A good Android TV box is a must-have for anyone wanting to improve their TV viewing experience.
The only problem is:
How do you know which Android TV box is “good?” There are so many products to choose from!
Well,
To help you pick the right one, I review the top rated Android TV Box on the market, and put together this benchmark!
If you don’t know much about streaming media players yet, I recommend you read the Android TV Box Buying Guide before diving into the TV box reviews.
What is the Best Android TV Box for 2020?
The choice of streaming media players today is seemingly endless, but don’t think that all companies you come across are reputable. There are many ‘brands’ that buy generic TV boxes from Chinese wholesalers, slap their logos on, and sell them at five times the price.
My advice is to stick to only well-known brands, which you will find from our Android TV box chart below:
Nvidia has finally done it! After a long 2-year wait, the highly-anticipated Shield TV and Shield TV Pro are out.
With a 25% faster Tegra X1+ processor and 4K upscaling, Nvidia has, once again, delivered a box that leaves its closest competitors far behind. The new Nvidia Shield TV Pro is, without a doubt, the best Android TV box for 2020!
Let’s take a closer look at the upgrades.
The Best Streamer Just Got Better.
Forbes
Highlights
- New, 25% faster processor
- AI upscaling for visibly sharper images
- Still the best Android TV box for gaming
Features & Specs
The old Nvidia Shield TV was already a top-notch product, but the improved Tegra X1+ chip and upgrades in its software make it the best of the best when it comes to streaming media players.
The new X1+ processor is 25% faster compared to its predecessor, although the old X1 chip still beats everything else on the market. The box comes with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
The 2017 Shield TV Pro had 500GB onboard storage, so you might say that 16GB is actually a downgrade. The 2019 Pro comes around $100 cheaper though, and you can extend storage via one of the USB 3.0 ports or through network-attached storage.
The box runs on Android version 9.0 Pie and is the only one out of the two third-generation Shields that can be used as a Plex Media Server.
The most significant upgrades in 2019 are in its software:
- Shield TV now supports Dolby Vision HDR (on supported equipment) on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix to offer the best audio-visual experience you can get.
- The AI-powered “upscaling” feature turns lower-quality 720p and 1080p resolutions into visibly sharper 4K-like images.
Besides being one of the few devices that are allowed to stream Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video in 4K, it’s still a Diamond Sponsor of Kodi/XBMC as well.
Being an Android device, the Shield gives you access to the Google Play Store that you can use to download all of your favorite apps, including games. It works both with Google Home and Amazon Echo in selected languages and countries.
It is still the best Android TV box for gaming as well as it offers seamless game-streaming and access to Nvidia’s GeForceNOW service for free.
Setting Up and Updates
Setting up the Nvidia Shield is super easy: just plug your unit, turn it on and set it up using your Google account. You can do that either through your Android phone, tablet, or the Nvidia remote.
Because the Shield is known as “the streaming device for gamers,” there are some sharing and gaming aspects to consider. Other than that, the interface is very easy to use, more so now after the latest OS updates.
Naturally, being a premium Android TV box that it is, updates are automatic and offered OTA (Over the Air).
Specs
| Processor | NVIDIA® Tegra® X1 with a 256-core GPU |
| Android OS | Android 9.0 Pie with Chromecast 4K |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB (expandable over USB & micro SD) |
| Memory | 3 GB RAM |
| Supported Resolution | Up to 4K HDR playback at 60 fps |
| WiFi Connectivity | Dual-Band 802.11ac MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet | Gigabit |
| H.265 Video Decoding | Yes |
| 5.1 Audio Passthrough | Yes & 7.1 |
| Updates | SHIELD Experience Upgrades directly from NVIDIA |
| USB | 2 x 3.0 |
| HDMI | 1 x 2.0 |
Design
While the standard Shield TV takes the shape of a small compact tube (more on that later), the design of the 2019 Shield TV Pro is unchanged from the previous version.
