TV boxes have gained immense market value since the launch of original TV series or movies applications. From YouTube to amazon videos and Google home, everything has become functional with android TV boxes in the market. Not only are they existing but improving also. An android smart TV box works as a small media center that provides you will all the applications, features, and entertainment that comes with it. Along with this, you get to browse the web and stream internet videos right on your TV. We are here to provide you with the information regarding the best Android TV boxes 2022, elaborated with their complete details.
As mentioned earlier, a few companies have been developing these android TV boxes, and improvements have been witnessed every year. The huge audience that uses these TV box/boxes has a variety of options to pick from. With so many manufacturers, it becomes confusing for the customers to pick the best TV box. The android TV box review is given here lists down the best android TV box/boxes present in the market and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Their comparison shall help you find the best Android TV box 2022 that you desire for.
APPLICATIONS SUPPORTED
In many ways, android smart TV box/boxes find a resemblance to smartphones. It works on a UI with big icons to highlight everything that the box enables your TV to run. Starting from the Google Play store, which will also be the least used application as the real part is further ahead. The apps are optimized for television usage. The list of best Android TV box 2022 provided here is highly modified and works to make the features available on your TVs in the most presentable way. They are supposed to be made visually better, but compatibility is also involved in this app optimization. A direct implication of this is that small developers’ apps are almost impossible to find on the TV. Hence, before the final purchase, it becomes important to go with the best Android smart TV boxes review, which helps get the important details regarding the TV.
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, YouTube, HBO, BBC iplayer, NBC, MLB.TV and many more. The main media consumption apps that almost everyone in the world are keen to use on better screens and not just their smartphone or PC screens are available with all the TV boxes. We have listed down the best Android TV boxes 2022 below:
Just like powerful options for PC, you can use VPN tricks (preferably VPN Express) to get access to geo-restricted content.
1. MECOOL KM9 PRO TV Box:
MECOOL is very proud of its TV box certified by Google. This has a lot of perks that customers are aware of. It allows you to use Google Home and Google Mini easily and without external supports (specifically). Even your compatible home appliances would be controlled with this feature, making your life feel much advanced. Along with all the google services that include YouTube and other media apps, the assistant features make MECOOL among the best Android TV boxes of the 2022 year.
It is a good approach to go with the android TV boxes review first before its final purchase. The KM9 Pro looks beastly with the specifications on paper. Working on android 9.0 and USB 3 ports for connectivity, the box supports a dual WiFi band for uninterrupted media usage. The transmission is rated at 640 MB/s. It does have an Ethernet port. The 2.4G and 5G WiFi bands work perfectly well. Coming to the core internal specs, the MECOOL KM9 has 4 GB RAM to support 32 GB ROM that is quad-core DDR4. This space and numbers make even bigger games run seamlessly on your screen, making the gaming experience a treat on TV.
As far as quality is concerned, even 4k videos can be viewed with KM9 but the TV does decide the resolution and frames quality of the content. However, one thing to pay attention to is the voice control remote which has a reasonably good range of 50 feet. Navigating on television becomes much easier with this remote.
MECOOL KM9 PRO Google Certified The Real Android TV OS Android 9.0 Pie DDR4 4GB RAM 32GB ROM with Voice Search Remote Control Dual Band WiFi 2.4G 5G 4K UHD HDR HDCP 2.2 OTA Supported, acemaxtec
Price History
2. NinkBox N1 Max TV Box:
NinkBox has emerged among the best Android TV boxes of 2022. Their manufacturers have done pretty well with the N1 which has helped them gain enough attention from users. To begin with, it is also rocking android 9.0 on cortex A-53 64-bit processor.
With these specifications, it ensures seamless working and gives your television great stability to work with apps and games. With plenty of space to play games and have media run smoothly at the same time, it also supports a TF card reader. This enables the user to expand their space. This is one thing that makes gamers more inclined towards NinkBox.
NinkBox android smart TV box review is given further with its essential applications and features. The resolution quality of the Television also makes a huge difference for users. People who like to binge a lot or are gamers at a decent level would try to find the best ROI on the screen resolution.
The NinkBox N1 nails check that box. On the other hand, internet band options are not as smooth as KM9. It is not bad but then the speed is comparatively slower. On regular usage, the customer could find a delay in connection which can be an issue sometimes.
All customers are suggested to remember that the Nink N1 has 12 months of warranty, something that many devices miss. The customer support is rated well on their website which gives users the confidence to deal with any issue that concerns them.
