The SHIELD™ Remote combines IR + Bluetooth Technologies and is equipped with a sensitive microphone for voice control (there is support for Google Assistant). Motion-activated backlit buttons are useful in the evening.
There are no USB ports.
The NVIDIA Shield is a full-fledged entertainment center: in addition to access to multimedia content, you can also play modern games in stunning graphics. This was achieved through the GeForce NOW™ cloud-based game streaming service.
4K/60 fps
CPU: Tegra X1+
RAM: 2 GB
ROM: 8 GB
GPU: 256-core NVIDIA GPU
Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, HDMI, Ethernet-port, slot for microSD card
Remote with backlit buttons and built-in microphone
Android 9.0 (Pie) powered by Android TV™
1.6" x 1.6" x 6.5"
1 year
Built-in Chromecast makes it possible to broadcast video with sound directly from a smartphone or tablet, while the powerful Wi-Fi module with support for 802.11ac standard ensures data transfer without delays or slowdowns.
There is no memory card slot (support only via USB card readers).
If your TV can boast the highest quality and clarity of the image, but does not have Smart functions, you can easily upgrade it with this smart set-top box from Xiaomi. Watch videos on Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other online services.
4K/60 fps
CPU: Amlogic S905X
RAM: 2 GB
ROM: 8 GB
GPU: Mali-450
Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, HDMI, 1 x USB 2.0, Audio out (Mini Toslink/Miniplug)
Remote with built-in microphone
Android 8.1 (Oreo)
3.75" x 3.75" x 0.66"
Amazon's 30-day return policy
This streaming box includes such features as easy TV connection and mobile support, a simple and user-friendly interface, smooth video playback and frame rate., and a convenient Bluetooth module as well as a compact design. The device has Android TV 10 installed, which will allow you to work with the latest applications.
Included HDMI cable is rather short.
Ideal for both home and business, and provides multiplatform 4K quality and access to streaming platforms such as Netflix and HBO. Simple voice control and a convenient remote control make using this unit a cinch.
4K/60 fps
CPU: Amlogic S905Y2-B
Ram: 2 GB
Rom: 8 GB
GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x micro USB
Remote with built-in microphone
Android 10
2.7" x 2.7" x 0.5"
90 days
The Bluetooth 5.0 module minimizes delay. The AV output will let you work with legacy TVs (CRT). The small LCD screen will be displaying time, status, and current connection(s), both wired and wireless.
The remote's range is short.
This T95 Android TV box looks more visually appealing than most electronics that cost above $1,000. Nevertheless, its attractive appearance is not the only thing that sells this box. Before that, the updated interfaces and the 6K playback come into play, futureproofing this device.
6K/30 fps
CPU: Allwinner H616
RAM: 4 GB
ROM: 64 GB
GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, HDMI, Ethernet port, 2 x USB 2.0, AV out, slot for Micro SD card
Remote without microphone
Android 10.0
3.94" x 3.94" x 0.67"
1 year
Bright design with backlit remote keyboard for easy typing. This streaming box gives you high image quality and a responsive control panel. The large number of connectors allows you to connect a wide variety of devices.
Navigation of the user interface is a bit slow.
You can expect smooth, lag-free performance, especially through the HDMI port. The latest version of Android is installed, so you won't be missing any functionality. It is easy to connect input devices, including a gamepad or headphones via Bluetooth 4.1.
4K 1080i/p/60 fps
CPU: Arm Cortex-A53
Ram: 2 GB
Rom: 16 GB
GPU: Mali-450 MP2
Wi-FI (802.11ac), Bluetooth, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x TF Card slot, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x AV, 1 x SPDIF
Remote without microphone
Android 11.0
4.17" x 4.17" x 0.94"
Amazon's 30-day return policy
Streaming Box + Game Console
Many people may find themselves wondering whether to get a device that is dedicated for streaming, or to get a game console such as the XBox One or PS4, both of which offer many streaming services as well. After all, games have become a huge part of many people's lives now, so game consoles would make sense. However, game consoles are also much more limited in their support for streaming services. In this case, though, why not both? You can have the best of both worlds with the NVIDIA Shield 4K HDR TV Box/Streaming Media Player. This device includes the best that the Android operating system has to offer, along with a great selection of highly detailed games that take advantage of this system's powerful architecture.
Speaking of the powerful architecture, the hardware specs of this device are a step above what you will find with most other media streaming devices. The NVIDIA Shield includes the blazing-fast Tegra X1+ processor along with a 256 core NVIDIA GPU, giving you almost the same amount of graphical and processing power as a top-end game console. This means that any games that you place on this device will run with the highest details while providing you with a smooth gaming experience that surpasses that of other similar devices.
