Best Freesat Boxes in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update April 17, 2024
When regular satellite boxes become more and more expensive to keep one can’t help but wonder, “What are the other options?”. Fortunately, there is a solution - a Freesat receiver box. Affordable and available without any subscription fees, it will be a great alternative to a regular sat box. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Max Output Resolution
Interfaces
Control
Extras
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The receiver features a control panel with 5 buttons that you can use to adjust the volume or to switch between channels. On top of that, it has a 12-digit display for easy navigation through all the available options.

CONS

The startup time could be a bit faster.

OUR VERDICT

This model not only allows you to watch your favourite shows in high-quality but also can record up to 200 hours of Full HD video straight onto the built-in 1 TB HDD. The best of both worlds, it acts great as a PVR and a Freesat box.

detailed parameters
Max Output Resolution

1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

Interfaces

2 x SAT input (F-Type), AV-out (3 x RCA), HDMI-out, S/PDIF out (optical), 2 x USB-ports, Ethernet port, built-in Wi-Fi

Control

Control panel on receiver, Remote control, Freesat control app (available on iOS and Android)

Extras

Built-in 1 TB HDD (up to 600 hours of recording), EPG guide (up to 8 days forward, up to 7 days backwards)

Dimensions

28 x 20 x 4.8 cm

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Thanks to the record feature you will be able to record any program or show from 4 different channels at the same time. Likewise, the controls are available via the mobile app so you won't have to use the remote control all the time.

CONS

The housing gets noticeably hot during use.

OUR VERDICT

The Freesat UHD-4X is one of the top picks for the role of a household satellite box. Not only does it support 4K resolution, it is also capable of recording footage from 4 different channels simultaneously. The box is optionally available in 500 GB, 1TB and 2TB variants.

detailed parameters
Max Output Resolution

3840 x 2160 (4K)

Interfaces

1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi

Control

Remote control, Freesat control app (available on iOS and Android)

Extras

Built-in 1 TB HDD (up to 500 hours of recording), EPG guide (up to 8 days forward, up to 7 days backwards)

Dimensions

25 x 15 x 4 cm

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Owing to the excellent Plug & Play capabilities of the box you won't have any issues with connecting the satellite appliance to your dish and TV. The simple UI is easy to read and use, which will make the further user experience much more convenient.

CONS

Appliance is not supported by Freesat mobile app.

OUR VERDICT

This 4K Freesat TV box comes with a Freesat subscription that includes 170+ satellite channels. Moreover, the device also supports the BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Netflix, Britbox and Amazon Prime Video streaming media services.

detailed parameters
Max Output Resolution

3840 x 2160 (4K)

Interfaces

1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi

Control

Remote control

Extras

External HDD can be connected for recording, EPG guide (up to 8 days forward, up to 7 days backwards)

Dimensions

18 x 12.3 x 3.5 cm

Warranty

1 year

PROS

In case you don't fancy remote controllers you can download a special mobile app (available for Android and iOS users) to control the Freesat box directly using your mobile device. This option also allows you to start and stop video recording even if you are away from the TV.

CONS

The remote control operational range is somewhat small.

OUR VERDICT

By opting for this Humax Freesat box you are getting a device that can act as both a satellite receiver and as a video recorder. What is more, with this kit you can watch up to 150 channels in high resolution without any monthly subscription fees that have become too prevalent today.

detailed parameters
Max Output Resolution

1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

Interfaces

1 x SAT input, AV-out (3 x RCA), HDMI-out, S/PDIF Out (optical), USB-port, Ethernet port, Built-in Wi-Fi

Control

Remote control, Freesat control app (available on iOS and Android)

Extras

External HDD can be connected for recording, EPG guide (up to 8 days forward, up to 7 days backwards)

Dimensions

20.6 x 16.9 x 4.2 cm

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The built-in Wi-Fi module is powerful enough to keep the signal on even if your router is rather far from the TV set. Alternatively, the box is equipped with a standard Ethernet port that you can use for lag-free data streaming.