A game controller is no longer included in the package, but both Shield versions come with the new and improved remote.
It’s got a modern pyramid-shaped body and automatic backlighting, which makes it comfortable to hold and use in the dark.
The lack of buttons on the old remote made it pretty annoying to use, but that’s not an issue anymore:
The new one comes loaded with buttons like volume, play/pause, forward/rewind, back, etc. There’s a dedicated one for Netflix and another one you can program for a variety of functions on it as well. It runs on AAA batteries and can control things like power and volume via infrared and HDMI-CEC on compatible TVs.
The best thing is the new lost remote finding function that you can activate from the new Shield mobile app on your phone, the Shield unit itself, or asking Alexa/Google Home to find it.
As usual, the back of the Shield Pro is loaded with ports: two USB 3.0s and an HDMI 2.0 port plus wired Gigabit ethernet.
Support
Of course, Nvidia is also the best when it comes to customer support. The website is full of useful information with descriptive FAQ pages and an active online forum where fellow Nvidia owners and tech experts help with any technical issues you may face.
Verdict
The 2019 Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV box for 2020 for those who want a top-notch streaming experience in their living room!
It runs on the new, lightning-fast Tegra X1+ processor, comes with the new AI upscaling feature that visibly improves 1080p images, can be voice-controlled by both Google Assistant and Alexa, and it is still one of the few devices allowed to stream Netflix in 4K quality. Compared to the standard Shield TV, it gets more RAM, advanced Android gaming support, and the ability to transcode lower-quality streams when used as a Plex Media Server.
WE LIKE
- Lightning fast
- Latest Android 9.0 Pie OS
- Impressive 4K upscaling
- Supports Dolby Vision HDR
- Upgraded remote
- Compatible with both Amazon
- Echo and Google Home
- Supports 4K streaming on compatible TVs
- Streams YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video in 4K
WE DON’T LIKE
- No HDR sound for YouTube
- Only 16GB of storage compared to 500GB of the 2017 model
The standard Shield TV is the second new device Nvidia launched at the end of October. It’s got all the same cool new features as the Pro version but is more geared towards the mainstream audience.
Let’s see what’s different between the two new devices and what has changed since 2017.
Highlights
- New compact design
- Superfast performance
- Comes with the new remote
Features & Specs
One of the major differences between Shield TV and Shield TV Pro has always been the storage capacity. The standard Shield still comes with 8GB of storage while the Pro now comes with 16GB of space. The Pro has two USB 3.0 ports that you can use to expand the storage, but the standard Shield only has a MicroSD slot for that.
Although both the standard Shield and Shield Pro can run the Plex client app, only the Pro can act as a Plex Media Server too. If you’re a die-hard Plex user, you might want to invest in the Pro version.
Other than that, the standard Shield TV is just as great as the Shield Pro:
- Uses the new 25% faster X1+ processor
- Now also supports Dolby Vision HDR on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime
- AI-upscaling significantly improves video quality
- Plays Amazon and Google Play Music straight from the box
- You can use Amazon Echo or Google Home to control it hands-free
- Streams Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR
Specs
| Processor | NVIDIA® Tegra® X1 w/ 256-core NVIDIA GPU |
| Android OS | Android 9.0 Pie w/ Chromecast 4K |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB expandable via microSD |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Supported Resolution | Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps |
| WiFi Connectivity | Dual-Band 802.11ac MIMO 2.4 GHz,5 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet | Gigabit |
| H.265 Video Decoding | Yes |
| 5.1 Audio Passthrough | Yes & 7.1 |
| Updates | Directly from NVIDIA |
| Voice Assistants | Built in + Google Home + Amazon Echo |
| HDMI | 1 x 2.0 |
Design
The second significant difference between the two devices is in the design:
While the 2019 Shield TV Pro still looks like a classic set-top-box, the new standard Shield TV comes in the shape of a tube. At over 6 inches long, it’s too heavy to be a self-supporting dongle, so the best location for it is somewhere behind your TV.
