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The Best Dvr For Cord Cutters For Your Money (Upd. 09/2023)

Phillip Young
  Sep 22, 2023 6:23 PM

Gone are the days of traditional cable television. Nowadays, more and more people are opting to cut the cord and utilize streaming services as an alternative. But if you’re a cord cutter, you’ll need a way to record your favorite shows and movies. That’s where a digital video recorder (DVR) comes in. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the best DVR for cord cutters. In this blog, we’ll explore the best DVRs for cord cutters so you can find the perfect device for your needs.

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1
ZOSI H.265+ 5MP Lite 8 Channel CCTV DVR Recorder with Hard Drive 1TB, Remote Access, Motion Alert Push, Hybrid Capability 4-in-1(Analog/AHD/TVI/CVI) Full 1080p HD Surveillance DVR for Security Camera
ZOSI H.265+ 5MP Lite 8 Channel CCTV DVR Recorder with Hard Drive 1TB, Remote Access, Motion Alert Push, Hybrid Capability 4-in-1(Analog/AHD/TVI/CVI) Full 1080p HD Surveillance DVR for Security Camera
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    ZOSI
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

(1). [ Advanced H.265+ High Efficiency Video Compression ] __ ZOSI self-developed H.265+ video coding technology extract features that focus on characteristics of the surveillance scenes for larger storage space and better image quality. H.265+ can further improve compression ratio on the basis of H.265 standard and save about 80% storage compared with H.264, and thus effectively saving storage resources and provides an excellent and smooth viewing experience.

(2). [ 4-in-1 5MP Lite Security DVR ] __ Hybrid Capability 4-in-1 8 Channel 5MP Lite Full 1080p DVR Recorder, with self-adaptive technology, it supports 4 kinds of camera models: 960H Analog,720P/1080P AHD,720P/1080P/12.5fps 5MP TVI and CVI.(1TB security certified hard drive was pre-install inside the DVR)

(3). [ Local or Remote Access, Playback Anytime & Anywhere ] __ View and control your security system locally by connecting the system to a monitor without internet, or via free ZOSI Client software on tablet, PC, or via Smartphone APP (ZOSI Smart ) on mobile devices remotely.You can also playback significant evidence or funny videos records by searching different days, hours or minutes.

(4). [ Advance Motion Detection & Alert Push ] __ You can customize motion detection area in each camera to minimize false alerts from moving branches or animals,and block out selected areas to grant privacy in situations, people can not view of certain areas or activities. Instant notifications and email alerts with screenshot will be pushed to your phone directly as long as the cameras detect moving objects.

(5). [ Customize Each Camera with Different Record Modes ] __Our ZOSI DVR offers 4 kinds recording modes to meet your needs: Record footage continuously; Record during scheduled times; Only record when detect motion; Recycle record. You can customize each camera with different recording modes, and download the recording files for the USB backup.

2
Tablo Quad Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] for Cord Cutters - with WiFi, Live TV Streaming, Black
Tablo Quad Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] for Cord Cutters - with WiFi, Live TV Streaming, Black
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Tablo
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Cancel cable, keep the DVR: Watch, pause, and record up to four live over-the-air (OTA) TV channels at once (USB Hard Drive required, sold separately). Browse upcoming shows, schedule and manage recordings. Skip commercials, fast-forward and rewind recordings.

Whole-home networked DVR: Tablo has no HDMI connection. It connects to your router instead of your TV to let you browse, record, and stream live antenna TV to any device, anytime, anywhere. (Out-of-home streaming requires an active Table Guide data subscription, optional, sold separately)

Dual-band AC Wi-Fi included: The only OTA DVR with Wi-Fi, Tablo lets you position the DVR and TV antenna for the best ota TV signal reception. (TV antenna required, sold separately)

Enjoy your favorite network TV channels via Tablo apps on your iOS and Android mobile devices, computers, Smart TVs (Running Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV Operating Systems), streaming media and gaming devices, incl. Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and NVIDIA Shield TV.

All basic live TV recording and playback functions are supported without a subscription.

Tablo OTA DVRs require a strong Over-the-Air signal from your TV antenna and a robust home WiFi network. We recommend Ethernet connection whenever possible for optimal performance on most home networks.

