Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a vast array of television technologies. From the early days of analog signals to the digital revolution, and now, to the era of smart TVs and streaming devices, I’ve seen it all. Android TV boxes, in particular, have piqued my interest and have become a focal point of my expertise.
The beauty of an Android TV box lies in its versatility. Unlike traditional television setups, these boxes allow users to transform any TV with an HDMI input into a smart TV, granting access to a plethora of apps, games, and streaming services available on the Android platform.
But with the market flooded with options, how does one discern which is the best? Today, I want to present you with the best options you can find on the market.
1. NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
If you are searching for a way to connect your PC gaming to your Smart TV, Nvidia Shield TV Home Media Server will be the best choice. This state-of-the-art TV box uses GPU innovations and its powerful wireless connection to cast your PC gaming onto your TV screen without any direct hardware connection, allowing you to play your games on your way.
The Nvidia Shield comes with impressive technology. The innovative processor incorporates two separate quad-core CPUs, transferring four cores to easy, low-power tasks and saving the other four cores for specialized operations, leaving you with more resources to process. 3 GB of RAM provides plenty of power.
Also, I would like to emphasize an impressive 500 GB of capacity, leaves behind other TV boxes.
Some of the Shield Pro’s most promising capabilities is an exclusive lineup of Android titles, specially designed for use with this platform. It’s advanced wireless design also enables fast downloading of PC games straight from the web to your TV.
Immersive multimedia equipment combines full pass-through Dolby multimedia and surrounds sound.
The Shield Pro is now fully compatible with the smart platform support Google Smart Things, connecting your TV set to your smart screen, offering a simple visual experience for all your smart devices, and making it easy to control your home.
The Shield Pro also offers a broad variety of video platforms including famous networks, sports stations broadcasting, PLEX, KODI, and more.
It costs many times more than the regular Android TV box and the additional RAM and powerful GPU won’t be worth the added expense for a lot of people. But if you’re betting extreme, the Shield Pro might revolutionize the way you ‘re playing.
From my experience, this is the best option available at the market at this time.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | NVIDIA |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Resolution | 4k |
| Supported Internet Services | Netflix, HBO, Vudu, Kodi, Spotify, YouTube, Browser |
| Controller Type | Voice Control |
| Special Feature | Android Phone Control, Microphone Feature |
- Advanced CPU and 256-core GPU
- 500 GB of storage space
- Stream video games from your PC to the TV
- Very expensive
2. Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra hardware doesn’t start to compete with the Kingbox K3 hardware, let alone the Evanpo T95Z. So why is it on this list? It’s simple: Facilities of use. Unlike other Android TV sets, all manufactured by rival firms, Roku has a refined, enhanced user experience level.
Technology is one of the major differences between Roku and Android users. Kodi is one of the most common multimedia product parts but Roku does not help to program. Instead, Roku provides its own custom video app, which features hundreds of free movies and shows.
Android TV boxes tend to have difficulty promoting live sports games. This is another area of excellence where Roku works closely with sporting apps to provide a better experience. Roku also offers a dedicated smartphone device that helps you to customize and monitor your video and media experience without using the remote control.
So far as technology is concerned, this is not impressive for Roku. Its quad-core processor fits just perfect, but it’s extremely finite storage capacity at a mere 256 MB. It has a small 1.5 GB of RAM, which is also under standard. While it allows dual-band WiFi, the Ethernet only hits 10/100 Gb.
When you’re searching for a decent hardware TV box, maybe Roku isn’t the way to get there. It is intended almost entirely for live content and does not offer many opportunities to play games or stream music. But Roku’s cornered the market when it comes to watching content.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Roku |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB |
| Resolution | 4k |
| Supported Internet Services | Netflix, Hulu |
| Controller Type | Remote Control, Voice Control |
| Product Dimensions | 5″L x 4.9″W x 1″H |
- Wide variety of available channels
- Comes with headphones for immersive listening
- Access to over 500,000 movies and TV shows
- Limited hardware capabilities
3. EASYTONE T95Z
Another high-powered piece of technology, the EASYTONE T95Z, competes for head-on with the Kingbox K3. Also if it’s a little more expensive, in many ways it has great hardware and has a modern, attractive design that will surely impress.