Android 9.0 TV Box 4GB RAM 64GB ROM, NinkBox N1 Max TV Box Android RK3318 Quad-Core 64bit Dual-WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz, 3D Ultra HD 4K H.265 USB 3.0 BT 4.0 Smart TV Box, Ninkbox Direct
Price History
3. Xiomi Mi Box
Mi Box boasts a Quad-core 2GHz ARM processor with2 GB RAM and 8 GB storage (expandable via USB). Bluetooth remote with voice control and 4K video support at 60 FPS
The Mi Box is very thin. This matte plastic device of approximately 4 x 4 inches is only about a quarter-inch thick. That’s smaller than Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku’s high-end sets, although I’m not convinced that people are buying streamers solely because of their portability. (Or, if portability is a problem, they may choose a stick or a dongle such as Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast.)
Xiaomi Mi Box S Android TV with Google Assistant Remote Streaming Media Player - Chromecast Built-in - 4K HDR - Wi-Fi - 8 GB - Black, M19A
as of September 1, 2023 2:41 pm
Price History
4. Media Player RK3318
As we are here listed with the best Android TV boxes of the 2022 year, RK3318 also works on android 9.0 which is the latest version for the category. However, because of the UI and latest improvements, it emerges at the top of our list in terms of software compatibilities. The 9.0 OS is supported by extended flash storage works extremely well for the heavy-duty works assigned to the beastly specs of RK3318.
The 4 GB + 64 GB combination because of the extended storage works twice as well. It supports both 4k and 2k resolution media that too at 60 fps. It has the very necessary USB 3 port. Even after the dashing numbers on paper, the manufacturers were able to keep the price modest, so if you are looking for the best android TV box of 2022 and have a budget for it then RK3318 is the choice for you.
The RK3318 Android TV box review with its essential highlights is given further. It comprises of high-machine configuration which enables it to perform incredibly well. Because of its interface and software capabilities, this TV box has gained a high preference on this list. It is seamless throughout and can be expected to work at the same level for a very long time.
In many use-cases, we could see that Media Player RK3318 was used by professionals for display and large-scale services. Because of high image processing capacity, almost zero frames are dropping the issue. With 24×7 service availability, it is highly recommended.
Android TV Box 9.0 4GB 64GB Smart TV Box Streaming Media Player RK3318 USB 3.0 Ultra HD 4K HDR Dual Band WiFi 2.4GHz 5.8GHz Bluetooth 4.1 Set Top Box with Mini Wireless Backlit Keyboard HK1 MAX 4G 64G, Cosycost
Price History
5. EASYTONE T95Z Plus
The next android TV box of 2022 is EasyTone T95Z that runs on Android 7.1 which was supposedly the latest version of OS then. The current variant will come with an update out of the box. The userspace again might not feel as modern as a few others, but the EASYTONE set new trends for the TV box market.
The chip-set in this is a 64-bit ARM Cortex A-53 which can boost up to 2 GHz of frequency. It has a 3GB +32 ROM variant which is very humble. All the latest boxes shall weigh more than T95Z in terms of specification but it still isn’t at one extreme of the list.
As far as specifications are concerned, a 3 GB + 32 GB combination doesn’t promise great performance. It anyways hasn’t had issues while playing games of its order and media entertainment even at a high scale. It is very comfortable to use with Windows or Linux as far as software compatibility is concerned. The lack of flash storage is compensated by the 64-bit cortex A-53 processor.
Along with the box, you also get a mini remote and keyboard as input device additions. This complete package works extremely well but gamers can still look beyond the easytone.
EASYTONE T95Z Plus Android TV Box 3GB 32GB,Android 7.1 TV Box Amlogic Octa-Core,Dual-Band Wi-Fi 2.4/5.8G Smart Boxes Android Mini PC with Wireless Keyboard Remote (Backlit), EASYTONE
Price History
6. EVANPO T95 max
Another best android TV box of 2022 by Evanpo has turned many heads. It is working on the latest version of android that is 9.0 and has been rated as a seamless performer by customers. This T much appreciated for supporting multiple UI. It runs smoothly and it is very easy to navigate between apps.
The Evanpo android TV box review mentioned here will give you a complete overview of this TV. The T95 has the latest specs with an updated base. It comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM and is heavily used for gaming.
As an Android smart TV box, it is hard to exhaust this flash storage even on heavy gaming. You can experience its speed right from the first booting. It doesn’t take more than a few moments to get into action and also works perfectly well in extraordinary signal conditions. The amount of storage T95 has allows you to have multiple games at the same time with all-day media capabilities.