More Than Just Gaming
While gaming is definitely one of the highlights of this Android TV box, it is far from all you can do with it. In fact, this box is extremely flexible in its capabilities, giving you access to virtually all streaming services, meaning that any online service that you subscribe to should be accessible through this device. That includes access to the Google Play store, where you have access to thousands of different games and apps that all give you an unprecedented number of entertainment options. You can find apps for virtually every streaming service possible, as well as for other services that most other media streaming devices don't.
Controlling the device is quite easy, thanks in large part to the included remote control, which has large buttons that are all clearly marked. For those who utilize voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Alexa, the built-in microphone lets you control the device completely hands-free. A number of other features are also included in this Android box, including the Chromecast technology for streaming the contents of a computer screen to your TV (and vice-versa), and the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies, which enhance the audio and video quality of any content streaming on the device. With all of these features included together, this Android TV box is simply one of the best devices on the market.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $149.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07YP94PBJ |
Perfect TV Upgrade
Many of the televisions on the market now are trying to do away with the need for having extra devices connected by including smart functions. These smart functions typically give the TV native access to several streaming services, which usually includes the most popular ones such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and a few others. However, not everyone has a smart TV, and even with many who do have one, the smart functions may not cover the full gamut of options that you would like it to have. This is where the Xiaomi Mi Box S comes into play. This Android TV box gives you an easy and affordable way to upgrade your TV with smart capabilities, giving you access to all of the streaming options that you desire.
First off, this particular device isn't meant to compete with the more powerful options out there, as its specs are rather meager when compared to many of them. The 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage certainly won't blow anyone away, being on the lower side of the spectrum of such devices. However, these specs still give this device enough power to easily run the most common apps that are needed, including ones for most streaming services that one would want to use. And they would still be a good upgrade over what most smart TVs provide on their own.
Smooth Streaming
Although the RAM and internal storage are on the low end of most Android TV boxes, the rest of the specs easily make up for whatever shortcomings it might have. This box features full 4K support, making it capable of giving you superb video quality even on a high-end 4K television. What's more, the built-in 802.11ac wireless adapter gives you exceptional network performance, ensuring a smooth streaming experience even with the highest quality video. Even the built-in Chromecast functionality will work well here, allowing you to stream content from any Chromecast-equipped device in your house to your TV.
Plenty of other features can be found in this box as well. In regard to connectivity options, this device has plenty, including built-in Bluetooth 4.1, as well as an HDMI2.0a port for outputting video to your TV. A USB 2.0 port lets you connect various devices as well as additional flash storage for file transfers, and an audio output port lets you output audio to your sound system. The included remote control, like many other similar devices, includes a built-in microphone for voice control of the system, giving you a true hands-free experience. At the end of the day, whether your TV only has basic smart functionality or none at all, this Android TV box will be the perfect upgrade for those who want great streaming compatibility.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07KB1KLYN |
Easy and Convenient Streaming
For any type of home entertainment device, being simple to set up and use is a very important characteristic. This fact hasn't been lost on the designers of the Dynalink Android 10 TV Box, with ease of use and simplicity being some of the main selling points of this device. This is easily noticeable right from the get-go, as the unit itself is quite tiny without any flash or special characteristics about it. For most people, this is fine, especially those who are trying to put this device into an already crowded entertainment center. For those with a wall-mounted TV, you can easily hide the unit behind the TV if you wish. The unit also doesn't have much in the way of ports, including only HDMI and USB ports, with the latter providing power to the device. Although some may frown upon the lack of connectivity options, there's still plenty to like here.
Controlling any streaming box is only as easy as the remote provided allows for, and thankfully this one includes an intuitive remote control that is not overly complicated. The remote includes all of your standard buttons and even includes special buttons for specific apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Google Play. There is even a built-in microphone on the remote for voice control. Needless to say, it should only take most users a matter of seconds to get used to controlling the device.
Smooth Operation
As for how this device performs, we can say that most users should be quite happy with the experience. Despite the small size of the device, the internal components match very well with most other streaming boxes in its category. To specify, they give users enough memory to be able to switch smoothly between apps, and just enough storage to allow for downloading custom apps through the Google Play store. All of this is possible thanks to the Android 10 operating system which the device uses, giving users a powerful yet easy-to-use interface that performs well on the given hardware.
