Best Video Players & Recorders of 2025

Harvey Wall Avatar
Harvey Wall
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Video players and recorders are essential tools for anyone who wants to enjoy their favourite movies and TV shows. These devices allow you to watch your favourite content on your own schedule, without having to worry about missing an episode or being tied to a specific broadcast schedule. With a wide range of features and options available, video players and recorders can help you get the most out of your entertainment experience, whether you're looking for high-quality visuals, easy-to-use controls, or advanced recording and playback capabilities. Whether you're a casual viewer or a serious cinephile, there's a video player or recorder out there that's perfect for your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Manhattan T4-R 1TB Freeview Play Recorder Cover #TOP 1
Manhattan T4-R 1TB Freeview Play Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ubiquiti UNIFI Video Recorder Pro Device Cover #TOP 2
Ubiquiti UNIFI Video Recorder Pro Device
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hikvision 8CH 4K AcuSense DVR System Cover #TOP 3
Hikvision 8CH 4K AcuSense DVR System
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Video Players & Recorders

#TOP 1

Manhattan T4-R 1TB Freeview Play Recorder

Manhattan
T4•R 1TB
Black
1TB Hard Drive
Manhattan T4-R 1TB Freeview Play Recorder Cover
Manhattan T4-R 1TB Freeview Play 4K TV Recorder

The Manhattan T4-R Recorder offers an impressive combination of live Freeview channels and on-demand content. With access to over 100 channels and 60,000+ hours of catch-up TV, you'll never run out of entertainment options. You can record, pause, and rewind live TV, allowing you to enjoy your favourite shows on your own terms. Plus, with the ability to record two channels while watching a third, you can keep up with everything you love without missing a beat. The simple setup makes it easy to connect to your aerial and Wi-Fi for seamless viewing.

What We Like
Access to 100+ Freeview channels
Record up to 600 hours
Watch and record simultaneously
Easy setup with Wi-Fi
#TOP 2

Ubiquiti UNIFI Video Recorder Pro Device

W126138878
Multi-Coloured
One size
Ubiquiti UNIFI Video Recorder Pro Device Cover
Ubiquiti UNIFI Video Recorder Pro

The Ubiquiti Video Recorder offers a premium quality digital video recording experience. Its user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone to operate, ensuring you can manage your recordings effortlessly. This device is perfect for capturing important moments or monitoring security footage, providing peace of mind. With its advanced features, you can enjoy reliable performance, making it a valuable addition to your home or business setup.

What We Like
High-quality video recording
User-friendly interface
Ideal for security monitoring
Reliable performance
#TOP 3

Hikvision 8CH 4K AcuSense DVR System

iDS-7208HUHI-M1/S
Hikvision 8CH 4K AcuSense DVR System Cover
Hikvision H.265+ Turbo HD 8CH DVR 4K HDMI supports up to 8MP TVI/ 4MP AHD/ 2MP CVI/Plus 4CH 6MP IP Cam (HDD Not Included)

The Hikvision 8CH DVR offers impressive 4K/8MP resolution support, enabling you to capture crystal-clear video with HD TV cameras. With its advanced human and vehicle analysis, you can significantly reduce false alarms, ensuring you only receive notifications when necessary. Additionally, the device features efficient H.265 pro+ compression technology, allowing for high-quality recording while optimising storage. You will also benefit from the flexibility of inputting five different signal types, making it versatile for various camera setups.

What We Like
High-resolution video recording
False alarm reduction
Efficient video compression
Multiple signal inputs
#TOP 4

Hikvision DS-7204HUHI-K1 4-Channel Video Recorder

DS-7204HUHI-K1
Black
NO HDD
Hikvision DS-7204HUHI-K1 4-Channel Video Recorder Cover
Hikvision Digital Technology DS-7204HUHI-K1 Virtual Video Recorder, Black

The Hikvision DS-7204HUHI-K1 offers impressive features for your video recording needs. It supports 5MP HD TVI analog cameras, ensuring high-quality video capture for your security setup. With the latest H.265 compression technology, you can save storage space without sacrificing video quality. The device also includes four channels, allowing you to connect multiple cameras simultaneously. Additionally, the P2P easy remote view setup enables you to monitor your cameras from anywhere with minimal hassle, providing peace of mind no matter where you are.

What We Like
High-quality video support
Space-saving compression
Multiple camera connections
Easy remote viewing
#TOP 5

Sony SLV-SE70 4 VHS Video Recorder with Smart Features

Sony SLV-SE70 4 VHS Video Recorder with Smart Features Cover
Sony SLV-SE 70 4 VHS video recorder

The Sony SLV-SE70 Video Recorder is designed to enhance your viewing experience with its impressive features. The ShowView Programming allows you to easily schedule recordings, ensuring you never miss your favourite shows. With Optimum Picture Control (OPC), playback quality is optimised, providing clearer visuals. The Smart Search function makes it convenient to find specific scenes in your recordings, saving you time. Additionally, the HiFi video recording capability ensures high-quality audio to complement your video playback.

What We Like
Easy recording scheduling
Improved playback quality
Quick scene navigation
High-quality audio
#TOP 6

Hikvision ds-7616ni-k2/16P Network Recorder

DS-7616NI-K2/16P
Multicoloured
One Size
Hikvision ds-7616ni-k2/16P Network Recorder Cover
Hikvision Digital Technology ds-7616ni-k2/16P Network Recorder NVR, Black

The Hikvision ds-7616ni NVR offers excellent features for your video recording needs. It includes both HDMI and VGA interfaces, allowing you to connect to different displays and enjoy independent video output. With two SATA interfaces, you can expand storage capacity up to 10 TB, ensuring you have ample space for recordings. The device supports advanced H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 compression, saving storage space while maintaining high video quality. Additionally, its impressive 160 Mbps bandwidth for both incoming and outgoing data ensures smooth and efficient video streaming.

