Hi friend! If you‘re looking to upgrade your home entertainment experience, then joining the Android TV box revolution may be just what you need. With so many models flooding the market, how do you determine which Android TV box is the best fit for your needs?
Well, you‘ve come to the right place. We‘re going to explore everything you need to know about these nifty devices. I‘ll share our top picks for 2022 based on factors like price, features, and streaming capabilities. Let‘s dive in!
A Quick Intro to Android TV Boxes
Chances are you‘ve heard about Android TV boxes, but what exactly are they?
These small set-top boxes run on the Android TV operating system. They connect to your TV‘s HDMI port to add smart capabilities powered by Android.
Android TV boxes have surged in popularity in recent years. Global sales increased from around $100 million in 2016 to over $370 million in 2021. Analysts predict this rapid growth will continue, with the global market reaching $1.1 billion by 2024.
There are now dozens of companies making Android TV boxes, including big names like Nvidia, Xiaomi, and Nvidia. The open Android platform gives manufacturers the flexibility to pack streaming hardware into all sorts of designs at various prices.
So in a nutshell – Android TV boxes turn your regular ole‘ TV into a supercharged smart TV able to run popular streaming apps, play games, cast content from other devices, and much more!
Benefits of Android TV Boxes Over Other Devices
Android TV boxes offer some unique advantages over streaming sticks and smart TVs:
More Power for Better Performance
With strong processors and extra RAM, Android TV boxes provide snappier performance compared to underpowered streaming sticks which can lag. The additional horsepower ensures smooth 4K streaming and quick loading.
More Storage for More Apps
Android TV boxes generally come with more internal storage than streaming sticks – usually between 8GB to 128GB. This extra room allows you to comfortably fit more streaming apps, games, and downloaded media files.
Flexibility of an Open Platform
Since Android TV offers an open ecosystem, you can install apps from a variety of sources. Frequent software updates also provide steady improvements over time. This extra freedom is great for power users.
Advanced Streaming Capabilities
Leading Android TV boxes support 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision and Atmos audio. Some feature AV1 decoding which allows for more efficient 4K streaming. This results in an amazing viewing experience.
Gaming Prowess
Thanks to speedy processors and ability to connect controllers, many Android TV boxes pull double-duty as compact game consoles. You can play mobile games, retro console emulators, cloud gaming services, and more.
Extra Connectivity
With USB ports, you can easily play media from flash drives and external hard drives. Ethernet ports provide fast and stable wired internet connectivity. Bluetooth enables pairing wireless headphones and controllers.
Clearly, Android TV boxes have a lot to offer. But to help you determine which model is the best fit, let‘s explore the key factors to consider when buying.
What to Look for When Buying an Android TV Box
Resolution
At a minimum, the Android TV box should support 1080p streaming. But with 4K TVs becoming so common, I highly recommend opting for a box with 4K streaming capabilities to future-proof your purchase. Support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG enhances contrast and color depth for a truly immersive viewing experience.
Storage
Look for Android TV boxes with at least 8GB of internal storage to comfortably fit all your streaming apps and a few downloaded shows or movies. 16GB or higher provides plenty of extra breathing room. Some models also allow you to add more storage via USB or MicroSD.
RAM
Having enough RAM ensures smooth app performance and quick launch times. 2GB is sufficient for most, but 4GB is ideal for future-proofing. Some high-end models even offer 8GB RAM for true enthusiasts.
Processor
Opt for an Android TV box with at least a quad-core CPU, but the faster the better. Look for benchmark scores over 1000 for silky smooth operation. A blazing fast processor is especially important if you plan to play games.
Connectivity
At minimum, ensure any box has HDMI, WiFi 5, and USB ports. Ethernet, Bluetooth, optical audio, MicroSD slots, and AV ports provide nice extras. WiFi 6 and HDMI 2.1 offer the latest connectivity technologies.
Software
Android TV boxes running pure Android TV tend to perform better than those using customized skins. Some companies employ performance hampering bloatware, so lean towards clean builds of Android TV.
Remote
Many Android TV boxes come with basic remotes, but it‘s worth paying a little extra for advanced voice control remotes with features like built-in streaming service shortcuts, keyboards, and programmable buttons. This vastly improves ease of use.
Price
Android TV boxes span a wide range of prices from $50 to $300+. In general, more you pay, the better performance and features you‘ll get. Be realistic about your needs and avoid overspending on power you won‘t utilize.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can zero in on the right Android TV box for your streaming needs and budget. Let‘s look at some of my top recommendations for 2022.
Best Android TV Boxes of 2022
After extensive hands-on testing and research, I picked my top Android TV box choices across various price ranges and use cases:
Best Budget: Xiaomi Mi Box S
Price – $80
Resolution – 4K
Storage – 8GB
RAM – 2GB
Key Features:
- Quad-core CPU provides snappy performance
- Supports 4K HDR streaming
- Comes with compact voice remote
- Easy setup with Android TV interface
- Chromecast built-in for casting content
- Great price for essential streaming features
If you want an affordable Android TV box under $100 that can handle all of your basic streaming needs, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is your best bet.
It packs good-enough specs like a quad-core processor and 2GB RAM to power through movies and shows from Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube and other major services in crisp 4K.
The included compact remote makes navigating the clean Android TV interface a breeze. Google Assistant voice commands help you quickly launch shows and movies.
Setting up the Mi Box S is super simple – just plug in the power and HDMI cable, connect to WiFi, and sign into your Google account to access apps.
For casual cord-cutters who want to affordably upgrade an old "dumb" TV, the Xiaomi Mi Box S provides fantastic streaming capabilities.
Owners love it for its combination of performance, compact size, and low price. It‘s the cheapest box that supports major 4K streaming services.