The K3 and the T95Z all utilize the octa-core processor Amlogic S912, which operates up to four times better than normal quad-core processors. It also supports WiFi connections of both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz, and 10/100/1000 MB LAN.
Where the T95Z is distinct from the Kingbox with both the RAM and ROM. The T95Z offers 3 GB of DDR3 RAM, offering just two for most others. It also comes equipped with 32 GB of capacity, saving you from the hassle and expense of buying an expansion SD card.
The extra RAM dramatically boosts the TV box’s speed and efficiency for a smoother viewing experience. It even sports an accelerator for 3D graphics, enabling you to bring 3D cinema straight into your living room.
The T95Z also comes with a controller, as well as a mini keyboard. The keyboard is backlit so you can see what you’re doing even with the lights turned down and it’s compatible with PCs, Macs, Xboxes, other Android devices, and a variety of different systems.
The Evanpo T95Z is one of the most popular TV boxes on the market, because of its technology. Although there are many better hardware goods, they come at a high price making this one of the best prices on the market.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | EASYTONE |
| Operating System | Android 12.0 |
| Memory | 4GB RAM 64GB ROM |
| Resolution | 6K with HDR 10+ |
| Connectivity | WiFi6 2.4/5G, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet 100M |
| Special Feature | Wireless Mini Keyboard Included |
- Powerful 8-core processor
- More memory and storage space
- Includes both remote and keyboard for greater versatility
- Storage space can’t be upgraded
4. Amazon Fire TV 3rd Generation 4K Ultra HD
Like the previous three TV boxes, Fire TV operates from the Amazon Fire OS instead of Lollipop for Android. Fire TV provides a range of significant upgrades to the Fire TV cable, including 4 K Ultra HD at 60 FPS, HDR-10 support, and a faster processor.
Fire TV does some things very well. It offers a fantastic 4K resolution, and the accuracy of the recording is significantly higher than cheap Android TV sets. It perfectly provides pairs with Amazon Alexa, offering a visual interface that helps you to track the status of all the connected home devices.
Some boxes, as I described earlier, excel in certain places but fall behind in others. Unfortunately one of these is the Fire TV. The Fire TV has decent hardware, with a 1.5 GHz CPU quad0core, and 8 GB storage. Unlike other Android TV boxes – or, even, earlier Fire TV versions – the storage capacity can not be extended beyond 8 GB.
Which makes things way too convenient for more devices to run out of the room.
The other problem I have with the Fire TV is that the design seems to be based on purchasing more items. You’ll need to buy an Ethernet adaptor ($14.99) and an HDMI extender ($7.49) to make the best out of your Fire TV.
Without the Ethernet adaptor, Fire TV won’t receive a wireless signal, and the included HDMI cable is significantly two feet long.
That said, the Fire TV, including its HD antennas, which have a range of up to 35 miles, still has quite a few things to recommend, bringing in more channels for more programming. When you’re running Alexa in your house, obviously Fire TV is the way to go. But if you’re looking with customization for something, there are better options.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 50% more powerful than the previous generation |
| Remote | Alexa Voice Remote with power, volume |
| Audio | Enhanced audio clarity of Dolby Atmos |
| Content Availability | Over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes |
| Live TV | Stream live TV, news, and sports |
| Design | Compact design that plugs directly into an HDMI port |
- Good hardware
- Excellent HD antenna
- Beautiful 4K resolution
- Storage space can’t be upgraded
5. GooBang Doo ABOX A1
The GooBang Doo ABOX A1 is very similar to the Glomball X3 in many ways. Both are equally priced and have identical features but the ABOX A1 beats out the X3 in terms of hardware.
The operating system is one of the most critical features to note, and the ABOX is fitted with the newest Android OS. Like the X3, the A1 boasts native 4K resolution and is packed with a 3D graphics processor, adding a different level to the television viewing experience.
The hardware, too, is very amazing for the price. The TV box is powered by a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor and has a Penta-core 750 MHz GPU to help speed up 3D graphics. The GPU isn’t especially strong but it enhances the TV box’s overall efficiency.
