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7 Best TV Tuner Reviews and Buying Guide [2024]

Best TV Tuner

Everyone wants to enjoy watching channels of their choice in high picture quality. However, you do not have to pay hefty cable bills to do so. TV-tuners are a much affordable alternative to local cable television. All you need to do is purchase a TV tuner to gain access to unlimited streaming in much better quality compared to cable TV. 

And that is not all. With a tuner, you also have the freedom to record, rewind or pause the shows. Fortunately, there are many brilliant TV tuners in the market. Thus, there is an ideal TV tuner for everyone. However, this also has a drawback. It makes it very hard to choose one tuner from hundreds of them. Well, we are here to solve exactly this problem. 

We went through numerous TV tuners in the market and shortlisted the 7 best TV tuners. Below you will find a detailed description of each of them. Also, to further remove the confusion, we have also provided a brief buying guide which will help you find a suitable tuner as per your needs.

1. Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording / Media Player / TV Tuner Function (HW130STB) – Best Pick

Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording / Media Player / TV Tuner Function (HW130STB)

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Mediasonic is one of the best providers of tuners in the market. This tuner from Mediasonic can receive reception from other air and transmit it to your television.

You can record your favorite shows with USB 2 5 or 3.5 and watch them later whenever you want. If you have television without a tuner, this Digital converter acts as a tuner.  

It is easy to connect this tuner to your television by HDMI port or the coaxial cable.  Parents can set up controls on this tuner, and it has an emergency alert system that notifies you about any emergency news from your television station.

Why is it unique?

This tuner can receive signals over the air and connect them to your television. It offers you an output of 1080P, and you can use your coaxial cables to connect it. You can use the auto-tuning option or start and stop.

Buyer’s Experience 

Most of the buyers of this tuner are pleased with their buy. Buyer’s liked the features like good screen quality along with easy installation. If you are looking for a tuner that is easy to use, this is the right one for you.

Best Fit For 

If you want to buy a Tuner that has many functions like digital converter, media player and so on. It offers you a good viewing experience.

Pros

The tuner provides pictures of good quality.
It can be installed easily.
This Tuner is easy to use.
It has a user interface and comes with remote control.

Cons

The tuner is not durable in the long run.
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Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording / Media Player / TV Tuner Function (HW130STB)
  • Receive Over-The-Air Digital Broadcast to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer Monitor. Antenna Out...
  • HDMI 1080P Output / Composite Out / Coaxial Output, Closed Caption, Auto Tuning, Timing Start Up & Shut Down.
  • Real-Time Recording & Programmed Time Recording, recording require user to connect a USB 2.0 or 3.0 2.5" / 3.5" External...
  • USB Multimedia function play back Video, Music, Photo from USB Drive

2. SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR5-2US Connect Duo Dual Tuner – Best Dual Tuner

SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR5-2US Connect Duo Dual Tuner

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SiliconeDust provides tuners made of good quality material. This tuner allows you to watch videos in high definition.

The device is compatible with Android, Windows, Linux devices, and some other devices too. You can connect your gaming devices like PlayStation 3 and 4 along with Xbox. 

With this tuner, you do not have to pay for expensive cable anymore. You can watch new shows from the app available with this tuner. The synopsis and image posters of the shows are available on the app.

Why is it unique?

This tuner from SiliconDust comes with 2 tuners, and thereby you can watch Live television on 2 televisions at the same time. You can increase the number of channels you receive by connecting it to your router. It allows you to record your favorite shows.

Buyer’s Experience 

While this tuner has impressed a lot of buyers with its impressive features, this tuner does not work with a smart TV. So, if you are looking for a tuner that works with older models, this tuner is good for you.

Best Fit For 

If you are a saver and you want to save money on cable, this tuner is an ideal choice for you. It allows you to save money, and you can watch Live television through their app.

Pros

It is easy to install this tuner.
The tuner is made of good quality materials. 
It is versatile.
The picture quality is impressive.
It has a user interface.
The technical support offered is helpful.

Cons

It does not work with all televisions.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR5-2US Connect Duo Dual Tuner
  • Watch live TV on multiple devices simultaneously throughout your home with our Multi room Multi user network tuner...
  • ATSC 1.0 content is compatible with Android FireTV AppleTV iOS Roku XBox One Windows 10 Mac and LG devices. ATSC 3.0...
  • 2 tuners (ATSC 1.0)

3. Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV Tuner Function (HW130RN) – Best Multi Purpose

Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV Tuner Function (HW130RN)

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This converter box from Mediasonic allows you to watch the local channels by converting over the air ATSC Digital television broadcast to both analog and digital television, projector, or computer. You can watch your favorite shows in a resolution of 1080P. 

