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.
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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.
I don’t play Games or watch NetFlix.
Quote Kim: Select a S905X2 or S922X, are the best now if you can’t buy the Nvidia Shield.
Are S905X3 boxes better than S905X2 boxes?
Quite Kim: The best are in this list, if you are looking for a cheap model go for X96 MAX, forget the others without custom roms.
Which model: X96 Max, X96 Max Plus, X96 Air or X96 Mini?
If you don’t play games go for S905X3
If you can’t buy the Beelink GT1 mini 2 (best support, build quality, remote and community) go for X96 MAX PLUS better hardware than the others.
X96 Max Plus review will be published tomorrow.
https://androidpctv.com/x96-max-plus-s905x3/
Would you reccomend mecool km3 or xiami mi box s?
KM3 NO, better any of this list.
Xiaomi mi box if you want to use Chromecast, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video HD
hello I have a mi box and I like it a lot.
but would you like a box with android tv and dvb-c system, any suggestions?
have a Mecool KM9 when I turn it on I get a annoying bell ringing notification how can I turn it off thx
If is root with the app “rom toolbox” maybe you can change the boot animation.
Or install other firmware.
MX10 Pro or Tanix TX6 which 1 is best?
Thanks for the great work.
I didn’t see any HP Prodesk 400 G4 like Barebones. Not good options?
https://www8.hp.com/pt/pt/desktops/product-details/21351205
My use will only be for streaming channels like Bloomberg TV, FOXBussines, CNBC … or access to financial sites.
Eventually run an MKV file, 4k 30fps HEVC 10bit HDR dts passthrough without interruption.
What do you recommend?
The link was not correct
https://www8.hp.com/us/en/pro-family/prodesk-400.html?jumpid=in_r12131_us/en/psg/pro_desktop_mlp/prodesk-400/learn-more-prodesk-400
Can be nice the AMD option with Hdmi 2.0 4K@60 HDR.
But compare the price with others, for media player maybe you need less hardware.
this article stated that mini pc only can stream 1080p content. how about 4k stream?
What model?
Hello,
I have TX6 box with Android 9 and All winner BY soc, but I am not getting DD or DTS out of HDMI connection
Any solution? Only MX Player gives Digital 5
1 channel output in spdif passthrough
TX6 Soc does not support DD or DTS
Allwinner H6 supports passthrough DD and DTS if the firmware have this configured.
Set it 2ch Passthrough
Hi Kim,
Can you test s922x chip decoding time for H265 codec at 1080p 60fps 20000kbps using moonlight app? I want to use these boxes for game streaming but most of these chips have a high latency during decoding and made the game unplayable.
Would you recommend an NVIDIA shield if I wanted full certifications for Google, Amazon and Netflix + be able to use Kodi and play file media at 4K 10bit HDR?.. is there anything else that is full featured? I’m looking for something that plays everything whilst being compatible on all levels. For example I currently have a Mecool KM9PRO and that can play pretty much anything via files and Kodi but as you know it has poor certifications except for Android Play Movies. So that is why I want to find something with full support across the board? (PS. I… Read more »
Only Nvidia Shield and Xiaomi Mi Box have all the certificates officially.
Only GTmini-A have support for Netflix 4K with a hack.
Read this:
https://androidpctv.com/netflix-4k-hailstorm-android-tv/
Have a nice day.
In your opinion would you say Nvidia Shield is more powerful than Xiaomi Mi Box for local video decoding?
Sure.
Hi Kim. Great site, thanks. Please forgive me. I am not very technical at all.
My friend recently purchased a TX5 Pro and he is able to view TV stations from all over the world, both public and premium stations. Is that typical of all these units? If so, would you suggest the TX5 Max? Or perhaps a different device?
Thanks!
Hi. No problem.
This is a software thing (using Kodi or other app), you can do with any of this boxes.
We recommend this selection, take a look.
Thanks so much Kim! I don’t think the attachment attached because I cannot see what you recommended. I’m usually not THAT un-technical…
Can you help me I have TV Box Xiaomi Mi Box S is compatible to play PUBG?
Because in this article it speaks: * Not compatible: Everything else, where S905X, S905W, RK3328, RK3229 stand out … basically all those who assemble (GPU Mali-450).
But in the list that you describe has the model Mi Box S being that the GPU is Mali-450
You can check our List of best TV-Box in the market to see which device is the correct one to play PUBG MOBILE.
https://androidpctv.com/pubg-mobile-android-compatibles-tvbox-play-gamepad-keyboard-mouse/
Here’s the question whether or not it’s compatible to play PUBG
Xiaomi Mi Box S can’t play PUBG, Mali-450 is not compatible.
Select a S905X2 or S922X, are the best now if you can’t buy the Nvidia Shield.
In the Beelink GTmini and GT-King you have videos playing PUBG.
Pd. Don’t put your phone in public.
Hola papi…😘😘😘😘
Hello, as now you have reviewed the Beelink GT King, will it enter this list of Best Android TV Box for 2019 ? Thanks and keep up your fantastic work.
Yes we will add now 😉
Thanks.
There is the new Beelink GT King , it seems a very powerful TVBox. Do you advise this machine ?
We will make a full review soon:
https://androidpctv.com/beelink-gt-king-s922x-review/
We only recommend devices after testing them personally.
I have one last question.
Is better A95X plus or T95Q? (or if you have other better TV box with about 50 €)
Thank you always and congratulations for your great work
The best are in this list, if you are looking for a cheap model go for X96 MAX, forget the others without custom roms.
Have a nice day.
I saw that the T95Q has GPU: Mali G31. Why on Amazon there is written GPU: Davlin MP2?
Old specs information.
between tanix tx6 and a95x plus which one is the best?
congratulations for the site
a95x plus without doubt, better hardware.
Tanix tx6 with allwinner h6 is weak in comparison.
Thanks for read us.
thank you for the good work you do.
do you have any other model to recommend me at the same price as the A95X plus?
All the models we recommend are here.
Thanks.
A95x plus is not there! so it’s not good?
No ethernet port, only one firmware… is ok, but you have better options.
I also saw you recommend the Xiaomi Mi Box S and the N Shield to someone as “Netflix FHD supported devices” so the Beelink GT1 doesn’t have that feature?
GT1 Ultimate no.
The new GT1-A yes, but is not official… you can take the risk if you want.
https://androidpctv.com/review-beelink-gt1a/
Whats not official? The Gt1 Ultimate?
Only Xiaomi mi box and Nvidia shield hace Netflix official support (and Fire Stick and Apple TV).
The rest are not official, but GT1-A have a trick to have Netflix 4K support, how much time can have it? no one knows.
Why wasn’t the Skystream Three mentoined? I can’t speak on benchmark test but it also has all of the specs of the recomended Beelink.
Because is only a X96 MAX with different launcher:
https://androidpctv.com/review-x96-max/
Is not at same hardware level of the GT1 mini.
Next to the shield, which box would you say is the best? I would buy the firestick 4k, but it’s terrible that it only has 8GB of storage. You can add storage space to it, but you can’t use that space for downloads via apps. So I’m looking for a good box with excellent wifi, bluetooth, and is reliable, with of course the ability to have more storage. Thanks!
Go for the Nvidia Shield, the only with this specs and Netflix 4K.
But now I’m looking at the A95X Max instead. It looks like the best one next to the Shield, or maybe Skystream 3+ ?