Freeview TV is a wonderful service for UK cord cutters: you get more than 80 channels, without a monthly subscription, with some relatively cheap equipment. But to make it work, you need a Freeview Receiver/Tuner – and if you don’t have one built into your TV, or you want more advanced capabilities and recordings, you need a separate set-top box.
Our Editor’s Choice Freeview Recorder is still the Manhattan T3-R, being the best Freeview box currently available, with most of the popular VOD catch-up apps, an incredibly fast interface, 4K support – and all for a reasonable price.
The Freeview market has undergone a lot of changes this past year – with ITVX replacing ITV Hub (and no longer working on some devices), along with older boxes that are now almost impossible to find.
Read ahead for more of the best Freeview boxes and recorders for 2023, and learn some of the things you need to consider before you buy one.
- Update: Following the discontinuation of the Manhattan T3-R and the Humax FVP-5000T, it’s quite hard to find a Freeview recorder these days – here’s why Freeview boxes are vanishing.
Best Freeview Boxes 2023
Near-perfect recorder with super-fast interface, 4K and streaming apps (low stock)
A feature-rich Freeview recorder combined with Android TV and Chromecast streamer
Reliable recorder with Freeview Play and some of the popular VOD apps – but it no longer supports ITV Hub / ITVX.
Speedy and easy to use 4K Freeview box with catch-up apps, but no recording (No longer sold as new)
Best Value Freeview Boxes
Budget Freeview player with an excellent interface and a friendly price, without recording or apps
Basic and cheap Freeview player that can record into an external USB stick
Table of Contents
What Is Freeview?
Freeview, first established in 2002, is the commercial name for the United Kingdom’s digital terrestrial television platform. It is owned by a joint venture of the BBC, Sky, ITV and Channel 4, and operated by Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK), a company owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The service provides access to free-to-air TV channels and radio stations, including more than 80 standard channels and 15 HD channels – and that number keeps growing every year. The range goes from all the BBC channels (including HD), ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5, The Food Network, QVC and many others.
The best part is that unlike pay-TV services such as Sky or Virgin Media, Freeview has no monthly costs – you buy the equipment once, and can enjoy the free programming forever. You do, however, need to pay the yearly TV licence fee in most cases – but you would have had to pay that with any type of broadcast TV service.
How To Get Freeview
Many people wrongly believe they need a Sky (or similar) subscription if they want to watch Freeview. That is NOT the case: In order to be able to watch the Freeview channels, you need two main components:
- A TV Aerial: Freeview channels are broadcast over the air, so you need an aerial that can intercept those signals. It can either be an outdoor aerial (on your roof or side of the house), or a cheap, indoor aerial. If you need one, take a look at our guide to buying the best indoor aerials.
- A Freeview Receiver: The aerial needs to connect to a device that can translate those signals into TV channels.
What Is A Freeview Box – Do I Need One?
All TVs manufactured and sold in the UK since 2010 should already have Freeview built-in. That means that if you bought a telly in the past few years, it should already be capable of showing Freeview channels without a separate box (you would still need an aerial, though).
However, if your TV is older, you would have to get a Freeview Box.
Some older Freeview boxes and recorders did not support HD broadcasts and channels – but these days – and certainly all the ones mentioned here – support HD.
Another reason to buy a Freeview Box is if you want better features than the ones available on your TV. For example, some TVs don’t have the full Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) that can show you the Freeview TV guide for up to 8 days in advance.
Other TVs have very slow interfaces, which can get annoying, and most TVs can’t record programmes from Freeview – so if you plan to record live TV, you would need a Freeview PVR (Personal Video Recorder.)
Freeview Recorders And Freeview Play
If you use a Freeview recorder box, you can record live programmes for later viewing, or pause and rewind live TV. Using the EPG, you can also set recordings up to eight days in advance.
Most recording boxes come with built-in storage – a hard drive you use for the recordings. The cheaper devices might support an SD card or USB stick, which you would need to buy separately and use to record.