The different ports are located at both ends of the tube:
The HDMI port, MicroSD slot, and remote finder button on one side, the Gigabit Ethernet port and power connector on the other.
The standard Shield doesn’t come with any USB ports, so it seems to be aimed more towards the general audience. The USB ports come in handy if you want to plug external hard drives for things like running the Plex Media Server, but you don’t really need them if you’re an average user wanting to stream shows and movies from Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The standard Shield TV comes with the new and improved remote as well:
- Built-in mic for voice search and voice commands
- Automatic backlit buttons (motion-activated)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- IR blaster for volume and power control on compatible TVs and soundbars
- Remote locator for lost remote
Support
Of course, Nvidia is also the best when it comes to customer support. The website is full of useful information with descriptive FAQ pages and an active online forum where fellow Nvidia owners and tech experts help with any technical issues you may face.
Verdict
The standard 2019 Nvidia Shield TV is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple yet premium-quality streaming device. With high-end features like Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos surround sound, AI-powered image upscaling, and the new and improved remote, you get the best elements of the top-of-the-line Shield TV Pro at a lower price.
WE LIKE
- New compact design
- Excellent price
- Comes with all the features of the Pro version
WE DON’T LIKE
- Only 8GB of storage
- No USB ports
- Can’t be used as Plex Media Server
3. SkyStream PRO 8K – Best Alternative to Nvidia
SkyStream PRO replaces the already powerful SkyStream THREE, which was one of the most popular streaming media players of 2019.
The new SkyStream PRO was released a few months ago and it is a bit cheaper than the Nvidia, making it a great alternative!
Highlights
- Up to 8k streaming resolution
- Android 9.0 Pie OS
- Excellent price
Features & Specs
Skystream is out again with a new and improved streaming media player!
The Skystream PRO replaces the wildly popular Skystream Three and Three Plus, and brings even faster streaming, up to 8k streaming resolution, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
The new SkyStream box comes with Android 9.0 Pie – an upgrade from Oreo 8.1 of SkyStream THREE. The new line is significantly faster than the old one using the lightning-fast S905X3 chip by Amlogic.
One of the main differences between the PRO and Three Plus is their storage capacity – surprisingly, the new box only has 32GB of internal memory compared to 64GB of the THREE. I guess they had to cut corners somewhere to maintain a decent price.
That’s not a problem though as you can use one of the three USB ports or the mini SD slot to plug external storage options. System memory stays the same at 4GB.
All Skystream boxes have always been perfect for using Kodi as it comes pre-installed on it. Naturally, the PRO also supports 4K streaming, which is pretty much the standard these days.
But the new PRO takes the meaning of “high-quality” to another level:
It is the first streaming media player with 8k streaming capabilities on supported devices, bringing you seriously rich and clear picture quality.
The PRO still comes with the WideVine certification as well, which allows it to stream YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video in HD.
New Remote
Skystream PRO also comes with a new and updated airmouse that pairs with the box automatically via Bluetooth. The new remote has a range of about 30 feet.
Like the previous model, Google Voice Search is built-in and you can access it by holding down the microphone button.
What makes the remote super convenient are the shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, the Google Play Store, and your selection of apps.
Specs
| Processor | AmLogic S905X3 Quad Core @ 1.91 GHz |
| Android OS | Android 9.0 Pie |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB |
| Memory | 4 GB |
| Supported Resolution | Up to 8K Super Ultra HD at 24 fps + 4k@75 fps |
| WiFi Connectivity | Dual-Band 802.11 b/g/n/ac (MIMO) 2.4 & 5 Ghz |
| Ethernet | Gigabit |
| H.265 Video Decoding | Yes |
| 5.1 Audio Passthrough | Yes + Dolby Digital |
| Expandable storage | Over USB; mini SD |
| USB | 1 x 3.0; 2 x 2.0 |
| HDMI | 1 x 2.1 |
Setting It Up & Updates
Setting up SkyStream PRO is super easy: just plug the HDMI cable to your Android box and TV, plug the power cable, and you’re ready to get started.
