№ | Name | Rating | Nomination |
The best TV sticks for Android | |||
1 | MECOOL KD1 TV Stick | 4.75 | HDMI 2.1 available |
2 | Google Chromecast 2018 | 4.67 | The simplest TV box |
3 | Vontar X96S 4K Stick | 4.50 | Memory expandability |
Best Cheap Android TV Boxes | |||
1 | Ugoos X3 CUBE | 4.66 | Pure Android |
2 | Vontar X96 Max+ | 4.37 | Easy setup |
3 | Xiaomi Mi Box S | 4.30 | The most reliable |
4 | Tanix TX3 Mini 2/16Gb | 3.90 | The most affordable 4K set-top box |
Best top TV boxes for Android | |||
1 | Beelink GT-King WIFI 6 | 4.66 | Wi-Fi 6 support. The most stylish |
2 | MECOOL K7 | 4.65 | Largest memory capacity |
3 | Ugoos AM6 Plus | 4.40 | The most stable wireless connection. Largest number of connectors |
How did we choose the best TV boxes?
To be included in our rating, a console must meet several criteria. Firstly, the operating system should function without any problems. If slowdowns occur regularly, this will be mentioned in reviews of the device, which is why it will definitely not be in our selection. Secondly, the device must be created by a reputable manufacturer. There is no point in expecting anything good from a TV set-top box made by a Chinese company founded just a year ago. Thirdly, the product must reliably handle the launch of a wide variety of video formats. After all, this is precisely why they buy it almost in the first place.
The best Android TV box manufacturers
Just recently, TVs were not able to boast of smart functionality. However, now almost half of the devices on the shelves have Smart TV at their disposal. In this regard, TV boxes on Android are in less and less demand. In 2021, they are bought mainly so that it becomes possible to watch YouTube even in the kitchen, where there is a TV purchased many years ago. However, there is far more than one manufacturer in this market.
Perhaps the best brand in the world of TV set-top boxes is Xiaomi
.
The Chinese company has been busy creating smartphones, and creating a high-quality TV box for it is a matter of technology. The remaining companies are heard by a noticeably smaller number of people - these are Vontar
,
Ugoos
,
Tanix
and some others.
Some people have heard about HARPER
, but its products often suffer from weak components. But it has a low price tag.
By the way, some content providers produce their own set-top boxes with pre-installed Android. For example, such a product is offered for purchase by the online service “Smotryoshka”
. But you definitely shouldn’t expect impressive capabilities from such a device.
Top 3. Vontar X96S 4K Stick
Rating (2021): 4.50
51 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market
Possibility of memory expansion One of the few sticks that supports connecting a USB flash drive and installing a memory card.
- Characteristics
Average price: 4,990 rub.
- Operating system: Android 9.0
- Maximum Resolution: 4K
- Connectors: HDMI 2.1, microUSB, USB 3.0 Type A, microSD slot
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Permanent and RAM: 32 and 4 GB
Like other TV boxes made in the stick form factor, this one is slightly larger than a regular USB flash drive. But there was room here for both a memory card slot and a USB 3.0 connector. You can connect, for example, some kind of peripherals to the latter. The processor used here is Amlogic S905Y2, so no problems are expected with operational stability. A large amount of RAM also has a positive effect. Buyers note that the set-top box does an excellent job of playing video in a variety of formats. And the throughput of the Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard is quite enough for online viewing of 4K content. In short, this is a TV stick with the best performance in this price segment!
Advantages and disadvantages
- Decent amount of memory
- Stable Android operation
- Large number of connectors
- Not very convenient remote control
- The shell is not suitable for everyone
General tips for choosing an IPTV set-top box
Each IPTV set-top box is selected for future tasks and the available TV . After all, it makes no sense to spend extra money on a super-efficient platform if you only plan to watch videos on Youtube on it. Or choose an IPTV set-top box with 4K resolution that will connect to your old TV.
There are several standard options for choosing a receiver for a particular level of tasks performed.
- For frankly old (including analogue) TVs, you can choose an IPTV set-top box that broadcasts images with HD resolution. It's an affordable device that's leisurely but capable of performing basic tasks in its class.
- Sports fans will benefit from a set-top box that can record channels using a timer. This is convenient; it will be simply impossible to miss watching a match.
- Owners of modern TVs will need a FullHD set-top box. This is the ideal device for watching movies on the big screen.
