Best Android TV Box

Although there are tons of streaming devices including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, set-top boxes, Android is a prime multimedia landscape. It’s chock-full of popular apps for streaming movies, TV, and music. Android gaming is a blast as well with support for native Android games and emulators. Plus, there’s integration with Google Assistant. Check out the best Android TV boxes on the market!

What is an Android TV Box and What Should You Look for?

Android TV vs. mobile-optimized Android: While tons of devices are marketed as Android TV boxes, it’s somewhat misleading. Many budget Android set-top boxes run a tablet-optimized version of Android that’s engineered for a touchscreen interface rather than a remote. As such, navigation is pretty cumbersome. Official Android TV devices on the other hand feature an Andriod operating system (OS) designed for use with a remote or gamepad, and viewing on a ten-foot-interface.

RAM, CPU, and GPU: In addition to the operating system, hardware is incredibly important. For streaming, most modern CPUs and GPUs will do just fine, and you won’t need too much in the way of RAM. 4K streaming does require a bit more horesepower however. But gaming, whether retro gaming emulation or native Android gaming, demands a beefier processor.

Storage space: Even if you’re mostly just streaming from apps such as Netflix and Hulu, a few app installations can really fill up your device’s storage space. As such, you’ll want to make sure it’s got at least 8GB or 16GB of onboard storage if not more. And you may want expandable storage via microSD card, SD card, or USB.

Internet connectivity: While Wi-Fi is convenient, 4K video streaming can be pretty demanding. For ultra-high definition streaming or online gaming, you’ll want Ethernet for a low-latency connection.

Video output resolution: Since 4K is the industry standard, with 8K TVs on the market, you’ll want a 4K-capable Android streaming box. Even if you’re limited to 1080p, an Android streamer that can stream in 4K is future-proofed.

Use: Think about how you plan to use your Android media player. Streaming isn’t too laborious, but if you plan on gaming, you’ll want more processing power and enough storage space to hold your games.

Price: Cost is a key consideration. You can find cheap as chips Android set-top boxes, pricey high-end media streamers, and everything in between.

Android TV box considerations:

• Android TV vs. unofficial Android
• Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Video output and resolution: HDMI, 4K or 1080p
• Hardware specs: RAM, CPU, GPU, onboard storage
• Price
• Use: Streaming, gaming

Hands-down the best Android TV box money can buy is the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Powered by an Nvidia Tegra X1+ chip, the Shield Pro churns out buttery smooth 4K HDR visuals. It’s compatible with Dolby Vision, a proprietary implementation of HDR (High Dynamic Range), and handles virtually any audio or visual signal thrown at it including Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus. There’s dual-band AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and an excellent array of inputs/outputs (I/O). You’ll find dual USB 3.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet.

The Shield TV’s artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling takes standard 1080p high definition (HD) content and upscales it to 4K resolution for a clear, image. Its AI upscaling video enhancement noticeably improves image quality, and isn’t merely a gimmick. There’s Google Assistant built-in as well as Chromecast onboard. With its ability to run 64-bit Android apps, the Shield TV Pro can handle native Android games, GeForce NOW game streaming, and emulation. For Plex streaming, the Shield TV is a top-notch client device tackling pretty much any audio or video codec. What’s more, the Shield can double as a Plex server. Unfortunately, the Shield TV’s revamp nixed its internal harddrive. Plus, there’s no SD card slot. However, its USB ports support external harddrives and flash drives. Overall, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV box on the planet.

Pros:

• Powerful Nvidia Tegra X1+ processor
• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi
• True Android TV OS
• 4K HDR with Dolby Vision
• Dolby Atmos compatibility
• 3GB RAM
• Runs 64-bit android apps
• 2x USB 3.0 ports
• 16GB internal storage
• Doubles as a Plex server
• Great for game streaming, native Android gaming, and emulation

Cons:

• Pricey
• Only 16GB of internal storage
• No SD card or microSD card slot
• Lacks HDR10+
• Can’t do HDR for YouTube (software issue, not hardware)

In addition to the Shield TV Pro, Nvidia offers its Shield TV. Rather than the set-top box of the Shield Pro. the vanilla Shield opts for a dongle form factor. The compact tube-shaped device boasts the same Nvidia Tegra X1+ processor as found in the Pro variant. And it sports almost the exact same feature set. You’ll find Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatibility, 4K HDR video output, and 4K AI upscaling. There’s also dual-band AC Wi-Fi as well as Ethernet. Additional I/O includes HDMI and microSD. Onboard, the Shield TV packs 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space.

