Buy the best Android TV Box in 2023 with our selection of devices, we test all personally. Get the best tv box to improve your TV, play emulators, use IPTV or KODI.
All the Smart TV Boxes we show in this selection can be used to use any Android app, watch paid streaming in different qualities, use PLEX or play multimedia content in 4K resolution with HDR or Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. If you are looking for the best Android TV-Box to watch HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ or Prime Video, this is certainly a good guide to know the compatible devices.
- We may earn a small commission for purchases using our links.
Which Android TV box is best in 2023
In the following list, you have the best Android TV-Box for this year 2023. All devices shown have been reviewed by us, video quality, audio, streaming services, games. KODI, IPTV, PLEX and emulators tested in our own analysis.
NVIDIA Shield TV, the most powerful TV-Box
Undoubtedly the NVIDIA Shield TV is the best Android TV Box 2023 if we are interested in power on Android. Thanks to its powerful SoC Nvidia Tegra X1+ we can run apps, games and emulators without problems. In addition, it has a very well supported Android TV system, integrated 4K Chromecast to send content from our mobile and Bluetooth remote control with microphone. It supports video playback in 4K HDR Dolby Vision quality and Dolby Atmos audio. We can watch with it in 4K HDR quality streaming services such as Netflix, Prime video, HBO MAX, AppleTV+, Disney+ and other apps like IPTV, KODI or PLEX server.
Buy NVIDIA Shield TV
$149.99€ at Amazon
$149.99 at Walmart
$149.99 at BestBuy
Chromecast with Google TV, compact and efficient
The Chromecast with Google TV offers the new Google TV environment, assisted by a voice remote and a powerful hardware. It has direct updates from Google and has all the necessary DRM certificates for paid streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Apple TV+… supports video quality in 4K HDR Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. This small Stick offers us a very good price, it is ideal for streaming, but thanks to its configuration is able to move all kinds of apps like KODI, IPTV or PLEX in addition to games and emulators.
Buy Chromecast with Google TV
$48 at Amazon $48.67 at Walmart
$49.99 at BestBuy
Amazon Fire TV Stick, cheap and simple
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a cheap alternative for multimedia and has a Bluetooth remote that allows you to control the Alexa assistant. We have several versions to choose from with more or less power and suitable for TVs with 1080p or 4K HDR resolutions. All run on Fire OS operating system, somewhat limited compared to Android TV, overall they have a competent hardware, has certificates needed to watch 4K streaming on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+ and others. We can also run apps like KODI, IPTV and games. The option of Fire TV Cube is a good solution if we need more connectors such as Ethernet.
Buy Amazon Fire TV Stick
Fire TV Stick HD only for $29.99 Fire TV Stick 4K only for $49.99 Fire TV Stick 4K MAX only for $54.99 Fire TV Cube only for $139.99
TIVO Stream 4K, cheap and efficient
The TIVO Stream 4K is a small and economic stick integrates the S905Y2 SoC with Android TV 9 system as has a fairly complete bluetooth remote control with microphone for the Google Assistant. It also has Chromecast to send content from our mobile and all certification for the most populars streaming apps like Netflix and other services in 4K HDR + Dolby Vision quality. Also have enough hardware to use any app like KODI, IPTV or basic emulators.
Price of the TIVO Stream 4K
$39.99€ at Amazon $39.99 at Walmart
$39.99 at BestBuy
onn. Android TV UHD Streaming Device, micro box
The onn. Android TV UHD Streaming Device very tiny and cheap TV-Box with Android TV system ideal for 4K HDR streaming, but does not have Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos. It has a Bluetooth remote control with microphone to use the Google Assistant. It also offers Chromecast to send content from our mobile, it also has certification for streaming apps like Netflix, HMO MAX, Prime Video … in 4K HDR quality. This microscopic bos offers enough hardware to use any app like KODI, IPTV or basic emulators without heavy games.
onn. Android TV UHD box price
$19.98 at Walmart
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen, new classic Android TV-Box
The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) is the evolution of the popular Xiaomi TV Box that improves in processor with an AMlogic S905X4, but keeps the essence of the previous version. A Box with Google TV certified system and more than enough hardware to watch Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and others up to 4K HDR. We can also use it for multimedia with KODI, PLEX or IPTV in addition to allowing us to play many games or emulators. This box also includes the Chromecast system to send content from our mobile and Bluetooth remote control with microphone to use assistants.