With more content comes the hunger for better quality. EVANPO introduced the T95 model with 6k and 3D support which kills the race for resolution. If you are someone who prioritizes resolution and frame quality over anything else then this is the right option for you.
Very few TV set-up boxes have 6k video support, while a lot of them might be having 4k. The 6k ultimate resolution feels very premium and because of the very little difference in price, it is completely worth it. The audio quality also helps you in getting theatrical experience, what else would you need in terms of entertainment?
Android 9.0 TV Box［4GB+64GB］EVANPO T95 max Quad Core Smart TV Box Android Media Player Support USB 3.0/ 3D/ 4K/ 6K/ H.265/2.4G WiFi Set Top TV Box with Mini Keyboard (Backlit), EVANPO
Price History
7. Greatlizard TX6
Another recent launch in the market among the best Android TV box of 2022 that has been giving tough competition to EVANPO T95 is TX6 by Greatlizard. It comes from a lesser-known manufacturer but the updated specs and customer response from some locations have helped it get a spot on this list.
Even the TX6 runs on android 9.0 and is supported by a very different-looking UI. With not-so-heavy graphics in its standard form, the TX6 is pleasant to use and works on customer satisfaction in terms of looks and design.
As a more recent set-up box that has heavy competition, the TX6 also has 4GB RAM and 64 GB ROM which clearly defines the best level of flash storage in any android smart TV box for the price. This is EMMC flash storage which has certain technical support and flexibility.
All of this encourages gamers to take it up and test it heavily. It has worked without any observable issues even with graphically intense content. With this fluent performance android TV box reviews, let us quickly run through other important specifications.
It has dual-WiFi support. Both 2.4G and 5G bands work well and have almost uninterrupted connectivity throughout the lifetime of this box. The dual WiFi support is underrated because many do have it and the benefits are usually overlooked. But once you use a set-up box with no dual-WiFi support you shall understand the major issues that are otherwise not seen with it. To keep up the good work, there is 12 months warranty on the product and 24 hours customer care service (terms and conditions applied)
Greatlizard TX6 Android 9.0 Smart TV Box 4GB RAM 64GB ROM Quad Core 4K HD Resolution Dual WiFi 2.4G/5G Bluetooth 5.0 USB 3.0 Set Top TV Box, Greatlizard
Price History
8. Q Plus Android 9.0 TV Box
You are looking at a beastly android set-up box that is great on paper as well as is an extremely good performer. It is among the top 1% of the best android TV boxes of 2022 that we tried to sort out for this list and has a premium specification in almost all factors.
Again, this box is running on android 9.0, and users of all standards can have seamless usage even on all-day-long usage. The media entertainment and gaming on this box are of first-class quality and yes there is almost zero buffer during your usage given that the input is just as strong.
The Q Plus Android TV Box review gives the highlights that it has an ah6 quad-core cortex A-53 processor and is primarily an HD media player. The lag-free performance increases usability while complementing the best processor in the market. In addition to this, it comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM which is in line with the best flash storage in the market.
With this in the house, you can expect yourself watching Netflix or any other media of your choice with the best resolution, playing games of your choice, and using 100s of apps that you would otherwise be using on a much smaller screen. This speed eliminates the smoothness issues that most PC lovers talk about. Transition to TVs has become more comfortable with constantly improving the software on android TV box/boxes.
2019 Q Plus Android 9.0 TV Box 4GB RAM 64GB ROM H6 Quad-core Mali-T720MP2 WiFi 2.4GHz Support 6K H.265 HDMI 2.0 Ethernet RJ-45, EVER EXPRESS
as of September 1, 2023 2:41 pm
Price History
9. Mecool TV Box – KM3 Android
As we go ahead with the best Android TV boxes reviews on the list, the competition is on par among these products. Basic specifications are set high and the performance would deciding factor for these android TV boxes/boxes.
It also comes under the real google certified set-up boxes. This brings back the same perks as the initial ones on the list. You get to access all the google services apps and services without any third-party addition. Google play store shall be the first one on this list. Not having this luxury might feel like missing on applications options but it isn’t the case. You do get the apps needed some or the other way, but having this addition gives you the freedom to download them easily which makes the Mecool TV box very efficient.
To keep up with the best android TV boxes of 2022 on the list it does support dual wifi bands with the same number (2.4G and 5G). It does have Bluetooth 4 and USB type 3 just to mention hardware usability.