CONS

The glossy finish of the housing scratches easily.

OUR VERDICT

This multi-functional satellite box can also act as a multimedia centre. Once connected to the internet you can use almost all online services including ITV Player, Demand 5, STV Player, YouTube and Netflix, among others. Definitely a must-have product in case your old TV doesn't have a built-in SMART function.

detailed parameters
Max Output Resolution

1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

Interfaces

1 x SAT input, AV-out (3 x RCA), HDMI-out, S/PDIF out (optical), USB-port, Ethernet port, Built-in Wi-Fi

Control

Remote control, Freesat control app (available on iOS and Android)

Extras

External HDD can be connected for recording, EPG guide (up to 8 days forward, up to 7 days backwards)

Dimensions

20.6 x 16.9 x 4.2 cm

Warranty

2 years

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Humax HDR-1100S 1TB

A Fully-Fledged PVR Satellite Kit for Your TV

The Humax HDR-1100S is a Freesat box that has one of the best packages available on the market today.

First things first, to make the experience of using the Humax HDR simple you can remotely control the box via a mobile application that is available for both Android and iOS users. On top of that, this handy mobile application features a user-friendly interface that eases the navigation through the menus and channel lists.

What makes this model stand out is its built-in 1 TB hard drive that lets you record up to 250 hours of your favourite TV shows with stunning HD picture quality.

Given that you already have a satellite dish the box will provide you with over 200 channels with 12 of them being broadcast in Full HD. The installation, on the other hand, won’t take too much of your time, thanks to the addition of two SAT inputs, 3 AV outputs that can be used to connect multiple television sets, and a built-in Wi-Fi module that can be used to upgrade the box’s firmware.

All things considered, the Humax HDR-1100S is simply the best Freesat box for its price. Easy to configure and use, it requires little to no adjustment, and once set up it will serve you for years to come completely subscription-free.

Review of Humax HDR-1100S 1TB Freesat with Freetime HD TV Recorder

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £284.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07D912T4L

 

Freesat UHD-4X-500

Record Your Favourite Channels Without a Hassle

What if you wanted a satellite box that could transmit all the digital channels in 4K resolution, record your favourite shows and programs and be controlled via a tap of your phone’s screen? Well, the Freesat UHD-4X-500 is exactly the right satellite box for that role.

To start off, the appliance certainly can deliver a stable playback of 4K (3840 x 2160) media without stuttering or flickering on the screen. However, the thing that truly stands out is the fact that the device doesn’t require additional setup and can work straight out of the box. Most of the channels, as well as the media streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are available in 4K resolution but the availability will depend on your location.

Being on the pricier side of the market, the UHD-4X-500 should deliver and it ultimately does, so let’s see what else is included in the package aside from the main unit. Given that you already have a dish to connect the gadget to, the appliance features a 1TB HDD that enables you to record programs, live streams, and shows with a single touch of a button. Speaking of the buttons you can control the box via your mobile gadget via the mobile app or by using the remote control that is included in the box. The former will require regular updates in order for the application to work properly, so we recommend using the Wi-Fi connection during updates.

Wrapping things up, the UHD-4X-500 from Freesat is, perhaps one of the most packed sat boxes when it comes to the sheer number of features available in the standard package. In-app controls, a huge number of satellite channels, and on top of all that - a record function makes this little box truly shine among its competitors.

Review of Freesat UHD-4X-500 Recordable 4K TV Box

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £259.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07XRQ9JS6

 

Freesat UHD-X

Zero Whistles, Performance Only

The UHD-X from Freesat is a similar beast compared to the other products from the company. That being said, it is made to be readily accessible at any given moment and the thing that really makes it stand out is its Plug and Play nature that allows you to use it pretty much right out of the box without a long setup process.

Another thing that is great about the box is its support of 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) which is ideal for big TVs and monitors that support high-definition video playback. On top of that, the basic package includes over 170 channels that you get free of charge. As a neat bonus, services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Britbox, Amazon Prime and Netflix are also available.