Best Value: NVIDIA Shield TV
Price – $150
Resolution – 4K HDR
Storage – 8GB
RAM – 3GB
Key Features:
- Powerful Tegra X1+ processor and 3GB RAM
- AI 4K upscaling for improved clarity
- Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos support
- Dual-band WiFi 5 and ethernet connectivity
- Built-in Chromecast for casting
- Compact cylinder design
- New remote with motion-activated backlight
If you want great streaming capabilities without breaking the bank, the NVIDIA Shield TV is tough to beat. It first launched over 5 years ago, but constant software updates have kept it one of the most popular Android TV boxes.
Inside you get plenty of power for smooth 4K streaming and gaming thanks to the Tegra X1+ processor and 3GB of RAM. Support for advanced Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio means your shows and movies will look and sound amazing.
NVIDIA‘s excellent AI upscaling technology can even boost HD video to near 4K quality. Dual-band WiFi 5 ensures fast wireless speeds while the Gigabit ethernet port lets you wire in for the most stable connection.
The new Shield TV remote finally allows you to simply speak requests and queries – no more need to hold a button down first! It features motion activated backlit buttons making it easy to use in the dark.
Owners rave about the buttery smooth performance and awesome picture quality of the Shield TV. It really shines when streaming Plex content and cloud gaming services like GeForce Now. At $150, it hits the sweet spot for features and power.
Best Premium: SkyStream Two
Price – $200
Resolution – 4K HDR
Storage – 16GB
RAM – 2GB
Key Features:
- Flagship-level 12nm processor and 2GB DDR4 RAM
- Expandable 16GB internal storage
- Next-gen connectivity: WiFi 6, BT 5.0, USB 3.0
- Advanced AV1 video decoding
- Customizable backlit remote
- Made for Plex servers and IPTV
If you want the absolute best Android TV box money can buy, the SkyStream Two is the clear choice. It‘s a true powerhouse loaded with cutting edge specs that blow away the competition.
It starts with the blazing fast 12nm processor and DDR4 RAM that offer incredible speed when hopping between apps and streams. You also get 16GB of internal storage and the ability to plug in external drives over USB 3.0.
Dual-band WiFi 6 and ethernet provide ultra-fast connectivity. The SkyStream Two even supports next-gen AV1 video decoding for more efficient 4K streaming.
The backlit remote can be customized with programmable shortcut buttons. An OLED display shows the time and app info.
If Plex or running your own IPTV service is important, the SkyStream Two also makes for an awesome media server. It really is an Android TV box without compromise!
While not cheap, media enthusiasts who demand the best performance and most advanced features will find the SkyStream Two well worth the premium price.
Best Stick: TiVo Stream 4K
Price – $50
Resolution – 4K
Storage – 8GB
RAM – 2GB
Key Features:
- Quad-core processor and 2GB RAM
- Sleek stick design plugs directly into HDMI ports
- Comes loaded with excellent TiVo software
- Intuitive interface makes finding shows easy
- Built-in Chromecast for casting content
- Affordable price point
If you like the idea of an Android TV device in a compact stick form, the TiVo Stream 4K is a fantastic option that punches way above its $50 price point.
It delivers the core essentials like 4K streaming, Chromecast support, Google Assistant voice control, and enough RAM to keep things running smoothly.
But what really makes it stand out is the excellent TiVo software overlay. It replaces the standard Android TV interface with something cleaner and more intuitive.
TiVo‘s Stream app provides tons of innovative ways to discover and watch movies and shows aggregated from all your services. From personalized recommendations to universal watchlists, it makes cutting the cord a breeze.
Setting up the TiVo Stream 4K takes just minutes. If you want an affordable Android TV stick with amazing software, the TiVo Stream 4K is hard to top.
Best for Streaming: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
Price – $200
Resolution – 4K HDR
Storage – 16GB
RAM – 3GB
Key Features:
- Powerful Tegra X1+ processor and 3GB RAM
- Plex server support to stream your media
- Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos sound
- Gigabit ethernet port for wired streaming
- USB ports to add external storage
- Next level AI video upscaling
- Full streaming app support including Netflix
If you‘re a hardcore streamer looking for the ultimate Android TV box, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is your best bet. It pulls out all the stops to deliver an unmatched viewing experience.
The powerful Tegra X1+ processor and 3GB of RAM allow it to handle anything you can throw at it with ease, from 4K HDR video to immersive Dolby Atmos audio. This level of performance is simply unbeatable.
With features like Plex server support, up to 2TB of expandable storage, and gigabit ethernet, the Shield Pro has everything needed to become the media hub of your dreams. There‘s simply no substitute for local Plex streaming.
NVIDIA‘s excellent upscaling technology uses AI to boost HD streams closer to 4K clarity. And full app support for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more means you‘ll always have tons to watch in the best possible quality.
If you want the pinnacle of Android TV streaming with the perks of an open platform, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the box to get. It‘s an investment that will pay off for years of sublime 4K entertainment.
Making the Right Choice For Your Needs
With so many great options available, it can be tough to decide which Android TV box is the best fit.
Here are a few closing tips:
The Xiaomi Mi Box S is perfect for new cord cutters who want an affordable streaming upgrade over their basic "dumb" TV.
For those willing to spend a bit more for better performance, the NVIDIA Shield TV hits the sweet spot under $200.
Power users who want unmatched power should look at the SkyStream Two or Shield TV Pro models.
If you prefer the simplicity and portability of a stick, go with the awesome TiVo Stream 4K.
No matter which you choose, any of these superb Android TV boxes will turn your regular television into a feature-packed smart TV perfect for streaming in the modern cord cutting era. Just find the right balance of price and capabilities for your needs.
Then grab some popcorn, kick back, and enjoy unlimited movies, shows, and more beamed directly to your TV! Thanks for reading and happy streaming!