There is an absolute disadvantage of this set-up box which scratches many heads is that it has OS restrictions. It supports only the apps that were made for television compatibility. You will have a tough time getting apps that were previously made for the phone but are optimized for TV now. To be more specific, it is a little harder to work with apps but then it isn’t an unbearable condition. It has almost all the video entertainment apps ready and the shortage will affect you only if you want to shift your entire PC work on TV.
RONSHIN Top for MECOOL KM3 ATV for Android 9.0 TV Box 4GB 64GB Amlogic S905X2 4K 2.4G 5G Dual WiFi BT4.0 Set Top Box Black US Plug, RONSHIN
Price History
10. Beelink GT King
The Beelink TV box that was launched not very long ago has some promising specifications that would make it sound stronger than almost any other mention until now.
The model is numbered S922X and is filled with beastly specs. This makes it one of the best picks for gamers and heavy-duty users. To make it more specific, it has a hexa-core ARM cortex-A73 and dual-core cortex A-53 processor that make it a highly reliable machine.
This set-up box is a powerhouse that increases its functionality without compromising on speed. It works on android 9.0 which is again the latest OS to work on any TV box. This is supported by 4 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM which ensures minimum lag and zero frame drops. This gives proper support to the graphics-hungry games and applications. The UI is fairly heavy but can work with ease because of its high-end specifications.
For a more outreached look of Beelink, users should know that the quality of playback is 4k at 60 fps. It has 2.4G and 5G support in terms of WiFi connectivity backed by an amazing 1000 Mbps transfer speed. Apart from all of this, you get a great range of remote and lovely overall performance.
S922X TV Box, Android 9.0 TV Box, Beelink GT King tv Box Android 9.0 4gb ram 64gb, Amlogic S922X, Hexa-core, Support 2.4G 5.8G WiFi BT 4.1 4K 60fps 2.4G Voice Remote Control, MFY
Price History
11. Beelink GT1
Beelink has been one company that constantly pushed the standards of the best android TV boxes and made it better for the next generation. GT1 is another premium-looking box that not only sets the internals greatly but also looks good in the living room.
The S912 octa-core processor is what runs this amazing set-up box. But because it is android 7.1 you wouldn’t be handling this box to the best of its capabilities. With all of the standard specifications, it is also certified by Google. Once again you will be getting all the googles services and pre-installed applications without any third-party support. It is very efficient and the user experience is rightly matched. To keep the good work up, it adds dual WiFi support that makes the connectivity uninterrupted. 1000 Mbps LAN speed boosts the entire system up. The set-up is very easy and one shall face no problem in using it.
Android 9.0 TV Box 4GB RAM 64GB ROM, Bqeel U1 Pro Android Box RK3318 Quad-Core 64bits Dual-WiFi 2.4G/5.0G,3D Ultra HD 4K H.265 USB 3.0 BT 4.0 Smart TV Box, Bqeel
Price History
12. Bqeel U1 Pro
Running on Android 9.0 with cortex A-53 processor, the Bqeel took a good dive into set-up boxes. In addition to this, you get Penta-core Mali-450 which is very good support to never let the performance go down.
As the list goes with the best Android TV boxes review, Bqeel specifications are that it comes with a combination of 4 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM which has been working pretty well and we don’t expect to see a base-spec hike anytime soon. However, the Bqeel U1 gives expandable options making it possible for the user to take it up to 128 GB.
This makes it an ideal option for people who do a lot of media entertainment on TV as well as gamers. With dual WiFi and Bluetooth 4, we don’t compromise on anything except for the OS version which is lower than the base set by its competitors. It also highlights the presence of 2 TB memory that makes your android box independent of many supports that might have been needed otherwise.
All-new Fire TV Cube, hands-free with Alexa built in, 4K Ultra HD, streaming media player, released 2019, Amazon
Price History
13. Fire TV Cube
The set-up box by amazon itself. A name that many of us were waiting for. A compact and not so expensive option that has almost everything that an Android smart TV box should have. It is beautifully designed and will add value to the looks of your house. This set-up box just makes every competitor jealous. It is considered among the best Android TV boxes of 2022 and is hand-free.
We finally have a TV box that does everything just by listening to your voice. With billions of commands that it take with the help of AI and machine learning that is used to build it, this is just a great thing to have at home. Voice control compatibility is perfect but you still get the usual options as per your comfort.
This Android TV box review gives the details that it can play with 4k UHD resolution at 60 fps which is not only on par with any other android box but amazon also claims that it works better than a few that might have better numbers than this. It has an epic dynamic range making the complete experience very dynamic which is supported by an equally good audio quality. Even live TV can be watched without any cable connection because of the features and applications that amazon gets with its brand value.
Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa built in, Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, includes the Alexa Voice Remote, Amazon
Price History
14. Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa
It is rated as the most powerful media stick by any brand or product of its grade. It is created with brilliance and has optimized 4k resolution options.
With 4k ultra-HD options you get Dolby vision and HR 10+ to take full advantage of these specifications. Even after being a cheaper device, it has more storage than any other media stick that is available in the market. You have 1000s of options to view content on. From your daily entertainment like Amazon video, Netflix, or youtube to social media apps you will find everything compatible on this. The best part is that all of this comes with Alexa.
This is by far the best voice commanding experience of all the devices that have tried to take a similar position in the market.
Fire TV Stick streaming media player with Alexa built in, includes Alexa Voice Remote, HD, easy set-up, released 2019, Amazon
Price History
15. Fire TV Stick streaming media player (2019)
A cheaper stick option that also has voice command is the fire stick from this year. It was built by considering all the previous learning and it turned out much better. The stick itself is designed perfectly well and feels very premium to anyone. Though a lot of people would think that hardware doesn’t make a lot of difference when we are talking about a product that is to be used every day, then this shall be a strong factor.
Apart from the additions, cut-down price, and hardware you will find almost everything identical to the previous version. Especially amazon prime members would have a great experience using their subscriptions on the box which is designed for it. So if you don’t like cable or satellite options, this is the right option for you.
Fire TV Stick streaming media player with Alexa built in, includes Alexa Voice Remote, HD, easy set-up, released 2019, Amazon
Price History
16. Roku Ultra
One of the most complete products that have heavy media inclusions is the ultra device by Roku. It can stream HD, UHD, and 4k resolution quality which is mind-blowing. With good power input, it usually doesn’t face any problem with running the applications that it is made for. With more than 500,000 options in movies and TV shows, you can never get bored of it.
The channel options that are included try to cover all the tastes and especially their target market which is very wide. It is recommended to users that they should start using and setting it up only after a proper understanding of the manual.
So this was a long list of the best android TV boxes of 2022 that you can pick this year. You will have all of them on amazon wherein you will also find their prizes mostly in dollars because you will have to access it that way. The links to all the products will be added right below them along with the best prices available.
Roku Ultra | Streaming Media Player 4K/HD/HDR with Premium JBL Headphones 2019, Roku
as of September 1, 2023 2:41 pm
Price History
WHAT’S A ANDROID TV BOX?
An Android TV Box is a box that attaches to a TV that offers access to films, television programs, live channels, sports, and more. The term “Android” is the operating system’s name running these hubs for entertainment.
Android TV Box(es) come in any shape and scale. Well-known electronics makers sell many, and some are standardized shipments typically delivered from China.
As of this article, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4 K is the most common Android TV set. This inexpensive little plastic rectangle is driven by Android OS and is highly popular thanks to the free media which can be viewed after jailbreaking it.
App developers and box manufacturers considered this a perfect tool to use because of the open design of the Android OS and its success.
The Google Play Store or Amazon App Store contains virtually thousands of applications. When an item in these app stores is not available, it can be sideloaded to the device.
The sideloading process on an Android smartphone is easy & allows users to take advantage of any application created for that platform.
Many other media boxes like Roku & Apple TV, but closed structures make these devices less common. It’s important to note that various versions of the Android OS are being used on several different devices.
ANDROID TV VS STOCK ANDROID
Each Android TV Box is driven by either Android TV, a variant of Android TVs such as Fire OS or Stock Android. Android TV is Google’s operating system designed to work beautifully with remote control and tv. Amazon also develops a related Android television operating system called the Fire OS.
Both Android TV and Fire OS have a nice 10-foot experience which means that when you sit on the couch in your living room, navigating the screen is an easy task on those devices.
Stock Android can be thought of as the operating system you’d see on an Android phone or tablet. This OS is not designed for TV, but these boxes’ distributors make custom launchers that allow remote navigation on a TV.
I generally refer to the Stock Android Boxes as “normal Android TV Boxes” because hundreds of these are available on the Internet, and most are delivered from China.
Examples of Android TV Devices:
- NVIDIA SHIELD
- Xiaomi Mi Box S
- Jetstream Android TV Box
Examples of Fire OS Android TV Box
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4 K
- 2nd Generation Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
Examples of Android Stock Box (Generic Android TV Boxes)
- X96 Max
- Beelink GT-King
Note: Many vendors run modified Android TV models on their units. All appears to work the same as an NVIDIA SHIELD but it doesn’t work the same.