3
Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording / Media Player / TV Tuner Function (HW130STB)
Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording / Media Player / TV Tuner Function (HW130STB)
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  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Mediasonic
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Receive Over-The-Air Digital Broadcast to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer Monitor. Antenna Out Analog Pass Through, Favorite Channel List, Parental Control Function

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 Hard Drive via USB (Up to 2TB, MBR format) (USB Flash Drive Not recommended)

USB Multimedia function play back Video, Music, Photo from USB Drive

**PLEASE NOTE**:This converter box is designed to receive Over-The-Air signal, and it is not a replacement of cable box. External Antenna is required to connect to this converter box in order to receive signal. This product does NOT Work with TIVO and cable company such as Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Time Warner Cable, etc. In general, this product does NOT work with encrypted cable signal

4
Tablo Dual LITE [TDNS2B-01-CN] Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] for Cord Cutters - with WiFi, Live TV Streaming, Black
Tablo Dual LITE [TDNS2B-01-CN] Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] for Cord Cutters - with WiFi, Live TV Streaming, Black
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  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Tablo
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Cancel cable, keep the DVR: watch, pause, and record live antenna TV (TV antenna required, sold separately). Browse upcoming shows, schedule and manage recordings. Skip commercials, fast-forward and rewind recordings.

Whole-home networked OTA DVR: Browse, record, and stream live over-the-air (OTA) HDTV to any device, any time, anywhere. (USB Hard Drive required, sold separately).

Dual-band AC Wi-Fi included: The only OTA DVR with Wi-Fi, Tablo lets you position the DVR and TV antenna for the best signal reception. (TV antenna required, sold separately)

Tablo is the live TV app: Enjoy Tablo apps on iOS and Android mobile devices, computers, Smart TVs, streaming media and gaming devices, incl. Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and NVIDIA shield TV.

All basic live TV recording and playback functions are supported without a subscription.

Catch your favorite network TV shows from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, the CW And PBS, without the cost or commitment of cable or satellite contracts.

5
Tablo Quad HDMI [TQNS-HDMI-4B-01-CN] Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] - with WiFi, Remote, Black
Tablo Quad HDMI [TQNS-HDMI-4B-01-CN] Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] - with WiFi, Remote, Black
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  • SCORE
    84.0
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Tablo
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Tablo Quad HDMI OTA DVR model connects directly to your TV via HDMI and comes with its own remote: Watch, pause, and record up to four live, local, antenna TV channels at once. (TV Antenna and USB Hard Drive required, sold separately).

This TV-Connected Tablo OTA DVR uses four ATSC tuners to record and play broadcast TV channels in their native MPEG-2 format from your TV Antenna (TV antenna sold separately).

Cancel cable, keep the DVR: Tablo is the DVR for antennas. Pause and rewind live TV. Browse upcoming shows, schedule and manage recordings. Fast-forward through commercials and rewind recordings.

Watch and record your favorite broadcast network TV shows from ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, the CW and PBS without the cost or commitment of cable or satellite contracts.

All basic live TV recording and playback functions are supported without a subscription.

6
Geniatech EyeTV Wireless WiFi ATSC Air TV HD Tuner, Recast OTA DVR Cable TV for Cord Cutters,for Android iOS Phone PC,Tablet, Live or Recorder Streaming Anywhere Converter
Geniatech EyeTV Wireless WiFi ATSC Air TV HD Tuner, Recast OTA DVR Cable TV for Cord Cutters,for Android iOS Phone PC,Tablet, Live or Recorder Streaming Anywhere Converter
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  • SCORE
    8.4
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Geniatech
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

DTV Air ATSC is a Wifi TV tuner for digital/cable television live on home network for all Android and iOS Phones and tablets. DTV Air ATSC connects broadcast TV and stream digital/cable television to your tablets and smartphones. With a rooftop antenna, can pick-up weaker signal and watch TV wirelessly in a Wi-Fi network.

Thanks to automatic hardware transcoding, DTV Air ATSC brings unencrypted HD channels directly to your tablet or smartphone – without overloading your home network or mobile device. It also includes the award-winning EyeTV software for your Mac as well as the TotalPlayer for Windows.

Support devices: for iOS/Android Phone TV: SAT>IP-certified receiver.Please download" DTV Netstream" software on google player store or APP Store.