Like all modern set-top boxes, SkyStream too looks for updates automatically, and everything is done Over the Air. You can also use the SkyStream Updater app if you want to be sure your box is up to date but remember to update the app itself regularly as well.
Like with SkyStream THREE, the Updater App lets you choose between two versions of Kodi – Adult or Family Friendly.
Support
SkyStream has one of the best customer support teams available. For one, there are a Facebook support group and FAQ pages that address all the most common issues. Secondly, SkyStream’s customer service team is based in the US, so you can contact them at any time through a toll-free hotline.
Verdict
There’s a lot to love about the SkyStream PRO: it’s even faster than before, it’s powerful, and it is the first streaming media player on the market with 8k streaming capabilities! On top of that, it comes at an excellent price.
Rivaled only by the Nvidia Shield TV, the SkyStream PRO is definitely a great alternative TV box today!
WE LIKE
- Latest Android OS
- Uses the fast S905X3 processor
- Streams YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu in HD
- Up to 8K Super Ultra streaming capabilities
- Google Voice Search
WE DON’T LIKE
- No 4K streaming for Netflix or YouTube
If you’re new to the world of streaming media players, then the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K might be just what you’re looking for. It’s very easy to use and offers high-quality 4K streaming for Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video – all at an unbeatable price!
Highlights
- Great price
- Streams content in 4K, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube
- Voice control by Alexa
Features & Specs
Just to be clear, the Fire TV Stick 4K is not Amazon’s newest product. The company released its second-generation Fire TV Cube in October 2019.
So, why is the Fire TV Stick 4K still on this list?
Because it’s still a great product to buy! It’s got all the same specs as the more expensive 2019 Fire TV Cube:
- 4K streaming
- HDR10
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
- Alexa support
You can use it to access almost every streaming service and it even comes with the native YouTube app!
So, which should you choose?
Well, if you already own an Amazon Echo Dot, you’ll be fine with the more-than-twice-cheaper Fire TV Stick 4K. If you want to have Fire TV and Alexa built into the same box, go for the 2019 Fire TV Cube. It’s that simple!
And now to the review.
As mentioned, The Fire TV Stick supports 4K streaming, and that includes Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The YouTube app is finally back on all Amazon devices after a year-and-a-half-long feud between Amazon and Google.
The operating system for the Fire TV Stick is Fire OS 6.0, which is based on Android 7.1 Nougat. Because of this, there’s no access to the Google Play Store, which means you are limited when it comes to apps you can download. You can use the Amazon App Store to choose between 7000+ apps and games.
The 8GB Fire TV Stick comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, which is one of the best things about it:
You can use your voice to search for shows or movies to watch, play music, control volume, check the weather, control smart home devices, and so much more.
Specs
| Processor | MediaTek MT8695 Quad Core @ 1.7 GHz |
| Operating System | Fire OS 6 based on Android 7.1 Nougat |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB |
| Memory | 1.5 GB |
| Supported Resolution | Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps |
| WiFi Connectivity | Dual-Band 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO /td> |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbs |
| H.265 Video Decoding | Yes |
| 5.1 Audio Passthrough | Yes & 7.1 |
| Expandable storage | None |
| USB | Micro USB for power only |
| HDMI | 1 x 1.4 |
Setting It Up & Updates
The Fire TV Stick 4K is not exactly a box, it’s got the shape of a memory stick, and it plugs straight into your TV through an HDMI port. (To improve Wi-Fi reception, Amazon recommends to plug the stick into an HDMI extender.)
Once that’s done, attach the USB cable and run it to the nearest power outlet to get it up and running.
Updates are not complicated either:
As long as your device is connected to the Internet, it will search for software updates and install them automatically.
Support
Amazon’s got a great reputation for providing good customer service for third-party items they sell as well as for the items they produce themselves. You can contact them by calling or emailing the customer support team or by initiating live chat.
