I cut cable a decade ago and have run my home on a combination of streaming and over-the-air ever since. The local channels are free in 1080i and they will outlast every streaming service. But pulling a clean signal off an antenna takes the right box at the back end.
The category has gotten more interesting with ATSC 3.0 rolling out across the country. The new standard brings 4K HDR, immersive audio, and better mobile reception. The converters that handle 3.0 properly are worth paying for, and the ones that do not have already become e-waste.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablo Quad HDMI | $149 | Best overall | 4.7/5 |
| HDHomeRun Flex 4K | $199 | Best for ATSC 3.0 | 4.8/5 |
| Mediasonic HW150PVR | $39 | Best budget | 4.5/5 |
| iView 3500STBII | $35 | Best basic | 4.4/5 |
| Channel Master Stream Plus | $99 | Best with apps | 4.5/5 |
1. Tablo Quad HDMI - Best Overall
The Tablo Quad has four tuners, free guide data, and connects directly to your TV via HDMI. The free ad-supported live TV add-on bundles dozens of cable-style channels with your local broadcasts.
2. HDHomeRun Flex 4K - Best for ATSC 3.0
The Flex 4K is the only network tuner that does ATSC 3.0 right today. Plex and Channels DVR both integrate cleanly, and the 4K HDR feeds look as good as Netflix. Best in class if you have NextGenTV in your market.
3. Mediasonic HW150PVR - Best Budget
The HW150PVR is a basic ATSC 1.0 converter with USB recording for under $40. It is what I recommend for a guest room or a kitchen TV where you do not need anything fancy.
4. iView 3500STBII - Best Basic
The iView 3500 has a closed caption decoder, parental controls, and a sleep timer with a remote that is easier to read than the Mediasonic. Best for an older relative whose only need is local news.
5. Channel Master Stream Plus - Best with Apps
The Stream Plus runs Android TV alongside OTA tuning. You get Netflix, YouTube, Plex, and your local broadcasts on one input. Slightly chunkier interface but the convenience is real.
What Matters Most
Match the box to the standard your local market broadcasts. Check the rabbitears.info coverage map for ATSC 3.0 in your area before paying for a Flex 4K. Spending the extra money on 3.0 hardware in a 1.0-only market is wasted.
My Setup
I run an HDHomeRun Flex 4K into Channels DVR on a Synology, with a Tablo Quad as backup. The antenna is a Televes DAT BOSS in the attic, pointed at the main tower 26 miles away.
Common Mistakes
Blaming the converter when reception is bad. The antenna is the variable. Upgrade the antenna and aim it correctly first. Even the best box cannot fix a weak input signal.
Final Recommendation
The Tablo Quad HDMI is the converter I recommend to most readers. It does ATSC 1.0 perfectly, gives you free DVR, and the bundled streaming channels make cord-cutting feel like a real upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a converter box if my TV is from 2020?+
For ATSC 1.0 broadcasts, no. For the new ATSC 3.0 NextGenTV broadcasts rolling out now, yes, unless your TV is one of the few with a built-in tuner.
Can a converter box record shows?+
Most can record to a connected USB drive. Some, like the Tablo Quad, are full network DVRs with cloud guide data.