TiVo BOLT VOX 3TB

Last updated: April 3, 2019


TiVo BOLT VOX 3TB

We looked at the top DVRs and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best DVR you should buy.

Product Details

In our analysis of 39 expert reviews, the TiVo BOLT VOX 3TB placed 5th when we looked at the top 8 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

TiVo’s innovative Unified Entertainment System now includes the ultimate voice remote that dramatically improves the search experience across all your live TV, DVR and streaming TV series and movies. The 4K Ultra HD compatible TiVo BOLT VOX still boasts TiVo’s unique fan-favorite features including SkipMode™, OnePass™, OneSearch™ and more. And with three different models, there’s a BOLT VOX specifically crafted to meet your entertainment demands and budget.

Our Expert Consultant

Patrick Ward 
Editor-in-chief of High Speed Experts

Patrick Ward is the editor-in-chief of High Speed Experts, a broadband connectivity-, search engine- and IT-industry education blog that empowers consumers by open-sourcing information about tech services. He earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce with an emphasis on communications at the University of Sydney. His expertise spans the digital, emerging tech and telecommunications fields.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Records up to 450 hours of HD content and up to six shows simultaneously.Easy installation and set up takes about an hour.
The Tivo Bolt Vox’s biggest new feature is its software, previously codenamed “Hydra” and now just known as the New User Interface. It’s pre-loaded on the Bolt Vox, but existing TiVo owners have the option to upgrade as well.
It has an efficient search function, which pulls from all capture sources at once.
I loved the efficiency of being able to change channels by simply saying, for example, “HBO.” If I had remembered the number, I could have readily said “899” (HBO on my system) to achieve the same rapid result. If I said “Hulu,” the app would load. TiVo almost always responded accurately, and the result was direct tuning without necessarily having to scroll through a massive lineup.
The interface does have a more modern feel, though, with large poster art, station and sports team logos and better organization. And for those of you who are never really satisfied with what you're watching, a new QuickView feature gives you access to other content without leaving what's currently on screen.
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OneSearch and OnePass combs both broadcast schedules and streaming services.
TiVo has had universal search across platforms including broadcast television, cable TV and streaming for quite a while
TiVo has clearly done its homework on the Vox voice commands: The company incorporates the best features of Roku (with its universal search) and of Apple TV’s Siri (with the ability to refine searches by voice).
Comes with smart features that are actually useful and not gimmicky, like QuickMode™

What reviewers didn't like

TiVo subscription subscribe. No OTA component.
One thing you’ll notice with the TiVo Bolt Vox—at least if it’s sitting out in the open—is that it’s constantly whirring. Noise emanates from the unit whether it’s recording or not, whether the TV is on or off, and strangely even when the TiVo itself is on standby.
It can’t access satellite content.
Voice search performed surprisingly well, though there were a few times when I had to repeat myself because TiVo didn’t understand what I was asking. Note: You never start by saying a wake word like Alexa.
The lack of OTA recording is one of the main differences between the Bolt+ and the previous model. This means that a digital cable subscription is required, and you won't be able to record free TV content from an antenna.
Requires up-front cost in addition to monthly subscription fee
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