The Best Android TV Boxes in 2023

The days of the simple TV are long gone. Today, people are not satisfied even with the hundreds of TV channels and are asking for more options, such as video and music streaming, or ability to use numerous apps on their TV. For that reason, TV box devices have developed in the first place, with the best Android TV box utilities leading the pack.

Unfortunately, finding the one that will best suit your needs isn’t that easy, but this guide will hopefully help you with your decision and allow you to properly enjoy every benefit that this type of device is bringing towards you.

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Last update on 2023-03-30 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Android TV Box

Android TV boxes and TV boxes, in general, are sophisticated devices, with a lot of notable aspects. Nevertheless, they don’t share the same importance. That is why the choice of the best Android TV box shouldn’t be an impossible mission, even if you are not familiar with the subject.

All that is needed to make a successful buy is to read the following lines and apply the gathered knowledge once the real purchase occurs.

Operating System

You will be able to use your TV box no matter what type of OS is on it. Nevertheless, be aware that newer versions of Android bring more optimized performance, such as better memory utilization. Also, certain apps won’t work with some older Android iteration; therefore, always purchase the device with a newer version and a possibility for future updates.

Connectivity

More ports and connecting options mean greater versatility. Yes, your TV box will work fine with just a LAN connection, but if you also have BT or Wi-Fi connectivity, or even better, both of them, you will also be able to take it for a travel with you or use it in a place where LAN cables can’t reach or are unpractical.

A similar story is also applicable to outputs and is summed into one sentence: more the better.

Certificates and licensees

Although most users don’t think about this aspect and are more focused on the quality of the hardware, the fact is that the lack of certificates and licensees can drastically limit the box performance and turn the great hardware device into an average one.

Supported resolutions

Things are not that simple considering the supported resolutions, because they involve not only the hardware limitations but also the existence of the needed decoding features. For instance, your TV Box components might be brand new and super-fast, but if the device lacks the H.265 decoding, enjoyment in 4K content will be just a dream.

For that reason, do your research and be sure that your desired resolutions and features are supported.

11 Best Android TV Boxes

HK1 MAX Android TV Box

A Great Android TV Box For The Money

Since we’re talking about the best Android TV boxes, here comes a really cool solution for our readers, the HK1 MAX respectively, which is one of the most affordable of the bunch, yet feature rich and compatible with most TV sets out there. Interestingly enough, the HK1 MAX has been rigorously tested and it’s compatible with the latest Android 10.0 OS, to deliver a smooth experience in games, apps and anything in between.

In terms of hardware inside, the HK1 MAX features 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of high-speed flash memory, which is enough to allow you to download your favorite movie in 4K. Speaking of UHD, the HK1 MAX supports 4K x 2K up to 60fps, while ensuring professional image processing and lightning-fast running speed via its H.265 hardware decoding, that helps save bandwidth resources as well as time and nerves.

If you’re wondering what’s under the hood, well, the HK1 MAX comes with an RK3328 Quad-Core 64bit Cortex-A53 Chipset and a Penta-Core Mali-450 GPU, which pack enough punch to run things buttery smooth.

You’ll also get USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity for transferring large files with ease, or to connect headsets and/or mini keyboards to your Android TV Box and enjoy the good life. There’s only one caveat about the HK1 MAX: this device runs on Android Tablet OS, which means it will behave like a giant tablet, and you’ll require a keyboard and a mouse to operate it properly.

Bottom line: the HK1 MAX is snappy, loads apps fast and easy, yet it’s not Netflix certified, which means it uses the smartphone app to run Netflix. On-screen navigation is not the best, the remote included in the package is very small and makes it hard to use it for playback controls, but after all’s said and done, for $50 give or take, this is as good as it gets.

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Solid hardware inside
• Outstanding image quality
• Small and mighty

Cons:

• Lacks Netflix certification

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Fire TV Cube

An Excellent Streaming Device

Fire TV Cube is another high-performing Android box that offers an excellent and reliable performance that positions it neck and neck with the best android TV boxes out there. This is a premium product, with support for 4K contents, as well as the Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR, and HDR10+ materials.

Moreover, this TV box is fitted with Alexa voice commands that allow easy management of the device and control of the home theater and the entirety of your smart home devices, offering great functionality. In addition, this box also comes with a built-in speaker and has HDMI, micro-USB, as well as an IR extender.

Inside of it, there is ARM 4xCA53 Hexa-core CPU, Mali450 graphics, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. The box itself offers support for thousands of apps, including the native YouTube app, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and others. However, have in mind that Fire TV Cube is focused on Amazon content; therefore, don’t get surprised if most of the setup leads to that goal.

