For a long time I did not recognize TV set-top boxes on Android, avoided gadgets in every possible way and looked for alternative solutions. Buying an Apple TV for each TV for yourself and your relatives is an expensive proposition; you had to assemble the set-top boxes yourself or convert old computers to accommodate them.
For several years, my homemade “raspberry” console served me faithfully. Recently, the gadget simply stopped coping with some responsibilities. The volume of reproduced video content has increased, high-definition IPTV streaming has begun to put a lot of strain on single-payer devices, and viewing large catalogs of streaming services has been plagued by outright lags and delays.
My first Android console
A trial step towards Android TV was a set-top box with a couple of tuners, which I purchased for my parents. The device met all needs and has been used by older users for several months without problems.
I didn’t like the “naked” Android on that device, so I had to reflash the set-top box for Android TV. The lack of software updates from the manufacturer forced us to look for custom firmware with the implementation of all capabilities. After installing the system, it took a whole day to select and download the necessary applications.
Even taking into account the time spent, the gadget turned out to be suitable, but I picked up an even cooler device for myself - the TOX1 . It’s not for nothing that this gadget has been featured in all the top Android TV set-top boxes for the last six months under $50.
Technical characteristics of TOX1
The Chinese placed the following hardware in a miniature box with an antenna:
▸ Processor : Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 Amlogic S905X2 processor with frequency up to 1.9 GHz
▸ GPU : Mali-G31 MP2
▸ RAM : 4 GB
▸ Storage : 32 GB (there are modifications for 16/64/128 GB, but I think 32 is the best option)
▸ Wireless modules : Wi-Fi 2.4G/5G IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac, MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2
▸ LAN : Ethernet 1000M
▸ Audio/video connectors : HDMI 2.1
▸ Connectors for peripherals : connector for TF and microSD cards up to 4 TB, 1x USB 2.0 and 1x USB 3.0
▸ OS : Android 9.0
Today, this is a kind of “gold standard” of capabilities for the average set-top box from AliExpress. Everything that is weaker or with a smaller set of capabilities is a complete compromise, and everything that is more powerful and sophisticated does not provide significant advantages in operation.
This hardware will last the vast majority of users for several years to come.
The kit includes a modest infrared remote control, which is better replaced with something more suitable, an HDMI cable and a 2A power supply.
Rating of the best smart TV set-top boxes
The rating is in descending order. First, the most functional, reliable and productive models. Cheaper TV boxes sometimes lag, but their capabilities are enough to make an old TV “smarter.”
1
Beelink GT-King
Rating:5.0
- TV set-top box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 64 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
Average price: RUB 10,490
In 2021, this console won the title of “most powerful”, however, even today not every model can compete with it. As for the hardware, inside there is a 6-core Amlogic S922X-H processor and a 6-core Mali-G52 video chip. Another special feature is the body, which is made not of plastic, but of metal. The device is multifunctional, but the emphasis is on games - the TV box is equipped with a cooling system, so it does not heat up under load.
The characteristics of the GT-King are sufficient to seamlessly output video content in 4K format (with 75 FPS); in addition, the set-top box supports 3D video formats. For game fans, this is a godsend - PUBG Mobile or World of Tanks run at maximum graphics settings.
The manufacturer has not ignored sound connoisseurs either. This Android box has Dolby DTS, DTS Listen Surround, 7.1 channel audio. A DAC-ES 9018 audio chip and an RT6862 amplifier are installed, which significantly improves the audio path.
The kit includes a multifunctional remote control that supports voice search and air mouse functions.
2
Apple TV 4K 32Gb
Rating:4.9
- TV set-top box on tvOS
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 32 GB, RAM 3 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- AirPlay support
Average price: RUB 16,490
This TV box, as the name suggests, is designed to play content in 4K format. The console looks traditionally stylish for Apple: a rectangular matte-glossy body, a rubberized bottom that ensures stability, and holes for cooling.
To unlock its full potential, it is recommended to connect the box to a 4K TV. The set-top box is also compatible with iOS-based smartphones and Mac computers. There are no questions about performance: there are 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory, and an A10X Fusion processor (the same was installed in the 2021 iPad Pro).
Works using the AirPlay wireless protocol. When you first launch, the user will see many pre-installed Internet services: Apple Music, HBO, Netflix, Showtime, iTunes and others. Judging by this alone, we can say that the box is “tailored” for streaming (there is no USB port). But there is support for Dolby Vision and HDR10. This is not an Android box, since the gadget runs on tvOS, where most services are available only with a paid subscription.