- For combined tasks, using a browser, social networks, watching movies and IPTV channels, a set-top box in a minimal configuration is suitable. This is 1 GB of RAM and 2 processor cores. Such a device will not provide instant reactions to the owner’s actions, but will offer stability and functional suitability.
- People who collect movie collections will like a set-top box that supports connecting external drives. Devices in the high-end segment are equipped with high-speed SATA interfaces. Budget ones will only offer a USB connection.
Finally, today you can buy productive platforms equipped with 2-4 GB of RAM of the latest generation, processors with 4 or 8 cores. Such set-top boxes not only work with 4K resolution. They can run games and other resource-intensive applications without any problems.
Top 2. Google Chromecast 2021
Rating (2021): 4.67
582 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Otzovik, Onlinetrade
The simplest TV box Minimal functionality, stable software operation and a relatively low price tag - that's what awaits you.
- Characteristics
Average price: 3,450 rub.
- Operating system: Chrome OS
- Maximum resolution: 1080p
- Connectors: HDMI, microUSB
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Permanent and RAM: 8 and 1 GB
The best choice for those who are going to connect a set-top box to a relatively inexpensive and old TV whose screen has a Full HD resolution or less. The device is connected to the HDMI connector. Unlike the other TV boxes considered in this rating, this one uses Chrome OS - a sort of lightweight analogue of Android. Here everything is tailored for several of the most important online services (mainly YouTube, Netflix and Kinopoisk HD), and it is possible to manage a few applications using a smartphone by connecting to a TV stick via Wi-Fi. Power is provided via the microUSB socket. As buyers note in their reviews, modest functionality awaits you, but there are no slowdowns at all.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Miniature sizes
- Stable work
- Supplied without remote control
- Uses microUSB connector
- Minimum functionality
See also:
- 15 best TV set-top boxes from AliExpress
Set-top box capabilities
It's time to learn more about what a Smart TV set-top box can do. The main function is network access. Usually via Wi-Fi, but many Smart Boxes also have a built-in Ethernet connector allowing cables to be connected to a router. Internet connectivity also comes with many other features that are worth mentioning:
- programs for Smart consoles - downloaded and installed from the application store. The available library is actually very rich - it contains not only streaming applications, but also weather and news informers, social networks, games;
- playback of high-quality media in various formats - music, photos, 4K movies;
- recording – most Smart devices allow you to stop the program currently being watched, as well as record it;
- interaction with other devices – we are talking about the ability of the set-top box to connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet. For what? For sharing content and files. All household items, especially electronic ones, now tend to “talk” to other devices. TV box is no exception. The vast majority of equipment can be easily paired with devices running Android. Of course, this requires specific applications, but downloading and installing them is not a problem, and the benefits are really great;
- support for external drives - thanks to them you can install more applications, as well as record longer programs;
- support for 3D content - of course, we are talking about the ability to play and watch movies that high-end TV boxes provide.
It is worth noting that there are also models on the market that are mainly aimed at supporting games. Among them we can mention the NVIDIA Shield TV set-top box, which is sold with a gamepad. A Smart TV box with this graphics system can play 4K HDR content, run many games and use a streaming content system.
In many cases, the capabilities of a smart box outweigh the computing solutions built into a Smart TV, especially if you know how to use it to its fullest. Plus, dedicated devices typically receive software updates and new features more frequently and quickly.
But this is not the only advantage of the set-top box over Smart TV. For example, if you don’t want anyone to curiously look at your personal data on your Smart TV, the only solution is to turn it off completely. Whereas in a similar situation with a regular TV receiver and set-top box, all you need to do is turn it off and put it in a safe place. No one will be able to dig into your account. The TV does not save data from the TV box.
If the Smart Adapter becomes obsolete in a few years, you will not need to replace the entire TV, as is the case with a smart TV. You simply replace the device with a new model. Add to the pluses quiet operation, low power consumption, as well as good appearance, which, of course, depends on the model. The above points may soon become a completely predictable reason for the decline in sales of Smart TVs.
The capabilities of Smart TV are constantly expanding. Today, almost every Smart Box easily reads content thanks to standards such as:
- DLNA is a communications standard used by consumer electronics manufacturers to enable sharing of multimedia resources on a home network;
- MHL is an audio-video interface standard for mobile devices, combining the functions of a microUSB and an HDMI connector. It allows devices in which it is implemented to interact with televisions and monitors equipped with an HDMI connector with sound and image transmission up to 2160p. It works similar to Bluetooth, but its main advantage is a much greater range. It differs from Wi-Fi mainly in that communication between two devices is carried out directly, bypassing an access point or router.