The A1 also has 2 GB of DDR3 RAM and 16 GB of eMMC storage drive, which can be extended to 32 GB with an additional SD card.
It is not a perfect product. The remote controller is adequate but not thrilling, and the quality control seems to be quite lax. Defective ABOX models are not uncommon. This is alleviated somewhat by excellent customer service and a company eager to address any issues.
If you’re searching for a good Android TV box at a reasonable price, this is a good choice. It’s not a home run, but it will get you to home plate eventually.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10.0 |
| RAM and Storage | 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM |
| Chipset | H616 Quad-Core 64-bit |
| Resolution Support | 6K Ultra HD & 3D |
| Connectivity | 2.4G/5G Dual-band Wi-Fi, 10/100M Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0 |
- Runs on the latest Android OS
- Supports 3D and 4K compatibility
- GPU improves 3D graphics
- Poor quality control
6. Android TV Box 11.0
One of the things you can bear in mind when looking for a TV set is that certain products make some features a preference over others. A TV box that specializes in streaming video does certainly not have the same features as a TV box that emphasizes a superior gaming experience.
Some Android TV boxes aim to generalize, offering a well-rounded overall experience, not to be a specialist in one area or another, but instead. These boxes may not be the best of anything but none of these will they be the worst.
Android TV Box 11.0 is only another case of Android TV Box jack-of-all-trades. While it might never top the charts, it offers good performance, with state-of-the-art technology that helps make it one of the best market values.
The updated operating system ensures smoother performance, better consistency with software, and greater availability of the new games and devices. With an interactive theater ride, the X3 is designed with 4 K video, and compliant with 3D technology.
Although the 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU is pretty good, there is definitely a lack of 2 GB storage space. For an SD card, you can extend the capacity to 32 GB, but you’ll always be constrained to how many applications you can install, or what video/music files you can store.
It may not be an industry-leading device, but the Globmall X3 provides respectable hardware and strong video encoding. It won’t blow you away but that doesn’t mean you won’t be impressed with such an inexpensive model’s performance.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Transpeed |
| Connectivity Technology | Dual Wifi-6 /BT 5.0 /Ethernet 100M |
| Resolution | 1080P 4K 6K 8K |
| Supported Internet Services | YouTube, Browser |
| Controller Type | Remote Control, Mini keyboard |
| Item Dimensions | 4.17″L x 4.17″W x 0.94″H |
- Runs on the latest Android OS
- Supports 3D and 4K compatibility
- Good processing speed
- Minimal storage space
7. Q Plus TV Box
No two people are of the same mind about everything. This is as true of shopping preferences as it is of anything else. It’s why one person buys off-brand peanut butter at Dollar Tree and another buys organic peanut butter sold in a glass jar from a health food store.
Of course, there are times when it’s not about being thrifty. For example, name-brand batteries like Duracell or Energizer would always last longer than their discount equivalents – so much so that the long-term risk of purchasing better batteries would often be greater.
More often than not, you will spend less, and still get a decent product. In reality, value labels are a stronger option than their more costly rivals, at times. I still buy regular brown sugar: it tastes great, and it doesn’t harden as quickly.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10.0 OS |
| Chipset | Allwinner H616 |
| Memory | 4GB RAM 32GB ROM |
| Decoding | H.265 & HDR10 Decoding |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 & 2.4G Wifi |
| Video Support | Supports 6K and 3D |
- Very affordably priced
- Decent processor and memory
- KODI comes pre-installed
- The operating system is out of date
8. Xiaomi Mi Box S
The Xiaomi Mi Box S is a semi-upgraded version of the Xiaomi Mi Box with identical core specs but added 4 K HDR support, from the high-end to something far more affordable. The Mi Box S also includes Google Assistant and Google Cast built-in the box and remote.