The bonus is the Siri voice assistant (English) and a stylish control panel (with built-in accelerometer and gyroscope), used as a joystick for most Apple TV games.
3
Ugoos X3 CUBE
Rating:4.8
- TV set-top box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 16 GB, RAM 2 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
Average price: RUB 5,990
High-quality Smart TV set-top box running on a 4-core AMlogic S905X3 processor (Cortex-A55 cores) with a Mali G31 video chip. There is 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of built-in memory. The memory can be expanded with a microSD card if desired. These characteristics allow the device to easily play 4K 60 FPS video streaming and new high-detail games downloaded from the Play Market.
X3 CUBE runs on Android 9 OS, on top of which there is a proprietary Ugoos shell, which will delight you with a pleasant and convenient interface. Connects to the Internet directly or via Wi-Fi. There is a Bluetooth module necessary for connecting wireless peripheral devices. HDMI video input, so the TV box supports multi-channel audio. Additional connectors on the case: AV, USB 2.0 and 3.0.
The advantage of Ugoos TV set-top boxes is that they do not cause problems at all in terms of firmware. new updates, and the update occurs “over the air”. What other advantages does the firmware have:
- switching the screen refresh rate;
- interlaced media content processing;
- unlocked Root;
- gamepad settings;
- embedded server
But it is recommended to connect the box to the Internet directly with a cable, since the manufacturer does not use the best Wi-Fi modules.
4
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Rating:4.7
- TV set-top box on Android 8.0
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 8 GB, RAM 2 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- support AirPlay, Miracast
Average price: 5,750 rub.
This smart TV set-top box is the best-selling on Aliexpress. The AMlogic S905X chipset with 4 Cortex-A53 cores and the Mali-450 video accelerator are responsible for the performance. There is 2 GB of RAM, which is enough for watching streaming, 8 GB of built-in memory, but you can always connect an external hard drive or USB drive.
OS – Android TV 8.1, adapted specifically for TVs. There is support for the Google Assistant voice assistant (button on the remote), the GoogleCast function (broadcasting content from a smartphone to the TV screen), support for playing video in 4K HDR, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1 format. But the performance is not enough for these purposes, there may be slowdowns. Things are much better with less voluminous videos.
Operating the set-top box is no more difficult than a regular smart TV. At the same time, Mi Box S is a certified device for watching Netflix, so its remote control has a special button for quickly launching the application. Another advantage is that the set-top box is integrated into the Xiaomi smart home.
The only downside is the lack of an Ethernet port, which means that the TV box connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
5
TV adapter Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 2K HDR
Rating:4.6
- 1080p support
- Built-in memory 8 GB, RAM 1 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz), Bluetooth
- HDMI 2.0a output
- services support: Google Play, Netflix, YouTube, Prime video
Average price: RUB 3,299
A compact media player from a well-known brand, with Android TV on board, capable of playing content in FullHD resolution. The device connects to an HDMI port and turns a regular TV into a “smart” one. Briefly about the features: a variety of streaming services, watching videos from your home network, support for the ChromeCast function.
The media set-top box is based on the AMlogic S805Y chip. Video chip – Mali 450, RAM – 1 GB, internal memory – 8 GB. These parameters are enough to play FullHD content.
After the initial setup, the interface opens - the desktop, where you can set the display of applications and collections. There are many pre-installed programs (video services). If something is missing, you can download it from Google Play. At first it seems that 1 GB of RAM is not enough for normal operation, but in fact it is enough. There are no lags or slowdowns, videos and music from the Internet are played quickly. The response to commands from the included remote control is responsive. In a word, Mi TV Stick is a well-optimized device, one of the best smart adapters in its form factor.
6
TV adapter Google Chromecast 2018
Rating:4.5
- 1080p support
- built-in Wi-Fi module
- control from smartphone
- HDMI output
Average price: RUB 3,598
It is an inexpensive, simple and accessible streaming media player used to watch or listen to content. The device looks like a keychain connected to a TV. It comes with an adapter and a micro-USB cable.
Unlike other media players, there is no Bluetooth support. But it supports dual-band Wi-Fi, has micro-USB and a built-in HDMI port. Google Chromecast easily connects to your audio system.
