Best set-top boxes 2020 | The comparison

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• Best set-top boxes 2020 | The comparison

Many of us these days are watching a healthy mix of live TV and streaming content, and the best set-top boxes of 2020 make it easy to keep track of your favorite shows, whether you're counting down the days before the Premier League returns or flipping through Netflix. for his next movie. Set-top boxes, or PVRs (personal video recorders), let you record live TV to watch later, so you never have to miss your favorite shows or spend hours trying to find the latest episode on a Catching Service. While its popularity has waned over the years as more and more of us are connected to streaming and catching services like Netflix, the best set-top boxes give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to record TV on live and access the best streaming platforms in one neat package. There are plenty of options to choose the best set-top box for you, which is why we've put together this handy list of the best models you can buy in 2020.

Best set-top boxes 2020:

1.Humax FVP-5000T

The best set-top box you can buy in 2020 Record four shows at once Set records with your phone Plenty of storage space FreeviewHD+ Humax is one of the leading names in the PVR world, and the FVP-5000T is the best set-top box you can buy anywhere. this moment. Place this nifty device under your TV and you have one of the best home entertainment centers money can buy. There are three models to choose from. The basic model has a 500GB hard drive, but there are 1TB and 2TB versions if that's not enough for your TV habit. A multi-tuner matrix lets you record up to four shows (or shows) at once, and the 5000TB Humax FVP-2T can store 500 hours of HD content. Or 1000 in SD quality. The Humax Live TV app for iOS and Android also allows you to set up recordings using your phone and even stream TV directly to your phone. As it uses Freeview Play, the Humax FVP-5000T gives you access to all the major catch-up services in the UK, as well as Netflix and YouTube.

2.SkyQ

The best premium set-top box for TV fans. Most comprehensive service Multi-room ready Record many shows at once Dear If you want the best TV recording experience, no matter the cost, check out Sky Q - once you've tried this service, it's hard to go back. Sky Q allows you to watch TV and recordings on your phone or tablet and stream content to other Sky boxes around the house. It is the multi-room PVR. Get the premium Sky Q Ultra HD 2TB box and you can record a massive six shows at once while watching a seventh. You also get a high-tech Bluetooth remote. Of course, there's a bigger investment than with a standard decoder, as you have to pay for a basic Sky TV subscription package, as well as other optional extras like Sky Sports. But if you want your set-top box to do more, Sky Q is really something special. Learn more: Sky Q Review

3. Virgin Media TiVO

A cheaper alternative to Sky Q Comes free with Virgin Media TV packages Cheaper than Sky Q Supports 4K Plenty of storage space If Sky seems too expensive, Virgin Media is your other subscription option. All Virgin Media TV packages now come with a Virgin Media TiVO V6 advanced box. It's significantly better than most standalone digital video recorders. First, it can record six shows at once (and lets you watch a seventh). You can stream Netflix and YouTube in 4K resolution and the 1TB hard drive can store 500 hours of SD TV or 100 in HD quality. You can also stream TV and recordings to a phone or tablet. But is it much cheaper than Sky Q? You'll pay €22 a month for the basic Mix TV package, which offers 150 channels, including Sky One, Fox and of course the terrestrial channels we need for the World Cup. There's a €20 setup fee, too, but that's a lot less than the €199 you'll pay for the Sky HD Ultra 2TB box. Read more: Virgin Media TiVO V6 review

4. Humax HDR-1100S

The best decoder for irregular signals. Use a satellite dish for best signal Built-in Wi-Fi Good storage options Record only two shows at a time Is the Freeview signal weak in your area? You need a Freesat PVR like the Humax HDR-1100S. This uses a satellite dish instead of a standard antenna to receive the TV signal, which means it's the best set-top box for erratic signals. Built-in Wi-Fi also gives you access to catch-up services, as well as YouTube and Netflix. Like the Humax FVP-5000T, you can choose between 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB models. You just have to decide how much you want to store. Want to save the entire 2018 World Cup for posterity, including all the pre-game talk? Look for the 1TB version. You can record two shows at once with the Humax HDR-1100S, and view the TV guide and set up recordings with the Freesat phone app.

5.Panasonic DMR-HWT250EB

An ideal set-top box for 4K TVs 4K compatible Plenty of storage space Long-term recording mode Can only record two programs at a time The Panasonic DMR-HWT250EB is a stylish alternative to the Humax FVP-5000T. But what is different with this decoder? It's a Freeview Play and Freeview HD recorder, so you get the same channels and access to secondary services like YouTube and Netflix. It lets you record just two shows at a time instead of four, but it also offers some extra tips. The Panasonic DMR-HWT250EB can play 4K video via its USB port, a great addition for those with 4K TVs. It also has special long-term recording modes that reduce the amount of storage taken up by your streams. You can store up to 684 hours of HD content on its 1TB hard drive, instead of the 259 hours of direct capture for Freeview HD streaming.

(Image credit: BT)

6.BT YouView+

A cheap alternative to Freeview Wide selection of streaming platforms. Flexibility for BT TV subscribers Storage could be better You might assume you'd need some sort of subscription to use a BT YouView+ box, but you're not. YouView is an alternative to Freeview Play, an interface that combines regular Freeview channels with streaming services. These include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. If you want to go deeper, you can get this decoder as part of a BT TV subscription, which unlocks access to additional channels like BT Sport and Comedy Central. However, one of the main advantages of the BT YouView + box is its low price when bought alone; frankly, it's a bargain. "Solo" has a 500 GB hard drive, which can store 300 hours in SD quality or 125 in HD quality. But it just means you'll have to juggle your record library more. For technicians, this box is manufactured by the master PVR Humax. There's also an Ultra HD version of the YouView+ box for 4K TVs.

And my television?

You don't need the best set-top box in the world if your TV screen is terrible; That's why we offer the following roundups: On a budget? Take a look at the best-selling low-priced TVs and 4K deals this month.