Android TV follows a vertically-scrolling, row-based interface showing several Apps and streaming services from the most popular providers today. You also get voice control through Google’s AI-driven smart Assistant. The Google Assistant not only can be used to send voice commands to your TV, but can also be used to control smart home devices such as smart bulbs, home security cameras, thermostats etc. You also get Miracast and Chromecast built-in which means you can cast media such as photos and videos from your smartphone or laptop to the TV. With Android TV, you have access to over 7000+ Apps from the Google Play store. Android TV supports over 43+ Paid and Free streaming services. There are subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, HBOMax, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Epix Now, Philo, Starz, Showtime, Youtube TV, Sling, Philo. You also get Free Ad-sponsored providers such as Plex, Pluto, Peacock, Tubi, IMDB TV, CW, PBS Kids, Crackle, Crunchyroll and many more. In 2020, Google announced a new Chromecast that came with a dedicated remote and Google TV, a new Smart TV interface that runs on top of Android TV 10. So far, this Chromecast is the only streaming player that comes with Google TV although the Realme 4K streaming stick by Realme is expected to run on the new platform. Google TV has however, now been introduced in newer Smart TVs from TCL, Sony, Hisense and many more. If you don’t have a Smart TV already, then an Android TV Streaming player or Sticks or Smart boxes is a good way of giving your existing “dumb TV” Smart TV super powers. Read more: Streaming Sticks vs Smart TV: Should you get both?
Before you buy an Android TV streaming stick/box
There are plenty of Android TV boxes out there making choosing one a challenge. The latest players run on Android TV 10, but most are powered by Android TV 9 with no upgrade in sight. And then there’s Google TV which is a modern Smart TV Interface based on Android 10. So far, only the 2020 Google Chromecast comes with the Google TV interface which is much much better. It seems Google is abandoning the old Android TV interface, so if you’re buying a streaming device today, you should consider that. Read more: The Difference Between Google TV and Android TV Then there’s the square shaped streaming boxes with usually rounded corners. This category of Android TV players are more powerful, require more power and offer more connectivity options. If you’re planning to do intensive work such as gaming or playing personal media using Apps like Plex or Kodi, then you should go with streaming boxes. Some come with Gigabit Ethernet ports which gives you access to faster internet through wired network connection. The Nokia Streaming box 8000, Xiaomi’s Mi Box S 4K and Nvidia Shield TV Pro fall under this category. Read more: Streaming Stick vs Streaming Box: Which Is Better for Watching Online Content Alright, here are some of our very top recommendations for Android TV streaming players.
Chromecast with Google TV
Launched in 2020, Chromecast with Google TV is top brass in Android TV streaming players. It features the new Google TV interface that includes a “content discovery” area populated by suggested content, followed by “Watch Now” rows that surface media content from installed apps. You also get a watch list which lists movies and shows you have bookmarked for later viewing. It also supports Stadia, Google’s online subscription-based gaming service and is powered by Android TV 10. Related post: Chromecast with Google TV Review: As good as it gets The Chromecast with Google TV HDMI 2.0, supports 4K Ultra HD at 60 FPS, HDR 10 and HDR 10+, supports Dolby audio pass through mode. In connectivity, it features 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 4.2 and is powered through USB-C port. Unlike its predecessor, this model comes with its own dedicated remote powered by 2 AAA alkaline batteries. Full Specs:
Model: Chromecast with Google TVColors: Snow, Sunrise, SkyOS Version: Android TV 10 Dimensions: 6.4 in(162 mm) x 2.4 in (61 mm) x 0.5 in (12.5 mm)Weight: 1.9 oz (55 g)Display: Up to 4K HDR, 60 FPSCPU: QUAD S905D3 64bit, MALI G31Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.2Ports: HDMI 2.0b, USB-C, Audio Out, Power
This Chromecast goes for $49.99 at Google Store, Target, Bestbuy and $59.99 at Newegg.
