Best OTA Tuner Reviews and Buying Guide
Introduction
OTA tuners are small, compact devices that can be attached to almost any regular TV to provide a high-definition television feed. The best OTA tuner outperforms traditional cable networks in terms of on-demand content and a variety of useful tools such as record and rewind.
Because of this, you’ll be able to keep track of the air dates of your favorite TV shows and watch every episode without missing one. If you’re looking for a good OTA tuner for TV, we have a few options on our list.
However, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase.
Size:
If there isn’t much space around your TV, you’ll need to consider the size of an OTA tuner. There are OTA tuners in both large and small sizes that may be suitable for your needs. A tiny OTA tuner, on the other hand, has fewer features than a standard option.
Type:
The market primarily provides two types of OTA tuners. Choose between the common box-style OTA tuners with numerous connecting options and the small USB-powered alternatives. The type of OTA tuners you choose should be influenced by the features you want on the device and how you want to install it.
Connectivity:
Before purchasing an OTA tuner, you should also consider the connectivity options available. There are numerous options for a lossless network connection available on any common device, including wireless connections, USB, and ethernet. Compact options, on the other hand, only have a USB connection with a limited range of communication.
Today, we’ve chosen the best OTA tuners on the market right now. Because of the prevalence of smart TVs and streaming services, there aren’t many options for dedicated TV tuners. As a result, we have personally chosen the following solutions based on the aforementioned criteria.
Following our recommendations, you’ll find a “Buying Guide” for the best OTA tuners.
Best OTA Tuner 2023
Tablo Quad Digital Video Recorder/ OTA Tuner
Sling Media AirTV 2
MediaSonic Digital Converter Box
Amazon Fire TV DVR
HAUPPAUGE Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner
We start our search with one of the most well-known OTA tuner manufacturers. The Tablo option that follows may be a little pricey, but it has a lot of amazing features.
The Tablo Quad Over-The-Air DVR, one of our top choices but also one of the most expensive, is ranked first.
After installing this DVR, you will no longer require a cable connection because it provides the same entertainment with enhanced capabilities.
You can use the Tablo Quad Over-The-Air to pause, fast-forward, and record videos to an external HDD via the USB port.
You can also use the TV guide tool to look up upcoming movies and television shows.
The Tablo Quad Over-The-Air can be instantly connected to your router and used in place of your TV to provide live broadcasts wherever and whenever you want.
This OTA tuner includes a WiFi connection to facilitate installation.
Tablo also offers a remote entertainment app for the Android and iOS operating systems.
This OTA tuner comes with a 12-month warranty from Tablo.
The AirTV 2 is similar to our Tablo Dual selection in that it has a similar level of inherent versatility that allows you to record live local channels, stream local channels over Wi-Fi, and use other devices such as a Roku or Fire TV.
This model, however, has an additional trick: it works particularly well with Sling TV and can connect to it without issue, displaying both your local OTA channels and the streaming Sling channels so you can receive everything in one place.
That’s what the Fire Recast does, too, but this connection doesn’t require an Amazon subscription, so it’s ideal for people who have already cut the cord and are using Sling.
Of course, if you don’t use Sling, the AirTV 2 won’t be as useful.
However, as long as you have a set-top box and an HD antenna, you can still record and watch live events.
As a result, it’s an excellent choice for adding HDR to your cable-free home TV system.
If you want to push yourself toward cord-cutting and OTA receiver ownership but aren’t ready to shell out the big bucks for a powerful Tivo interface, the MediaSonic ATSC might be more your style.
There are several hardware connections available to get you started.
Once connected to your home’s antenna coaxial connection, the box’s HDMI, coaxial, and composite video outputs allow you to broadcast video to virtually any TV in your home.
The accompanying remote will provide you with all of the necessary capabilities to enjoy your recordings (more on that below), including the ability to program your favorite stations into the clicker and play/pause, rewind, and fast-forward.
But, in the end, there will be no less expensive method of OTA viewing and recording.
Even though the MediaSonic ATSC Digital Converter Box lacks streaming apps and an easy-to-use interface, it will suffice.
Amazon has a large selection of products for applications that are primarily focused on entertainment.
Amazon, like the Echo Show and Firestick, has an OTA tuner with a slew of smart features.
Our third option is most likely the most expensive OTA tuner on the market right now.
However, because of its clever features, you will undoubtedly find the Fire TV Recast to be well worth its price.
This DVR can record the media you’re watching for up to 150 hours.
It also allows simultaneous recording from four sources at the same time, increasing everyone’s access to the content.
The Fire TV Recast has 1 TB of storage space and can record high-quality content.
If you connect your Fire TV Recast to an HD antenna, you can watch live sports events and news channels with the same accessibility features as before.
The box has USB, Ethernet, and TV antenna ports for connected connections.
You also have WiFi connection compatibility, so you can access the device wirelessly.
You can control the device directly with speech commands using a remote control or the voice assistant Alexa.
We’ll highlight a low-cost but dependable OTA tuner for our readers.
This is yet another small option on our list that was designed with Windows in mind.
Many consumers prefer to have both leisure and productivity on the same device.
As a result, a laptop or desktop computer is the preferred device for watching leisure content such as TV shows and movies.
The HAUPPAUGE WinTV is an excellent choice for this because it supports Windows 10, 8, and even older versions such as Windows 7 and Vista.
You can watch local TV broadcasts on your computer using the HAUPPAUGE WinTV’s built-in ATSC.
There are no wires required for connection because the item includes a USB port.
You can immediately access the device’s functionality by plugging it into your computer’s USB port.
With the HAUPPAUGE WinTV, you can record from one source while streaming another or watch two channels at the same time.
