Top Smart TV set-top boxes for 2018-2019 with 4k support

TV box is the best alternative to expensive smart TVs. One such device provides access to all the content that is on the Internet. Using the set-top box, you can easily and quickly download movies and music, watch videos on YouTube, and play MMORPGs on the big screen. It supports almost all existing formats, including video in 4K resolution. One of the advantages of TV boxes is lightning-fast downloading of movies from torrent trackers. You no longer need to wait for downloading, you can just turn on the console and enjoy your favorite movie. Loading speed and video quality depend solely on Internet speed.

Using Google Play, you can install any browsers and applications, including instant messengers. If you connect a webcam, the set-top box is perfect for video calls via Skype, Viber, etc. Thanks to this small device, even the oldest TV will turn into a modern monitor with advanced capabilities. By the way, it will continue to fulfill its main task - for a small additional payment or completely free of charge, you can watch TV channels in digital quality.

Top 10 best TV boxes for Android from AliExpress

The set-top box connects to the network via Wi-Fi or an Internet port. An HDMI port is required to connect to the monitor; in rare cases, outdated AV outputs are used. Before purchasing an Android TV box, you need to check whether you can connect it to a specific TV. It is also important to consider the following factors:

1. The case must be durable and not prone to heating during operation.
2. The number of cores – the speed of the device directly depends on this; it is better to choose models with a multi-core processor.
3. The amount of RAM is at least 2 GB; if it is not enough, the set-top box will not be able to multitask.
4. Standard and additional functions - for example, the presence of an external antenna or camera in the package.
5. Number of wired connectors – they are used to connect a flash drive, mouse, keyboard, joystick and other devices, so an ideal model should have at least 2 USB ports.

Most often, boxes are created based on Android, so the controls will not raise any questions for the average smartphone owner. You can find devices with Windows, but they are more expensive and not very convenient to use. Android is usually sufficient for watching videos and listening to music.

Choosing an Android smart TV box for any wallet from 2021 models

Today we’ll look at Android TV set-top boxes that came out this year. Only fresh models! TV boxes will help you make it easier to watch movies and TV series, and turn your old TV into a smart one. I don’t recommend all of the new items presented for purchase, so be careful when choosing. Everyone will find something for every budget.

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Certified TV box with Netflix license

Buy TV box Review Mecool KM2

Mecool KM2 is Netflix licensed and Google certified. In simple language, this means watching Netflix in 4K resolution and any streaming services like KinopoiskHD, IVI, etc. In short, a top-end console for online cinemas. There is also a Dolby license. The TV box has an Android TV interface. The kit includes a remote control with voice search, but without an air mouse. You can connect to the Internet via cable or over the air using the fast dual-band 2T2R wi-fi.

TOX2 for travel

Buy Android TV box

Android TV box called TOX2 is perfect for those who are often on the road. Small, compact, but any films are always at hand. Made in the form of a TV stick and inserted directly into the TV. Equipped with automatic frequency adjustment to the resolution and frequency of the content being played. There is a full-fledged lan port and wifi, and 2 more USB ports for watching movies from flash drives. Another bonus is fully working HDR. The sound is capable of Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1

New TV box from Ugoos

Buy TV box Ugoos AM7

Ugoos AM7 may confuse experienced TV box owners a little, because the new product is powered by an Amlogic S905X4 processor, while Ugoos AM6 and its variants are equipped with a powerful Amlogic S922. The manufacturer has released a new product in an interesting, beautiful white case. For an excellent wifi6 signal, two external antennas are used. The availability of ports is all good: 3 USB 3.0 +USB 2.0, type-c, AV, optical, HDMI 2.1, gigabit lan port. Of course there is AFR and HD sound. Not even a page is enough to write about the goodies of the firmware - it’s very cool. And finally, Ugoos included a normal bluetooth remote control with an air mouse in the kit.

Smart console X4 Pro

Buy a smart console

The X4 Pro TV box is powered by an Amlogic S905X4 processor, but the frequencies are slightly reduced. It does not have automatic frequency adjustment and resolution for the content being played and root rights, unlike the Ugoos AM7. Don't count on HD sound too much. To be honest, this is a clone of the A95X F4 and, accordingly, the weak point is the raw firmware. It's better to avoid it for now.

