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Technology.

PVRs and set-top boxes advice guides

Freeview or Freesat? Sky TV or Virgin Media? We’ve got expert advice on buying and owning the best PVR or set-top box, including popular brands, features, and types, along with reliability scores to help find the right TV box for you.

6 articles

How to buy the best PVR or set-top box

See if a set-top box or PVR suits your needs, how much money you should spend on one, what features to look out for and our pick of the best TV boxes.

24 June 2021

Which PVR and set-top box brand to buy in 2021

Unique Which? reliability data can help you choose a PVR or set-top box brand that lasts. We survey owners of BT, Humax, Manhattan, Panasonic, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media PVRs and set-top boxes to find out which develop the fewest faults over time.

12 August 2021

Best PVRs and set-top boxes for 2021

We’ve rounded up the very best PVRs from our testing, so you can pick a model that combines great picture quality with handy features.

22 July 2021

How we test PVRs and set-top boxes

Which? puts PVRs and set-top boxes through their paces. We rigorously assess the latest models so you can find the best one for you.

12 July 2021

The best way to record TV

Discover the differences between PVRs, DVD recorders and smart TV PVRs to help you choose the best digital TV recorder for you.

24 June 2021

Freesat vs Freeview: which should you choose?

If you want to watch TV without being tied into a subscription, then a free-to-air service like Freeview or Freesat could be right for you.

26 April 2021