Unfortunately, this basic model doesn’t support the Freesat mobile application so you won’t be able to control the box with your phone or tablet. On the bright side, however, the kit comes equipped with a handy remote control, so the lack of a mobile app won’t be that big of a deal.

All in all, this Freesat model is one of the top picks in case you are looking for basic streaming media from the satellite directly to your TV. Minus some of the features like recording, this Freesat box is definitely worth the money if upgrading your regular TV set is a priority.

Review of Freesat UHD-X 4K TV Box

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £149.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07X46XVMD

 

Humax _HB-1100S

No More Channels in Poor Quality

If you are tired of watching satellite television in poor quality or just want to freshen up your TV system this model from Humax might be right up your alley.

Equipped with a powerful video decoder this little PVR is capable of transmitting the high-quality signal directly to your TV. To be more specific, the maximum output resolution of the tiny box allows you to watch your favourite shows and programmes in Full HD quality, without compromises.

Furthermore, if you don’t have the opportunity to watch your favourite TV programme or a show at the time it airs, you can record it by connecting a regular external HDD to the box. After that, you just have to set the time for when to start and stop the recording. Thanks to this handy aspect you won’t miss any episodes to keep up to date with your favourite TV shows.

The only real issue we’ve had with this unit is the process of pairing the module with a Wi-Fi system, which may take a while in order to get the unit to update its firmware correctly. Nevertheless, once set, the device will stay paired with a router even after a power outage so it won’t be that huge of an issue.

Finally, this Freesat receiver will be a good solution for users that want a high-quality satellite box that doesn’t require any subscription fees.

Review of Humax _HB-1100S HD TV Freesat Receiver

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £129.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B06VWDD3KF

 

Humax HB-1100S

An Affordable Freesat Box for HDTV

The HB-1100S is yet another Freesat HDTV box from Humax but this time it is aimed to satisfy the needs of users who are looking for a budget-friendly model.

First of all, the box comes with over 200 pre-set satellite channels available to you in true Full HD quality. As an extra feature, the box supports most modern online services so you can use your regular TV to watch YouTube or streaming services. All you have to do is connect the Ethernet cable or simply hook the box to your home Wi-Fi network.

In case you want to watch an episode of your favourite program but don’t have time you can always hook up an HDD to the Freesat box and record it in advance, thanks to the convenient TV application. On top of that, you can watch a separate channel while you are recording, which is great in case you have multiple TVs connected to one box.

Last but not least, this PVR kit also features a standard remote controller, which will be essential for both configuring the box and switching channels when your mobile device is out of reach.

In the end, the Humax HB1100S has proved to be the best Freesat box in the budget price range. Easy to set up and navigate, it beats any pre-paid satellite box out there with its superior video output quality. So, if you are looking for a high-performing Freesat device that is not overpriced, then this model will be your go-to pick.

Review of Humax HB-1100S Freesat HD TV

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £123.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B071L2NY8X

 

What Is a Freesat Box?

Trying to wrap your head around various satellite TV subscription plans can quickly become tedious. And why bother, when you can get a handy all-in-one box that will give you access to all your favourite shows without any subscriptions?

A regular Freesat box gives you access to all of your favourite shows and TV channels any time, free of charge. What makes them convenient is that they are ready to stream up to 200 channels as soon as you wire up the satellite dish and your TV to it.

Moreover, in case you are worried about switching from your current provider you can switch to a Freesat system without too much of a hassle since it doesn’t require any monthly fees.

While allowing you to access the satellite channels, some Freesat boxes can also act as recorders and even come equipped with their own hard drives. In case the Freesat box of your choice doesn’t have one, you can always hook up an external HDD model using the USB cable. This handy feature turns a standard Freesat receiver into a fully-fledged PVC device that is ready to record at any given time.

In case you are searching for more TV accessories, we also recommend taking a quick glance at our TV wall mount reviews. Alternatively, if you don’t want any hassle with wiring your TV you can also opt for a standard wireless HDMI set.

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Publish Date: 2019-09-16 15:05:13