Moreover, Fire TV Cube is almost the perfect device, with great performance and the unlimited number of possibilities that make it so great and ultimately one of the best Android TV boxes out there.

Pros:

• 4K HDR playback
• Native YouTube app
• Voice remote included in the package
• Handful of apps
• Great compatibility
• Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Not the best voice commands
• There is no HDMI cable in the package

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Xiaomi Mi Box S

An Android TV Box with a Great Full HD Performance

For everyone looking for a quality product at an affordable price, Xiaomi Mi Box S presents a highly attractive option, especially if you are predominantly into 1080p content. Its performance in this department, considering both streaming and video playing, is more than satisfying. On the other hand, this cannot be said about the 4K that is supported, but it demands lower frame rates (24-30fps) to be usable.

Xiaomi Mi Box S comes with an Android 8.1 Oreo, Amlogic S905X chipset, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Also, it offers a full Google Play Store and Google Cast support and comes with a super reliable Wi-Fi connection that successfully compensates for the lack of LAN connectivity.

Many users will be glad to know that this box also comes equipped with a voice remote that supports the Google Assistant and allows you to make voice commands, which presents a nice addition to its a bit Spartan nature. Xiaomi Mi Box S certainly isn’t the best Android TV box you can find, but for this price, it is definitely among the more attractive ones.

Pros:

• Great 1080p performance
• Built-in Google Assistant

Cons:

• Varying 4K performance

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MECOOL KM9 PRO

A Very Good, Reasonably Priced Android Box

If you are in search of a solid, yet affordable Android TV box that will fulfill your every need and offer great versatility, MECOOL KM9 PRO is the device for you. The reasons for such a claim are numerous; however, one of the most prominent ones is definitely its great connectivity that includes Dual Wi-Fi, BT4.2, Ethernet, and HDMI2.1 connection, as well as USB3.0 connection. Also, there is a TF memory card slot, DLNA, and AirPlay support.

However, that is not where the story ends, because this box also comes with a built-in microphone and Google Assistant support, and support for 60fps 4K video content. In addition, this box offers support for HDCP 2.2, HDR, HDR10+, and HLG HDR, and is fitted with VP9 video decoding and H.265(HEVC) video codec that add to the great overall versatility.

When talking about the hardware inside, there is the Amlogic S905X2 Chipset, with the Cortex A53 CPU, 32GB of eMMC, as well as 4GB of RAM. The whole system is run with the help of the Android TV OS 10.0 that is doing more than a fine job, while the performance is in the class with the best devices in this department.

In other words, if you are after one of the best Android TV boxes out there, MECOOL KM9 PRO is the device to seriously consider.

Pros:

• Good connectivity
• Great performance
• Great compatibility
• Excellent versatility

Cons:

• LAN connection isn’t a Gigabit one

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MINIX NEO U9-H +NEO A3 Backlit

A Bit Older, yet Still Great-Performing Android Box

MINIX NEO U9-H is an older, yet solid Android box, fitted with an excellent NEO A3 Backlit keyboard that offers good performance and pretty solid compatibility. If you want to play Amazon Prime, Netflix, Kodi, this thing will do it and offer lag-free performance, no matter its older release date.

This Android box, although fitted with Android 6.0, offers great performance and supports 60fps 4K HDR video, as well as Dolby Digital Audio. Also, it comes with three USB2.0 ports, an HDMI2.0 port, as well as an Ethernet connection. In addition, there is also a card reader, 3.5mm jack, and pretty good versatility and usability, especially if you are not into the latest technologies.

More importantly, MINIX NEO U9-H also comes in the package with the NEO A3 Backlit keyboard/remote that comes with dedicated multi-media playback controls and voice commands. In other words, it pretty much enhances the functionality of the device.

Inside of it, there is the Octa-Core Cortex A53 Processor, Mali 820 GPU, as well as 2GB of RAM and 16GB of eMMC storage – nothing impressive, yet it is good enough for most tasks. Therefore, if you are after a solid, yet not latest-technology Android TV box, MINIX NEO U9-H is what you need.

Pros:

• Support 60fps 4K HDR video
• Good connectivity
• Dolby Digital
• Great performance

Cons:

• No USB3.0 ports
• Only HDMI2.0 port
• Only Android 6.0

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Pendoo X6 PRO

An Affordable and Solid-Performing Android TV Box

Pandora X6 PRO is an affordable, more basic-oriented Android TV Box, run by Android 9.0 and packed with solid connectivity features. More precisely, there is a BT4.2 connection, dual Wi-Fi connection, and multiple ports that include an HDMI port, two USB2.0 ports, one USB3.0 port, and an Ethernet connection that is only 100Mbit.

