Android TV boxes are increasingly growing in demand, making ordinary TVs intelligent because of streaming. These devices open up a world of apps, games, and services at your disposal with huge potential. Look no further than the following list of the best Android TV boxes set to take your streaming experience to a new level. Now, here is the in-depth look of the top five that you should consider—giving you options for different preferences and budgets.
1. Nvidia Shield TV Pro: The Champ
Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the ultimate device for craving users. Based on the state-of-the-art Tegra X1+ CPU, this Android TV box goes a step further in delivering an experience par excellence, whether for streaming or gaming. With 4K HDR pass-through, the resolution support is high in nature, meaning clear images with good coloration, and Dolby Vision and Atmos support a real sound experience.
The more interesting feature of the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is its support for AI Upscaling, which changes standard HD content into something close to 4K. In fact, it’s even compatible with Google Assistant to enable control over your TV, apps, and even smart home devices using voice commands. It’s also a gamer’s delight, providing easy access to platforms like GeForce NOW, where users can stream high-end games from the cloud. For serious streamers or gamers who value the highest performance, this would be the go-to box, albeit with a premium price tag at around $219 USD.
2. Xiaomi Mi Box S (2nd Gen): Affordable Hero
If you are a little short on budget and still expect great streaming, then the Xiaomi Mi Box S is the best buy. With an Amlogic S905X2 processor inside, it’s truly an incredible value for 4K HDR playback.Apart from the basic features, the Mi Box S has the Chromecast integrated, enabling easy casting from your mobile devices to the TV. The sub-$70 compact and portable device packs a punch with an interface that’s easy and very good for newbies or people who don’t feel like casual streamers in the world of smart TV functionality. Sure, this one does not have the sheer power found in some of the premium options, but it is solid and will do quite nicely for the budget-minded.
3. Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen): Alexa Advantage
This one, of course, is integrated into the Amazon ecosystem: introducing the new Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen). As the name implies, it combines the two functionalities into one—Fire TV and Alexa smart speaker—all in one product. This thing runs lickety-split with a hexa-core processor for smooth 4K HDR playback and quick app surfing.And one of its more endearing features is the far-field voice technology, which means that you can issue commands from across the room to control not only the TV but other smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and more. Ideal for anyone looking for hands-free control over their entire home entertainment setup. With a price point around $139 USD, the Fire TV Cube has the best streaming and smart home integration, and it is truly amazing, especially for Alexa fans.
4. Khadas Edge2: Small But Mighty
Compact yet powerful, the Khadas Edge2 is a beautiful piece for individuals who require an attractive setup without sacrificing performance. The Android TV box hosts an Amlogic S922X processor, making sure it plays 4K HDR content seamlessly; hence, it’s great for streaming high-definition content.Indeed, the Khadas Edge2 is a small board that somehow manages to pack in Gigabit Ethernet while retaining fast and reliable internet access—an important consideration for our gamer, who requires lag-free performance during online games. Its small size also comes in handy when you want to hide it in your setup, especially in living rooms where space is tight. For those who really require performance in a tiny package, though, the price of $189 USD should be well invested.
5. MINIX NEO U9-H: The Storage King
The MINIX NEO U9-H is last but not least when it comes to storage powerhouses developed for users with huge media libraries. It comes with 6GB of RAM and an internal storage capacity of 64GB, both supporting the need to store a lot of applications and videos, among other kinds of media files.The MINIX NEO U9-H is powered by the Amlogic S905X3 processor to allow for the smooth and quality viewing of 4K HDR content. It also has dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections, perfect for users who require the most stable internet connections when streaming or gaming. Available for around $159 USD, the price of the MINIX NEO U9-H perfectly suits users who are heavy on usage and really need both performance and storage space
Final Thoughts
The best Android TV box is subjective to a person’s needs and preferences. If one is an enthusiast in gaming or streaming, then Nvidia Shield TV Pro is unbeatable in raw power. But if one is on a budget and would like to save some bucks without making huge performance sacrifices, then Xiaomi Mi Box S is excellent. The Fire TV Cube shines if you’re already all-in on Amazon’s ecosystem, while the Khadas Edge2 and MINIX NEO U9-H cater to those seeking a mix of small-form factor design and onboard storage.Before making your decision, consider factors such as processing power, storage capacity, features like voice assistants, and price. With any of these top five Android TV boxes, you’re guaranteed to enhance your home entertainment experience in 2024. Happy streaming!