Watch, pause, and record TV on your devices with software enhencement

Notes: For initial setup of DTV Air ATSC, an iOS or Android device is required.Antenna suitable for of digital TV reception must be properly installed

7
EyeTV Netstream Quad Plex WiFi ATSC Air TV Network HD Tuner, Recast OTA DVR Cable TV for Cord Cutters,Live or Recorder Streaming TV Anywhere,Converter Box for PC,Android Phone,iPhone,Tablet,iPad,Mac
EyeTV Netstream Quad Plex WiFi ATSC Air TV Network HD Tuner, Recast OTA DVR Cable TV for Cord Cutters,Live or Recorder Streaming TV Anywhere,Converter Box for PC,Android Phone,iPhone,Tablet,iPad,Mac
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  • SCORE
    8.0
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    MyGica
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

1. EyeTV Netstream 4A makes cable TV simply part of your home network. Quad tuner to ensure 4 devices are watching different live TV at same time. Enjoy HD cable TV on any tablet, smartphone and computer in your home and even on your patio or in your garden.

2. Free apps for iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, and Android make setup a breeze – and with 4 receivers, everyone in your home can watch their favorite program with EyeTV Netstream 4A.

3. Thanks to automatic hardware transcoding, EyeTV Netstream 4A brings unencrypted HD channels directly to your tablet or smartphone – without overloading your home network or mobile device. It also includes the award- winning EyeTV software for your Mac as well as TotalPlayer for Windows.

4. Cable TV on every tablet, smartphone and computer in your home Easy setup with iPad, iPhone or Android.HD channels also available on tablets and smartphones thanks to hardware transcoding.Watch cable TV on your Mac or PC.EyeTV Netstream 4A makes cable TV simply part of your home network .Enjoy digital cable TV in the garden with no cabling required.Watch and record up to 4 channels simultaneously on different devices

5. Supported Devices: Compatible with Android FireTV AppleTV, iOS : iOS 7.0.4 or later. Android : Android tablet, smartphone. Mac PC: OS X 10.9 or later (Customers need to buy EyeTV software for extra.).TV: SAT>IP-certified receiverNotes:For initial setup of EyeTV Netstream 4A, an iOS or Android.device is required..Encrypted channels are not supported..Performance may be limited by network bandwidth. 802.11n network required

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying guide

Finding the right DVR to meet your specific needs as a cord cutter can be tricky. With so many options on the market, it's important to know what features to look for to ensure you have the best viewing experience. Here are seven things to look for when choosing the best DVR for cord cutters: 

1. Storage Capacity: This is important for people who plan to record a lot of content. Look for a DVR that has enough storage for your needs.

2. Compatible Set-Top Box: Not all DVRs are compatible with all set-top boxes. Make sure you check the compatibility of your DVR with the set-top box you plan to use.

3. Multi-Device Access: If you plan to share your DVR with multiple devices, look for one that can accommodate multiple users.

4. Ease of Use: Make sure your DVR is user-friendly, with an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to find the content you want.

5. Picture Quality: Look for a DVR with a high-definition picture quality if you plan on watching HD content.

6. Remote Control: Consider the type of remote control you prefer. Some DVRs come with a traditional remote, while others can be controlled with a mobile app.

7. Cost: Make sure to factor in all the costs associated with your DVR, including the initial purchase, monthly fees, and any other add-on fees.

These are the seven main things to consider when choosing the best DVR for cord cutters. With the right features, you can be sure to get the most out of your cord-cutting experience. 

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FAQs


1. Can I share my DVR with multiple devices? 
Yes, many DVRs are designed to support multiple users. Look for a DVR that can accommodate multiple users if you plan to share your DVR with others.

2. Do I need a set-top box for my DVR? 
Yes, most DVRs require a compatible set-top box in order to work. Make sure to check the compatibility of your chosen DVR with the set-top box you plan to use.

3. Is a high-definition picture quality necessary? 
If you plan on watching HD content, then yes, look for a DVR with a high-definition picture quality. 

4. Are there monthly fees associated with my DVR? 
It depends on the model you choose. Many DVRs include monthly fees, so make sure to factor that into your budget. 

5. Can I control my DVR with a mobile app? 
Yes, some DVRs can be controlled with a mobile app. Be sure to check the features of the DVR you are considering to see if this is an option. 

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Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best DVR for cord cutters is about balancing your needs and budget. Look for a DVR with enough storage, compatible with your set-top box, and with features that make it user-friendly. With the right features, you can be sure to have the best viewing experience.

5
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