- Miracast is a standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It allows you to display the screen of mobile devices on stationary displays such as TVs, computer monitors. HD and surround sound can be sent between certified devices.
You may be interested in: How to connect IP television on a set-top box
Top 1. MECOOL KD1 TV Stick
Rating (2021): 4.75
Availability of HDMI 2.1 The interface used here complies with the HDMI 2.1 standard, which indicates the possibility of outputting 4K video at a frequency of over 60 frames/s.
- Characteristics
Average price: 3,990 rub.
- Operating system: Android TV 10
- Maximum Resolution: 4K
- Connectors: HDMI 2.1, microUSB
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Permanent and RAM: 16 and 2 GB
A tiny stick that receives power via a microUSB connector. The device is powered by a quad-core Amlogic S905Y2 processor with a clock frequency of up to 2 GHz. This is more than enough to play 4K content on YouTube and other online services. You can control the operating system and all applications using the remote control. Since it works using an infrared port, you will have to connect a special sensor included in the kit to the TV stick - it must be placed somewhere in front of the TV. However, in the box with some copies there is a Bluetooth remote control, which also supports voice commands. It is better to clarify this point in advance.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Supports 4K resolution
- Modest size
- Adequate price tag
- Can be supplied with a simple remote control
- At some moments there is not enough power
- The microUSB connector is used for power supply.
to the beginning of the rating
Independent connection of Smart set-top box to the Internet and TV
Do you have a good TV and have no plans to change it in the near future? Do you have an old TV set, but really want to join smart viewing technology? You don't need to change anything. Remember: every TV can become Smart! Hide your soldering iron - by tampering with the TV, you risk damaging its circuit board and voiding the warranty. It's simple - you need to install and configure the set-top box for your TV. How?
If your TV has an HDMI connector (the new one definitely has one), then you connect it to the set-top box with an HDMI cable. And with the Internet, your standard TV becomes a multimedia entertainment center.
How to connect a Smart set-top box to the Internet? When you're dealing with equipment that requires access to the World Wide Web, you usually have two simple methods at your disposal. The first way to connect to the Internet is a wired connection. Before purchasing a cable, measure the distance between the set-top box and the router. Buy a cable with a reserve; it is better if it is longer than if its length is not enough. Connect the Smart device and the router with a cable, and then set up the connection.
The power supply of the set-top box can only be connected after it is connected to the TV cable. If everything is ready, start the console using the remote control. Before connecting, do a full reset. This action eliminates possible errors that occur after the initial firmware.
The set-top box will display a connection message on the TV screen, which will then take you to the customizable settings. If this does not happen, go through the set-top box menu to the “Network” section and select a wired connection. The configuration screen will guide you through every step of setting up web access. Typically these actions take no more than a minute. Of course, the wired method is not always convenient, especially if the TV is at a considerable distance from the router. A cable running across the entire room can get in the way, so it would be better to resort to wireless communication, which is supported by almost all modern devices.
How to connect Smart TV to the Internet without cable? In the Network section, this time select the Wi-Fi connection settings. The screen should display a list of all detected networks nearby. Once you have found your network, confirm the connection. In the next step, enter the access password and select the option to have the set-top box remember the network (you will not need to enter the password every time you connect to the Internet). This is enough to access the network.
A smart box will be useful even for an old TV and will significantly expand its capabilities. You connect the set-top box to it with the correct cable, and then connect it to the Internet using a traditional cable or WiFi network. Thanks to this small device, even old TV models get a new life - you just need to use the necessary connectors.
Top 4. Tanix TX3 Mini 2/16Gb
Rating (2021): 3.90
148 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Rozetka
The most affordable 4K set-top box Despite its modest specifications, the device is ready to play high-definition content.
- Characteristics
Average price: 2,350 rub.
- Operating system: Android 7.1
- Permanent and RAM: 16 and 2 GB
- Connectors: HDMI, Ethernet, 2xUSB 2.0, slot for microSD
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth
A simple box with Android 7.1 on board, thanks to which a TV or monitor can be provided with a full-fledged Smart TV. This version of the OS is slowly becoming outdated, but there are still a huge number of applications for it. The processor used here is Amlogic S905W. With it, the interface works without any problems, and stuttering occurs only in the heaviest applications. It is curious that the “box” received two full-size connectors. The product also supports connecting to a router via Wi-Fi. But if you plan to watch 4K content online, it's better to use a network cable, for which there is a 100Mbps Ethernet port.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Large number of connectors
- You can insert a memory card
- Low cost
- Outdated version of Android
- Not the most convenient remote control
- It can still slow down
What is a Smart TV set-top box for TV
A smart TV set-top box is a small “smart” box with great multifunctional capabilities. And it’s very important that set-top boxes from popular manufacturers have much more network capabilities than TVs with a built-in Smart option. As a result, after connecting and setting up, an ordinary TV turns into a full-fledged computer with enormous capabilities.