Unfortunately, the real output for viewing 4K video leaves much to be desired as it’s a little bit older and underpowered. If you’re satisfied with 1080p streaming though, then the Mi Box S is a good, cheap option for the Nvidia Shield TV.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Xiaomi |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Supported Internet Services | Netflix, Vudu, YouTube |
| Controller Type | Remote Control |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
- Comes with Google Assistant
- Built-in Chromecast feature
- 4K HDR support
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- A bit on the pricy
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve covered the products, let us talk about what you should pay attention to before you purchase them.
The Basics of Android TV Boxes
An Android TV box is a device that transforms your traditional TV into a smart one, allowing you to stream content, play games, and access a multitude of apps available on the Android platform. It’s essentially a mini-computer tailored for entertainment purposes.
Most Android TV boxes run on the Android OS, but it’s essential to note the version. Newer versions offer better security, features, and compatibility with apps. Always opt for a box that runs on the latest or a recent Android version. These boxes typically connect to your TV via HDMI. However, they also come with various ports like USB, Ethernet, and SD card slots. Ensure the box you choose has the connectivity options you require.
One of the primary reasons to get an Android TV box is to access apps. Whether it’s streaming services like Netflix and Hulu or gaming apps, ensure the box you choose supports the apps you frequently use.
Performance and Hardware
Just like any computer or smartphone, the processor and RAM play a crucial role in the device’s performance. A quad-core processor and at least 2GB of RAM are recommended for smooth operation. Android TV boxes come with built-in storage, usually ranging from 8GB to 64GB. Consider how much storage you’ll need, especially if you plan to download a lot of apps or content. Some boxes also offer expandable storage options.
In today’s age of 4K content, ensure your Android TV box supports 4K streaming if you have a 4K TV. Even if you don’t, future-proofing might be a good idea. If you’re into gaming or want the best visual experience, consider the GPU. A good GPU ensures smooth graphics, especially for high-end games or 4K content.
User Experience and Customization
The user interface should be intuitive and user-friendly. Some boxes come with a stock Android interface, while others offer a customized experience. Choose one that you find easy to navigate. The remote control is your primary interaction tool with the box. Some remotes come with advanced features like voice control, air mouse functionality, or even a keyboard.
Regular software updates are crucial for security and new features. Opt for brands known for providing timely updates to their devices. Android is known for its customization capabilities. Ensure the box you choose allows you to tweak settings, install third-party apps, and customize the interface to your liking.
Additional Features and Considerations
Many modern Android TV boxes come with voice control, usually powered by Google Assistant. This feature allows you to search, open apps, and control the box using voice commands. Some boxes come with a built-in Chromecast feature, allowing you to cast content from your mobile device or computer to your TV seamlessly.
Android TV boxes come in various price ranges. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s essential to balance cost with features and performance. Remember, you often get what you pay for. Opt for reputable brands known for quality products and good customer support. Reading user reviews and expert opinions can provide insights into the reliability and performance of the box.
FAQs
What is The Best Feature Of An Android TV Box?
An Android TV box is a device that allows you to stream digital media content to your television. An Android TV box should run on the latest Android operating system to ensure compatibility with the latest apps and security features
Are Android TV Boxes Worth It?
Whether an Android TV box is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider: Cost, Streaming needs, TV compatibility, User interface, and App support.
Which Is Better: Smart TV Or Android TV?
Smart TVs come with built-in apps and features, so you don’t need an external device to stream content. They are also easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and built-in voice control. Android TVs use the Android operating system, which allows you to access the Google Play Store and download a wide range of apps. They are also compatible with external devices like game controllers, making them a versatile choice for gaming.
What Internet Speed Do I Need For An Android TV Box?
The internet speed you need for an Android TV box depends on the quality of the video you’re streaming. It’s important to note that these are minimum recommended speeds, and your actual internet speed may vary depending on factors such as network congestion, distance from your router, and the quality of your internet service provider.
Closing Thoughts
Each box comes with its unique set of features, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize resolution, streaming capabilities, storage, or user interface, there’s an Android TV box out there tailored for you.
As an expert in this field, I recommend always staying updated with the latest models and technologies, as the tech world is ever-evolving. Remember, the “best” Android TV box is subjective and depends on your individual requirements.
Always prioritize your needs, do thorough research, and you’ll undoubtedly find the perfect fit for your entertainment setup.
