The Best Tablo OTA DVR
We looked at the top 4 Tablo OTA DVRs and dug through the reviews from 28 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Tablo OTA DVRs.
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Our Picks For The Top Tablo OTA DVRs
Automatically Skip CommercialsWith this Tablo device, you won't have to suffer through endless commercials.
Cuts Expensive Cable CostsNot only is this Tablo device affordable, but it also allows you to cancel your expensive cable subscription.
Dual-Band AC Wi-Fi IncludedWhen you download this Tablo device's app, you'll be able to stream shows via your phone, computer, tablet or gaming device.
Fast-Forward and Rewind RecordingsThis Tablo device gives users control by allowing them to fast-forward or rewind recorded shows and movies.
Why we recommend these tablo ota dvrs?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 4 Tablo OTA DVRs and also dug through the reviews from 28 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Tablo OTA DVRs.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Tablo Dual LITE TDNS2B-01-CN OTA Digital Video Recorder For Cord Cutters
Our Take
Watch your favorite shows without paying for an expensive cable subscription when you opt for this Tablo device. Not only will you be able to watch and pause, live antenna television, but you'll also be able to record shows and movies. Of course, the ability to automatically skip commercials is a welcome bonus.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
1. Tablo Dual LITE TDNS2B-01-CN OTA Digital Video Recorder For Cord Cutters
Our Tablo OTA DVR Findings
Tablo Dual LITE TDNS2B-01-CN OTA Digital Video Recorder For Cord Cutters
What We Liked: Watch your favorite shows without paying for an expensive cable subscription when you opt for this Tablo device. Not only will you be able to watch and pause, live antenna television, but you’ll also be able to record shows and movies. Of course, the ability to automatically skip commercials is a welcome bonus.
DISCONTINUED: Tablo DUAL 64GB OTA DVR For Cord Cutters
What We Liked: Setting up this Tablo device is a breeze. All you need to do is connect the device to your home network via the ethernet port or through your Wi-Fi. Once connected, you’ll be able to stream live television anytime on the electronic device of your choosing.
DISCONTINUED: Tablo 4-Tuner Over-The-Air DVR HDTV
What We Liked: Whether you want to watch live TV, browse the current show schedule or manage your recordings, this Tablo device has you covered. It’s extremely easy to set up, even if you aren’t tech savvy. You can even download the company’s app and view shows from your smartphone, Fire TV or Xbox.
Tablo Quad TQNS4B-01-CN Over-The-Air DVR For Cord Cutters
What We Liked: You don’t need a subscription to use this Tablo device. At no additional cost, you’ll have access to every basic live television recording, as well as all of the playback functions. All you have to do is connect the device to your home router.
Our Tablo OTA DVR Buying Guide
Cable and satellite television subscriptions continue to grow in price. Tablo saw this and decided to do something about it. They created a way for consumers to access high-definition television content for free. Once they did that, they decided to take the concept a step further by developing a way to record television content as well. This helped further the cord-cutting movement by making it possible for more and more individuals to cut out their expensive television subscriptions.
Tablo has several different OTA (over the air) DVR models to choose from, all of which are designed to be used right out of the box. Set up is a breeze and takes just a few minutes of your time. All you need to do is connect the unit to your home network using either the ethernet port or the Wi-Fi connection.
The next step to using one of Tablo’s devices is to download the Tablo app. This app is available at no extra cost and allows for live streaming. It can be downloaded on all smartphones, smart televisions and computers, as well as other devices, like the Xbox, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku and Android TV.
What exactly can you do with Tablo models? In addition to watching live OTA television shows and movies, the devices also allow users to pause the television program, so they can take a bathroom break or make a snack without missing any scenes. The devices make it possible to record up to four shows at once, as well as rewind or fast-forward scenes when desired. Tablo even provides the ability to browse upcoming shows and schedule and manage recordings.
There’s always the option of upgrading and getting a paid subscription with Tablo. There are several benefits of going this route. You’ll be able to stream live-recorded television outside of your home. So, let’s say you’re taking a road trip with your RV. You’ll be able to watch Monday night football right from your campsite. Paid subscriptions also come with the ability to automatically skip commercials.
DWYM Fun Fact
Grant Hall is the founder and CEO of Nuvyyo, which is the parent company of Tablo. Nuvyyo was incorporated in 2010 with the first Tablo product being built just two years later. It would be another two years before Tablo had products available for purchase.
Fortunately, once Tablo products were available to the public via Walmart, Amazon and Best Buy, they quickly grew in popularity. In 2014, Forbes named Tablo one of the “10 Companies Disrupting the TV Industry.” In 2015, the company won TVTechnology’s “Best of Show” award.
Tablo is always releasing new products. It’s safe to say that this innovative company is continuing to monitor the market to create new and exciting products for their customers.
The Tablo OTA DVR Tips and Advice
- While you can use Tablo devices for free after purchasing them, you’ll only have access to basic channels and 24 hours of the channel guide. You’ll need to upgrade with a paid subscription to have access to additional categories, as well as the device’s special features.
- It is important to point out that no DVR storage is built into Tablo devices; however, there is room for a hard drive.
- Some models require users to purchase an antenna separately.
- Just like any of your other electronic devices, Tablo devices are at risk for dust build-up. To keep yours running smoothly, you’ll want to dust the unit from time to time. When you’re ready to complete this task, make sure you unplug the device from any power sources. Use an anti-static cleaning wipe to wipe down the Tablo’s surface. Wait for the unit to dry before plugging it back in to the power source.
- The cost for a Tablo is dependent upon several factors. For example, you can expect a two-tuner model to cost less than a four-tuner unit. Devices that are only USB compatible are also cheaper than the models that are USB and SATA compatible. Consumers will find the Tablo Dual LITE TDNS2B-01-CN OTA Digital Video Recorder and the Tablo DUAL 64GB OTA DVR For Cord Cutters are a bit more affordable than their Tablo 4-Tuner Over-The-Air DVR HDTV and Tablo Quad TQNS4B-01-CN Over-The-Air DVR 200 counterparts.
About The Author
Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer who loves researching the latest in electronics to keep up with her teenage daughters. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared in leading tech publications. When she's not writing, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her kids, cooking in the kitchen or playing with her two kitties, Flitter and Otter. Alicia loves researching the latest and greatest gadgets, products and items that help her save time, energy and money.