The 10 Best Freeview Recorders in the UK for 2025

You shouldn’t let life’s commitments stop you from catching up with the latest episodes of your favourite TV shows. That is why you are probably already considering buying the best Freeview box recorder to record all your favourite shows that are available in free-to-air channels.

Best Freeview Recorder UK

Technology is rapidly evolving and so should you. Why should you rely on catch-up TV that only lets you access content for as long as they keep it available when you can record it yourself and store it using any of the best freeview boxes like Mirabox Portable HD for an unlimited time? There are a variety of Freeview boxes in the market and we have attempted to review the best Freeview recorder to help you choose the best.

These Freeview recorders are:

  1. Mirabox Portable HD
  2. UK-DIGITAL Freeview HD WiFi Ready Digital TV Receiver
  3. Humax FVP-4000T 500 GB Freeview Play HD
  4. Facebook Portal Mini Black 8″
  5. Netgem NetBox HD: Freeview Play smart TV box + HD Streaming + recording
  6. Humax DTR-T2000 500GB YouView Receiver with HD
  7. Amazon Fire TV Cube | Hands free with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD streaming media player
  8. Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote | Streaming media player
  9. Evtevision 16CH 1080N AHD TVI CVI DVR
  10. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Alexa Voice Remote | Streaming media player

Best Freeview Recorder UK Review

Mirabox Portable HD

Mirabox Portable HD Recorder

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Best Overall

Rating: 4.0/5.0

  • It features a game capture card ARX321 to record and stream consoles.
  • Its features are compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
  • It supports 3.0 high speed transmission USB port.
  • Amazing 1080p with 60fps.

What stands out?

This is one of the very few Freeview boxes that is compatible with mainstream software for media streaming and live platforms. This is enabled by the ARX321 capture card. It is also plug and play, compatible with multiple operating systems. It is very versatile, considering the fact that it supports amazing 1080p graphics with HDCP and 60fps for HD viewing. If you are an avid gamer, you will find the zero latency and high speed 3.0 USB port aspects of the Freeview impressive.

UK-DIGITAL Freeview HD WiFi Ready Digital TV Receiver

UK-DIGITAL Freeview HD WiFi Ready Digital TV Receiver

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Best Budget

Rating: 3.8/5.0

  • It comes with the latest dual chipset processor technology.
  • It easily records unlimited TV programmes.
  • Supports one-touch recording.
  • 7-day full EPG

What stands out?

Even if you are on a budget, you can enjoy up to 150 Full HD standard Digital TV and Freeview play channels with over 50 digital radio stations on these Freeview set top boxes. This is more than anyone can ever bargain for. Furthermore, it packs other amazing features including one-touch recording to external USB memory stick or SD card. Moreover, you can also use it as a media player to view photos, play Mp3 music or watch certain types of video files from external storage. You won’t be paying a dime to watch all the HD channels on these boxes.

Humax FVP-4000T 500GB Freeview Play HD

Humax FVP-4000T 500 GB Freeview Play HD

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Best Premium

Rating: 4.5/5.0

  • You can pause live TV.
  • The boxes can record up to 4 channels at once.
  • It offers up to 300 hours of recording time.
  • You can watch over 60 TV channels.

What stands out

This is a premium range Freeview HD box supporting Freeview Play, which can offer impressive performance like some of the best boxes in this range like the Humax FVP-5000T. It also comes with a 500 GB hard drive, which is half of what Humax FVP-5000T offers but still gives you enough storage space to record up to 300 hours of your favourite HD channels, TV shows and films. Since it comes with triple digital TV tuners, you can easily record up to 4 programmes at one go. Furthermore, you can connect it to your home network because it has an inbuilt Wi-Fi to enjoy more of the smart features this set-top box offers.

Facebook Portal Mini Black 8″

Portal Mini Black 8' from Facebook. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling with Alexa Built-in

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Rating:4.0/5.0

  • It features AR and Story Time effects.
  • It works with WhatsApp and Messenger.
  • It features Smart Sound and Smart Camera.
  • It has inbuilt Alexa for voice control.