Freeview Play combines over-the-air channels and programmes on-demand that are streamed via broadband, giving you access to apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, My 5 and a few other catch-up services, all in one device.
With some devices, you can also “scroll back” and watch programmes that you’ve missed up to 7 days backwards. Not all devices support Freeview Play – so look for that in our review (For more, see our full Freeview Play guide).
From 2022, official Freeview boxes now HAVE to support Freeview Play going forward, and those that do not will no longer be manufactured. So while you can still find some older stock – official Freeview boxes that aren’t connected to the internet (like the Manhattan T1 or T2-R) are on their way out.
Furthermore, last year ITV’s streaming service, ITV Hub, was replaced by ITVX. Ahead of that change, some older Freeview TVs and boxes – such as the popular Humax FVP-5000t lost support for both ITV Hub and ITVX – so keep that in mind when you’re shopping for a box.
Alternatives To Freeview
If things weren’t confusing enough, Freeview isn’t the only service in the UK that lets you watch free TV.
What Is YouView?
A “hybrid” service that combines the regular, over-the-air Freeview channels, and catch-up TV from those same channels, streamed to you via your broadband connection.
Some YouView boxes also offer additional pay-per-view channels and programmes, but with many Freeview boxes also offering catch-up TV these days (with Freeview Play), the two services have become almost identical.
What Is Freesat?
Unlike Freeview, which sends its signals over-the-air via transmitters, Freesat sends its signal via satellites. The channels selection is similar, though Freesat offers a wider variety of channels.
Freesat, which was originally a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, was acquired by Digital UK (now Everyone TV) – the company that leads the development of Freeview – therefore Freesat and Freeview now operate under the same company.
For Freesat, you would need a satellite dish on your roof (or the side of the house), and a Freesat receiver, either built-in to your TV or as a separate Freesat set-top box.
What Are Internet Streaming Devices?
Streamers that connect to your TV (Amazon Fire TV 4K, Google’s Chromecast, Roku and many others) can be used to view some Freeview Channels, not through the air, but via the internet (So you might need a WiFi Range Extender in a big house).
As mentioned, some Freeview boxes combine these two services – they offer you direct over-the-air channels, as well as catch-up apps that use your broadband connection, saving you a box. However, most dedicated streaming devices offer a bigger library of apps than Freeview boxes that also offer streaming.
Another option is the Netgem Netbox 4K (see our review), which combines Freeview Play with a subscription that adds a few more channels (mainly sports and cooking). While I don’t usually recommend it just as a standalone Freeview box – because of its high price – it’s still an interesting third option (and used by some broadband providers – such as TalkTalk – as their TV set-top box).
Buying The Best Freeview Box: Things To Consider
As you will see on our chart, the range of prices between the different Freeview Boxes is pretty wide – you can get a simple tuner for less than £40, and a known-brand box, with almost every possible feature, for £200 and upwards. How do you choose?
First, ask yourself what you’re going to do with your Freeview Box.
If you already have a TV with Freeview, but you want more features and a faster interface, you should probably go for the higher-priced boxes, as they indeed offer more features and sometimes have more powerful processors which help with the speed.
If you’re on a budget, and just want a basic cheap box that’ll let you watch Freeview channels – one of the cheaper ones will do just fine. (So by combining a cheap box and a cheap indoor aerial, and assuming you already have a TV, you can get all these free channels for less than £50.)
It’s also worth noting that the Freeview set-top box market is currently at a crossroads: the popular Manhattan boxes have been discontinued, and new models (the T4 and T4-R) are coming soon – but until then, there’s limited choice.
Do I Need A Freeview Recorder?
The next question to ask is whether you want to be able to record live TV from the Freeview channels.
While some of the budget boxes include a recording option, you would have to buy and connect a separate USB stick.
