To access the Internet from your TV, you can use two methods. The first is to buy a model with Smart TV. But they are much more expensive than models without this function, and the quality of communication is often not up to par. In addition, manufacturers often block “smart” functions, demanding payment for content. Therefore, many users prefer the Android console. It is quick to set up and convenient to use. You can watch movies in any format up to 4K without downloading. For a small fee you can subscribe to IP television, after which about 2 hundred channels will become available.
A high-quality Android TV set-top box for your TV allows you to watch Youtube, listen to the radio, and use instant messengers. If more advanced models appear, it will be easier to change the set-top box than the TV.
Which smart TV set-top box is better to buy?
The Smart TV set-top box market in 2021 has produced many good media players.
We already know which smart TV set-top box is better to buy, read the TOP 15 smart TV set-top boxes, each can play 4k video (3840 x 2160 pixels, 16:9) via torrent and online pay TV. The best Android TV set-top box is the Ugoos AM6 Plus, but each of the models in our review is worthy for creating a home theater. There will be no passable options here, only optimal and best ones.
How to choose. Main characteristics and what to look for.
Determine what TV boxing requires:
- Licensed Netflix;
- torrents online in 4k resolution from 50GB;
- licensed sound;
- speed of operation and lack of throttling.
The best models start at 2,400 rubles; you need to look at each in more detail. Online torrents can be watched on any Android console from the rating in 4K resolution.
To ensure your device downloads torrents quickly, do not forget to check your router settings.
Example of recording speed of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
Streaming images on TV
By connecting your smartphone to the TV set-top box, you can select a video or photo on your phone and start playback on your TV. The function is called Miracast. For iPhone smartphones – AirPlay. When choosing a TV box, in the description, pay attention to support for this function.
Google-certified TV boxes have this feature called Google Cast.
Android TV set-top boxes with Google certification:
- Mecool KM1.
- Mecool KM3.
- Mecool KM6 Deluxe.
- Mecool KM9 Pro.
- Mecool KM9 Pro Honor.
Don't buy these Smart TV set-top boxes in 2021!
Before purchasing, carefully study the technical parameters. Often Chinese “basement” manufacturers copy the name of a popular good TV box, but at the same time solder in a different processor. It will not work like in our rating, because the technology is different, worse.
Even 5GHz Wi-Fi for fakes only works up to 45-50 MB/s, versus 200-300 MB/s for originals. In this case, strong heating will appear, and this means throttling (lags, slowdowns when watching a video).
In 2021, Android 10 does not fully work on TV set-top boxes. Therefore, we immediately exclude such options.
In addition, the LAN port will often be only 100 MB/s, which is 10 times worse than that of the TOP models.
Operating system.
The operating system on which the TV set-top box runs is of no small importance. Currently, TV set-top boxes on Android and Windows systems are available for sale.
To create an entertainment center on your TV, Android set-top boxes are more suitable and convenient. They are optimized for this purpose.
For Android, there is a huge variety of applications and content that can be found and installed both from the Google Play market and other sources. Mini PCs on Windows, although they cope with the same functions, are still more convenient for office use.
TV set-top boxes on Android OS have differences and features. Android is constantly updated and improved. There are set-top boxes on sale on various versions of the operating system: Android 9.0, Android 10, Android 11, Android TV, etc.
Android TV Set-top Boxes
Some models of TV set-top boxes run on the Android TV operating system. Such models have a more informative and modern, customizable launcher (desktop), which additionally displays recommended new videos from YouTube channels and various applications that are interesting to the user.
This launcher is more convenient and interactive. Plus there is a function for voice control and search for movies, games, news and other content using a remote control with a built-in microphone.
Media players on Android TV OS:
- Mecool KM6
- Mecool KT1
- Mecool KM1
- Mecool KM3
- Mecool KM9 Pro
- Xiaomi Mi Box
- Nvidia Shield TV
For other models (on Android OS, not TV versions), the launcher (desktop) is static and may differ in design, location of access icons, information content, and so on.
Choosing the best Android smart TV boxes 2021 for any budget
Today I’ll tell you about the best Android TV boxes of 2021 and everyone will be able to choose a model without a hit to their wallet. If you want to watch IPTV, torrent online in 4K, play heavy games, make your own samba server, then this article is for you. Almost all of these set-top boxes have both Android TV firmware and pure Android firmware.
I have a $10 coupon in my telegram channel, and video reviews are available on the youtube channel
You can save a little on buying a TV box. Promo codes for new Aliexpress users: Ukraine, Europe, USA: nfc26 and nfc45 -4$ from 5$ CIS, Russia, Belarus: IF002 250r/1000r(~3.5$/14.2$)
Smart TV box Tanix TX9s
Buy TV box
The cheapest Android TV box from today's selection is Tanix TX9s. It has an Amlogic S912 processor with 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory. There are a lot of custom firmware for this TV box. The performance of the smart set-top box is enough for an undemanding user who wants to watch IPTV and movies online and does not require a large number of settings from the firmware.