You won’t find any USB ports, so unlike the Shield Pro, the Shield dongle can’t be used as a SmartThings smart home hub. Likewise, it won’t work for a Plex server, but it’s perfectly good as a Plex or Emby client. Disappointingly, Nvidia opts for a 32-bit Android TV OS on the Shield TV non-Pro. As such, many Shield TV native Android games and the Dolphin emulator won’t run. On the bright side, it keeps the price point lower than the Shield Pro. Most users predominantly concerned with streaming from the likes of Hulu, Netflix, or Disney+ will be just fine. Power users seeking an Android TV box for gaming, Plex server use, and smart home hub compatibility will be let down. However, for most people, the Shield TV is an excellent Android box.

Pros:

• Nvidia Tegra X1+ processor
• 2GB RAM
• 8GB onboard storage
• 4K AI upscaling
• 4K HDR output with Dolby Vision
• microSD card slot
• HDMI
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi
• Reasonably priced
• Chromecast
• Google Assistant
• True Android TV OS

Cons:

• No HDR10+
• Lacks USB connectivity
• Can’t be used as a Plex server or SmartThings hub
• Doesn’t run 64-bit Android TV apps
• YouTube HDR not available (software issue, not hardware incompatibility)

The Chromecast with Google TV is an Android media streamer that punches well above its weight class. Running a true Android TV OS, the Chromecast the user-friendly and intuitive with its Google TV launcher that provides a unified, streamlined ecosystem. Capable of pumping out 4K HDR video output with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support, its picture quality is excellent. You’ll find Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for good connectivity. Its 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space should be plenty for streaming video.

Unfortunately, the Chromecast with Google TV lacks USB ports or a microSD card for storage expansion. Similarly, there’s no Ethernet port for a hardwired Internet connection. But as a workaround, you can hook up a USB-C dongle which lets you add USB storage devices and peripherals as well as lending Ethernet to the Chromecast. Despite a few shortcomings, the Chromecast with Google TV is a terrific budget Android TV media streamer.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Runs true Android TV 9.0 Pie with the Google TV launcher
• 4K UHD @ 60 FPS output with HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+)
• Dolby Atmos audio output
• Excellent remote
• User-friendly, easy to set up

Cons:

• Lacks USB ports or microSD card slot
• No Ethernet jack
• Limited storage space and RAM
• No HLG HDR support

Although TiVo may be best known for its digital video recorders (DVRs), the TiVo Stream 4K is an excellent Android TV streaming dongle. It’s capable of pumping out a crisp 4K ultra high definition video signal with Dolby Vision HDR support. On the audio side, the Stream 4K handles Dolby Atmos tracks with ease.

Since the TiVo Stream 4K runs Android TV, you’ll enjoy access to a slew of apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. And you can run live TV cable replacement streaming services including YouTube TV, Sling TV, or Fubo. One convenient menu for multiple streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime makes navigation a breeze.

A low price tag, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos compatibility make the TiVo Stream 4K a fantastic Android TV dongle. However, its live TV integration isn’t as polished as on the Chromecast with Google TV. For instance, the television guide lets you view a small Sling guide, but you miss out on robust navigation and channel filtering. Similarly, the remote lacks certain useful buttons such as a play/pause/rewind/fast forward hotkey. Nevertheless, the TiVo Stream 4K is the best budget Android TV box available.

Pros:

• Storage expansion via USB-C
• 4K streaming with Dolby Vision and HLG HDR support
• Dolby Atmos audio compatibility
• Runs Android TV
• Good live TV and streaming video on demand (SVOD) app integration
• Extremely affordable

Cons:

• Media playback buttons missing from remote
• Somewhat limited live TV and SVOD menu integration

The Xiaomi Mix Box S is a great Android box that won’t break the bank. Clocking in around $65 USD, the Mi Box S is a true Android TV OS device. There’s Chromecast and Google Assistant built-in. Xiaomi’s Android media box handles 4K HDR content from the likes of Netflix with aplomb. It’s powered by a quad-core CPU with a 3+2 core CPU for excellent audio and video quality. There’s dual-band Wi-Fi, a full-size USB port, and S/PDIF audio output. With a small footprint and superb candybar remote, the Mi Box S is a compelling option for anyone seeking a cheap Android TV device.