The higher-priced Freeview Boxes that include a PVR, will let you record into an internal hard drive, and it’s super-convenient – you choose shows to record via the Freeview Electronic Programme Guide, and they get recorded automatically at the right time.
There are even Freeview boxes that include a built-in Blu-Ray player. So yes, let’s face it, Blu-Ray (and physical media in general) is on its way out, making way for streaming media. But you still get excellent quality with Blu-Ray discs, and even more so with 4K Blu-ray players, and there are a lot of movie bargains out there.
I haven’t included it in the general list, but I would recommend this Panasonic model. (If you’re in the market for a cheap, stand-alone DVD player, I reviewed the best ones here.)
How To Connect The Freeview Box
Most Freeview boxes these days connect to your TV via an HDMI port. If you don’t have enough free HDMI ports, you can use a good HDMI switcher.
But if your TV is particularly old, you might need a box with a SCART connection or even an old composite (red/white/yellow) connection.
If the box you get only has HDMI, you can buy a SCART/Composite converter – but that’s another purchase that you will have to make.
Freeview Reception Problems
Freeview relies on over-the-air reception. If your indoor aerial isn’t good enough, or – more commonly – if you live in an area where the Freeview signal is too weak – you won’t get a high-quality picture on your TV, or – in worst case scenarios – won’t be able to watch Freeview at all.
You can check the estimated coverage in your house with the Freeview Postcode Checker. You put in your postcode and house number, and the site gives you some details about reception in your area. Take these numbers with a grain of salt, though, as they’re only estimates.
Because reception is such an issue with Freeview, many buyers blame their newly purchased Freeview Boxes or indoor aerials for their lack of reception – while often it’s just weak over-the-air signals that are at fault. You can also try an aerial signal amplifier – see my review here.
The bad news? There’s really no way to know for sure what reception looks like in your house until you buy the devices and give them a try.
Freeview Via Broadband
For most people, Freeview still requires an aerial. However, there are now a few options in the market, that let you stream Freeview channels via the internet, without requiring a long-term contract: Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media’s Stream Box.
Sky Glass is a “streaming TV” from Sky, with Sky Stream offering the same service on a small set-top box. As long as you remain subscribed to Sky, you will be able to stream most (but not all) Freeview channels via broadband on those devices. For more on that, check out our Sky Glass Review and our Sky Stream review.
Virgin Media’s Stream box offers a similar solution – a small box you connect to your TV (so you don’t need to buy a new TV). The Freeview streaming part is totally free (though you can also use the box to subscribe to other services), but the downside is that the box is only available to Virgin Media’s Broadband customers.
Learn more about it in our Virgin Media Stream Box review.
Cord Busters’ Best Freeview Boxes 2023
| Rank | Best Freeview Box | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manhattan T3-R Freeview PVR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 2 | Humax Aura Freeview Recorder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 3 | Humax FVP-5000T Recorder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 4 | Manhattan T3 FreeviewPlay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 5 | Manhattan T1 Freeview Box | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 6 | Digi-Fun Freeview Recorder | ⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
Best Overall
Pros
- Very fast, easy to use interface
- Excellent recording and picture quality
- Smart recording features - Pause and rewind live TV
- Most of the major UK TV catchup apps with EPG integration
- 4K / HDR Support
Cons
- No Netflix / Amazon Video / NOW apps
- ITVX Not Supported Yet
- Can't search within the EPG
- No SCART socket
Features List
- Apps: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, My 5, UKTV Play, CBS Catchup, Legend, BBC Sounds, STV Player, YouTube, Britbox
- EPG: 8 Days Forward (7 days backwards)
- Recording: Yes, 500GB model and 1TB model
- Connections: HDMI, S/PDIF, Aerial Input
- Internet: Ethernet / WiFi
- Extra Features: Record three channels at once, smart HD recording and switching, cast YouTube from phone, Learning remote
Bottom Line
The best Freeview recording device (at least while it was still widely available), when you consider all the important features AND the cost: You get Freeview Play catch-up apps, 4K support (though it’s mainly used for YouTube and a select few BBC iPlayer shows, for now), and a VERY fast, modern interface.