Android TV box Mecool KH3

Buy android tv box

A simple smart TV set-top box for watching TV series, movies and IPTV in the kitchen or just for an elderly, undemanding person. 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal memory. Lan port is only 100 Mbit and wi-fi is only 2.4 GHz. Runs Android 10. 5.1 sound only in the native player. It's worth the money, but you can also look towards the proven ultra-budget set-top box Tanix TX9s

Smart set-top box Vontar KK Max

Buy a smart console

"Attack of the Clones!" a person who is interested in TV boxes and reads about them might think. Here is a copy of the famous TV box called HK1 Rbox R2. Powered by RK3566 processor. A gigabit Lan port and a dual-band wi-fi module are announced. Memory 4/32 GB and 8/63 GB. The risk is maximum, I advise you to avoid it.

TV box Mecool KT1 with DVB T2 and WITH module

Buy TV box

An excellent TV box for those who continue to watch TV through an antenna. USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, memory card slot, 100 Mbit Lan port, AV output, HDMI and antenna connector. Includes a cool Bluetooth remote control with digital buttons for quickly changing channels. The smart set-top box runs Android TV10 and is certified by Google. The broadcasts you watch over the antenna can be recorded by simply pressing a button on the remote control.

Today I introduced you to new Android TV boxes. I tried to tell you honestly. Not all new products are good, and some are even clones of old consoles, which are best simply avoided. Even more Android TV boxes and reviews of them can be found on my profile.

HARPER HDT2-5010

the display shows the channel number;
easy setup;

stylish design;

rich equipment.

The time is displayed too brightly.

3rd place Cadena CDT-1651SB

890 RUR

Tuner in a gray case with a display and remote control. When connected to USB, you can record broadcast channels onto it.

Included: remote control, RCA cable, instructions.

Specifications:

• video format 4:3, 16:9;
• digital standards: DVB-T2;
• outputs: audio, HDMI, composite;
• additional functions: timer, teletext, delayed viewing mode.

Low price

Ugoos AM3

• Display: No
• Processor: Amlogic S912
• RAM: 2 GB
• Built-in memory size: 16 GB
• Remote control: Yes
• Power supply: External
• Cooling: Passive

Price: from 7,390 rubles

The Ugoos AM3 Smart-TV set-top box also received the function of automatically adjusting the frame rate of the TV to the video settings. Miracast support is available, and the system is quite fast for playing 4K videos. This smart set-top box on Android can be controlled not only using a convenient compact remote control, but also through a proprietary mobile application. The available ports of the model are as follows: USB 2.0 Type-A, Ethernet 10/100/1000, optical audio output and HDMI.

Advantages:

• 4K video support.
• Constant official updates.
• Control from the application and remote control.
• Auto-adjust screen refresh rate.

Flaws:

• Slightly overpriced compared to competitors.
• No AV interface.

Top 4. Tanix TX3 Mini 2/16Gb

Rating (2021): 3.90

148 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Rozetka

The most affordable 4K set-top box Despite its modest specifications, the device is ready to play high-definition content.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 2,350 rub.

• Operating system: Android 7.1
• Permanent and RAM: 16 and 2 GB
• Connectors: HDMI, Ethernet, 2xUSB 2.0, slot for microSD
• Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth

A simple box with Android 7.1 on board, thanks to which a TV or monitor can be provided with a full-fledged Smart TV. This version of the OS is slowly becoming outdated, but there are still a huge number of applications for it. The processor used here is Amlogic S905W. With it, the interface works without any problems, and stuttering occurs only in the heaviest applications. It is curious that the “box” received two full-size connectors. The product also supports connecting to a router via Wi-Fi. But if you plan to watch 4K content online, it's better to use a network cable, for which there is a 100Mbps Ethernet port.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Large number of connectors
• You can insert a memory card
• Low cost

• Outdated version of Android
• Not the most convenient remote control
• It can still slow down

LEXAND LTV 100

low price;
easy setup;

ability to connect to IPTV with an additional Wi-Fi adapter.

small range of the remote control;

no display.

4th place HARPER HDT2-5010

RUB 1,500

Tuner with display and remote control. Receives T and T2 signals. It is possible to connect both an indoor and an external antenna. Signal transmission from the set-top box to the TV is possible via a composite connector or HDMI.

Included: remote control, batteries, instructions, RCA cable, power adapter, instructions.

Specifications:

• video format 4:3, 16:9;
• digital standards: DVB-T, DVB-T2;
• outputs: audio, HDMI, composite;
• additional functions: timer, teletext, delayed viewing mode.