Inside this box, there is the Quad-Core Cortex-A53 CPU, Mali-T720 GPU, as well as the 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC, and combined they deliver more than solid performance offering lag-free streaming and video reproduction. More importantly, this Android box supports 60fps 4K video and offers H.265 decoding that brings an excellent level of compression and largely saves the bandwidth.

All in all, Pendoo X6 PRO offers a very good value for the money and brings just the right amount of performance and features that guarantee a pleasant experience; however, without anything that will make you go: “Wow”.

Pros:

• Great versatility
• Reasonably priced
• It supports 60fps 4K content

Cons:

• Not the best remote controller
• A limited number of features

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Ematic AGT419 Android TV Box

Great for Netflix and Comcast

The Ematic AGT419 is the way to go if you’re looking for an affordable 4K ultra Android TV box with built-in Chromecast and Netflix. One of the main selling points of this mid-range TV box is the fact that it comes with 4,500+ paid and free channels including Netflix, Hulu, and PBS kids, as well as a remote control.

This TV box would make for the sensible choice if you’re that kind of person who puts utility above aesthetics when it comes to streaming boxes. This means, the plastic square design will not win the hearts and minds of window shoppers; however, what’s inside is pretty good for the price range.

To begin with, this Android TV Box is powered by an Amlogic S905X chipset, with 4 ARM Cortex-A5 cores clocked @1.5GHz, and an ARM Mali-450 GPU, a 5-core chip clocked @750MHz. This is nothing to write home about, really, but it’s more than enough for video streaming. On top of that, the Ematic comes with 2GB of DDR3 RAM and just 8GB of eMMC storage, and if you want more storage space, you can install an SD card or plug-in an HDD/SSD.

Connectivity is assured by 2xUSB2.0 ports, an HDMI 2.0a, a 10/100Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a SPDIF jack. Software-wise, the Ematic is powered by Google-certified Android TV 9.0, which, needless to say, works flawlessly. There’s also a 10-button remote control included in the retail box, but we’d recommend you a small media keyboard if you want to get the most out of your TV-Box.

Since we’re talking Google certified OS, Showmax, Netflix, and DStv Now works out the box, while the Play Store will give you access to other streaming services, the likes of Spotify or Twitch, plus you can sideload the apps required on the device.

Bottom line, the Ematic AGT419 is a no-nonsense Android TV box that is built to deliver a seamless streaming experience with a minimal set of features and technological bells and whistles.

Pros:

• Google certified
• Smooth 4K video
• Dolby everything audio, DTS audio
• Stress-free streaming box
• Requires minimal setup
• Amazing value for money

Cons:

• Not suited for gaming

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Diyomate S905 Android TV Box

No-Nonsense Android TV Box

If you’re looking for a dirt-cheap Android TV box, the Diyomate S905 comes to mind. Retailing for less than $30, this tiny TV box is a deal, is a steal, is sale of the century, provided you don’t expect miracles from such an affordable gizmo. Despite its affordable price, under the hood you’ll find a more than adequate Amlogic Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, which is ultra-fast running and offers 3D support, as well as professional graphic processing ability, and obviously 4K video resolution and H.265 hardware decoding.

Even if the Diyomate S905 runs on a dated Android version, 7.1 respectively, functionality is not impaired at all; moreover, the TV box comes preloaded with all the essential apps for your home entertainment system, including YouTube, Netflix, Facebook and Twitter, to name just a few.

Another big advantage of the Diyomate S905 is that it’s super easy to set up and navigate, especially if you own a wireless keyboard/mouse combo. Wi-Fi setup is also a breeze, even if you’re not tech-savvy; the only downside is the relatively old Android OS version, but functionality-wise, it doesn’t get any better than this, i.e. everything’s simple, very plug and play so to speak.

Moreover, you’ll also find a remote and an HDMI cable in the retail box, which means you’re all set up and ready to go as soon as you unpack it. The user interface is very similar to Roku, while navigating the menus is like a Samsung tablet/smartphone, so yeah, you’ll feel like home from day one!

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Compact design
• Incredibly easy to use
• Comes loaded with useful apps
• Works great right out of the box
• Great customer service

Cons:

• None really at this price

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Fire TV Stick 4K

An Affordable, but Highly Efficient TV Box Utility that Will Bring a Smile to Your Face

Being cheap, but high performing and versatile, has always been a goal for thousands of devices, and only a few of them managed that. Fire TV Stick 4K may not fully comply with these goals, but still, is it probably pretty close to that state.

It is affordable, compact, offers great support for numerous streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Pluto TV, and many others, and more importantly, it supports their 4K iterations and allows for full enjoyment in the Ultra HD material. Unfortunately, Netflix 4K demands a special subscription, and since it isn’t an Android device, Google services and store aren’t supported.