You will not miss any important news programs if you use HAUPPAUGE WinTV.
HAUPPAUGE also provides a 2-year warranty on the product.
Best OTA Tuner Buying Guide
If you want to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on demand, you have a few options. To use the same smart features on non-smart TVs, you can buy a streaming box with an HDMI connection or subscribe to one of several smart TV streaming apps.
If you have a standard TV, however, purchasing an OTA tuner is the best option. Even if all OTA tuners have comparable output, it is still critical to carefully consider your options in your area and purchase the model that best fits your budget.
If you’ve read our reviews of the best OTA tuners, you’ll undoubtedly know what to expect from one. However, in our buying guide, we’ll show you how to choose the best OTA tuner for your specific needs.
Size
Size is important when it comes to portable equipment like OTA tuners. Because these devices are designed to work with a variety of sources, you may need to move them around from time to time depending on your installation. In this case, a small solution is far superior and offers greater portability.
Longevity
The lifespan of an OTA tuner is frequently influenced by its application as well as the quality of its internal and external components. Because there are so many potential issues with such devices, defining a specific lifespan for them is difficult.
The most important thing to remember is to always choose a product that comes with a warranty. Even if the device does not work to your satisfaction in this situation, you can contact the manufacturer and request repair or replacement. A longer warranty period determines a higher lifespan and longer OTA tuner lifespan.
Quality
In addition to the output quality of the OTA tuner, you should consider the product’s overall build and accessory quality. This refers to the quality of the OTA tuner as well as the cords and wires that come with it.
Premium companies typically provide high-quality goods that work flawlessly for an extended period of time. In the customer feedback section for such products, you can find evaluations for a product that is a few years old but still favorable, ensuring its overall reliability and quality.
Compatibility
Finally, make sure the OTA tuner is compatible before purchasing it. Even if you are buying one for your home, it should have a variety of connectivity options and be compatible with a variety of devices. The new compatibility options give you a window for later upgrading without having to change all peripherals, even if you don’t need them right away.
The OTA tuner will not allow for diverse usage if it is only compatible with a single operating system or device, which could lead to problems.
Finally, make sure the OTA tuner is compatible before purchasing it. Even if you are buying one for your home, it should have a variety of connectivity options and be compatible with a variety of devices. The new compatibility options give you a window for later upgrading without having to change all peripherals, even if you don’t need them right away.
The OTA tuner will not allow for diverse usage if it is only compatible with a single operating system or device, which could lead to problems.
FAQs
How does an OTA receiver work?
An OTA (over-the-air) receiver works with your home TV antenna to provide viewing options similar to those provided by a cable subscription. Once your antenna is properly aligned, you can use an OTA receiver to record over-the-air programming from multiple stations at once. Many OTA boxes, like cable DVR packages, can store up to 500GB or more of recorded TV shows and movies. Advanced OTA receivers can even access streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Do Smart TVs have a built-in antenna?
Not quite. While some smart TV brands can connect you to free content through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, only an external antenna can record OTA signals, which requires a connection to your home’s TV (or compatible OTA receiver).
What’s the latest version of OTA broadcasts?
ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is the next generation of over-the-air HDTV transmissions. It will eventually replace the current ATSC system and will support 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. ATSC 3.0 compliant OTA receivers have taken some time to become available, but they are finally beginning to do so.
Why prefer an OTA tuner?
The OTA tuner is a simple device that receives programming from nearby local TV stations and displays it on your television.
OTA tuners, on the other hand, provide intelligent access to the material with extra functions such as pause, rewind, and even recording to ensure that you don’t miss the best moments.
The high-resolution output from the OTA tuners is also of comparable quality to popular streaming services.
Will ATSC 3.0 improve reception?
Yes. When broadcasters start beaming signals in 4K with enhanced HDR capabilities, the image we see on our TVs should be significantly better, especially when compared to more antiquated ATSC broadcasts. However, as with most significant technological developments, the format arrived before technology had fully caught up. It may take some time before ATSC 3.0 becomes the norm in every OTA receiver home.
Which brand is best for OTA tuners?
As previously stated, OTA tuners are relatively simple devices. As a result, OTA tuners are available from a variety of manufacturers. However, if you want to save money, stick to well-known and dependable brands. The best OTA tuners are available from companies such as SiliconDust, Amazon, Tivo, HAUPPAUGE, and others, who also provide dependable performance. The OTA tuners for these manufacturers that we recommend will undoubtedly be beneficial to you.
What does OTA mean?
OTA stands for over the air.
To put it simply, over-the-air content is anything that has been broadcast or aired from a distance and can be accessed by a receiver there.
Antennas mounted above television sets used to perform the same function that an OTA tuner now does.
However, the performance of the receivers has been enhanced by the addition of new accessibility features and a lossless video feed from an OTA tuner.
Do I need a certain antenna for OTA receivers?
Getting the most out of your OTA setup begins with your antenna. The number of channels you receive is determined by the type you buy and where you place it. Before deciding on an OTA receiver, we recommend that you read Digital Trends’ comprehensive guide to selecting the best antenna for your home.
Don’t worry, when the time comes to switch to NextGen TV, any antenna purchased today will still work.
Conclusion
If you have a traditional, non-smart TV, you must get an OTA tuner for the best viewing experience and accessibility. With OTA tuners, you can receive the highest quality video feed, which is broadcast directly from TV stations. While operating an OTA tuner is simple, selecting one of the available options can be difficult.
We’ve put together a list of the best OTA tuners for you today. Any of these OTA tuners will not only reduce your monthly cable connection costs but will also vastly improve your viewing enjoyment. If you haven’t found the perfect OTA tuner for your needs, check out our buying guide for the best OTA tuners.