The “smart” recording features are useful (such as finding an HD alternative automatically, or the ability to pause and rewind live channels), and navigating your recordings is easy. Picture quality is great, but – as always – depends a lot on your aerial reception.
Our one quibble? Currently, the T3-R doesn’t have Netflix / Amazon Prime / NOW apps, so you can’t use it to completely replace a streaming device.
However, even though it took a while – the T3-R now supports the ITVX app.
If you’re in the market for an upgraded Freeview Play experience and recording (or your older telly doesn’t have Freeview at all), the T3-R ticks most of the boxes for an excellent price.
Pros
- Freeview Recorder and Streaming device in one
- Can record up to 4 simultaneous programmes
- Most of the major UK streaming catch-up apps and streaming services
- Excellent video and sound quality (up to 4K/HDR)
Cons
- Expensive
- A few major streaming services missing – Netflix, NOW and more
- Some lingering software issues
Features List
- Apps: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, My 5, UKTV Play, Amazon Prime Video, BT Sport, Disney+, YouTube, Plex, and more
- EPG: 8 Days (7 days backwards)
- Recording: Yes, 1TB/2TB Hard Drive (up to 500 HD hours)
- Connections: HDMI 2.1, S/PDIF, USB
- Internet: Ethernet + WiFi
- Extra Features: Cast content from your mobile phone (with Chromecast support), Voice search and Google Assistant, a Kids Zone with curated content for children, Control and stream recordings via a smartphone app.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for one device that will upgrade both your Freeview Play experience AND your streaming capabilities – the Humax Aura is almost the perfect choice.
On the one hand, this is a Freeview Play recorder with plenty of storage space (there’s a 1TB version as well as a 2TB version), all the UK catch-up services, and a brilliant smartphone app that lets you stream recordings to your phone.
Then, this is also an Android TV device with a rich library of streaming apps, such as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BT Sport and more, as well as built-in Chromecast support, so you can stream almost anything from your phone.
The two things keeping the Aura from our top spot? The high price and a few missing apps – the absence of a Netflix app, in particular, is a big let-down.
All in all, while not perfect – this impressive combi-device is a unique proposition that will surely get even better in time.
Pros
- Excellent picture quality (IF your reception is good)
- Can record up to 4 simultaneous programmes
- Smart integration between live TV and streaming apps
- Can be used as media hub
Cons
- No ITV Hub / ITVX Support
- Not cheap
- Slow interface
- No Amazon/NOW apps
Features List
- Apps: BBC iPlayer, All 4, My 5, YouTube, STV Player, BBC Sounds, UKTV, Netflix
- EPG: 8 Days (7 days backwards)
- Recording: Yes, 500GB/1TB/2TB Hard Drive (up to 500 HD hours)
- Connections: HDMI, Composite, S/PDIF
- Internet: Ethernet + WiFi
- Extra Features: Stream media from PC, Phone remote control app
Bottom Line
Humax is a big name in the Freeview Box market, as they have been producing various models for years. As such, they know what they’re doing – but they charge extra for it.
This used to be one of the most advanced devices on this list when it came to features. The Humax FVP-5000T will give you excellent picture quality, several Smart TV apps (including Netflix), and a huge hard drive for recording your favourite programmes (There’s a 500GB version, a 1TB version, and even a 2TB version).
The feature-set is impressive if a bit dated – from “Smart” HD switching and recordings, to tight integration between the live TV guide and the catch-up apps. The FVP-5000T also has three tuners, so you can record up to 4(!) different programmes while watching a fifth.
The main fault we could find – other than the price – is the sluggish interface. It’s a bit slow, and takes a second or two to perform every action. If you don’t mind that, and you’re willing to pay extra for all the bells and whistles – this is a great Freeview device, with a Netflix app as the cherry on top.
