Best 10 Freesat Boxes

Are you frustrated by the weak signals that you are getting on your telly? Do you live in an area where there isn't good coverage on an HD TV? Nobody likes paying an arm and a leg on subscription and monthly fees. That's where a Freesat box comes in to give you a much more affordable solution that also brings some nifty extra features.

We want to give you the most information possible to make the best decision for your needs. So take a look at our buying guide and learn all there is to know about the features to consider, the proper way to set it up and how much you should be expecting to spend. Want to learn more? Keep reading just below!

What is a Freesat box? 

Freesat is an all-in-one box that gives you access to movies, series and more without the need to pay for subscriptions or monthly fees. They are very handy for areas where aerial transmission is weak, and by connecting them to the satellite and the TV, you get access to multiple high-quality channels. Moreover, the box is a TV service that enables you to watch up to 200 channels without a hassle.

Some work as TV recorders too, whereby you can insert a USB stick to the USB port and record series or save them in the box’s hard drive. The most premium quality ones have high capacity drives up to 1TB.

How does Freesat work? 

Freesat is a convenient alternative for anyone living in distant areas where aerial transmission suffers. The Freesat service works by shifting your satellite on the rooftop for better signal and connecting that to a tuner within your house. That way, you get a wider variety of HD channels, all coming from one box. 

Some boxes offer radio stations too besides TV so that you can listen to music. Others are also even more versatile to work as a smart television with access to streaming services such as Netflix, ITV Hub and more. The one thing to note is that you will require a broadband connection for these to work as they are Internet services. 

What to look for in a box

Are you starting to warm up to the idea of investing in a box? Do you want to find out a bit more about the features to consider? Then, stay with us as we guide you through the absolute must-haves!

1. Programme Recording

Many boxes come with an internal hard drive to record and save programmes that you want to view later. Recording can be for a single programme or even more than that, say 2 or 4, at the same time. 

Using the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide), you can schedule recordings up to 8 days in advance. Recording them on the box might be a better alternative as they don't expire like they do on catch-up services. The hard drive capacity ranges from 500GB to 1TB, roughly translating up to 300 hours of entertainment. 

2. Internet Connectivity

Internet connection is important, especially if you want to stream content from online services. For example, YouTube, Netflix and other platforms require broadband Internet to work. So, either buy a box with an Ethernet port that connects to the router or one with wireless. This connectivity will make your box more versatile and multi-functional. 

3. TV Connection

The connection between the box and the TV varies depending on the telly model you have. The newer television models can connect to the box directly with an HDMI or switch. But, if you have an older television that is not flat, you will need to check if the box comes with a SCART connection instead. 

4. Extra Apps

The best boxes are the ones that include Internet connectivity and additional apps. Those apps allow you to have an all-in-one box where you can watch your favourite shows from your various streaming platform subscriptions. The newer models include YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. They also have default apps such as the weather, RSS feeds and more. But to enjoy these, first, check the product description to ensure that it has Internet connectivity. 

What do you need to set up a Freesat? 

Setting up your free set is a walk in the park. Even if you're not tech-savvy, it is very straightforward as long as you follow along with the instructions. To successfully operate the box, you should have a satellite dish and a box. 

1. Satellite

The main requirement for your Freesat to work is to have a dish because that's the way you get the signal into the box. Before purchasing a box, ensure that your local laws and regulations allow you to install a satellite dish on your rooftop. Also, if you're living at a rental, check with your superintendent to make sure that they allow such installations. 

2. Box

Your satellite should connect to a device within your home to turn the signal onto the TV for viewing. The most common way to connect the device to the telly is through an HDMI adapter or switch. But, some brands offer a SCART or RCA connection too if your television is old-school. If you want to connect your box to the Internet, you should check that it has either an Ethernet port or built-in Wi-Fi. Whatever the case may be, that’s the only way you'll be able to connect and watch online content. The one downside to Ethernet is that you have to keep the box close to the router.

Can You Use Your Sky Satellite With Your Freesat?

If you already own a satellite dish, you are perfectly fine with using that one instead of purchasing a new one. All you have to do is plug and play in order to enjoy subscription-free telly. Prior to installing a Freesat box, read through your dishe’s terms and conditions regarding external equipment installation. Installing the box could terminate your warranty protection so be aware of those little letters that your satellite dish manufacturer includes.

If you have a Sky satellite dish, then you can use that one too as long as the box has upwards of 4K quality. Those work both with Wideband LNB (Sky Q) and Narrowband LNB (Sky+). The older box models can only work with Narrowband LNB (Sky+).

How Much Do They Cost? 

These boxes are an excellent entertainment device that helps you watch multiple channels and even online streaming platforms in some cases. They are a service that might seem like a splurge at first, but you will notice soon that they are a worthy investment. There are options available to fit any price point from cost-effective to high-end models. 

Affordable 

If you're tight on a budget, you don't have to spend a fortune on a box. Some low-cost and inexpensive choices start from as little as £20 to £50. These will still have various channels, possibly a remote control for easier handling, and an HD recorder. Also, they will allow you to view ahead of time what's on the telly by opening up the TV guide. The more affordable options will still have enough hard drive capacity when recording shows and movies, starting from 500 GB to 1 TB. 

High-End

The most premium boxes have a large variety of UHD (Ultra HD) channels and, in some cases, even Dolby Surround Sound that gives you a home theatre-like experience. You should expect these to cost at least £100-200, depending on the brand, hard drive capacity and the number of channels they display. Also, these are more likely to have smart TV functionalities with WiFi that allows you to connect your streaming accounts such as Youtube, Netflix and more for living room viewing. 

Closure

Host a movie marathon for you and your friends by picking the best Freesat box. Brew some tea, get the popcorn popping and order takeout for a fun night with your loved ones watching all your favourites. There's no question that purchasing a box will be a money-saving way to enjoy and have access to more channels than you can ever imagine. 

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you understand more about the benefits these boxes can bring to you. No more exorbitant monthly fees, permanent contracts with providers and frustration over weak signals! Catch up on all those forgotten movies on your watchlist today! Are you ready to cross some of them off?