People's Android TV box TOX1
Buy Android TV box TOX1
TOX1 is a real discovery of 2021 among Android TV boxes from Aliexpress, which burst onto the market like a hurricane in the second quarter. It gained popularity among buyers due to its advanced firmware, which is identical in settings to the product from Ugoos. In the updated revision of Android, the TOX1 smart set-top box got rid of overheating. There are firmwares for both pure Android and Android TV. You can also use an ATV module on AOSP firmware. Amlogic S905X3 processor and 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. It pulls 4K torrents online without any problems and you can get stuck into games with undemanding graphics settings.
Dark horse X88 King
Buy a smart console
The X88 King can rightfully be called a phoenix among the presented models. You can read the review on ixbt here. The console was immediately buried after the first negative reviews related to buggy and weak firmware. But everything changed when the Romodels released custom firmware! Now there are Android TV firmware for pure Android from such well-known romodels as Sasvlad, SlimHouse and Xvortex. By the way, you can install Magisk. This is the cheapest Android TV box on the powerful Amlogic S922X processor, which is also installed in Ugoos AM6 plus and Beelink GT King Pro. The console has 4 GB of RAM and as much as 128 GB of internal memory! Games run here at maximum graphics settings without any problems.
Android tv box Beelink GT King pro with wi-fi6
Buy TV box Beelink gt king pro
Another productive TV box with a powerful Amlogic S922X-H processor is Beelink GT-King pro. The updated version has a wi-fi6 module installed. RAM 4 GB, built-in 64 GB. The review on ixbt is here. This TV box has an interesting implementation of processor cooling: the body of the set-top box serves as a radiator. Beelink GT-King Pro has different revisions and only its own firmware is suitable for each. Custom firmware for pure Android and Android TV is available from Sasvlad, Xvortex, Alvatech, Spartan. I myself use the firmware from XVortex, which is a port of the Ugoos 0.3.8 firmware: there is an auto frame rate that can be assigned to a specific application. I recommend Beelink GT King Pro to people who value high-quality sound. The set-top box has a DAC installed: Saber ESS9108 and Ricore RT6862 chips, Dolby and DTS licenses are available.
Android TV box Ugoos AM6 Plus, which can do everything
Buy TV box Ugoos AM6 plus
The set-top box from which everyone wants to copy the firmware and port it to other TV boxes. But everything may change with the release of firmware version 0.3.9, which will add encryption. Ugoos AM6 plus is considered the people's TV box from Aliexpress. All thanks to powerful hardware and constant firmware updates. The TV set-top box plays movies in Dolby Vision, has an excellent MIMO 2×2 dual-band wi-fi module with 2 external antennas. During use in any scenario, there is no decrease in processor performance due to heating, thanks to proper cooling. Amlogic S922X-J processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. The included remote control is rubbish, so it’s better to immediately buy one with an air mouse. Review on ixbt here
Luxurious media player with HDD bay Zidoo Z10Pro
Buy media player Zidoo Z10Pro
Zidoo Z10Pro is not an ordinary Android TV box, but a full-fledged media player that allows you to install 3.5″ HDDs with a capacity of up to 14 TB inside the case. There is support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and Blue Ray Disc menu navigation. RAM 2 GB, and built-in 32 GB. A six-core Realtek RTD1619DR processor is installed. If you don’t need HDD drives inside the media player, coaxial and RCA outputs, then I advise you to pay attention to Zidoo Z9x
In the final selection of Android TV boxes for 2021, I tried to collect all the main models that, in my opinion, deserve attention and have been tested by a huge number of people. The presented smart consoles are the best options in their price ranges. Some of the listed models are not new for 2021, but they will be relevant for a long time until new processors from Amlogic appear. Android TV boxes on processors from Allwiner and Rockchip were not included in the selection, because they respect their readers here.
⑤ Reyfoon TX6
Rating: 4.8 Price: from 1549.15 rub.
up to
3808.83 rub.
Go to the store TX6 - a smart set-top box running on Android 7.1 OS, has a pre-installed Play Market, thanks to which you can install any applications you like. The central part of the TX6 is the Allwinner H6 processor with 4 cores, additionally there is an ARM Mali-T720mp2 graphics accelerator - it provides the ability to smoothly play video content with a resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second and even 6K at 30 frames.
The amount of RAM is 4 GB, permanent memory is 32 or 64 GB, depending on the modification. It is possible to expand the storage using a memory card up to 128 GB.
There are all the necessary interfaces for connection: HDMI 2.1, 2 USB 2.0 ports, USB 3.0, SD card slot, SPDIF and Ethernet port, there is also a Wi-Fi module for connecting to the network.
Advantages:
- high performance;
- sufficient amount of memory - permanent and operational;
- there is a top and navigation notification bar;
- USB 3.0 support;
- Wi-Fi module operates in two bands;
- ROOT rights are installed out of the box;
- there is a Bluetooth module.
Flaws:
- Quite high heating of the device when performing resource-intensive tasks.
Buy on AliExpress.com