Price of the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen
$68 at Amazon
$63 at Aliexpress
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K, compact and powerful
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K designed for those who prefer something small, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting options with Android TV system. A certified device that allows us to watch in 4K HDR quality all kinds of streaming such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and so on. It is possible to use it for multimedia in KODI, IPTV, PLEX and play emulators or quite demanding Android titles. We have Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, it comes by default with a Bluetooth remote with microphone to give you commands and integrated Chromecast.
Buy Xiaomi TV Stick 4K
$69 at Amazon $64 at Aliexpress
X96 Max+, ideal for emulators, KODI and IPTV
The TV-Box X96 Max+ is a cheap device and the favorite of many people, as it is 100% compatible with EmuELEC and LibreELEC systems so it deserves to be in our selection of the best TV-BOX. Its operating system is Android 9 and its engine is the popular S905X3 Chip that works for any app or powerful games, paid streaming apps in basic quality, KODI or IPTV up to 4K and much more, it is not recommended for paid Streaming services.
Buy X96 Max+ for the best price
$56 at Amazon $52 at Aliexpress
X98 Mini, cheap soluion for KODI or IPTV
The X98 mini is a really cheap Chinese TV Box, the best in its category, with Android 11 operating system and arrives with the new and efficient SoC S905W2. A Box with which we can move without problems any app, emulators with RetroARCH or games, even PUBG and KODI or IPTV in 4K quality. This Box is NOT suitable for watching Netflix, HBO, Disney+ and other similar streaming services, as it does not have certificates and are displayed in its most basic quality.
Price for the X98 Mini
$54 at Amazon $36 at Aliexpress
Help for Android TV-Box selection
Android TV-Boxes have become an ideal solution to update the user environment and streaming services of our TVs externally. Normally a TV can last us many years but its software becomes obsolete quickly, thanks to these devices we can have a good user experience.
What is an Android TV-Box for?
If you do not know exactly what you can do with this type of devices before you start buying an Android TV we recommend you to take a look at our guide What is an Android TV-Box and what can I do with it, where we explain the basics of its technology.
Selection criteria and concepts to take in consideration
- Value the video quality we need, it is not the same just need FullHD resolutions that 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, these will indicate us which product fits us better.
- If we are going to consume paid streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max… we must buy a certified Android TV device that offers all the permissions to see them at maximum quality, also include Chromecast and voice remote.
- If we are not interested in streaming services we can go to a Chinese TV-Box and have more freedom to use apps like on a tablet. We can also install EmueELEC as a native system. To handle it well we need a mouse.
- Regarding power we recommend a device with at least 2 GB of RAM and a Quad Core processor. This is relative, if we will consume streaming we need little power but if we are going to play it is better something more.
- In case you want to connect external hard disks, network cables or peripherals, a TV-Box is better than a TV-Sitck because it has USB ports. We can also use a USB OTG cable + HUB in a Stick.
- A good Wifi 5 or b chip is enough for streaming, Netflix consumes only 20 Mbps in 4K. Check our Netflix, HBO MAX, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ or Apple TV+ streaming guides for more info.
- If we have any problem with our Android TV-Box, we recommend following the Solutions Guide to the most common problems where we explain solutions, such as reinstalling Firmware or managing your warranty.
Apps and tutorials for your Android TV-Box
If we want to get the most out of our TV-Box there are a number of apps that can be very useful. In this short list you have a selection of the most outstanding, on our website you can also find a lot of tutorials.
Best applications for TV-Box
- To learn more in detail the Android TV operating system read our guide, there are several interesting tricks.
- If you are interested in KODI or LibreELEC you can read our Manual to install Addons in KODI and LibreELEC tutorials, with these two programs you can see all streaming TV content, series or movies using their addons.
- If we do not want to mess with complex players we can use the VLC that simply run the videos that we have connected to the system or local network.
- In case we are emulator lovers on Chinese boxes we can install EmuELEC, if we have a certified Android TV system we can use the RetroARCH app directly in this environment.
- To manage the files of our Android system we recommend X-Plore which is the most complete, we can connect to our local network or perform many more functions.
General tutorials
- If we want to use files in our local network the best is to use and configure SAMBA.