Note: The FVP-5000T has lost access to the ITV Hub app, along with several other devices and Smart TVs, and doesn’t support ITVX either. It has now been officially discontinued.
Best Value
Pros
- Excellent Price
- Good picture quality
- Fast, easy to use interface
- Compact box, slick design
Cons
- No Recording
- No Apps
- HDMI Only (SCART/RCA connections need a separate AV kit)
Features List
- Apps: None
- EPG: 8 Days forward
- Recording: No
- Connections: HDMI
- Internet: Ethernet (Mostly for software updates)
Bottom Line
If you don’t need any flashy features other than good Freeview HD reception and a fast, easy-to-use interface – this is the box to go for, as it’s also one of the cheapest ones out there.
As with the more expensive Manhattan models, the T1 has a snappy interface which makes using the Electronic Programme Guide a joy. You can see 8 days ahead, and while there’s no recording (not even via a USB stick, which is a shame), you can ask to be reminded on-screen when a future show is on.
There are no streaming/catch-up apps, and the Ethernet connection is used mostly for software updates. (For apps, check out the Manhattan T3 Freeview Play box.) Note that it only has an HDMI connection, and you would need a separate kit to connect to SCART or composite – which is disappointing for a box aimed at adding Freeview to older tellies.
Update: The Manhattan T1 has been discontinued in 2022, so you can only buy it as long as stocks remain or used.
Best Value, Runner-Up
Pros
- Recording capabilities (with optional USB stick)
- SCART Connection for old TVs (and HDMI)
- Very Cheap
Cons
- Limited recording capabilities
- EPG is inconsistent
- Average build quality
- No streaming apps
Features List
- Apps: None
- EPG: 7 Days forward
- Recording: Yes, via USB stick
- Connections: HDMI / SCART
- Internet: No
- Extra Features: Hinged design
Bottom Line
One of the cheapest Freeview Recorders you can get, and for such a low price – it does its job well, but with a few issues.
Recording is done by connecting an external USB stick, which means you need to buy another device. You can schedule TV recording directly from the EPG, or record what you’re watching right now. (But you can’t watch a different channel at the same time as there’s only one tuner).
The cheap price comes with a cost, of course – the interface (switching channels, moving around the EPG) is rather slow and some have had issues with the EPG occasionally showing garbled text, picture quality degrades fast with bad reception, the remote is small with too many tightly-spaced buttons, and there’s no internet connection or apps – so no catch-up TV.
It’s not the most feature-packed, but if you’re looking for a very basic Freeview Box that can also record and does the job – this is a cheap, solid choice.
FreeviewPlay
Pros
- Fast, easy to use interface
- Most of the major UK TV catchup apps
- 4K / HDR Support
Cons
- Not cheap
- No Netflix / Amazon Video / NOW apps
- No recording capabilities
- ITVX Not supported
Features List
- Apps: BBC iPlayer, All 4, My 5, ITVX, UKTV Play, CBS Catchup, Legend, BBC Sounds, STV Player, YouTube
- EPG: 8 Days (7 days backwards)
- Recording: NO
- Connections: HDMI, S/PDIF
- Internet: Ethernet + WiFi
- Extra Features: 4K (2160p), HDR10 & HLG Support, Learning remote, YouTube casting from phone
Bottom Line
An excellent FreeviewPlay box with a speedy, slick interface that also serves as an advanced – but limited – streaming device. You get most of the popular UK streaming apps, but you won’t find Netflix, Amazon Video or NOW.
Picture quality support is currently the best out there with 4K, however, it only works with YouTube and some limited BBC iPlayer content – for now.
It’s not the cheapest out there, and it has no recording capabilities – but it makes up for that with how fast and easy to use the interface is. If you’re only looking for Freeview channels and the major catchup apps, the T3 will serve you well.
Read my full Manhattan T3 Review here.
Note: The Manhattan T3 has also been discontinued unfortunately, but you may find used devices.