Using the media player is easy, especially since many streaming media applications support Chromecast technology. That is, those who have an Android smartphone can transfer any content from the phone to the screen. There is no such option on iOS. Google says the adapter is capable of streaming video in 1080p resolution at 60 FPS.
The set-top box supports OTA firmware updates
Over the past six months, manufacturers have released a couple of major and several minor updates. The update is entirely voluntary, there are no impositions or constant Apple-style notifications about the release of new firmware here.
Each update is greeted with a clear and detailed list of innovations in Russian. You can familiarize yourself and only after that make a decision about the need for firmware.
The update process itself is quick, simple and over the air. The firmware is downloaded from the developers' website, unpacked on the device and installed. During the process, the gadget will reboot a couple of times and will be ready for use. Of course, settings, applications and content on the set-top box are retained.
List of updates in firmware version 1.5 arriving by air
I didn’t expect to see this in an inexpensive set-top box from AliExpress. I understand that you shouldn’t count on long-term support, but it’s nice that the manufacturer is improving the software, eliminating bugs found and even adding cool new features. One of these arrived with the latest update 1.5 (I’ll talk about it below).
The console has root and Magisk
This is all available right out of the box and does not require any additional manipulations.
The manufacturer independently allows the user to gain full access to the gadget and does not mind updating the firmware after that. Having root rights allows you to do almost anything with this TV box. At the same time, the developers installed the Magisk utility into the standard firmware.
For those who don’t know, this is an application for installing mods and programs without modifying the system partition of the device. Even here, developers provide a safe opportunity for global software modification to the user. This is an easier way to configure the set-top box without flashing it and refusing over-the-air updates.
In just three minutes I installed the modification for Android TV and did not need to flash TOX1. The procedure is extremely simple: we find the required module on the network, download it to the device and indicate the path to it in the utility.
The gadget fully works with the Android TV shell and continues to receive OTA updates. If necessary, just disable one option in Magisk, reboot the console and get stock Android 9 out of the box.
Common problems
During the process of connecting and installing equipment (phone, TV and set-top box), various difficulties may arise. In most cases, they are associated with a lack of WiFi connection or the inability to connect the tuner to the smartphone.
To resolve problems, do the following:
- make sure you are connected to the Internet and check the speed;
- check again that the smartphone can be connected to the TV via the set-top box;
- Check the assembled circuit for correct configuration and installation of connectors.
If failures persist, try rebooting the devices and updating the software (firmware and applications used).
Now you know how to connect your phone to a TV through a set-top box, and what is needed for this. If it was not possible to implement the considered scheme, you can always use other options, for example, connecting to the TV directly via wired or wireless connection. In this case, the user will have more options at his disposal.
TOX1 has a full Auto Frame Rate
A feature without which buying a set-top box or TV in 2021 makes no sense.
Frame rate selection works out of the box and is available both in fully automatic mode and only for selected applications. You can customize everything for yourself without any restrictions. The latest global firmware update 1.5 introduced another very useful option for Auto Frame Rate.
It's called AFR_CALC. Just for the sake of this feature, you can safely download the OTA update and update. After this, a third way to operate AFR on the device appears. You can assign the switch to turn on any key on the control panel. This is both simple and ingenious at the same time.
Why keep the chip on all the time, watch the picture fade frequently to change the image output mode, or hope for the normal operation of algorithms in third-party applications? You can simply bind the activation of AFR to a remote control key and allow the user to independently enable the option.
I did just that and literally had a blast. I just noticed a jerky picture, a “ladder” or judder effect - I press a given key and the set-top box itself changes the video mode to match the source parameters.
There is a system utility for configuring remote controls
Since we're talking about reassigning keys on the remote control, we can't help but mention the utility built into the OS level for this.
On the previous set-top boxes I configured, I had to select and install special applications from Google Play, give them the necessary permissions, and even enable universal access on Android; even this did not guarantee the normal operation of the reassigned buttons.
There is no such thing in TOX1. A separate settings section allows you to reassign any button from both a standard and any third-party remote control, and this will work at the system level without additional software. So you can add the key described above to enable AFR, teach the remote control to switch IPTV channels, and even set up language switching for entering data from an on-screen or external keyboard.
Previously, when using such a remote control, you had to install a special application in order to use both Russian and English QWERT keyboards on it. Now I can configure language switching in the standard system settings.
I recommend ordering this TV box with a multifunctional remote control to replace the standard one.