However, Xiaomi’s Android streaming box is a bit laggy for 4K video. The Cortex-A53 processor, Mali 450 GPU, 8GB of internal storage, and 2GB of RAM remain unchanged from the original Mi Box. Instead, the Mi Box runs a newer version of Android TV in 8.1 plus benefits from a re-designed remote. On paper, the Mi Box S is a potential Shield TV killer. But spotty 4K performance prevents it from truly competing with the Shield TV or the Shield Pro. Nevertheless, at this price point, the Mi Box S is a great choice for a streaming device that runs actual Android TV on a budget.

Pros:

• 4K HDR
• Dual-band Wi-Fi
• S/PDIF audio out
• USB port
• Mali 450 GPU, Cortex-A53 CPU
• True Android TV OS
• Chromecast
• Google Assistant
• Great remote
• 2GB RAM
• 8GB internal storage
• Affordable

Cons:

• Laggy 4K playback
• No Ethernet

Although the Beelink GS-King X doesn’t run Android TV, it’s arguably the best Android box for Kodi. A unique media player, the Beelink King X supports up to two 3.5-inch hard drives for up to 32TB of storage space. It runs Android 9.0, albeit a touchscreen-optimized iteration of Android.

There’s a microSD card slot that lets you fire up EmuELEC and transform the GS-King X into a Kodi home theatre PC. Connectivity is simply superb. You’ll find left and right RCA outputs, headphone jack, analog A/V output, a pair of balance output ports, an Ethernet port, four USB ports including an OTG USB host, HDMI, and S/PDIF. At its core, the Beelink GS-King X sports a beefy Amlogic S992X-H chip. There’s 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. In addition to its Ethernet port, you’ll find dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. It can handle 4K HDR video at up to 75Hz.

Because of its S922 chip, the GS-King X can handle native Android gaming and even high-end retro gaming emulation for systems such as the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Sega Dreamcast. Unfortunately, the Android version on board isn’t an official Android TV OS, so it’s a touchscreen variant of Android with a launcher designed for navigation on a TV or projector. As such, some apps won’t run or lack necessary features. Netflix, for example, isn’t available in 4K. However, running the standalone Kodi operating system CoreElec from its microSD card slot could enable 4K Netflix. But the versatility of the Beelink GS-King X as a network-attached storage (NAS) device, game console, and Kodi home theatre PC (HTPC), the GS-King X is a great choice.

Pros:

• Powerful S922X-H chip
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB of onboard storage
• Handles up to 2 x 3.5″ HDDs
• Excellent I/O
• HDMI
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi
• Great for gaming
• Can be used as a NAS
• Runs Kodi OS CoreELEC or retro gaming operating system EmuELEC

Cons:

• No 4K Netflix in Android
• Not true Android TV
• Expensive

Best Android TV Box FAQs

Which Android TV box is best?

The best Android TV box is the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro with its NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip, AI upscaling, Dolby Vision support, Dolby Atmos compatibility, and 64-bit Android OS.

Is an Android TV box worth buying?

Yes! An Android TV box is absolutely worth buying. The Android TV operating system provides great Google integration, excellent app support, and intuitive natigation.

How do I choose an Android TV box?

When choosing an Android TV box, consider hardware specs (RAM, CPU, GPU), use case (streaming video, gaming, emulation), storage space (onboard, external), connectivity (USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth), and price.

Do I need an Android TV box if I have a smart TV?

While you don’t technically need an Android TV box if you’ve got a smart TV, a dedicated streaming device gives you a much better experience than most smart televisions because of more powerful processors and additional storage space.

Can you get Netflix on an Android TV box?

Yes! Devices running an official build of Android TV should have Netflix access.

Best Android TV Box – Final Thoughts

Although Android TV boxes abound, only a handful run a real Android TV OS. Nvidia dominates with its Shield TV and Shield TV Pro. Gamers and power users should pick the Pro, while most multimedia enthusiasts primarily concerned with streaming movies and TV shows will be just fine with the Shield dongle. Truthfully, nothing really comes close to the Shield TV and Shield Pro. On a budget, the TiVo Stream 4K is an outstanding Android TV dongle. Or, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is pretty decent, although its 4K performance is somewhat laggy. And if you can live with an unofficial version of Android TV, the Beelink GS-King can hold up to 32TB of movies, TV shows, music, and games for an all-in-one multimedia device. Of course, the Shield TV can accomplish the same feat, but the GS-King X with its internal harddrive storage offers a cleaner set up than connecting external USB harddrives to the Shield.

Which Android TV boxes are you using?