TiVo Bolt

10 reviews

Dec, 2024

Positive
usability (4)
price (2)
performance (1)
reliability (1)
design (1)

Negative

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 10 reviews of TiVo Bolt. The average rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average rating of 3.7/5 for other Digital Video Recorders (DVR) for all reviews. People really like the performance. The design is also mentioned favorably, whereas reviews about the reliability and price are different.

usability, design, performance

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Video Recorders (DVR) the TiVo Bolt is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 99/100 = Excellent quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 10 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(22% of reviews)
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Showing 9 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 9 of 9 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (1)

Expert review by : Richard Lawler (engadget.com)

TiVo Bolt review: getting smaller and faster has a price

The Bolt has 4K and ad-skipping squeezed into TiVo's smallest and most powerful DVR. But a higher price for Lifetime DVR service and a few missing features keep it from being an automatic upgrade.

Commercial skipping is easy to use and works as promised ; QuickMode is the best way to binge watch in a hurry ; Faster than previous TiVos ; One year of TiVo service included

Lifetime" TiVo service just got way more expensive ; No out-of-home streaming yet, no six-tuner or 3TB option ; Odd shape isn't for everyone ; SkipMode sometimes failed to appear on shows where it should

The Bolt isn't for cord-cutters, or power TiVo users who value Lifetime service or need more recording space and tuners. But for the casual TV viewer who just wants a better cable box without making a huge upfront investment? Even with an interestingly...

Oct, 2015

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Expert review by : Joshua Goldman (cnet.com)

TiVo Bolt review: A smaller, faster media box to meet your TV watching needs -- at home or away

If you're looking for one box to watch TV and streaming video -- including ultra high-def content -- all over your home (and soon away from it), the Bolt is here. But, as always, the costs of ownership will keep some buyers away.

The TiVo Bolt combines a best-in-class DVR experience with a streaming media box; it has the capability to stream and download recorded content to iOS and Android devices; and easy expansion to other rooms with TiVo Mini extenders; skip commercials on...

The still-required monthly or "lifetime" service fees raise the total cost of ownership; though the app selection is very good, you still may need another streaming-media box to fill in the gaps; doesn't work with satellite or AT&T U-verse.

The TiVo Bolt makes a strong claim to the throne as king of DVRs and streaming media, but those pesky TiVo service fees keep it short of perfection.

Oct, 2015

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Expert review by : Will Greenwald (pcmag.com)

TiVo Bolt

The Bolt is TiVo's smallest, sleekest DVR yet. And it packs some powerful new features like 4K video support, the ability to speed up your shows, and a button to skip past entire commercial blocks with one quick press.

Supports 4K video. OnePass organizes available shows easily. Powerful app and streaming features. Comes with a year subscription to TiVo service. Useful new features like QuickMode and SkipMode.

Requires TiVo subscription after first year. No Hulu Plus. Less storage than TiVo's Roamio Pro.

Conclusions If you're not completely committed to keeping cable/OTA, you can save a solid chunk of cash with a non-DVR, tuner-free media streamer like the Editors' Choice Amazon Fire TV . Of course, we haven't quite reached the point where everything...

Oct, 2015

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Expert review by : Michael Brown (techhive.com)

TiVo Bolt review: The best DVR gets better

Whether you're a cord cutter or a cable-TV devotee, this is the DVR you should be using.

4K video support ; Can stream DVR recordings to other rooms in your home (requires TiVo Mini or Amazon Fire TV) ; Great program guide

4K support currently limited to Netflix and YouTube ; Streaming outside the home not currently supported ; 500GB and 1TB drive options don’t provide a lot of room for recording 4K video

: 4K video support; can stream DVR recordings to other rooms in your home (requires a TiVo Mini or Amazon Fire TV); great program guide.

Oct, 2015

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Expert review by : Jonathan Knoder (toptenreviews.com)

TiVo Bolt 1TB Review

The TiVo Bolt makes it easy to navigate through and enjoy all of your media in one place. You can customize your viewing experience in a variety of ways, and it connects to lots of external devices with its useful port selection. Whether you watch...

The TiVo Bolt has an efficient search function that lets you search for a show in multiple content sources at once.

It can’t access satellite content.

The 4K-capable TiVo Bolt makes it easy for the entire family to record favorite TV shows and movies and you can customize its settings, making it a great option.

Jun, 2016

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Expert review by : Don Reisinger (trustedreviews.com)

TiVo Bolt

The set-top box market has become increasingly competitive with the likes of Roku, Apple TV and games consoles muscling in on the living room experience with a vast array of apps and inexpensive hardware.

At $300 or $400, the TiVo Bolt may be one of the more expensive set-top boxes on the market, but it also delivers one of the richest and most appealing experiences. Despite its unorthodox design, the Bolt’s outstanding software, unique features, good...

Mar, 2016

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

Best DVR on the market hands down

The TiVo bolt is the best DVR I have ever used. The commercial skip is fantastic the integration with iPad, iPhone and android is unmatched. I can download shows from any recorded channel even premium channels like HBO and take them on the plane with...

Commercial Skip, Amazon and Hulu integration, download shows to iPhone, iPad, and Android for offline viewing

HBO only works with a few providers, Monthly Fee

Feb, 2017

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

Very Poor Oeprating and Harware System

I bought the TiVo Bolt as I went Over the Air for Free TV. I have found that my Samsung TV picks up very clear TV stations with an Out Door Antenna that the TiVo TV tuner can't pick up. The TiVo needs 50% more signal level to be in the Green 50% range...

It controls the sound levels so they are the same for TV and Ads and Hulu and Ads

The TV tuner requires 50% more signal level for the channel to be seen. My TV has these channels that TiVo blocks as Weak. The Fee is very high!

Jan, 2017

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

Best way to cut cable

I was skeptical but I am so happy I took the leap. Directv customer for 10 years. I bought the Bolt & 3 Minis and this works better and I'm saving about $100/month. There are so many great things about this. #1 with newer network prime time shows you...

Can receive OTA or Cable

You have to choose OTA OR Cable, not both at the same time

Feb, 2016

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