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10 Best Plex TV Tuners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ATSC Digital TV Converter Box Dongle with TV Tuner, TV Recording, USB Multimedia Function, 1080P HDMI Output, Clear QAM by Mediasonic HomeWorx (HW135STB)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,272
Signal Quality
Software and Features

Most important from
320 reviews

Signal Quality
A great way to get antenna channels back, as good as the tuner built into the TV.
Software and Features
Easy to install and use, though it only receives digital channels.

The Mediasonic HomeWorx HW135STB Digital TV Converter Box Dongle is a versatile device catering to both analog and digital TV users. Notably, it supports ATSC digital broadcasts and Clear QAM for unscrambled cable channels, making it a good fit for those looking to enhance their television experience. With its ability to record and pause live TV, users won't miss their favorite shows, provided they connect a compatible external hard drive (up to 4TB).

The inclusion of a multimedia player function allows playback of photos, music, and videos from a USB drive, adding to its utility. The product’s 1080P HDMI output ensures high-definition viewing, paired with Dolby Digital Audio for a quality sound experience. A large remote control and the ability to power the device via a TV's USB port or a 5V USB charger add to the convenience factor.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The product does not include AAA batteries for the remote or a 5V charger, requiring users to source these separately. Additionally, it cannot function as a TV tuner or recorder when connected directly to a computer, which limits its flexibility for some users. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Mediasonic HomeWorx HW135STB is a robust choice for enhancing TV viewing and recording experiences, especially for those with compatible TVs and external drives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,272
Signal Quality
Software and Features

Most important from
320 reviews

Signal Quality
A great way to get antenna channels back, as good as the tuner built into the TV.
Software and Features
Easy to install and use, though it only receives digital channels.
#2

Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV Tuner Function (HW130RN)

Rating
9.1
Compatibility
Signal Quality
Connection Type

Most important from
3153 reviews

Compatibility
Compatibility with various devices is a strong point, especially for unique setups like the Vizio Chromecast TV.
Signal Quality
The channel quality varies, with some channels looking decent and others better, providing reliable access to news and local broadcasts.
Connection Type
Users appreciate the ability to convert coaxial to HDMI, ensuring access to local channels even without cable.

The Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV Tuner Function (HW130RN) is a versatile device designed to convert over-the-air ATSC digital broadcasts for use with analog and digital TVs, projectors, and computer monitors. One of its major strengths is its wide compatibility, making it suitable for various devices. It supports multiple connection types, including HDMI, composite, and coaxial outputs, ensuring easy integration with most setups. Additionally, the HDMI output supports up to 1080P resolution, providing good quality for high-definition content.

The TV tuner function is a valuable feature, allowing users to access a broad range of channels. It also includes a USB multimedia function, which enables playback of videos, music, and photos from a USB drive, adding to its functionality. However, it's important to note that the TV recording feature is disabled on this model, which may be a drawback for users looking to record live TV. Another consideration is its lightweight and compact design, which makes it easy to mount or place in various locations.

The Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box comes with a 1-year warranty, offering some peace of mind regarding product reliability. If you encounter any issues, the manufacturer encourages contacting them directly for technical and warranty support. This converter box is suitable for users who need a reliable way to receive digital broadcasts on older or non-digital displays and who appreciate the added multimedia playback capability via USB. However, the lack of a TV recording feature might be a limitation for some.

Rating
9.1
Compatibility
Signal Quality
Connection Type

Most important from
3153 reviews

Compatibility
Compatibility with various devices is a strong point, especially for unique setups like the Vizio Chromecast TV.
Signal Quality
The channel quality varies, with some channels looking decent and others better, providing reliable access to news and local broadcasts.
Connection Type
Users appreciate the ability to convert coaxial to HDMI, ensuring access to local channels even without cable.
#3

SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV: 2/4 Tuners HDFX-4K

Rating
8.5
Compatibility
Number of Tuners
Signal Quality

Most important from
1863 reviews

Compatibility
While the DVR feature works well on laptops and phones, the Roku app currently lacks the ability to schedule recordings, though updates are promised.
Number of Tuners
The HDHomeRun Flex 4K effectively alleviates problems with multi-path interference from low-flying aircraft or windblown trees, thanks to its ATSC 3.0 tuners.
Signal Quality
This tuner offers a clearer picture than my Dish setup, and it picked up all 77 channels my TV found when the antenna was directly connected.
Connection Type
The HDHomeRun Flex 4K is incredibly easy to set up; just plug in the coax cable, Ethernet cable, and power supply, and it's ready to stream OTA channels to your devices.
Supported Resolutions
Some 4K signals cannot be used due to encryption issues with broadcasters, but regular HD signals work fine.
Software and Features
Recording NFL games and scheduling future recordings is super easy with the DVR functionality, though it requires a $35/year subscription and an external hard drive.

The SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV tuner is a versatile option for those looking to enhance their TV viewing experience. With support for both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 content, it offers significant compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Xbox, Roku-Ultra, AppleTV, iPhone, iPad, Win10/11, Mac, Android, FireTV, Sony, and LG. This makes it a good choice for households with multiple types of devices.

The tuner has four tuners in total, with two specifically dedicated to the newer ATSC 3.0 standard, ensuring that users can enjoy high-quality signal reception across multiple devices simultaneously. The inclusion of an optional DVR feature, which requires a USB hard drive and a paid TV guide, adds value for users who wish to record and watch shows on their own schedule. Connectivity through Ethernet ensures a stable and reliable connection, although it may limit flexibility compared to wireless options. At 7 x 5 x 2.2 inches and 13.6 ounces, it has a compact design that won't take up much space.

It is important to note that the optional DVR feature requires an additional purchase, which could be a drawback for some. Additionally, while the wide compatibility is a strength, users with older devices may face limitations with ATSC 3.0 content. This product is a solid choice for tech-savvy users who want a feature-rich TV tuner with modern capabilities.

Rating
8.5
Compatibility
Number of Tuners
Signal Quality

Most important from
1863 reviews

Compatibility
While the DVR feature works well on laptops and phones, the Roku app currently lacks the ability to schedule recordings, though updates are promised.
Number of Tuners
The HDHomeRun Flex 4K effectively alleviates problems with multi-path interference from low-flying aircraft or windblown trees, thanks to its ATSC 3.0 tuners.
Signal Quality
This tuner offers a clearer picture than my Dish setup, and it picked up all 77 channels my TV found when the antenna was directly connected.
Connection Type
The HDHomeRun Flex 4K is incredibly easy to set up; just plug in the coax cable, Ethernet cable, and power supply, and it's ready to stream OTA channels to your devices.
Supported Resolutions
Some 4K signals cannot be used due to encryption issues with broadcasters, but regular HD signals work fine.
Software and Features
Recording NFL games and scheduling future recordings is super easy with the DVR functionality, though it requires a $35/year subscription and an external hard drive.

Buying Guide for the Best Plex TV Tuners

Choosing the right TV tuner for your Plex setup can greatly enhance your viewing experience by allowing you to watch and record live TV. A TV tuner is a device that receives digital TV signals and converts them into a format that your Plex server can use. When selecting a TV tuner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and compatibility for your needs.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the TV tuner works with your Plex server and the type of TV signals available in your area. It's important because not all tuners work with all systems or signal types. To navigate this, check if the tuner supports your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux) and the type of TV signal you receive (ATSC, DVB-T, etc.). Choose a tuner that matches your system and signal type to ensure smooth operation.
Number of TunersThe number of tuners indicates how many channels you can watch or record simultaneously. This is important if you have multiple users or want to record one show while watching another. Tuners typically come with one, two, or four tuners. If you have a single user or don't need to record multiple shows at once, a single tuner may suffice. For households with multiple users or those who want more flexibility, a dual or quad tuner would be more appropriate.
Signal QualitySignal quality refers to the clarity and strength of the TV signal the tuner can receive and process. This is crucial for ensuring a clear and uninterrupted viewing experience. Signal quality can be affected by the tuner's sensitivity and the quality of your antenna. Look for tuners with good reviews on signal reception and consider investing in a high-quality antenna if you live in an area with weak signals. Choose a tuner known for strong signal reception to avoid frustration with poor picture quality.
Connection TypeConnection type refers to how the TV tuner connects to your Plex server. Common connection types include USB, PCIe, and network (Ethernet). This is important for ensuring compatibility with your setup and ease of installation. USB tuners are easy to install and portable, making them a good choice for most users. PCIe tuners require opening your computer case and installing the card, which can be more complex but offers potentially better performance. Network tuners connect via Ethernet and can be accessed by multiple devices on your network, ideal for larger households.
Supported ResolutionsSupported resolutions indicate the maximum video quality the tuner can handle, such as 720p, 1080p, or 4K. This is important for ensuring you get the best possible picture quality. Higher resolutions provide clearer and more detailed images. If you have a high-definition TV and want the best picture quality, look for a tuner that supports at least 1080p. For future-proofing and the best possible quality, consider a tuner that supports 4K resolution.
Software and FeaturesSoftware and features refer to the additional functionalities and software support provided by the tuner. This can include things like electronic program guides (EPG), recording schedules, and compatibility with Plex's DVR features. These are important for enhancing your viewing and recording experience. Look for tuners that come with user-friendly software and features that match your needs, such as easy scheduling of recordings and integration with Plex's DVR capabilities. Choose a tuner with robust software support to make the most of your live TV experience.

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