We saw that with the MECOOL M8S PRO in which Chromecast wasn’t operating correctly. We couldn’t stream movies in HD on services like Netflix & Amazon Prime, either.
Don’t get me wrong, the M8S PRO L is a fantastic device but we usually see a few things lacking in the full-blown Android TV experience.
Let’s dig deep at the pros & cons of both Android TV & Stock Android systems now
ANDROID TV & FIRE OS PROS & CONS
Pros
- Outstanding User Interface: As previously described, Android TV and Fire OS have been developed for TV, which is why the user interface functions very well.
- Both Fire OS & Google Play Store apps are tailored for TV: The Google Play Store you see on Android TV platforms is different from what you see on Android Stock. The AppStore on Android TV boxes allows only applications which have been designed for TV. So, if the app you’re looking for is accessible on your Android phone but isn’t accessible on your NVIDIA SHIELD, it’s because the developer hasn’t created a version for Android TV. It could even be a con as you’ll see the following
- Sideloading Available: If apps are not accessible from their respective app store, we could sideload apps to the system.
- Quality Products: NVIDIA & Amazon both are well-respected companies and they ensure that their hardware uses the finest components.
- Android Updates Available: Most Android TV devices come from trustworthy providers and then as they are available they provide Android updates.
- Good for games, if game requirements are fulfilled by specs
Cons
- Limited App Store: Only TV-optimized applications are available for download via the Google Play Store or the Fire OS. Nevertheless, bear in mind that when appropriate we can still sideload apps we need.
- Advertisement: Amazon Fire OS and several Android TV platforms have started putting advertisements on such boxes’ screens. This is how Amazon could get away with selling the Fire TV Stick 4 K for a small price.
- Less Open: These devices aren’t rooted, which means we can’t configure some stuff & there are apps that we can’t use.
- Less Storage: Typically these machines come with minimal internal storage.
STOCK ANDROID PROS & CONS
Pros
- Access to most Google Play Store games.
- Most stock Android TV Boxes are embedded and full flexibility is possible.
- In terms of processing & storage, they value your money.
- Easier to modify because of the open Android Stock system without any locks in place
Cons
- Updates to Android are usually minimal or inexistent.
- Restricted customer service since most of these businesses is shipped from China.
- The experience with remote control is less than satisfactory.
- Currently, Netflix & Amazon Prime apps do not broadcast in HD. That could also be the case with other higher-paid services.
- Most of the apps you install are not developed for use with remote control.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ANDROID TV BOX?
Hundreds of various Android smart TV boxes are on the market and it can be a challenging job to think of choosing the best one.
First, you should know what you are going to use the device for.
- Will it be able to run premium on-demand platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime for example?
- Are you going to use it to download movies & tv shows from the free APKs (Android Apps) or services?
- Want to be playing games with your Android TV box?
If you’re new to cord-cutting, first I recommend getting an Android TV Box sold by a reputable retailer like Amazon, or NVIDIA.
Generally, these providers offer regular upgrades and will include a reliable streaming system for a period of two or three years.
If you’re more technologically inclined and like electronics tinkering then a generic stock Android TV Box may be for you. Bear in mind that these usually do not receive additional updates to Android, so support is very limited.
Don’t get too stuck on the fact that you may not be receiving future updates to Ios. Let’s be frank, the Android 7 to 9 improvements aren’t quite obvious. Besides, you’ll likely be due in two to three years for a new streaming device anyway.
A few things I really like about Generic Android TV Boxes are large storage capacity, several USB ports, Ethernet port, and fast CPU. Looking at the famous Fire TV lineup, you’ll find there’s restricted storage, limited USB support, and no Ethernet cable.
Several Techtalkplanet users have used a cheap Android TV box on a TV in a spare room, shed, etc. They then find that they still like it better than those sold by the more popular retailers like Amazon and NVIDIA. So, if you’d like to dive into one of these popular Android TV sets, maybe first try it on a spare TV to see if you like it.
Look no further than the NVIDIA SHIELD if you’re into gaming. This Android TV Box was designed both for streaming and for gaming. This machine can also be bought using a dedicated NVIDIA gamepad.
Unless you are already using platforms such as Netflix & Amazon Prime, I recommend you stay away from the generic Android TV Boxes. Such platforms do not deliver HD content, and the applications are typically hard to navigate on the default boxes.