What We Like
Independent video output options
Expandable storage up to 10 TB
Advanced compression formats
High bandwidth for smooth streaming
#TOP 7

ClonerAlliance ViewPro Portable HDMI Video Recorder

CA-997VP
ClonerAlliance ViewPro Portable HDMI Video Recorder Cover
ClonerAlliance ViewPro, Portable 1080p@60fps HDMI Video Recorder and Playback with 7" LCD, AV/VGA/YPbPr Inputs. Schedule Recording. No TV is Required.

The ClonerAlliance ViewPro is a versatile portable video recorder that captures high-definition content at 1080p@60fps. You can easily record from various devices, including game consoles and cameras, and save your videos in H.264/MP4 format. Its large 7" LCD screen allows you to preview and playback recordings without the need for a TV, providing convenience for on-the-go viewing. Additionally, with the ability to convert analog video to digital, you can preserve cherished memories from older formats. This device also supports live streaming to platforms like YouTube and Twitch, making it perfect for gamers and content creators.

What We Like
High-definition video capture
Large LCD for easy viewing
Convert analog to digital
Live streaming capabilities
Schedule recordings easily
#TOP 8

Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini Device

BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K
Black
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini Device Cover
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini (BM-BDLKULSDMINI4K)

The Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K Mini is a versatile video capture device designed for professionals. With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, it ensures fast and reliable data transfer, making your workflow more efficient. The 40Gb/s capture rate allows you to handle high-resolution video smoothly, enhancing your editing experience. Additionally, it supports 12G SDI and HDMI 2.0, providing flexibility in connecting various devices. This means you can easily integrate it into your existing setup, whether for live production or post-production tasks.

What We Like
Fast Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
High-speed 40Gb/s capture
Supports 12G SDI and HDMI
Ideal for professional video work

ClonerAlliance UHD Pro 4K Video Recorder

CA-989UP
ClonerAlliance UHD Pro 4K Video Recorder Cover
ClonerAlliance UHD Pro, 4K Video Recorder, HDMI Capture DVR with H.265/H.264 Codec, Cinematic 4K@24fps Recording(Up to 4K@30fps), No PC Required.

The ClonerAlliance UHD Pro is a standalone 4K Ultra-HD digital video recorder, perfect for capturing high-quality videos without the need for a PC. You can easily record UHD video directly to a USB storage device at cinematic 4K@24fps, making it ideal for preserving online conferences or gaming sessions. This device supports both H.264 and H.265 codecs, ensuring compatibility with various file systems. Additionally, the ultra-low latency of less than 90ms enhances your recording experience, allowing for smooth playback on your TV with the included remote.

What We Like
Easy to use for everyone
Records high-quality 4K video
Supports multiple video sources
Ultra-low latency performance
#TOP 10

Hikvision DS 7216HQHI K2 Digital Video Recorder

DS-7216HQHI-K2
Black
Hikvision DS 7216HQHI K2 Digital Video Recorder Cover
Hikvision Digital Technology DS 7216HQHI K2 Black H.264 Digital Video Recorder DVR Digital Video Recorder DVR (H.264 +, H.265, H.265 + 25 fps; 1920 x 1080 pixels; SATA; 6000 GB; 380 x 320 x 48 mm)

The Hikvision DS 7216HQHI K2 offers an excellent solution for securing large spaces such as homes and offices, thanks to its 16-channel capability. This allows you to connect a comprehensive security system, ensuring all areas are monitored effectively. With the ability to expand storage by an additional 6TB, you can keep extensive recordings without worrying about space. The hybrid functionality supports various camera types, making it versatile for different setups. Additionally, you can enjoy high-quality 4K resolution through the HDMI port, enhancing your viewing experience.

What We Like
16-channel connectivity
Expandable storage up to 6TB
Supports HD-TVI, AHD, analog
4K resolution via HDMI
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you still get VHS video players?

The short answer is, no, you cannot buy newly manufactured VCRs. The last VCR was manufactured in 2016 by Funai Electric, the last remaining VHS player manufacturer after all the other major tech companies had stopped making them.

2. Are video players still available?

If you've ever asked yourself, “Do they still make VHS players?”, the answer is no. Nobody makes VCRs anymore. Funai Electric made the very last one in July 2016 – a big turning point in home movie history.

3. What is video player and recorder?

A videocassette recorder (VCR) or video recorder is an electromechanical device that records analog audio and analog video from broadcast television or other source on a removable, magnetic tape videocassette, and can play back the recording.

4. Who made the first VCR?

Inventor Charles Paulson Ginsburg, otherwise known as the “father of the video cassette recorder,” was born in San Francisco in 1920.

Editor's Notes

During our video players & recorder research, we found 61 video players & recorder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,396 customer reviews through our big data system to write the video players & recorders list. We found that most customers choose video players & recorders with an average price of £244.18.

The video players & recorders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of video players & recorders, including Manhattan, Ubiquiti, HIKVISION, Sony, ClonerAlliance.

Written by
Harvey Wall Avatar

Harvey Wall was born and raised in Norwich. He mastered the art of tool production and finished at the prestigious Norwich University. His area of interest include cutting tools, abrasive finishing and power tools. Harvey is always looking for ways to improve the finesse of industrial tools via his myriads of researches. He also shares some of his experiences on many platforms while writing on tool products.