Plenty of other features are also provided here. For instance, this device features easy TV connection that allows you to set it up in a matter of just a minute, as well as mobile support for linking it with your mobile devices. This means you can control the unit as well as playback media from your mobile devices without needing a physical connection. The unit also includes a Bluetooth module that lets you connect multiple devices to the unit, including speakers and even game controllers, so the lack of physical ports should be a non-issue for most people. All told, this small device packs in a ton of functionality, and provides a pleasant user experience that will work great in any home entertainment center.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08YYTVKGZ |
The Most Attractive One
As far as we're aware, there are no beauty pageants for Android TV boxes, but if they were a thing, the T95 model could hit the catwalks right away. With its blue splash atop the black housing that circles the company's logo, the box epitomizes effortless elegance, which are not the words you normally associate with boxes but the words we choose nonetheless. There's nothing gaudy about its paintwork but also nothing boring, claiming that sweet spot where the device looks neither too flashy nor too dull.
While the model's appearance is, hands-down, its most attractive attribute, the appearance does not end with the paintwork. Setting the artwork aside, there's also a small LCD screen on the front. The screen displays time, playback status, and current connections, including wired and wireless connections. Needless to say, the display simplifies and streamlines interactions with the box.
The remote contributes towards the same cause, letting you control this device without scooching next to the TV. The only problem here is that its range is pretty short, so people with sizable living rooms might face some issues controlling the box from across the room. Removing its range from the equation, the remote's fine, featuring a familiar layout and the buttons that most Android TV box remotes normally come with.
Covering the Basics
Looking at the interfaces, the model incorporates a Wi-Fi module that supports the 802.11ac standard, a Bluetooth module, an HDMI input, an Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, an AV output, and a slot for Micro SD cards. While there's nothing unique about this lineup, the BT 5.0 module will let you connect mini keyboards and headsets without worrying about the delay. Other than that, the AV port will also enable pairing this device with CRT TVs. The Micro SD card slot will work fine but, considering the 32GB ROM setup, there's a pretty good chance that you won't even need the slot since 32 gigabytes cover the basics with relative ease, letting you install more games and apps than most people use.
On the playback front, the model enables 6K playback at 30 fps, futureproofing the box. Of course, since very few TVs nowadays have arrived at the 6K resolution station yet, you can also go with the 4K at 60 fps option.
In closing, if you want to futureproof your setup with an attractive-looking device, you cannot go wrong with the T95 Android TV Box. With its Android 10.0 OS, this box offers improved user interface and user experience.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08CRV62C4 |
Fast Streaming Playback
Something that is often ignored when it comes to streaming boxes is just how smooth the playback of the source material is. With streaming, people have often become accustomed to small hiccups such as stuttering, buffering video, or even dropped frames as a matter of course, which leaves those who notice such details frustrated with many of the offerings out there. If you find yourself in this particular camp, then you will want to pay close attention to the Transpeed X88 PRO Android 11 TV Box. This streaming box was designed to focus on smooth and fast playback, giving you a top-of-the-line viewing experience that won't be ruined by any of the above-mentioned problems, which makes this device stand out from many others.
Along with its improved playback performance, you get access to all of the features that can be expected from the Android 10 OS, including an improved interface as well as access to thousands of different apps. If there is a streaming service out there that you use, you can rest assured that this device has one available through the Google Play Store if it isn't already installed on the device. Of course, you also get access to other features, including Chromecast capabilities to allow for content from other devices to stream through this box on your TV.
Flashy and Flexible Design
One area where this unit really stands out from the others is in the physical aspects of the device. First off, you'll notice that although this box has a larger footprint than some others, it more than makes up for that with its flashy appearance as well as in some other things that it offers. One thing that is most often missing on most other streaming boxes is some kind of display on the unit itself. But this one includes an LED screen with a digital clock, making it appear more like an older VCR or DVD player rather than a modern streaming box, yet without taking up so much space.
Another thing that this unit includes, and many others leave out, is the wide variety of ports. In addition to the standard HDMI out port, you also get two USB ports, allowing you to connect external devices and letting you access just about any kind of media that you already have stored on a hard drive. You also get an Ethernet port for a wired connection so that you don't have to rely on spotty Wi-Fi behavior, as well as an SD card slot for more stored media options.
One area that could use some improvement is the device's performance when it comes to navigating through the interface, although this unit does make up for it, thanks to the included remote keyboard with backlit keys and a touchpad interface.
To sum it all up, this device proves users with a flashy and flexible design combined with smooth video playback performance, which is pretty much everything that one could want in a home media box.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07PX26M7C |
What Is an Android TV Box?
Home entertainment centers look a lot different now than they did several decades ago. Long gone are the VCRs and cable boxes of old, often now replaced with a variety of different things, including DVD/Bluray players, game consoles, and streaming devices. Among those listed, streaming devices have come a long way lately, providing access to dozens of different streaming services and channels in just one box, which has led to many people abandoning cable TV altogether.