Standard set of functionality:
- Built-in browser – Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera;
- Online TV – a large selection of programs, watching TV series, films, talk shows;
- Free telephony;
- Surfing sites;
- Social networks – VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram;
- Messengers – WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Telegram, Team Speek;
- Online Games;
- Listening to music – MeGoGo, Zoomby, Tuneln Radio;
- Access to mail services Gmail, Yandex. Mail, ru;
- Doxc working applications – Open Office, OfficeSuite;
- Huge selection of applications on Google Play.
It is simply unrealistic to list all the capabilities of a “smart” set-top box in a small section of one article!
One nuance worth noting is that many models run an operating system with limited functionality. Before purchasing a Smart set-top box, you need to clearly prioritize the purpose for which you are purchasing the device.
Top 3. Xiaomi Mi Box S
Rating (2021): 4.30
5812 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, M.Video, Otzovik, Citylink
The most reliable There is no doubt that this box will not fail in a year, or two, or even longer.
- Characteristics
Average price: 5,390 rub.
- Operating system: Android 8.1
- Permanent and RAM: 8 and 2 GB
- Connectors: HDMI 2.0a, USB 2.0
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Xiaomi knows how to create reliable products. If you are not going to change your TV box every two to three years, then Xiaomi Mi Box S is your best choice. With it, you can watch movies and videos online using one or another application. It is important that the device can play 4K content, as long as the TV has the appropriate screen. The operating system here works without noticeable problems. Only the amount of memory can confuse you. The built-in storage is simply not enough to download videos in high quality. This suggests that this model is designed exclusively for online viewing of such content.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Comes with Bluetooth remote control
- Stable Wi-Fi connection
- Low memory
- Only one USB port built in
Possibilities
The Android TV set-top box provides the user with the following features:
- Produces images in good quality.
- Watching videos using a torrent tracker without first downloading files. This is a very convenient feature. The user simply finds the video file of interest on the Internet and starts watching. In this case, the user independently selects the image quality.
- Access to YouTube and YouTube Kibs. These applications already act as separate TV channels with a huge selection of videos. The children's version of the service provides for preliminary verification of downloaded materials. It completely excludes adult content.
- Access to terrestrial television in high image quality. On-air channels can be configured for free viewing, or you can connect the package of channels you are interested in for a fee. In this case, the user can use the recording function of programs of interest to him in order to view them at a convenient time.
- Use a TV set-top box as a game console. You can play games that are downloaded from Google Play. You can download emulators of the first generation versions of the Dandy and Sony Playstation game consoles.
- When connected to a web camera on an Android set-top box, the user can use the video calling function through the Viber, Skype and other applications.
- Listen to music and different radio stations. You can use special services to listen to music. They can provide a huge database of music for a fee. Listening to radio stations is carried out using a special application, which you will need to first download and install. You can also use the function of listening to audio books.
The most used features of the Android TV smart set-top box are listed above. Also, the list of console capabilities depends on the model used. As can be seen from the indicated capabilities of the device, it can easily cope with replacing the corresponding functionality of a Smart TV TV.
Top 2. Vontar X96 Max+
Rating (2021): 4.37
659 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Rozetka
Easy setup Experience shows that even an elderly person can master the interface.
- Characteristics
Average price: 3,990 rub.
- Operating system: Android 9.0
- Permanent and RAM: 32 and 4 GB
- Connectors: HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Ethernet, microSD slot
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth
Typically, inexpensive TV boxes suffer from a lack of memory. There is no such problem here - you can use the Vontar X96 Max+ even without installing a microSD card. The device also reliably reproduces 4K content. Even if it is located on one or another video hosting site, and you decide to connect to the router via Wi-Fi. The operation of the console is ensured by the ninth version of Android. If the interface slows down, it is extremely rare, for which we should thank the Amlogic S905X3 chip. People complain in their reviews mainly about the remote control, which has to be pointed directly at the TV box. Not to mention the fact that the accessory does not have a microphone or a gyroscope.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Low price
- Solid memory capacity
- Abundance of connectors
- Inconvenient remote control
- Loads long enough
See also:
- 15 best receivers from AliExpress
Top 1. Ugoos X3 CUBE
Rating (2021): 4.66
209 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Rozetka, Ozon
Pure Android The set-top box is devoid of a proprietary shell, which makes it compatible with the vast majority of existing applications.
