The 10 best set-top boxes to buy in Germany
The best set-top boxes are versatile multimedia devices that let you watch all kinds of content on your television. Most come with an array of features including the ability to watch live television and streaming platforms like Netflix, so it’s a great addition to your home media setup, especially if you don’t want to commit to a cable or satellite television subscription. However, finding the best set-top box is not always easy. The popularity of the device means there is a lot to choose from, some good and others bad, so it helps to know a few things before you buy to ensure you find something suitable.
Check out the buying guide below to find the right set-top box for your needs:
What are set-top boxes?
Set-top boxes refer to a range of devices with that connect to a television to display various types of content. The devices are commonly used to connect to satellite or cable television, although newer set-top boxes also provide connections to terrestrial television, streaming platforms, and all kinds of digital content without requiring a cable or satellite subscription.
Why should you buy a good set-top box?
If you want to watch satellite or cable television then you need a good set-top box, although most providers will give you this when you sign up. Free TV set-top boxes don’t require any subscriptions, offering access to live television and catch up TV, along with various applications like catch Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video etc. This means you can enjoy a wider selection of media without needing to commit to any paid TV subscription service. Some can even be used to live pause and record your favourite content.
How to choose the right set-top box in 2024?
Choosing the best set-top box can be confusing if you don’t know what you need. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Channel Resolution: Not all set-top boxes provide channels in high definition, so make sure to check what is included. Most do include some HD channels, with newer devices usually offering more variety of 1080 HD content. Remember, most televisions are HD, so you’ll want to enjoy a few channels with this quality.
- Connectivity: The best set-top boxes come with ethernet cables, allowing you to connect to the internet and watch all kinds of additional content. For example, if you want to watch Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video then make sure the set-top box can connect online. Some come with Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in apps, making it even easier to watch more stuff online.
- Hard Drive: If the set-top box comes with a large built-in hard drive it means you can record and pause live TV. These also come with catch up TV so are well worth the additional cost as it gives access to even more content. Remember, the more content you plan on recording the bigger the hard drive needs to be.
What is the best kind of set-top box in Germany?
Here are the most popular types of set-top boxes available to buy:
- Pay-TV Set-Top Boxes: These set-top boxes provide access to paid television subscriptions, providing access to hundreds of different channels, live recording, pausing, and rewinding, along with catch up television.
- Free TV Set-Top Boxes: This type of set-top box does not provide access to satellite or cable television, instead offering around 100 free television channels, often using services like Freeview or Freesat, and a range of digital radio stations. Newer models often come with IPTV function, enabling online access for apps and other digital content.
- PVR Set-Top Boxes: This is essentially a set-top box with a hard drive, allowing it to record live television and use catch up TV features. It comes will all the features of a free TV set-top box but with some nice extras.
Top 10 list of set-top boxes in Germany (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their set-top boxes. Which set-top box is the best?
- Box contents: 1 x TechniSat HD-S 261, with 6 buttons close operation on the top of…
- The integrated electronic program magazine (EPG) provides information about the TV…
- Thanks to simple, German menu navigation and pre-installed station list for Astra…
- Easy to install > Easy menu navigation, search, delete, move, lock, create favourite…
- USB media centre > With multimedia functions (play only) via memory stick, external…
- High-resolution digital satellite TV > 4000 program memory locations, multilingual…
- If you have any problems with the connection, we recommend that you unplug the connection…
- An effective remote control: the control function of the remote control is very good,…
- Safety and efficiency: with this digital satellite receiver, you will enjoy high…
- Easy to install > Easy menu navigation, search, delete, move, lock, create favourite…
- With multimedia functions (play only) via memory stick, external hard drive or other…
- 4000 program memory locations, multilingual menu, switching time less than 1 sec,…
- If you have any problems with connection we recommend that you unplug the connection…
- Effective remote control: the control function of the remote control is very good,…
- [Suitable for receiving other transponders] – with this digital satellite…
- Easy installation and assembly: everything you need include, a new setting is not…
- Satellite receiver, satellite receiver: receiver for satellite, digital receiver,…
- Suitable for the reception of other transponders: with this digital satellite receiver,…
- Box contents: 1 x mini satellite receiver echosat om-26100, 1 x remote control, 1…
- Improved design: high-quality material structure and low power consumption eliminate…
- High resolution: the echosat om-26100 rt offers seamless transmission in full HD…
- [100% return guarantee if you have any problems when connecting, we recommend unplugging…
- Safety and efficiency: with this digital satellite receiver, you will enjoy high…
- Proven high quality: our satellite receiver has a high degree of resolution and has…
- Energy-saving power supply: Sat receiver HD can be powered via DC 12 V cable, more…
- PVR function: use the PVR and Timeshift function to record your favourite live TV…
- USB 2.0 media player: receiver for satellite dish fulfils all multimedia functions,…
- Easy to install; simple multilingual menu navigation makes it easy to search, delete,…
- USB media centre with multimedia functions (play only) via memory stick, external…
- Perfect switching from analogue DVB-S to high-resolution digital satellite television;…
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