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Years ago, Android started as a mobile operating system that changed how we experienced mobile devices. Today, it has diversified for multiple purposes, including streaming devices. An Android TV box is a set-top box that runs on the Android operating system. People use it for watching their favorite streaming channels, such as Netflix, Hulu, and others. Apart from such services, you can also use Android TV boxes to play Android games and emulator-based ROMs.
There are two types of Android TV boxes. One runs the Android TV OS, which comes with an intuitive U.I and a remote or gamepad for controls. The other is a tablet version of Android, which requires a mouse for optimum navigation. Though both run the same operating system, you can’t run every Android App on the set-top version. You can side-load many of them, though, but you might not find the experience as smooth. Depending on your purpose, you can buy the right device and start using your favorite apps and services.
Buying Guide
There are several things to consider when buying an Android TV box, namely
- Powerful chipset and processor
- Compatibility with various audio and video formats
- Experience in viewing videos at Ultra HD resolution
- Built-in Chromecast
- Ease of setup and use
- Support for dual Wi-Fi bands
- Compatibility of your favorite apps
See also: Best Smart TVs
Best Cheap Android TV Boxes
Quad-Core 64 Bits Android TV Box with 8K Ultra HD Video Playback Capability
11.0 Android TV Box by HKMLC
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This Quad-Core 64-bit processor-based Android TV box has a powerful chipset and brings the wealth of Android 11.0 to users' disposal. It supports Wi-Fi connectivity in two distinct bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and HDMI connectivity. On the memory front, it offers 4GB RAM to help you run applications smoothly. A 32GB ROM also provides decent storage space to help you store your applications and important files. To meet the need for additional storage space, you can expand it up to 128GB.
The product brings a welcome change for those who are used to streaming their favorite videos at H.265 or VP9 resolution. It provides video playback at 8K ultra HD. Along with that, the availability of the AV1 decoding feature means that you can look forward to detailed and sharp images while viewing your favorite videos. In addition, the product also comes with another useful feature. It lets you turn on or off LED lights. Furthermore, you can also adjust these lights at different levels. You can customize it according to your requirements.
- It has a powerful chipset and processor, bringing Android 11.0 to your disposal.
- The feature has video playback at 8K ultra HD and AV1 decoding support, allowing you to view clear images and realistic visual effects while viewing your favorite videos.
- Powerful chipset and processor
- Cool lighting design
- 8K Ultra HD Resolution
- Compatibility with dual Wi-Fi bands
- Support for a limited number of apps
- Issues with the remote control and video output over time
Smart Android TV Box with a Powerful Decoder in Different Audio/Video Formats
10.0 Android TV Box by Sidiwen
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Equipped with H616 Chipset, this product by Sidiwen promises to meet the expectations of those users who seek a smart Android TV box to play games and run applications. Besides being an easy-to-use product, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity at 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ. You can connect the device to other compatible devices through HDMI and Bluetooth.
The device is compatible with almost all types of audio and video formats that are currently available. So, you can play all your favorite videos with the help of this device without worrying about their format. The product is the real deal because it supports Ultra HD 6K video playback. The product comes with 4GB RAM to prevent the freezing of applications. It also has a 32GB ROM (which is expandable to 64GB) for storing various files and applications.
- It supports dual Wi-Fi bands and is compatible with a wide range of audio and video formats.
- It plays videos in Ultra HD 6K.
- Support for dual Wi-Fi bands
- Compatibility with the majority of audio and video formats
- Ultra HD 6K video playback
- Support for multilateral languages
- Occasional boot-up issue
- Crashes at times while playing videos in different formats
A Smart Android TV Box with Support for 3000+ Channels & Apps
10.0 Android TV Box by Dynalink
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If you are looking for a product that meets your business and home entertainment needs, this is the ideal option. It supports more than 3000 applications and channels. For a better video-viewing experience, it not only offers voice control but also plays videos at a 4K Ultra HD resolution.
With the built-in Chromecast feature on the device, you can play music and movies at your will. Plus, it is simple to set up, so you can start using the product without needing to go through long instructions in the manual.
- It is simple to use and supports more than 3000 channels and applications.
- It provides the best experience viewing videos at 4K Ultra HD resolution.