Android TV boxes are quite similar to the aforementioned streaming devices, but there are a few notable differences. Probably the biggest difference has to do with the variety of different forms of entertainment provided by an Android TV box. Streaming devices from companies such as Roku and Apple tend to be pretty closed devices, with only a limited number of extra features. Android TV boxes, on the other hand, give you the full power and capabilities of the Android operating system, letting you not only stream content, but also download many different apps and games, thus greatly expanding the capabilities of the device beyond most other types of streaming boxes.
If you're looking for a great TV to take advantage of all of the content offered to you on an Android TV box, take a look at our picks of the best 4K TVs.
What Features to Compare
Android TV boxes, being relatively new devices on the market, may be a bit of a mystery to most people who haven't used one yet. However, they really shouldn't be. Many of the same characteristics that people would look for in another type of Android device will be similar to what they should look for in an Android TV box. However, there are a few other additional characteristics to look for as well, so make sure you are familiar with these characteristics in order to help yourself find the best Android TV box for your entertainment center.
Maximum Supported Resolution
As with any kind of digital media device that is meant to connect to your TV, knowing the maximum supported resolution will be one of the first things to look at. In this case, it is best to make sure that the maximum resolution of the Android TV box at least meets or exceeds the maximum resolution supported by your TV. Doing this will help ensure that you get the best picture quality possible from the device.
Tech Specs
The tech specs of an Android TV box are just as important as they would be for any other Android device. These specs, including the type of CPU and GPU as well as the amount of RAM and storage, will help define the total capabilities of the device. More powerful specs will usually correspond with higher performance and more compatibility with other services and apps.
Interfaces
The available interfaces that are included on any Android TV box are another important consideration, as these will dictate how you are able to connect the device to different TVs, as well as to your home WiFi network. Those who may want to add additional storage space will, of course, want to make sure that their device supports the usage of SD cards, and those who plan on connecting the device to an older non-HD television will want to make sure that the appropriate connectors are supported.
Remote
All Android TV boxes will come with some type of remote controller, which will allow you to control the device. The only thing to check here is to see if the remote includes a built-in microphone if the device supports voice control capabilities.
Android Version
Last but not least, the Android version included on any Android TV box is an important thing to be aware of. Different versions of Android will often have different capabilities which can affect the device's compatibility with different apps and streaming services. In general, you will want to make sure that whichever device you choose uses a version of Android that supports all of the apps and capabilities that you desire.
What Can You Do With an Android TV Box?
Android TV boxes are a great option for those who want to get rid of their expensive cable or satellite TV services, as nowadays almost everything you want to watch can be done through streaming along with live TV via standard broadcasting. However, such devices aren't limited to just that. What really sets an Android TV box apart from other media streaming devices such as a Roku or Apple TV box is the pure choice of options available for different types of content, ranging from games to productivity apps. What we will talk about here are some of the great things you can do with your brand new Android TV box that goes above and beyond what most other media streaming devices are capable of.
Streaming
First things first - the main use for an Android TV box is for streaming. Whether you use Netflix or Amazon or another service as your primary streaming platform, you can do this on virtually any modern device, ranging from game consoles to smart TVs. However, Android TV boxes tend to give you a wealth of other options that generally aren't available on many other similar devices. There are tons of different streaming services, both free and paid, that can be used on an Android TV box that simply aren't available for other platforms. In addition, with an Android TV box, you generally won't be stuck with having to scroll through pages of channels that you'll never use. You can customize the selection of streaming channels through downloading and installing only the apps for the streaming services you use, while ignoring the ones you don't.
Gaming
Most people wouldn't think of an Android TV box as being a good device to use for gaming purposes, but many of them actually make excellent gaming platforms. In fact, one of the devices we review here is meant specifically for gaming. Of course, not all Android TV boxes will have the same capabilities for gaming, but almost all of them are powerful enough to run many of the simpler games available. The higher-end devices, on the other hand, are powerful enough to run even high-end AAA gaming titles in great details and with high framerates. Just keep in mind that you may need to purchase a wireless gaming controller separately for the optimal gaming experience.
Screen Sharing
One of the features that is included in many of these devices is the Chromecast feature, which allows you to stream video from another device to your main television. This can be useful in both home and office environments where you need to give a presentation at the office without needing to connect your computer to a projector. Likewise, it's just as great for home purposes, when you want to share your home movies or vacation photos with family and friends without needing to drag out your laptop, or crowed everyone around the tiny screen of your phone.
Productivity
Believe it or not, you can actually use an Android TV box for productivity purposes, as almost all of these devices support the connection of a mouse and keyboard. All you have to do is download the productivity apps you need to use, which can range from simple word processing to video editing, and voila - you have your own powerful workstation on your TV! Although in many cases, these devices aren't really meant for high-end productivity tasks, most of them are still quite powerful enough to let you do some light tasks without having to jump on your computer.