- To configure the audio system on Android our multi-channel sound guide is ideal.
- It is also interesting to see the guides to improve TV image, correct Judder effect or dark video problems.
Please make a list of Netflix FHD supported devices.
The best are here, Xiaomi mi box and Nvidia shield.
End of the list 🙂
Other options are marginal or have some temporal trick with no Netflix approval.
I have both 1st and 2nd generation amazon fire tv boxes, how do they compare to 3rd generation, cube. Also where would you rate t95q with these?
Is it possible for magicsee TV box IRON+ to run PUBG MOBILE? Please advise, look forward to hearing from you soonest and thank you very much indeed
At hardware level, yes:
https://androidpctv.com/pubg-mobile-android-compatibles-tvbox-play-gamepad-keyboard-mouse/
my android tv box T95 S1 OP android 7.1 not supported 4k or 1080p can samone help me please
This box support 4k30fps and 1080p using HDMI connector with no problem, for sure.
Hello, congratulations on the best tv box android site. I wanted your advice. I use the boxes mainly for viewing IPTV. You could list me 4/5 boxes that allow a clear and smooth, 4K with line stability. Price from 30 to 50. Thanks in advance
All of the models listed here can do it, IPTV services don’t need powerful hardware.
But IPTV server are not a “official” service and the stability is not guarantied.
Hi I have an LG SJ9 soundbar which can play Atmos 5.1.2. I play only movies. No gaming. Which Tv box do you think is just right for me, preferably with HDR? Don’t want to spend on unnecessary power. Thanks.
If you want use Netflix 4k go for Xiaomi Mi box S.
Sorry if my question is not clear. Im looking for a tv box that can passthrough ATMOS movies so that I can connect it to LG SJ9. Im also using Kodi. Thanks for any reply.
Go for a Zidoo with Realtek SoC, Himedia or Nvidia Shield TV.
Hey Kim, I have trilemma (not sure if it is correct spelling, but I guess it is understandable). a) Beelink GT1 mini – because you wrote it was so good b) A95x Max – features and also it is close by performance like GT1 mini and I kind of like it’s UX c) Mi box s – only because it is certified by Google but lacks some of basic features first two models have. I don’t really plan watching any 4k material in near future so I need good and reliable FHD box. I do want 5ghz Wi-Fi and 1Gbs… Read more »
Hi.
All tree options are correct.
But if you want more connections and don’t have interest in Netflix go for a or b.
If you don’t need 2,5″ disk bay go for Beelink, more support in long term.
Best regards.
Hey Milan, same dilemma as you. I think I will go with the A95x Max because I’ve read complaints in Amazon reviews that the Beelink has wifi problems sometimes. I’ve also heard some bad stuff about the mi box on youtube reviews. Seems like the A95 is the best. But then there’s also the Skystream 3+ Did you look at that one?
Wifi have a lot of factors, if you have the option buy in amazon, test it in your network, if works ok, if not send it back.
If you buy on Amazon, it could still come from China though right? It’s not necessarily going to come from the USA?
Depends some articles come from a USA warehouses, check the estimated time for arrival.
If the products is Prime the guaranty is 100% the same.
Hy. I want an Android tv box for my parents to use IPTV programs. I have watched a lot of reviews but i’m still undecided. The only thing i’m looking for is to have a smooth android experience and to be user friendly. Can you help me to take the right choice ? Thx
For a friendly use the best is use Android TV OS with remote + microphone, go for a Xiaomi Mi Box S.
Best regards.
What about jio giga TV can’t we use it for playing pubg
I am after an android tv box but got mixed up reading about various boxes.
I need one which apart from Netflix can also stream Kodi and other like apks and also iptv.
Iread that a box with 4gb ram and at least 16gb memory will be ideal.
what are your suggestions. I was looking at the H96 pro and the X99 with RK3399 but reviews didn’t seem much favourable.
Thanks
For Netflix HD/4K go for Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi mi box S.
The other box don’t have support for certified Netflix HD/4K.
RK3399 is powerful but not good as a media player.
H96 Pro is a basic box with no support.
For mediaplayer, kodi and netflix you don’t need power/4GB RAM… is better have efficient and well tuned system.