- Support for 3000+ channels and applications
- Video playback at 4K Ultra HD resolution
- Easy to set up and use
- Voice control feature
- Built-in Chromecast
- Occasional slow streaming of videos
- Technical glitch while operating the remote
Cheap Android TV Box with a Backlit Keyboard and Powerful Video Decoding Feature
11.0 Android TV Box by HKMLC
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Another Android TV Box with support for two different Wi-Fi bands, this product comes with an improved quad-core processor and Android 11.0. Both these aspects lead to better compatibility with Android applications and power-packed performance. Whether you want to run applications or play games, you can rely on this product on any day.
Aside from Wi-Fi connectivity, the product is also compatible with Bluetooth. Alongside the H.265 hardware decoding feature, it can play 4K videos at 1080p in 3D to give you an immersive experience when you watch videos. For more versatility, the product comes with a mini keyboard with LED and a remote controller.
Why Should You Buy This?
- It has the latest version of Android (Android 11.0) and a high-quality processor for a power-packed performance.
- It has a powerful decoding feature and can play 1080P 4K videos in 3D.
Pros
- Support for dual Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz/5.8GHz)
- Backlit mini keyboard
- Powerful video decoding feature
- 4K HD video playback in 3D
Cons
- It doesn’t have pure Android OS
- Prone to showing up technical issues
Cheap Android Smart TV Box with Dual Certification by Netflix and Google
10.0 Android Smart TV Box
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This product with multiple connectivity options comes at a reasonable price and brings the dual benefits of a quad-core processor and Android 10.0 OS. The product's processor facilitates smooth playback of videos and audio. Due to this feature, the product meets the expectations of almost all kinds of users who are fond of games and entertainment.
The real deal of the product is its dual certification by Google and Netflix. Google Assistant's support enables users to do more than just watch videos or play games. You can use Google Assistant to learn more about the weather and other details. Regarding watching videos, the product plays videos smoothly in 3D with Ultra HD 4K video playback.
- Along with dual certification by Google and Netflix, the product also comes with the ability to play videos and audio smoothly.
- It plays Ultra HD 4K videos in 3D.
- Smooth playback of videos
- Ultra HD 4K video playback in 3D
- Dual certification by Netflix and Google
- Support for Google Assistant
- Videos keep cutting in and out
- Keeps powering off occasionally
Cheap Android TV Box with a Quality CPU and GPU
11.0 Android TV Box by Transpeed
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This product by Transpeed supports all kinds of connectivity options. This includes USB 3.0, Ethernet, Dual Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The product has a high-quality CPU and GPU that guarantees powerful performance. It plays videos with 4K and 8K resolution along with the support for AV1. It lets you compress videos which further maximizes the smoothness of video performance.
The product is easy to use and comes with 4GB DDR3 RAM to let you run applications or play games without a lag. It also has 32 GB eMMC, which can be further expanded to 64GB for storing user files.
Why Should You Buy This?
- It has a quality GPU and CPU for playing videos and games in a way that meets the expectations of users.
- It is easy to use and plays videos at 4K and 8K resolution.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Video playback at 4K/8K resolution
- Support for AV1
- High-quality CPU and GPU
Cons
- It doesn’t support certain VPNs
- Shows up issues while using voice commands
Conclusion
When buying an Android TV box, there are several things to consider, such as app compatibility, hardware, and purpose. Out of all this, app compatibility is very important to know. Most Android apps such as Netflix, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, etc., do function on both devices, but not all. Some Android TV boxes come with the popular media center Kodi, but it is always better to get one with a clean install rather than a preloaded one with pirated add-ons.
Sideloading apps might be simple for some, but it can get quite tricky for others. After you have installed them, you might run into navigation issues in some apps where it becomes a pain just to explore the interface. You certainly don’t want your favorite app to be the one that causes complications, especially after you have paid a substantial amount to buy the device. Therefore, it’s very important to know which all apps work smoothly with the device you intend to buy.
Another important aspect to think about is software upgrades. You need to buy a device that is constantly upgrading and improving the user experience. You should always buy a device from a well-known company such as Nvidia or Xiamoi to get regular updates. Do the right research and you will be able to get the perfect Android TV box for your needs.