Mi Box S 4K Ultra HD
The Mi Box S 4K is Android TV-based streaming play from Xiaomi. This player is certified by Google and features most of the streaming services you would expect in Android TV devices such as Netflix, Youtube, Disney+, HBOMax, Prime Video etc. It’s a full 4K Ultra HD streaming player with 2GB of RAM, 8GB storage and supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1. Full Specs:
Model: Mi Box SColors: Matte blackOS Version: Android 9 (Android TV)Dimensions: 3.75 in x 3.75 in x 0.66 inWeight: 147.13 gDisplay: 4K (3840 x 2160)CPU: Cortex-A53 Quad-core 64bit, Mali-450 GPUMemory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.1Ports: HDMI 2.0a, USB2.0, Power
Xiaomi also has a striped-down version of the Mi Box S called the Mi TV stick. It’s Full HD 1080 instead of 4K and follows a stick form-factor that plugs straight into the HDMI port of your TV. Read more: The Mi TV Stick vs Mi Box S 4K: What’s right for you
onn. Android TV UHD Streaming Device
This streaming player has a plastic square with rounded corners design, is powered through a Micro USB port and connects to your TV through HDMI. It’s powered by an Amlogic S905Y2, a quad-core ARM chip, has 2GB of RAM and comes with 8GB of storage. The Onn 4K box runs on a stock version of Android 10 which is the latest version right now. Full Specs:
Model: onn. Android TV UHD Streaming DeviceColors: Matte blackOS Version: Android TV 10Display: 4K UHDCPU:4x ARM Cortex-A53 (up to 1.8 GHz), Mali G31 GPUMemory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.0Ports: HDMI 2.0a, Micro USB, Audio Out, Power
This device is sold exclusively on Walmart. It’s currently at $30 $19.88.
Nvidia Shield TV
If you’re looking for an Android TV streaming player with raw processing power, then the Nvidia Shield TV is what you’re looking for. It’s powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra X1+ processor, comes with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage expandable via microSD. It features 4K at 30 FPS resolution with DolbyVision, HDR and HDR10 support. On connectivity, this is one of the few streaming devices with Gigabit Ethernet port which comes in handy in areas where the WiFi is spotty. Full Specs:
Model: Shield TVColors: BlackOS Version: Android 9 (Android TV)Dimensions: 1.57 in(4cm) x 1.57 in (4cm) x 6.5 in (16.5cm)Weight: 4.83 oz /137 gDisplay/Resolution: 4K, Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10Audio: Dolby Audio (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos) DTS-X surround sound (pass-through) over HDMICPU: NVIDIA® Tegra® X1+ processor with a 256-core NVIDIA GPUMemory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 5.0, Gigabit EthernetPorts: HDMI 2.0b, Power
Fire TV Stick 4K(3rd Gen)
Full Specs:
Model: Fire TV Stick 4KColors: Matte blackOS Version: Fire TVDimensions: 99 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm Weight: 53.6 gDisplay: 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLGCPU: Quad-core 1.7 GHz, IMG GE8300 GPUMemory: 1.5 GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi5: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 5.0Ports: HDMI 2.0a, Micro USB
TiVo Stream 4K
The TiVo Stream 4K is yet another 4K UHD Android TV streaming player from TiVo. It supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, is powered by Amlogic S905Y2 processor and has 2GB of RAM with 8GB storage. Full Specs:
Model: TiVo Stream 4KColors: BlackOS Version: Android 9 (Android TV)Dimensions: 77mm x 53mm x 16mmWeight: 147.13 gDisplay: 4K UHD, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby AtmosCPU: Amlogic S905Y2Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.2Ports: HDMI 2.0a, Micro USB, USB-C
NEBULA 4K Streaming Dongle
Premium Charging and mobile accessory brand Anker decided to join the streaming player game with the release of Android TV-based player dubbed Nebula 4K streaming dongle. Launched at the end of 2021 at a hefty $89.99 price tag, this seems to be an audacious move from Anker given the numerous equally capable cheaper alternatives. This streaming player features 4K UHD HDR and Dolby Digital Plus. It comes with 2B of RAM, 8GB of storage and the new HDMI 2.1 standard. Full Specs:
Model: Nebula 4K streaming dongleColors: BlackOS Version: Android TV 10Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.59 inchesWeight: 0.96 ouncesDisplay: 4K UHD, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby AtmosCPU: ARM Quad 64-bit Cortex-A53 up to 2GHz (DVFS)Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 5.0Ports: HDMI 2.1, Micro USB
At $89.99, this streaming player seems overpriced compared to the alternatives on this list.