Online TV. Television via the Internet
Android TV set-top boxes support watching TV channels over the Internet. These are Online TV, IPTV, Torrent TV, Torrent Stream applications.
The quality of Internet television playback depends on various factors. The quality of communication with the provider, overload of the server from which the broadcast is broadcast, the functionality of a home wifi router, home traffic loading, an application for watching TV, etc.
Smart TV set-top boxes support watching TV channels via the Internet. TV boxes run Wink, Light HD TV, IPTV, Torrent Stream and others. More than 1000 channels available.
TV boxes also support IPTV television applications with paid and free playlists.
Examples of applications for watching TV channels online:
- Wink Ultimate.
- Light HD TV.
- ZMedia Proxy + TiViMate.
- Halva TV Player.
- LazyIPTV.
- PeersTV.
- LimeHD.
- SPB TV.
- IPTV.
To work with online TV, IPTV and Torrent Stream applications, we recommend set-top boxes with 2 GB of RAM or more.
A suitable analogue of AirPlay is pre-installed
Another feature that all iPhone owners and Apple TV lovers are missing.
Out of the box, TOX1 has the AirScreen (and for connecting Android there is the usual Miracast ). You only need to enable the service once for the AirPlay receiver to work. After this, from any smartphone, tablet or Apple computer you can display the image on the console in a couple of clicks.
The developers have customized and adapted this application to their hardware as much as possible, and it works very stably. Viewing photos, short videos and even not the most dynamic games is carried out without problems. You can mirror the screen to a set-top box and stream any content from your smartphone.
Enough iron
The set-top box easily copes with the most complex video playback tasks. The model is simply not intended for games . It doesn't have the best GPU and doesn't have an active cooling system. This is worth understanding before purchasing a gadget.
With playback everything is on point here. 4K is broadcast without any problems, even from YouTube, even from network storage, or from a streaming service. For the test, I tried to watch a torrent file with a capacity of more than 100 GB (do not do this, this is for informational purposes only). Everything works smoothly and clearly.
Both the hardware works well (the maximum temperature under such a load does not exceed 72°C) and the network card. Let me remind you that the set-top box has support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi and even an external antenna for better signal reception, and you can also connect a gigabit LAN.
M96-4G
Android set-top box with two external WiFi antennas and a built-in module for a 4G SIM card. Runs on Android OS 7.1. RAM 2 GB, built-in 16 GB. Processor RK3229. WiFi module with support for two bands 2.4 + 5 GHz. M96-4G can connect to the Internet in three ways: WiFi, LAN cable, SIM 4G.
Suitable for simple tasks, watching YouTube, online TV, Internet surfing and light Android games.
Price with delivery 5900 rubles.
Buy Smart TV set-top box with SIM module M96-4G
TOX1 has good passive cooling
Options for custom cooling of a set-top box with an old small radiator found online
. Finally, the Chinese have approached this issue competently. Initially, the model has a body with a large number of holes for ventilation. There are perforations on the bottom of the device, on the top cover and even on two ends. The air circulates without problems, and the filling is sufficiently cooled.
In early revisions, the ventilation holes were covered with special meshes - anthers. On the one hand, this is a well-thought-out solution for dust protection, but on the other hand, the ventilation efficiency is greatly reduced. Many users independently removed these anthers and thus lowered the operating temperature of the console by 5-6 degrees. As a result, the developers abandoned additional grids.
Another improvement in later revisions was the enlarged radiator. For good cooling, some users independently equipped the radiator with pieces of copper wire, improving heat dissipation. The large radiator of later revisions copes without additional help.
The very fact of such improvements and improvements shows the manufacturer’s attitude towards its product and users from the best side.
4G LTE Box
The set-top box is powered by an eight-core Amlogic S912 processor and different versions of memory. There are options 2/8GB, 3/16GB, 3/32GB. Android 7.1 with access to the play market and various android applications. Starts watching online movies, torrents, iptv, internet TV channels and much more. There is a port for a standard SIM card. Additionally, WiFi module and LAN port.
Price from 5000 rub.
You might be interested in: How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for Android.
There is a built-in SMB server
A device with a connected drive can be turned into a home cloud.
Another feature that can be implemented using third-party software and dancing with a tambourine. First, try to select the desired program in this trash Google Play, then try to configure the application correctly and teach the set-top box to constantly keep the service active.
The developers of TOX1 did everything necessary for us. SMB settings are present directly in the system parameters. We simply set the name “shares”, select the available drives (you can only specify a removable disk, shared memory on the device, or even the system partition) and enable authorization with or without a password.