What stands out?

This is not your ordinary set-top box. This receiver comes with inbuilt Alexa to enable you gain more control over it using your voice. It also features a Smart Camera that pans automatically with a zoom feature to capture every action while the Smart Sound feature is important for minimising background noises while enhancing voices. It has an exceptional adaptive screen that adapts to the room’s colour and ambient lighting. One interesting feature is the Story Time feature that can brings to life you children’s favourite stories utilising AR effects and animation.

Netgem NetBox HD: Freeview Play smart TV box + HD Streaming + recording

Netgem NetBox HD: Freeview Play smart TV box

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Rating: 4.0/5.0

  • Enjoy over 85 Freeview play channels from players like BBC iPlayer and ITV hub.
  • It features live and on demand content and easy to use smart features.
  • You can pause and rewind live TV on these set-top boxes.
  • You can personalise your whole TV experience.

What stands out?

With these set-top boxes, you can watch over 50,000 hours of amazing On Demand and Live all day including kids programmes, reality TV, movies, the latest shows even on Prime Video. You can also pause and rewind live TV content if you want to get a cup of tea and make some popcorn. If your kids misplace the remote control, you can just ask Alexa to play you’re your favourite TV show. Furthermore, there is a 24/7 helpline and customer chat support in case you experience any issues.

Humax DTR-T2000 500GB YouView Receiver with HD

Humax DTR-T2000 500GB YouView Receiver with HD

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Rating: 4.0/5.0

  • It features up to 500 GB Hard Drive with up to 300 hours recording time.
  • You can pause, record and rewind Live content.
  • It features a one-touch recording button.
  • Supports a variety of movies with NOW TV and Sky Store.

What stands out?

These set-top boxes feature YouView subscription to access amazing Freeview play in HD. There are over 70 HD TV and radio channels that you can enjoy with either video on demand or catch-up TV on these set-top boxes. The catch-up TV services you can expect are ITV Player, BBC iPlayer, Demand 5 and others, all rights reserved. You can always use the Mini guide to scroll through other channels while watching TV. The 500 GB hard drive gives you the chance to record over 300 hours of exciting content. Since it comes with a very easy step by step guide, you will have an easy time installing any of these set-top boxes.

Amazon Fire TV Cube | Hands free with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD streaming media player

> Amazon Fire TV Cube | Hands free with Alexa

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Rating: 4.5/5.0

  • It delivers fast an fluid TV experience.
  • it is designed to protect your privacy.
  • It features an ultra-powerful hexa-core processor.
  • It supports HDR and Dolby Vision.

What stands out?

You can control these set-top boxes remote control free just with the sound of your voice. You just have to say the appropriate Alexa command and it will play it for you. Furthermore, you can also use Alexa to set reminders, timers and check the weather even if the TV is off. Since it comes with eight microphones, you can give it voice commands from any direction. You also have access to over 200,000 movies and TV shows with numerous DDR10+, Dolby Vision, 4K Ultra HD and HDR titles. You will definitely enjoy amazing viewing experience.

Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote | Streaming media player

> Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote

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Rating: 4.5/5.0

  • It features a Alexa Voice Remote.
  • It has more storage space for apps than many other media sticks.
  • You can browse through social media using Silk or Firefox.
  • Offers a comprehensive voice experience.

What stands out?

Unlike many other set-top boxes, this media stick offers you a platform to stream loads of songs. You can use the Alexa Voice Remote to select your favourite songs on Amazon Music, Tuneln, Spotify and Apple Music. Furthermore, you can also stream your favourite TV shows and movies and live news as well. The volume and power buttons are designed to give you more control over the media stick. If you are a Prime member, you will have a whole lot of entertainment on Prime Video.