Verdict
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a good product if you’re looking for an easy to use streaming device with modern features. You can watch all of your favorite shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video* in 4K (on compatible TVs) and use your voice to control it with the Alexa Voice Remote. It is the best choice for anyone on a budget!
* To watch Amazon Prime Video, you need to be a member of Amazon Prime, a paid program that gives you access to TV-shows, movies, music, videos, e-books, free shipping, and other Amazon services.
WE LIKE
- Cheap
- Super easy to set up
- Streams Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video in 4K
- The native YouTube app is back
- Supports 4K content on compatible TVs
- Comes with Alexa Voice Remote
- Dolby Vision
WE DON’T LIKE
- Can only be used for streaming content
- No access to Google Play Store
- No USB or SD card slots
Amazon’s first Fire TV Cube was released at the end of 2018, and despite it being a 3-in-1 product (a streaming device, universal remote, and Alexa speaker), it lacked one very important feature that its cheaper competitor Fire TV Stick 4K had – Dolby Vision HDR.
This year, Amazon came out with the new and improved second-generation Fire TV Cube that is now the flagship of the product line.
With a more powerful processor, faster response times, and the added support of Dolby Vision, it is currently the best Amazon product for streaming 4K content to your TV.
Highlights
- Comes with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Faster and more powerful processor
- The YouTube app is back along with YouTube TV
FEATURES & SPECS
The 2019 Fire TV Cube is running on Fire OS 7, which is based on Android 9 Pie. The interface is pretty intuitive to use, and the home screen offers quick access to TV shows and movies you have recently watched , even if they’re not available on Amazon Prime Video. You can also make your own Watchlist of shows and movies you want to watch across different platforms.
The Fire TV Cube heavily promotes Prime Video content, which can be annoying for some users. The interface also features large banners on the home screen, cluttering it up and making it a bit too messy.
The device comes with 4K streaming on supported platforms like Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The YouTube app has been back on all Amazon devices since July, and the 2019 Cube now comes with support for YouTube TV. It can also run media servers like Kodi and Plex.
The second-generation device has an ultra-powerful Hexa-core processor (with speeds up to 2.2GHz) compared to the 1.5 GHz Quad-core one on the original Fire TV Cube. The new processor can stream 4K UHD and Dolby Vision content at up to 60 fps.
At the back of the new Cube are an HDMI port, power, a Micro USB port for the Ethernet adapter, and an input for the IR extender (both included). It comes with a thin IR extender cord for devices that are out of sight, but it doesn’t include an HDMI cable necessary for set-up.
The best feature of the 2019 Fire TV Cube is its built-in speaker with eight far-field microphones that allows you to give voice commands without using the remote. The Cube is basically an Amazon Echo device that lets you control your smart home devices over Wi-Fi and home theatre equipment directly over its IR emitters with just your voice.
Some basic voice commands are executed much faster than before, thanks to the Cube handling them directly instead of going through Amazon’s servers. Most still lag, though, as the Cube needs to check with the cloud for a lot of the commands.
Specs
| Processor | ARM Mali G52-MP2 Hexa-core @ up to 2.2 GHz |
| Operating System | Fire OS 7 based on Android 9.0 Pie |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Supported Resolution | Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps |
| WiFi Connectivity | Dual-Band 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO /td> |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbs |
| H.265 Video Decoding | Yes |
| 5.1 Audio Passthrough | Yes & 7.1 |
| Expandable storage | Over Micro USB |
| USB | Micro USB |
| HDMI | 1 x 1.4 |
DESIGN & SET-UP
The Cube comes in the shape of… you guessed it, a cube at 3 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches. The shape and dimensions are the same as the first model, and so is the layout of eight far-field microphones and buttons on top. The device connects to your TV via HDMI (not included!) and the entire set-up process takes place on the TV itself.
