Consensus
The all-in-one setup box for watching cable TV or streaming gets better and faster, and makes skipping past the commercials easier than ever. However, reviewers griped TiVo increased the lifetime service price by $200.
Average Overall Rating
★★★★★★★★★★
4.24 out of 5 stars (5 reviews)
Critics Reviews (Around the Web)
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. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
– CNET · Aug 23, 2020
The TiVo Bolt integrates traditional cable and 4K streaming into a seamless, single system. It's lacking a bit in app variety, but if you're a serious TV enthusiast clinging on to cable, the Bolt is near unbeatable in what it offers. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
4.5 out of 5 stars
– TechRadar · Dec 12, 2015
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. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
4.0 out of 5 stars
– PC Magazine · Oct 19, 2015
The Bolt is smaller, faster and in some ways better than any DVR TiVo has made before. But the price makes it harder to recommend if you're looking for something for the long haul and the Roamio OTA is still better for cord-cutters. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
4.2 out of 5 stars
– Engadget · Oct 18, 2015
But the fusion of linear cable and streaming internet video in one box is a big deal, even if it’s been around -- quietly -- for awhile. TiVo has finally got this right. Read full review →
– Re/code · Sep 30, 2015
TiVo Bolt does an outstanding job of putting everything you want to watch, and listen to, in one place. Without a doubt, the Bolt is TiVo's most outstanding product to date. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
4.5 out of 5 stars
– Digital Trends · Sep 30, 2015
Pros
- Records up to 4 shows at once
- OnePass organizes available shows easily
- Powerful app and streaming features
- Comes with a year subscription to TiVo service
- 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
- Supports 4K Ultra HD video
- Faster Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
- Faster processore
- Easy setup
- Integrates Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube streaming
- Skips commercials from shows between 4pm - midnight
- Best-in-class user interface
- Best content search on the market
- Refreshing design
Cons
- Requires TiVo subscription after first year
- Less storage than TiVo's Roamio Pro
- "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
- Commercial skipping does not work on sports or local programming
- Hulu streaming not offered now, but planned
- No voice search
- No Amazon 4K UHD streaming at launch
- QuickMode takes getting used to
Our Final Conclusion
TiVo Bolt is currently the best DVR for skipping commercials on TV, but only works with digital cable services that support cableCARD (not Satellite). It's truly a must-have for any binge TV watcher.
Product Overview
October 2, 2015 - The just released TiVo BOLT is a new DVR that offers one-touch commercial SkipMode and QuickMode for fast viewing, along with 4k streaming. However, it only works digital cable, Verizon FIOS (excludes OTA), or an HD antenna. Sorry satellite, Google Fiber and AT&T U-verse customers, this product won't work for you. Why? Because it requires a CableCARD from your cable company. The TiVo BOLT is all about speed, getting viewers to and through their content faster... Read product announcement →
- Type:
- Video Players & Streamers
- Released:
- Oct 4, 2015