Within a minute, a new device appears on your home network for convenient information exchange. You can download content to the set-top box from computers and smartphones, or simply organize a single storage unit that will be used by other set-top boxes and gadgets in the apartment.
Alternative YouTube client available
The SMARTTUBENEXT app works just perfectly. The utility appeared on Android TV relatively recently, but has already gained popularity among users. This is a very light and intuitive application that has all the capabilities of a standard YouTube client, but at the same time works much faster.
There is a fully customizable menu; you can disable unnecessary recommendations and trends that the standard client loads with. The option to scale interface elements allows you to adjust the convenient size of tiles to any screen and resolution. The utility supports AFR and is integrated into the general voice search of the system.
In the playback settings you can configure the loaded clip buffer. If your Internet connection is poor, increase this parameter and the program will download more data for caching.
The coolest option is smart ad skipping in videos. This is not a replacement for YouTube Premium, but a more advanced development for creators. A smart system and enthusiasts mark unnecessary fragments in the video, and the utility automatically skips them when watching.
This way, a long screensaver, advertising integrations, and opening and closing credits are automatically cut out of videos. It looks cool and unusual. At the same time, no one forbids using the standard YouTube client, which is also preinstalled.
Android TV set-top box – why is it needed?
A smart TV set-top box is a mini-computer with its own operating system (usually Android, but there is also iOS). It is connected to the TV via HDMI or AV cable, and it “turns” a regular TV panel into a multimedia device with Internet access. In this case, the technical characteristics of the TV itself do not play a role; it is only needed as a monitor (of course, the higher the display resolution, the better, because the quality of the picture depends on this). All functionality is included in the TV box, a small box - there is a processor, memory, and all the necessary outputs. Roughly speaking, your TV will have the functionality of an Android tablet with the ability to install applications (games, programs for watching movies and everything else) from Google Play.
Android consoles look like a flash drive (stick) or box . The first ones are small, convenient, inexpensive, but with reduced functionality. In addition, they often fail because their housing does not provide cooling, which leads to overheating. A smart console in the form of a box is a classic option, with more serious parameters. It looks like a regular router, and it has all the necessary inputs/outputs for connecting the Internet, keyboard and mouse, camera, joystick and other peripheral equipment.
The equipment, although compact, is capable of much:
- reproduction of media content . The format and resolution of the videos does not matter - consoles are usually “omnivorous” and can easily play even 4K videos. Typically, a TV box already has a media harvester installed, for example, Kodi - in it, video content is divided into catalogs. In general, there are many programs for playing videos; the user can select and download them;
- search and watch videos online . In this case, you do not need to load anything onto the flash drive. There are legal services, for example, Okko and ivi, and illegal ones. The most famous program is HD VideoBox. The user just needs to enter the name of the movie in the search, after which the system will offer results for playback. Everything takes no more than 5 seconds, and we are talking about films, TV series, cartoons and much more in high quality, with the ability to select audio tracks and subtitles;
- YouTube . The popular video service is now on TV. The interface is the same as on mobile devices. Additionally, a special version for children is available – YouTube Kids;
- access to terrestrial TV channels . There are also such programs on the TV box. Moreover, there are even more channels than in standard cable packages. As a bonus, there is an archive, that is, you can watch a program that has already been shown on TV, for example, a football match;
- partially replaces the game console . The TV box runs on Android, which means all games that are supported by this system can be installed on it. And this is not to mention various emulators and NVidia Shield. For convenience, a joystick is connected to the equipment.
And this is not the entire list of possibilities. They listen to music and radio stations on the console, install Skype on it to communicate with friends on the big screen, stream, and so on.
The console has an external screen with a clock
A small but very nice feature of the device.
Another detail that shows the developers’ consistent and thoughtful attitude towards the product. Initially, the external display showed only the current time, and a bright blue diode constantly glowed nearby, indicating that the gadget was working.
With firmware updates, additional options have appeared. The diode can now be switched to indicate processor operation, network activity, or be turned off completely. Instead of a clock, you can get the device temperature, loading, or even the active image output mode (resolution and number of frames).
If you configure multiple indicators, they will change after the specified number of seconds. There is also a configurable evening mode time at which the screen can turn off.
It turns out to be a convenient indicator of the operation of the set-top box or a banal bedside clock for night use.