Evtevision 16CH 1080N AHD TVI CVI DVR

> Evtevision 16CH 1080N AHD TVI CVI DVR

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Rating: 4.0/5.0

  • It features a smartphone remote view.
  • It features multiple playback and recording modes.
  • Supports motion detection email alert.
  • Offers full 1080N resolution.

What stands out?

These 5 in 1 DVR set-top boxes feature full 1080N resolution with the capability of delivering true colour high definition images. You can also scan the QR-code using your smartphone or tablet to install the free App to get a clear panoramic view of your room. It features a HDMI port that can deliver 1080p videos including a VGA interface for a more standard experience. The motion detection email alert functions to notify you in case there is any detected movements timely enough for you to take precautions.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Alexa Voice Remote | Streaming media player

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Alexa Voice Remote

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Rating: 4.5/5.0

  • It is optimised for 4K streaming.
  • You can enjoy your favourites from Disney+, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer and more.
  • You can launch and control everything with the Alexa Voice Remote.
  • You can dim lights, view supported live camera feeds, stream music and more with Alexa.

What stands out?

You can easily find any content you want to stream on by just pressing on the Alexa Voice Remote and asking it to play it for you. It has a comprehensive library of 4K movies, apps and games. You will be glad to know that the media stick features a tightening-fast processor to ensure that you don’t experience any lags and fluid 4K streaming experience. You are also able to stream any song from the incredible large music library from Spotify, Amazon Music and more.

Best Freeview Recorder Buying Guide

Before you buy any of the Freeview play boxes, there are some few critical things that you must first consider if you are looking to buy one. Some of these factors are:

Adequate Storage Size

Always buy Freeview Play set-top boxes with adequate storage space to ensure that you can record as much TV content as you can so that you don’t miss anything while out on your daily routine. The best boxes should have internal drives of over 500GB worth of space.

Can Record in HD and 4K video qualities

Watching any content in fluid and crisp HD or 4K resolution is amazing. Therefore, to experience your recorded content better, ensure that the receiver can record TV content in HD and 4K qualities so that you experience viewing in a whole different level.

Wifi-enabled Connectivity

In this day and age, you can’t afford to buy anything that isn’t wifi-enabled. The same applies to any of the best set-top boxes or media sticks you choose to buy. You can connect your set-top boxes to your home network to stream music, movies and TV shows online.

Good Quality Remote Control with Adequate Shortcuts for Record, Rewind, and Play

Some of the best Freeview Play set-top boxes come with Alexa Voice Remote controls with easy record, pause, rewind, play and volume buttons to make accessing content very easy. Furthermore, thy should be of good quality.

Smooth, Intuitive, and Interactive interface and EPG

Always make sure that the user interface of the set-top boxes is as friendly as possible. Scrolling back and forth should be very fluid and searching for content should be as easy as ABC. Moreover. Always makes sure that it comes with non-generic EPG for a better viewing experience.

FAQ

Q: What Is A Freeview Box – Do I Need One?
A: This is a digital receiver that functions to convert digital Freeview signals into a supported format to watch on a TV. You will need an external aerial connected to the box. It was launched in 2002 in collaboration with UK’s transmitter operators like ITV, BBC, Arqiva, Sky and Channel 4. If you don’t want to pay for subscriptions to watch TV content, then you definitely need one.

Q: How To Get Freeview?
A: All you have to do is buy a Freeview set-top box, connect your antenna into your box and TV and you will be good to go.

Q: What’s the ideal storage size for a Freeview Box?
A: It all depends with the size of the content you wish to record. However, ideal storage for the best set-top boxes should start from 500GB hard drive to 1TB to give enough recording time.

Q: What is EPG?
A: It is Electronic Programme Guides in full and it is designed to help you find your favourite channel on a digital platfoms.

Conclusion

The overall winner in this roundup is the Mirabox Portable HD Video Recorder since it comes packed with amazing features including 1080p resolution with 60fps for incredible viewing experience.

 

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