How do USB digital TV tuners work?

USB TV tuners act as antennas for your monitor, PC, or laptop, letting you watch free TV channels on devices even if you don't have a cable provider. Getting it to work is pretty simple; you only need to plug it into a USB port.

Can you use a USB TV tuner with a monitor?

Unfortunately, using a TV tuner without a monitor is impossible. A TV tuner isn't a streaming device like a Chromecast. Even if your monitor has a USB port, you'll still need to put your laptop or PC to make it work.

What USB TV tuners work with NextPVR?

NextPVR is a personal video recorder program for Windows, Linux, and Mac. It allows you to watch and record live TV. If you want to use it with a USB TV tuner, it's just a matter of getting it properly installed and configured and then using the TV tuner you choose. If your USB TV tuner works with your laptop or PC, it should work alright with NextPVR.

The Best USB TV Tuners

Easily connect to your laptop or PC and tune in for free

David Beren

Updated on February 20, 2025

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Hauppauge TV tuner plugged into a computer. Photo:
Hauppauge

The best USB TV tuners require little setup and allow you to watch television on your computer for free.

We researched the options, and these picks allow you to easily watch TV on the go or bounce from room to room without missing a second of your favorite programs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hauppauge WinTV-DualHD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner at Amazon $70

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Best for Tablets & Phones:

AllAboutAdapters Digital TV Tuner at Amazon $43

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Best Overall

Hauppauge WinTV-DualHD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner

PHOTO: Amazon

$70 at Amazon $73 at Walmart

TL;DR: The Hauppauge WinTV-DualHD Dual Tuner is easy to use and offers straightforward watching and recording abilities.

Why We Recommend It

The Hauppauge WinTV-DualHD Dual Tuner offers a suite of features to make watching and recording live TV easy.

Installation is a breeze on any Windows laptop or desktop running Windows 10 (or older), and Hauppauge's tuning software, WinTV, is intuitive and easy to navigate.

Pros

Easy to install
Built-in recorder
Supports Plex

Cons

Slightly pricey
Works only with Windows 10 and earlier

Overall, finding and recording programming requires no learning curve. Record with a click of a mouse button, and watch another program while the first one records.

The included antenna makes channel discovery as easy as possible, with onboard HDTV, analog, and QAM cable TV capabilities.

You can watch channels in a window for easy multitasking or full screen. You can also play recorded programs through the included WinTV software.

Meanwhile, ATSC HDTV brings free over-the-air digital TV at HD resolution on your PC screen, and this tuner is Plex- and NVIDIA Shield-compatible for even more viewing flexibility.

Amazon purchasers give this product 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Best for Tablets & Phones

AllAboutAdapters Digital TV Tuner

AllAboutAdapters USB Digital ATSC Clear QAM TV Tuner

PHOTO: Amazon

$43 at Amazon

TL;DR: A budget-friendly tuner for cord-cutters seeking a fast and easy option for free TV.

Why We Recommend It

The AllAboutAdapters USB Digital ATSC Clear QAM TV tuner is a budget-friendly option for cord-cutters who want to get up and running with free TV programming without the learning curve.

The USB-based ATSC SD/HD TV tuner connects to Windows laptops and desktop PCs and offers free over-the-air digital programming across North America.

Pros

Quick setup
Included antenna works well
Priced right

Cons

Mixed user reviews about software stability
Must have a disc drive to install the software

The ClearQAM tuner can decode unencrypted QAM channels and offers local broadcast stations, public-access channels, or private QAM channels.

While the price is wallet-friendly, the TV tuner has closed captions, electronic programming, pauses, rewinds, fast-forwards, and skips commercials.

This TV tuner also directly supports burn-to-disc and offers the option to record instantly in real time or schedule recordings in advance in Full HD quality.

Amazon purchasers praise the easy setup and picture quality.

FAQ

How do USB digital TV tuners work?

USB TV tuners act as antennas for your monitor, PC, or laptop, letting you watch free TV channels on devices even if you don't have a cable provider. Getting it to work is pretty simple; you only need to plug it into a USB port.
Can you use a USB TV tuner with a monitor?

Unfortunately, using a TV tuner without a monitor is impossible. A TV tuner isn't a streaming device like a Chromecast. Even if your monitor has a USB port, you'll still need to put your laptop or PC to make it work.
What USB TV tuners work with NextPVR?

NextPVR is a personal video recorder program for Windows, Linux, and Mac. It allows you to watch and record live TV. If you want to use it with a USB TV tuner, it's just a matter of getting it properly installed and configured and then using the TV tuner you choose. If your USB TV tuner works with your laptop or PC, it should work alright with NextPVR.