through a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to your Freeview Play TV or set-top box.
Does a Freeview box need an internet connection?
No, to watch Freeview, you do not require an internet connection. However, if you have Freeview Play, an internet connection will need to access the on-demand features. You don't even have to go for Freeview if you're not a fan, there are plenty of TV recorders that are based on other signal sources, such as Freesat or IPTV.
Remember, an internet connection will also be required to access any smart features that your Freeview box may carry, such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
What about internet channels and ethernet connections?
The overwhelming majority of channels received by Freeview boxes are digital terrestrial and therefore transmitted to you via an aerial connection. However, even on boxes without smart/catch-up features, there's a niche selection of internet channels available through a hardwired ethernet connection (which is a way of connecting to the internet). These internet channels include the likes of Ketchup TV, Box Nation and Planet Knowledge.
To access even more content, we recommend using one the best VPNs to access geo-blocked catalogues of services like Netflix. You can also use them to access the free-to-stream sites of other nations, such as 9Now in Australia.
If you don’t have an internet/ethernet connection, don’t worry. These additional channels are optional, and your Freeview box will still be able to receive standard major TV channels, including from the BBC, ITV and UKTV.
William Lobley is the Deputy Tech & Fitness 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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