You can set your Fire TV Cube up to control your soundbar, TV, cable box if supported, and receivers. The Cube can also select the right HDMI input if you’re switching between things like Blu-ray players or game consoles.
VERDICT
The 2019 Amazon Fire TV Cube is the best choice for you if you have a smart-home setup or just want to try the streaming device slash digital assistant 2-in-1. It’s fast, supports a wide range of popular apps, and can stream content in lots of standards, including Dolby Vision.
WE LIKE
- Now includes support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Performance is fast and smooth
- Streams Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video in 4K
- Hands-free Alexa voice support
- Some voice commands are executed super-fast
- Hands-free voice control support for Netflix and Hulu
WE DON’T LIKE
- Doesn’t come with an HDMI cable
- No voice control support for YouTube content
- You still need the remote to execute certain tasks
- Only worth it if you already don’t own an Echo device
- Some users find the interface cluttered and messy
How to Choose An Android TV Box? The Buying Guide
If you’re not familiar with Android TV boxes yet, you might be wondering what exactly is this thing that everybody’s talking about.
Well, the definition of an Android TV box is very simple:
It’s a streaming device that runs on the Android operating system. It usually comes in the form of a small box or in some cases a stick, and you can plug it into almost any television via an HDMI cable.
These devices are mainly used to stream movies and TV shows from platforms like Hulu, Netflix, HBO, etc., but you can also download most of the games and apps you find in the Google Play or Amazon App Store.
Like all gadgets, Android TV boxes come with different firmware, hardware, specs, customer support, etc. so you might be wondering how to choose an android tv box?
Before you can find the right Android box, here are some factors you should consider.
Android 8.0 OS or Higher
When looking at the specs of any TV box, be sure to check the version of Android it’s running on. While most manufacturers are updating their products regularly, there are still some that use the older OS versions.
Devices running the outdated operating systems are usually cheaper, but newer OS come with bug fixes, improved performance, and support for the future.
In 2020, make sure your chosen box comes with at least Android 9.0 (Pie) or higher.
Support
There are lots of generic devices on the market that come with seemingly good specs but non-existing customer support. That may be an issue if you pick a TV box you have to set up and customize yourself.
If you don’t have any tech knowledge, it’s best to choose a reputable brand as they offer active support forums, FAQ pages, and tech support over email, live chat, or the phone.
Nvidia and Skystream have very good support teams according to their existing customers.
‘Over the Air’ Updates
Regular firmware updates are important to keep your TV box running smoothly. Surprisingly, even in 2020, not all manufacturers offer firmware updates! Or if they do the process is too complicated for most non-technical users:
You would need to download the file to your computer, transfer it to a USB key or SD card, then copy it to your streaming device and update it manually. For many people, that’s just too much.
To avoid the hassle, make sure your chosen model offers firmware updates over the air (OTA).
Connectivity
You’ll need an Internet connection to get your box up and running, access your favorite apps, and stream content.
There are three things to consider:
- Connection Speed
Make sure your Internet connection speed matches what’s required to stream content in your desired quality. To stream standard definition content, you need at least 3Mbps of download speed. Streaming HD content requires a minimum of 5Mbps, and for 4K UHD streaming, your connection needs to be at least 25Mbps.
If you are not sure of your Internet connection speed, either ask your Internet services provider or do a speed test.
- Ethernet vs. WiFi
Depending on your chosen TV box model, you either have to hook it up to an Ethernet cable or use WiFi to get it to work. As I mentioned above, streaming higher resolutions requires a faster Internet connection, but video quality can still vary greatly if you stream it over WiFi vs. an Ethernet cable.
The best option is to use the cable, but if this is not an option make sure your WiFi box comes with a dual-band router for more power.
- Gigabit Ethernet
If you’ve got the latest Gigabit Ethernet router and you want to plug your box into it, make sure this too supports Gigabit Ethernet. Most models on the market today only support speeds from 10 to 100Mbps. Only newer (and better) boxes can handle Gigabit Ethernet’s speeds of up to 1000Mbps.