Nokia Streaming Box 8000
The Nokia Streaming Box 8000 is practically a Smart TV without a screen. That’s because it’s jam-packed with a number of connectivity options that most Android TV players don’t have. Besides the basic HDMI, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity options, you also get an extra USB-A 3.0 port, Digital optical audio output, USB-C and an Ethernet port for faster internet link. Full Specs:
Model: Nokia Streaming Box 8000Colors: BlackOS Version: Android TV 10Dimensions: 112 x 112 x 24 mmWeight: 0.17 kgDisplay: 4K UHDAudio: Dolby Digital PlusCPU: Amlogic S905X3 Quad-Core Cortex-A55, GPU: ARM Mali-G31 MP2Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROMConnectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.2Ports: HDMI, USB-A 3.0, Digital audio (optical), AV (3.5 mm), USB-C (5 V, max. 1 A), Ethernet LAN, DC IN (12 V, 1 A)
Realme 4K Smart Google TV Stick
Realme finally launched its 4K streaming stick based on the new Google TV interface. This makes it the second Android streaming player to run on Google TV along with the new Chromecast with Google TV(2020). Realme is so far selling this device in India for ₹3,699 (on Flipkart) or $50 from Aliexpress. However, the stick will be sold in the Netherlands in both 4K and 2K versions with a price tag of €69.99 and €54.99 according to reports. Full Specs:
Model: realme 4k Smart Google TV StickRAM+ROM: 2GB+8GBCPU: Quad Core ARM Cortex A35GPU:Dual coreConnection: WIFI; Bluetooth5.0 (Bluetooth Voice control remote)Features: [email protected], HDR10+, HDMI 2.1 Support, Google Assistant
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K
The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K is an upgrade to the Full HD 1080 Mi TV Stick. Announced late 2021, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K adds 4K Ultra HD resolution up from 1080 Full HD of the base model, 2GB of RAM up from 1GB of RAM and is now updated to Android 11 from Android 9. Xiaomi has also added Dolby Vision which is regarded as the gold standard in HDR picture quality. This streaming stick keeps Dolby Atmos and DTS HD audio standards much like the Mi TV Stick. Your Smart TV must also have a 4K resolution and support Dolby Vision to take full advantage of these features. It retails for $59.99 on Aliexpress. Top Specs Dimensions: 106.8 x 29.4 x 15.4 mmWeight: 42.8gColor: BlackResolution: 4KCPU: Quad-core Cortex-A35GPU: Mali-G31 MP2RAM: 2GBStorage: 8GBOperating System: Android TV 11Wi-Fi bands: 2.4GHz/5GHzBluetooth version: 5.0Video decoder: AV1, VP9, H.265, H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-1Audio decoder: DTS HD, Dolby AtmosPorts: HDMI, Micro USB
TVision HUB by T-Mobile
This Android TV Streaming stick is strictly for U.S residents as it’s sold exclusively by T-mobile. This dongle is powered by the new Google TV interface, features 4K UHD resolution. It’s powered by a Quad-core Amlogic S905Y2 processor, has 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage. T-mobile is selling it for $50 on their website. Full Specs:
Model: TVision HubRAM+ROM: 2GB+8GBCPU: Quad Core Amlogic S905Y2 ChipsetConnection: WIFI; Bluetooth5.0 (Bluetooth Voice control remote)Features: [email protected], HDR10+, HDMI Support, Google Assistant
There are several options have haven’t really cut into our list but are worth checking out including;
BuzzTV XRS4500 – $129 MECOOL KM1 Collective ATV Google Certified Android Smart TV Box 4GB RAM 64GB ROM – $94.99UGOOS X3 PRO 4K Ultra HD with Remote – £99.99MINIX NEO U9-H +NEO A3 Backlit, 64-bit Octa-Core Media Hub for Android [2GB/16GB/4K/HDR] – $139.9Beelink GT King Pro Hi-Fi Lossless Sound 4K TV Box – $189
If you know of any great recommendations, let us know in the comments down below.