This tuner comes with an electronic program guide that displays the information about the programs. You can create a list of your favorite channels.

It has an Emergency alert system that notifies your important notifications from the TV station. The TV recording system is not available with this product.

Why is it unique?

HW130RN enables you to watch videos that are stored in an external device such as a USB or hard drive. It can also function as a tuner if your current television doesn’t have one. This tuner has the time displayed on it. It only works with ATSC signals and can only work in limited countries. 

Buyer’s Experience 

This converter box allows you to watch your favorite shows in high quality, thereby attracting a lot of buyers. Most of the buyers have given good ratings about this product.

Best Fit For 

If you are living in Mexico, the Bahamas, Canada, or the USA, this device will work for you. This tuner offers high-quality pictures and a user interface, and a remote, making it easy to manage it from sitting anywhere you want.

Pros

The picture quality offered by the tuner is excellent.
It has an adequate thickness and is sheer.
This tuner is good value for the money spent.
The tuner has a user interface.
It comes with remote control.

Cons

It works in limited countries.
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Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV Tuner Function (HW130RN)
  • Receive Over-The-Air ATSC Digital Broadcast to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer Monitor.
  • TV Tuner Function, and USB Multimedia Function to play back Video, Music, Photo from USB drive.
  • HDMI 1080P Output / Composite Out / Coaxial Output
  • Mediasonic goal is to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee for Mediasonic product. For any reason, if you are not...

4. HAUPPAUGE WinTV-DualHD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner for Windows PC 1595, Black – Best Overall

HAUPPAUGE WinTV-DualHD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner for Windows PC 1595,Black

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Hauppauge is one of the best manufacturers of tuners in the industry. You can install this easily by plugging it into your laptop or Windows desktop ports. This tuner comes with an extension cable for USB and a portable antenna. 

The tuner has two USB ports of 2.0 and 3.0. It is suitable for Windows 7, 8, and 10. You can watch your favorite shows on full screen, thereby giving you a good viewing experience. This tuner allows you to schedule your shows so that you don’t miss your favorite shows.

Why is it unique?

This tuner has a battery-controlled remote in the size of a credit card. It is portable and can be carried anywhere. This is a double tuner, and thereby you can watch a show while recording another one or watch two shows at the same time.

Buyer’s Experience 

The portability and the compact size of this tuner have gained a lot of popularity among buyers. The device can be installed and used easily, making it a plus point for buyers.

Best Fit For 

It is an ideal accessory for your house. You can carry it anywhere you want. The picture quality provided by this tuner is excellent, making it a good buy from your side.

Pros

The tuner provides pictures of good quality.
It can be installed easily.
This Tuner is easy to use.
It has a remote control.
The company provides technical assistance.

Cons

The tuner demands high maintenance.
HAUPPAUGE WinTV-DualHD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner for Windows PC 1595,Black
  • WATCH FREE LIVE TV: with the built-in ATSC over-the-air TV tuner, you can watch your local TV channels full screen or in...
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Simply plug in to the USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on your Windows PC, notebook or laptop. The WinTV-dualHD...
  • WATCH ONE CHANNEL WHILE RECORDING ANOTHER OR RECORD TWO TV CHANNELS AT THE SAME TIME: Dual TV tuners allow you to watch...
  • PICTURE-IN-PICTURE: with the two TV tuners, you can have dual tuner picture-in-picture.

5. Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box w/ TV Recording, USB Multimedia Player, and TV Tuner Function (HW-150PVR) – Best Featured

Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box w/ TV Recording, USB Multimedia Player, and TV Tuner Function...

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This tuner from Mediasonic is one of the best turners you can buy in the market. They offer good quality turners that give their buyers a good viewing experience.

Viewers can record their favorite shows in MTS format, and one hour of recording would take up storage of 8 GB. It offers a closed caption. 

This tuner allows parents to have control over what their kids are watching. It comes with an electronic program guide that provides information on programs.

For televisions that do not have inbuilt tuners, this tuner works perfectly. You can make a list of your favorite channels with this Digital converter. The converter has an alert system that gives you emergency information about the TV station.

Why is it unique?

The digital converter comes with a media player that is built inside the converter, and it allows you to watch videos that are on USB. This converter does not function with encrypted cables.

You can record your favorite shows on full screen. It can support external storage devices such as a USB with a memory of 64 GB and a hard drive with a memory of 2 TB.

Buyer’s Experience 

Most of the buyers are perfectly satisfied with this tuner. It offers impressive features like good quality pictures and video. The tuner offers a user interface as well. Some buyers have complained that the tuner is prone to damage in the long run.

Best Fit For 

This tuner is a perfect accessory for your house. If you are a working individual, with this tuner, you can record all your favorite shows in full screen and good quality. You wouldn’t have to miss your shows. If you have kids at home, you can record their cartoons as well.