I want to buy a new android tv box, the issue is that i don’t know if the new S905X2 is better than the S912 in terms of Raw Power and Gpu.
is the S905X2 better performance wise ?
Is similar, but the technology and efficiency is much better in S905X2…. more support in the long term too. Lower price.
Go for S905X2, see our Beelink GT1 mini review for raw power comparison.
Hi, i need to know what tv box is the best for gaming like pubg.
Wait for the review of the new models with the new SoC S905x2.
Or go for a S912 box, or if you want only pubg and no mediaplayer a RK3399.
Hi, I have a receiver which is able decode Dolby Atmos 7.1 and 3D TV and I am looking for some Android TV-Box which will be able provide 3D video and Dolby Atmos 7.1 signal to this two equipment. Can you recommend me some TV-Box please.
Zidoo with Realtek SoC or Himedia with Hisilicon SoC devices.
https://androidpctv.com/review-zidoo-z9s/
Nvidia shield is good too, but i won’t know how 3D works.
Which one has the best internet range? Due to the layout of our house the android box will be some distance from our router. Our Chromecast connects well but our X96 mini has issues.
Nvidia shield, minix, zidoo, himedia are the best in wifi range… low cost boxes have low cost antenna.
How hard would it be open the box and wire in a better antenna?
You need to have the knowledge to weld the system ok, but can be a general hardware or software problem too… sometimes the antenna is not the direct problem, derivations, firmware, lack of power…
I see that your reply is 4 months old. Are these still the best boxes for wifi?
What would be the second highest rated TV box ti the Shield for all around streaming and audio; primarily using Kodi and other media players.
If you have interest in Netflix, Chromecast, Amazon Prime Video… go for Xiaomi Mi box.
If not you can try Minix or Beelink GT1.
Which models stream Netflix and Prime at UHD?
Nvidia Shield perfect and Xiaomi Mi box, but the Shield is better.
Been told the tx9 pro is the best.. Not according to your review haha What’s the best tv box out there?
Depends… you need Netflix HD?
Then Xiaomi or Mecool’s are best options, TX9 Pro only plays Netflix SD, is a generic TV-Box.
What do you need? Other are more focused to high quality picture than a amlogic boxes.
The best in all the sectors is Nvidia Shield, but have a price.
Also gigabit ethernet is a must have option or 100m speed is enough?
100m is enough for Netflix 4K for example.
Thanks for the answer, so these boxes can handle usb hubs after all, and it is better to buy a usb hub than using a box with 4 usb ports. Im currently looking for a cheaper solution as it would be my first box, soo beelink is a bit expensive, but mecool, tanix, alfawise h96 pro+ seem to be cheaper options , or at least Im looking for a band tgat has an official webpage with firmware download section.
Hi, my pleasure.
Those cheap boxes don’t have official support, but you can find firmwares in our website.
If you want something really cheap with custom firmware support and Netfflix HD / Android TV look for the Mecool M8S Pro+
Keep us informed about your results.
Thanks again! Regarding performance issues, is 905x+ 2gb ram enough for example scrolling in google chrome seamlessly, and watching 720p 1080p movies without lagging, or should I stick to s912+3gb ram?
Hi Kim. What Mecool system is better? The m8s pro l or the km3.
Km3, but you have other options with better remote and ethernet gigabit:
https://androidpctv.com/comparison-best-android-tv-mini-pc-buy-tv-box-android/
I would like to buy an android tv box for watching youtube videos, online videos from browsersm using kodi, mainly. So the ideal box is : android 7.1, s912 cpu, 3gb ram , at least 16 gb rom, bluetooth, and I need at least 4 usb connectors for mouse, keyboard, usb hdd, and I also want to try using webcam in facebook messenger (as I heard some logiteh cams are supported), so at least 4 is demanded. And of course ventillation is also important, so if I’m correct, I should avoid boxes without any ventillation gaps. The main problem is… Read more »
Hi. Intereting questions. First you need to know this Android boxes are not designed to feed power to usb hubs, most of them have 5V 2A dc adapter or 12V 1A. If you have plans to connect a lot of devices then user a self powered USB hub with DC adapter or go to a mini PC. Ventilation holes are important but a correct design is more important, minix for example don’t have any problem with thermals and don’t have vent holes. In the same side, specs are important but you need a balance with the right components and good… Read more »