10 Best DVR 2020
Gone are the days when finding the highest quality of DVR was easy, as it only came down to a couple of options. Now there is an ever-increasing range of companies offering their services and this has made it much more difficult.
As the market is ever-changing, it can result in a very long search for those that want the process to be straightforward. To make everything easier, we have crafted a guide to the top ten DVR boxes and provided all the information you will require to know which is right for your needs.
Points to Remember
These are some of the main features you should keep in mind as you look at the DVR options on our list.
- Initial Price vs. Subscription. The DVRs on our list vary a great deal in price. This should definitely be considered but don’t forget to keep the subscription fees in mind, as well. A lot of companies will provide their DVR at a lower price, only to have a higher overall monthly fee. By combining these, you will be able to find the best deal.
- Maintenance. This is something that cannot be checked easily but you will be able to see which companies believe in their products by the reviews they provide or the guarantees they have on offer.
- Assistance. The best DVR company will be the one that is always there to help. Doing a little research into a company’s return policy or helpline effectiveness will help you avoid problems further down the line.
Top 10 DVR Options Comparison Chart
| Picture | Name | Best Feature | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. TiVo Roamio OTA 500 GB DVR and Streaming Media Player | Record up to 4 shows at once. | $ | 4.3 |
 | 2. Channel Master DVR+ Bundle - subscription free | Includes DVR+ remote. | $$$$ | 4.3 |
 | 3. SiliconDust HDHomeRun CONNECT. FREE broadcast HDTV | Streams to compatible devices on the network. | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 4. TiVo BOLT 500 GB DVR: Digital Video Recorder | SkipMode to skip over commercial breaks. | $$$ | 4.1 |
 | 5. AVerMedia EZRecorder, HD Video Capture High Definition | 1-click record and snapshot. | $$$ | 4.0 |
 | 6. Magnavox MDR865H HD DVR/DVD Recorder | 500 hours of content can be stored. | $ | 3.6 |
 | 7. Tablo 4-Tuner Digital Video Recorder | Record and watch 4 different programs on 6 different devices. | $$$$ | 3.6 |
 | 8. eXuby Full HD Digital Channels at no Cost | 1080P Full HD Resolution. | $$ | 3.5 |
 | 9. Mediasonic Homeworx HW180STB 3 / 4 Channel HDTV | USB Multimedia Player Function. | $ | 3.4 |
 | 10. Simple TV Dual ATSC Tuner | Record 2 shows at once. | $$$ | 3.0 |
All You Need to Know About DVR
More than anything else, a DVR is supposed to make your life easier and make your viewing experience more enjoyable. That is why we have placed usability as the number one feature you should consider before making your final purchase.
Here are the main ways you can access the usability of a DVR:
- Installation. Will the setup be straightforward? The DVRs on our list are as simple as plugging it in and following the setup guide. If you are unsure if a model will be easy-to-use then you should consult expert reviews and see which ones they recommend as being the simplest.
- Interface. Is the way you should use the DVR easy to get used to or will it take a great deal of time to get comfortable? Most DVRs will be designed to be easy to use but there are a few exceptions. Make sure you won’t need to spend hours getting to grips with your new DVR.
- Features. On our list, we have included all of the additional features that come with the DVR model. These will make or break your viewing experience and they should be carefully considered. In fact, these additional features are often the main point that buyers use to choose between the best DVR models on the market.
Top 3 Best DVR Options Reviews
1. TiVo Roamio OTA 500 GB DVR
There is good reason that the name TiVo is the one that is used interchangeably with the term DVR. This is one of the best options you could have for recording and storing all of your shows and media.
This is a DVR system that lets you record up to four shows at once. While this might not be necessary at all times, it definitely prevents some family fights when everyone is into different shows. The ability to store 75 hours of television viewing is also a huge plus.
The only thing that should be mentioned with this DVR is the fact that you need a TiVo subscription in order to use it properly. This adds to the cost but considering the quality you get in return; it is certainly worth it.
2. Channel Master DVR+ Bundle
The first big advantage to choosing the Channel Master DVR+ Bundle is the fact that it is a DVR system that does not require a monthly subscription in order to record over the air broadcasting.
Setting this device up is so easy. This is partly due to the extremely thin design with all of the cords and plugs in the back. This means that the entire product blends seamlessly with any entertainment center.
As the technology within this DVR system is more modern, it does not work with older TVs. With newer TVs however it keeps the highest quality visuals and audio.
3. SiliconDust HDHomeRun CONNECT
The SiliconDust HDHomeRUN Connect is a device that lets you watch shows and media on many devices in your home and also uses DVR software to let you record, pause and re-watch all of the shows that you want.
As this is not the traditional DVR that is just added to your normal broadcasting subscription, it requires more management on your TV or device in order to record and watch programs. This is not difficult to get used to. It does, however, require a little extra time but it gives you access to a whole range of unique features.
The fact that you can watch recorded shows and have total control over them on many of the devices in your home at once is something that makes the cost of the SiliconDust HDHomeRUN Connect more than worth it.