Pros

The tuner is made of good quality materials.
Video quality and picture quality are impressive.
The tuner has a remote control.
It has a user interface. 

Cons

The device is not quite durable.
Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box w/ TV Recording, USB Multimedia Player, and TV Tuner Function...
  • Converts Over-The-Air Digital Broadcast to your Analog TV, Antenna out Analog Pass Through, Favorite Channel List,...
  • Auto Tuning, HDMI 1080P Output / YPbPr output / Coaxial Output, Closed Caption,
  • Real-Time Recording & Programmed Time Recording, Auto, 16:9 Pillar Box, 16:9 Pan G Scan, 4:3 Letter Box, 4:3 Pan G Scan,...
  • Real-Time Recording & Programmed Time Recording, Auto, 16:9 Pillar Box, 16:9 Pan G Scan, 4:3 Letter Box, 4:3 Pan G Scan,...

6. UBISHENG Digital TV Converter Box, 1080P ATSC Converter with PVR Recording&Playback, HDMI Output, TV Tuner Function – Best Performance

Digital TV Converter Box, 1080P ATSC Converter with PVR Recording&Playback, HDMI Output, TV Tuner...

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This digital converter box from UBISHENG helps you convert the over-the-air ATSC digital broadcasts to both your analog and digital televisions both at home or at different facilities.

It also has a built-in media player that functions to access and play the pictures and video files stored in a USB device or an external hard disk via USB. 

However, it is important to note that the converter box is designed specifically to receive the available over-the-air signals.

It hence does not become a replacement technology for a cable box. An external antenna can be used for the purpose of receiving signals to the converter box. 

Why is it unique?

The converter can support both SD and HD images up to a quality of 1080p. An audio decoder present in the device gives the user channel outputs of mono, dual-channel, and stereo. It also lets the user choose between all available languages for a selected media. The output of the display can be connected via an HDMI cable or YPbPr output. 

It is to be noted that the QAM form of output is, however, not supported. A software upgrade of the device can be done with the help of the USB 2.0 available. Both auto and manual searching options are available, giving an approximate channel range of up to 4000 channels. The device can also function on low power. 

Buyer’s Experience 

Most of the buyers are highly satisfied with their buy. They have liked the thickness and the picture quality offered by this device. It is worth the money you spent as well.

Best Fit For 

A full-on parental control is also present with the fully functional remote; therefore it is a good buy for parents who want to control their kids watching television. If you have growing kids at home, this is a good choice for you.

Pros

The tuner has good thickness.
It is worth the money spent.
The picture quality provided is good.
It has a remote control and user interface.

Cons

The tuner is not quite durable.

7. Vmade ATSC-F6 HDTV Digital Converter Tuner Box for 1080P Analog TV, Support HDMI Out/ Recording/ USB Multimedia Playback/ Free Local TV Channels Set Top BoxBest HDTV Tuner Box

Vmade ATSC-F6 HDTV Digital Converter Tuner Box for 1080P Analog TV, Support HDMI Out/ Recording/ USB...

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This new ATSC digital converter from Vmade gives you access to free channels. It helps you convert the over-the-air ATSC signals to analog TV.

The decoder can support up to 1080p quality at an acceptable frame rate of 30 fps. It even lets you record on the air live TV along with providing an electronic program guide giving you information about programs. 

This system can provide information on programs up to a week in advance. It is, however, to be noted that the device is not a replacement for a cable box. An external antenna is hence required for serving the purpose of receiving signals. 

Why is it unique?

The device lets you project the analog signals into a variety of options. It can be connected to screens like Digital TV, projector and a computer monitor. The signals can also be supplied to a coaxial out, an HDMI out, a composite RCA, and RF A/V making it compatible with all types of televisions. The device supports a digital TV playback mechanism. 

This lets you enjoy music, view images, and watch videos stored in an external hard drive or a USB storage device. It comes with built-in Dolby audio, giving you the best sound quality with the provision to add in subtitles or listen to multiple available languages.

Buyer’s Experience 

Buyers are highly satisfied with this converter tuner box. This product comes with a lot of impressive features, such as offering Dolby audios and subtitles. Plus, it fits everyone’s budget.

Best Fit For 

If you like watching shows in high definition, this is an ideal choice for you. It is compatible with all televisions so that you can buy it for your house. If you are looking to buy a Tuner, you can give this one a chance.

Pros

It offers good quality pictures.
The product has good thickness and is sheer.
It is worth the money spent.
The converter box has a user interface and remote control.