Rich equipment

Ugoos AM6 Plus

• Display: No
• Processor: Amlogic S922X
• RAM: 4 GB
• Built-in memory size: 32 GB
• Remote control: Yes
• Power supply: External
• Cooling: Passive
• Operating system: Android 9.0

Price: from 12,290 rubles

The Ugoos AM6 Plus TV box is great not only for watching movies and TV series in high quality and without stuttering, but is also known as a proven option for mobile games. The powerful Amlogic S922X chip and 4 GB of RAM run World of Tanks Blitz, PUBG Mobile and other hits without any problems at medium or high graphics settings. The smart console does not heat up during games thanks to the metal case and an impressive radiator inside.

Ugoos AM6 Plus is also praised for its excellent voice search for applications, open Root and the ability to reassign control buttons on connected gamepads.

The sound of the model is also decent, it even supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. As is the range of inputs and ports offered, so the interface of this TV box is represented by stereo audio input, USB 3.0 Type-A, Ethernet 10/100/1000, stereo audio output, optical audio output, composite video output, HDMI and three USB 2.0 Type-A.

Advantages:

• Support for mobile games.
• Efficient cooling system.
• Setting up Root.
• Voice control.
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.
• Autoframerate.

Flaws:

• High price.
• Periodic problems with the firmware.

conclusions

The market for budget TV set-top boxes is actively growing and changing literally every day. Obviously, the most difficult problem for this segment of devices was the adequacy of the declared characteristics with the capabilities of the hardware. Therefore, in a number of cases we observe pronounced problems with the heating of set-top boxes and their performance in general. We recommend paying maximum attention to real reviews and device test scores so as not to become a victim of marketing or the desire to buy the best for less money. It is also important to understand for what purposes you are planning to purchase a TV set-top box. Do you need high performance in games or the ability to output sound to third-party speaker systems, or are you looking for a simple option for the kitchen. Of course, depending on your needs, the rating of consoles can vary greatly.

Criterias of choice

For the rating, we studied 37 models that are in demand and selected the 15 best with a large number of positive reviews. The categories were divided according to the main criteria:

• availability of DVB-T2 support,
• models with Android OS,
• smart TV set-top boxes.

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The most popular set-top boxes are models with DVB-T2 support. This is the most affordable option that allows you to switch your TV to receive a digital signal. Users who want to get the Smart TV function are interested in more expensive models with Android OS. Set-top boxes may have additional functions: Internet radio, IPTV support, control from a smartphone.

Best DVB T2 TV set-top boxes 2021

5th place LEXAND LTV 100 4th place HARPER HDT2-5010 3rd place Cadena CDT-1651SB 2nd place Digifors HD 100 Premium 1st place D-COLOR DC961HD

The best Android TV boxes 2021

5th place Tanix TX3 Mini 2/16Gb 4th place Ugoos AM3 3rd place ZIDOO Z9S 2nd place Vontar X3 4/128 Gb 1st place Xiaomi Mi Box S

The best smart TV set-top boxes for TV 2021

5th place MECOOL KM9 Pro Classic1 4th place Ugoos X3 PLUS 3rd place Google Chromecast Ultra 2nd place Tanix TX9S 2/8 Gb 1st place Apple TV 4K 32GB

Cadena CDT-1651SB

low price;
easy setup;

quickly switches channels.

Does not support all file formats.

2nd place Digifors HD 100 Premium

RUR 2,100

Tuner in a black metal case with display and remote control. The panel has control buttons that will help you turn on and configure the receiver if the batteries in the remote control are low.

Included: remote control, HDMI-HDMI cable, RCA cable, batteries, instructions.

Specifications:

• video format 4:3, 16:9;
• digital standards: DVB-T, DVB-T2;
• outputs: audio, HDMI, composite;
• additional functions: timer, teletext, delayed viewing mode.

Reads any formats

Digifors HD 100 Premium

reads any formats from USB;
reliable shock-resistant housing;

good equipment.

low quality HDMI cable;

The menu image is of poor quality.

1 place D-COLOR DC961HD

RUB 1,300

Tuner in a black case with display and remote control. The panel has control buttons that allow you to configure channels without using the remote control.

Included: remote control, batteries, AV cable, instructions.

Specifications:

• video format 4:3, 16:9;
• digital standards: DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-T2;
• outputs: audio, HDMI, composite;
• additional functions: recording timer, delayed viewing mode.

Affordable price