Free TV is better when you can watch on your schedule. Here are our top picks for devices that pause, record and stream free over-the-air television with an antenna.
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Ty Pendlebury has worked at CNET since 2006. He lives in New York City where he writes about streaming and home audio.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
If you want to watch live TV, such as the Paris Olympics, you don't have to pay a huge monthly bill -- there's a way to get it for free. If you live in a city or town with good over-the-air reception, putting up a TV antenna is an easy way to cut the cord and get access to a wealth of television programming. Pair an affordable antenna with an OTA recorder, and you'll be able to pause live TV, save your shows for later and fast-forward through commercials. Many of the DVRs we've tested will even let you stream your recorded content to multiple TVs or when you're away from home.
A basic DVR like the Nuvyyo Tablo 4th Gen ($100) is essentially what you'll pay for a month of cable TV or live TV-streaming services like Hulu Plus Live TV and YouTube TV. And there's no ongoing fees to worry about!
Every OTA recorder has its own unique features, tuner and capabilities, but there's one I'd recommend to beginners and old hands alike: Nuvyyo Tablo 4th Gen. At $100 (or $130 with a bundled antenna) the lack of ongoing fees means the Tablo offers an astonishing value. It has enough storage space for 50 hours onboard and can be expanded while its ability to stream and record FAST channels helps boosts its worthiness. It's good now, and will only get better with time.
Meanwhile, one of our main recommendations for the longest time -- the TiVo Edge for antenna -- is no longer available. If you're able to find one second-hand with service built in it would definitely still be worthwhile.