Cons

It is not quite durable.
Vmade ATSC-F6 HDTV Digital Converter Tuner Box for 1080P Analog TV, Support HDMI Out/ Recording/ USB...
  • 【Free Local TV Channel】This ATSC digital TV converter box receives over-the-air ATSC digital TV broadcast to your...
  • 【Notice】This converter box is for receiving the Over-The-Air signal but not a replacement of cable box and it needs...
  • 【USB Multimedia Playback】Digital TV adapter Play back your favorite photo, music, and video from your USB Flash...
  • 【Real-Time Recording & Additional Features】The tuner allows you to record TV programs in USB hard drive and playback...

Buyers Guide : Factors To Consider While Purchasing A TV Tuner

If you are planning to buy a new TV tuner for your house, you might get confused because there are wide varieties of HD television tuners available in the market. To clear your confusion, we are providing you with a buying guide that helps you pick the best from the various available options.

It would help if you considered the following factors while purchasing the TV tuners.

1. Quality 

The first that you need to make sure of is the TV tuner is made from using top-notch materials. The quality has to be exemplary and durable.

Most of the time, quality is one such factor that people are not concerned about and end up buying something that works well but only for a while. It is better to learn about the quality of the material used before purchasing so that you do not regret it later. 

2. Durability

Durability and quality are two factors that are interconnected. If the quality of materials used is premium, then high durability is guaranteed. And high durability implies that it will not need frequent reparations and hence, save your money.

A dependable TV tuner also ensures a greater lifespan. Thus, durability is something that has many advantages in the long run, and one should consider it while purchasing anything, not just a TV tuner.

3. Installation Process

Generally, HD tuner for TV is not something that is very complicated to use and need to be set up by a professional. A majority of them are pretty straightforward to install and user-friendly.

However, there are some tuners that are not as simple to install as others. Also, whether you find a tuner easy or difficult to install depends on your level of experience. Thus, it is better to know the setup process before you decide to buy a unit. 

4. Compatibility

A TV tuner should be compatible with other smart devices around the house. Some TV tuners offer a high range of compatibility, and they support everything from an Android device to a Mac device.

If you require such a feature in your tuner, check the specifications of the product to check which devices it is compatible with. 

5. Design And In-Built Processors

The design of the TV tuner should not be very complex and should be very easy to install and operate. The inbuilt processors of TV Tuners must be compatible with most of the devices that you are operating.

Plus, processors should be better in terms of quality and have to be made up of high version, so that it gives smooth functioning and does not create any problem.

6. Price 

The amount of price you want to spend on a tuner is your choice. An expensive tuner will provide you with an abundance of advanced features along with the basic ones while an inexpensive one will have all the basic features and reasonably good performance. You should strive to get excellent value for the money you are investing.

Customer reviews and warranty can reveal a great deal about a product. You should go through customer reviews to check whether a tuner is as good as advertised or not.

Also, a long warranty period shows that the product will be able to provide a consistent performance for a long time. Checking these two aspects will enable you to find a tuner that is worthy of your money. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the use of a TV tuner?

A1. The main use of a TV tuner is to give you an uninterrupted TV streaming experience. Plus, TV Tuner is very beneficial in providing you good picture quality. It also allows you to record your favorite television programs and helps to reduce the cost of cables.

Q2. How to connect a TV tuner?

A2. You can connect your TV tuner with the use of a coaxial to the computer or television. Some TV tuners come with a mini antenna which is also used to connect with your computer and television. TV-tuners can also be connected with computers and television as well.

Q3. How would you know if a TV tuner is bad?

A3. If the picture quality of your TV is not good, or you are not able to change channels randomly, then your TV tuner is not in good working condition. Plus, there would be a lot of unnecessary sounds and high-pitched volume if this is the case. So, in such a scenario it is quite obvious that you will need a good and a new TV tuner.

Q4. Which Operating systems are supported by TV tuners?

A4. Different TV tuners support different operating systems. It mainly depends upon the built-in software of the TV tuner. Generally, TV tuners support all windows such as 7, 8, and 10 as well. Plus other operating systems also.

Q5. What are the benefits of a TV tuner over a cable connection?

A5. TV-tuners are advanced options that provide you a very high-resolution picture as compared to cable connection. Plus, a TV tuner helps to cut the cost of cables. TV-tuners do not require any maintenance, while cable connection requires maintenance in harsh and rainy seasons. TV-tuners provide you a better experience in terms of watching your favorite television shows as compared to cable connections.

Conclusion

Having a TV tuner has many advantages such as superior picture quality, outstanding streaming experience, recording the programs you and many more.

Thus, we highly recommend buying a tuner. There are many TV tuners present in the market, and if you follow the steps that we have provided, you can find the best TV tuner for yourself.

Additionally, if you liked any one of our recommended tuners, you can buy them without hesitation as these are the units that enabled many other people to watch their favorite shows in amazing quality. 

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API