Fire TV Stick 4K comes with a 1.7 GHz quad-core CPU, 1,5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which is pretty modest for today’s standards, but still, that doesn’t prevent this device’s flawless Ultra HD media playback and streaming, followed by HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.

On top of that, this utility comes with a super-reliable Wi-Fi connection and Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound and many other audio options support, along with a great Voice assistant – Alexa, that will bring a huge change in your observation of the Smart TVs.

Altogether, Fire TV Stick 4K brings a positive vibe in almost every important aspect and certainly presents a great deal and one of the best TV utilities out there. It can even be compared with the best Android TV box devices that are ruling the market.

Pros:

• Amazing 4K performance
• Price
• Versatility

Cons:

• No Google and Apple support

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NVIDIA SHIELD TV

The Greatness is Here

Finding the best 4K Android TV box may be a troubled journey; nevertheless, that’s only so until you stumble upon an NVIDIA Shield TV Pro box, a device that will deliver everything that you need and much more that you didn’t even know is possible.

This box basically has it all. It supports Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus. Moreover, it offers great connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0 connection and both Gigabit Ethernet and Dual-band Wi-Fi. Also, it supports 4K HDR streaming of Netflix, YouTube and Hulu, it supports Amazon Music and Spotify and it allows full control over the voice services such as Alexa, or Amazon Echo.

NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is fitted with Tegra X1+ chip and 3GB of RAM; however, it offers rather limited storage space with its 16GB of eMMC. On the other hand, this TV box has one HDMI port and two USB3.0 ports for additional storage, and more importantly, has a built-in Chromecast 4K.

Moreover, NVIDIA Shield TV Pro comes with a handy AI image upscale that will do miracles with your non-4K content and allow you to experience it in the best possible way.

With this device, you will never need another digital converter box, cable TV or any other similar type of utility. Overall, NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is one hell of a device and a TV box that will be the perfect addition and the center point of your entire household multimedia.

Pros:

• Excellent performance
• Built-in Chromecast
• Feature-rich

Cons:

• Expensive
• It doesn’t come with the controller

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Roku Ultra

A Device that Still Has an Edge

Newest Roku Ultra is another high performing TV box from well-established Roku Company. Although pretty similar to its predecessor, new Ultra iteration delivers many improvements and makes already great performance even better. However, if you own the last year’s Ultra edition, this new model won’t bring that much upgrade to justify its purchase. Still, if you own some other TV box, Roku’s model will surely deliver a completely new multimedia experience into your life.

Roku Ultra offers support for DTS, Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos, it has a voice remote and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and more importantly, it comes with an HLG and HDR10 support. Moreover, this box allows you to watch Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, HBO and many other streaming services in Ultra HD and help you encounter the 4K adventure in the most attractive way.

This TV box is equipped with one USB and an HDMI port; it has a MicroSD card reader and offers both 100Mbps Ethernet connection and very solid dual-band MU-MIMO wireless.

Roku Ultra delivers slightly faster performance than its predecessors and in general presents a great all-around multimedia device. In other words, if you want the best 4K Android TV box, this one should definitely be among your priorities.

Pros:

• Great performance
• MU-MIMO dual-band wireless
• Full Netflix, HBO, Hulu support

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision HDR support
• A bit pricey

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Antfraer DQ6

Great Value for the Price

If you are looking for a reasonably priced Android box that will do a more than decent job, Antfraer DQ6 is the device for you. This is a well-built, more basic-oriented Android TV box that supports 4K and 6K video, as well as GooglePlay, allowing you to stream YouTube videos, watch your favorite content from Netflix, and many other things.

With this TV box, you are getting an Android 10 OS, yet more importantly, very good hardware. To be exact, inside of it there is a RK3318 Quad Core Cortex-A53 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC memory. On top of that, there is also dual Wi-Fi connection, BT4.2 connection, as well as LAN port that unfortunately doesn’t support Gigabit connection. Also, there is an HDMI port, one USB2.0, one USB3.0 port, TF card slot… in other words, everything you need for a pleasant user experience.

Antfraer DQ6 supports HDR and features the H.265 decoding. It is simple to use and altogether, it offers a great value for the price. Therefore, if you are after an affordable, yet capable Android TV box, Antfraer DQ6 is more than a solid option for you.

Pros:

• Good performance
• Good connectivity
• 6K and 4K support
• HDR

Cons:

• A limited number of features

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Conclusion

Finding a quality product is never simple and it usually demands a lot of research and involvement. Nevertheless, this guide should make everything much easier and hopefully help you decide what device to buy, or at least clear some of your doubts. In any case, good luck with the purchase!