5.1 Audio Passthrough
Not to make things too complicated, audio passthrough is simply a feature that lets you send the audio signal from your streaming box to another device without affecting its quality.
If you have set up a home theatre system and want the full home cinema experience, your chosen box should have at least 5.1 audio passthrough. If you intend to only use your TV speakers, this feature is not that important.
Anyway, most Android TV boxes these days come with some kind of passthrough ability, and many are 5.1 surround sound capable.
USB Ports
If you think you might want to plug a wireless mouse or keyboard for easier navigation or watch movies from an external memory device, you’re probably going to need more than one USB port. Make sure your chosen box comes with 2 or 3 ports and that at least one of them is USB 3.0.
USB 3.0 is much more powerful and faster than USB 2.0. While speed is not an issue when it comes to devices like keyboards and speakers, you’ll need the USB 3.0 port if you plan to stream content from your external hard drive.
Only the 3.0 port can deliver consistently good video quality.
HDMI 2.0
Whether your box comes with HDMI 2.0 is important if you want to stream lots of 4K UHD content. Streaming platforms like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, and others already support 4K streaming on certain devices, but you’ll only get smooth buffering-free quality if your Android box supports HDMI 2.0 too.
The newer 2.0 has more bandwidth than the old HDMI 1.4 and is thus able to play 4K content at a consistent 50-60 fps.
Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ What is an Android TV Box?
An Android TV box is a simple box that you can use to watch videos and play games. It is running on the same operating system that many smartphones run on – Android. Inherently, an Android TV box is a lot like a media center that can turn a regular TV into a Smart TV.
⭐ How to Set Up an Android TV Box?
Setting up your new Android box is super easy. First, plug all the cables as instructed and then connect it to the Internet via WiFi or Ethernet (basically the same process as connecting your phone to your network).
Next, check for software and firmware updates if they don’t launch automatically. Then, you’re ready to start installing apps and games from the Google Play Store and/or Amazon App Store and media players like Plex and Kodi.
For additional information, please read your manufacturer’s instructions.
⭐ How to Use an Android TV Box?
Android TV boxes are very similar to Android phones and tablets, so they work in the same way. If you haven’t used this operating system before it will take a bit of getting used to, but it’s very easy and straightforward to use. Depending on your TV box and the Android OS it runs, the interface may differ.
Besides downloading apps from the Google Play Store, you can also use Android boxes to watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, play games, browse the Internet, and so much more.
⭐ How Does an Android TV Box Work?
An Android TV box runs on an Android OS and works just like a tablet or smartphone would. Compared to mobile phones, it has better input/output options and the ability to connect other devices such as a keyboard, air mouse, speakers, wireless remote, etc.
You first need to connect the box to your TV via an HDMI cable and then to the Internet via Ethernet or WiFi. After set-up is complete, you can start downloading games and apps.
⭐ Which is the best Android TV box to buy?
The best Android TV box for 2020 is the Nvidia Shield TV. It’s also available in a Pro version, and both come with Nvidia’s flagship Tegra X1 processor, Android 9.0 Pie, and are capable of streaming Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube in 4K UHD quality.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the best “easy set-up” and also cheapest android box. It is suitable for those who only want to watch movies and TV shows in 4K quality.
![[Mega1Comp Exclusive] - Wireless BT Video Game Controller for NVIDIA Shield TV Box, Android TV Box, Mi Box, Amazon Fire TV Cube, Wireless, Rechargeable Gamepad](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41K29LJ+FnL._SL160_.jpg)
Wrapping It Up
As you can see, there are definitely a few things to look at when choosing your streaming box. Since some of them are pretty expensive, you certainly want to make sure you buy a device that lasts longer than a couple of months.
I hope these reviews were helpful and you now know which Android TV box is the best choice for you. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments section below.
Last update on 2020-08-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This article originally appeared on https://www.lereviewist.com/best-android-tv-box/