- Characteristics
Average price: 5,490 rub.
- Operating system: Android 9.0
- Permanent and RAM: 16 and 2 GB
- Connectors: HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Ethernet, microSD slot
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5.0
This device stands out from its competitors by having an external antenna. With it you can count on a stable connection with the router in wireless mode. The box also received the fifth version of Bluetooth. This makes it the best choice for those who like to listen to music in a wireless headset. As for video content, the set-top box supports maximum 4K resolution. Videos can be on a memory card, USB drive, or built-in storage. Online viewing is also available through various applications. You can only find fault with the Ugoos X3 CUBE about the modest amount of memory and the simple remote control.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Easy setup
- Large number of connectors
- Stable wireless connection
- Not the best remote control
- There are slowdowns at times
- Not very large amount of memory
to the beginning of the rating
Top 3. Ugoos AM6 Plus
Rating (2021): 4.40
110 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Rozetka
The most stable wireless connection The device has two external antennas, thanks to which large amounts of data are transmitted.
The largest number of connectors You can connect all sorts of peripherals to the device, and also output sound from it to a soundbar or speakers using the optical audio output.
- Characteristics
Average price: 14,990 rub.
- Operating system: Android 9.0
- Permanent and RAM: 32 and 4 GB
- Connectors: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, 3xUSB 2.0, Ethernet, microSD slot
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
This is one of the fastest TV set-top boxes. Excellent performance is ensured not only by a powerful processor, the clock frequency of which reaches 2.2 GHz. There are no problems with online viewing of high-quality content thanks to a stable connection. If you connect to the router via a gigabit connector, you can even watch 4K videos with an incredibly high bitrate. However, the capabilities of the built-in Wi-Fi module, supplemented by two antennas, are most often enough for this. This is also the best choice for those who are going to connect all sorts of peripherals. Three USB 2.0 connectors are allocated for this purpose, and Android 9.0 easily recognizes a mouse, a keyboard, and anything else.
Advantages and disadvantages
- A huge number of connectors
- Built-in powerful processor
- High price
- Not everyone likes the remote control
See also:
- 10 best media players
Top 2. MECOOL K7
Rating (2021): 4.65
The largest amount of memory 64 GB of built-in storage will allow you to install a lot of different applications.
- Characteristics
Average price: RUB 11,690.
- Operating system: Android 9.0
- Permanent and RAM: 64 and 4 GB
- Connectors: HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Ethernet
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1
This set-top box is ready to provide your TV with smart functionality. Smart TV here is implemented based on the ninth version of Android. Braking is an extremely rare occurrence. To watch 4K content online, just connect to your router via Wi-Fi or a gigabit Ethernet port. The device is also ready to play video contained on a USB drive or memory card - the list of supported formats is almost endless. Smart TV functionality is controlled using a convenient remote control. If it were not for the price, then such a box would be recommended to absolutely every owner of a regular TV.
Advantages and disadvantages
- May be far from the router
- Decent amount of memory
- Built-in TV tuner
- High price
Top 1. Beelink GT-King WIFI 6
Rating (2021): 4.66
27 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Rozetka
Wi-Fi 6 support If your router is capable of receiving and transmitting data via the Wi-Fi 802.11ax standard, then the TV box will “digest” any amount of data.
The most stylish The top panel of the box depicts a skull whose eyes light up green when the device is operating.
- Characteristics
Average price: 10,200 rub.
- Operating system: Android 9.0
- Permanent and RAM: 64 and 4 GB
- Connectors: HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, 2xUSB 3.0, Ethernet, microSD slot
- Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 4.1
An original solution that surprises with its design. At the same time, the familiar Amlogic S922X chip is hidden inside the device. Its power is quite enough for stable operation of Smart TV, based here on Android 9.0. Connection to the TV is made via HDMI or composite connectors. You can connect additional devices to the console itself - for example, a keyboard or mouse. However, even without them it is very convenient to control the system, since a special remote control is used for this, not overloaded with buttons. Buyers also praise the device for its decent amount of memory, support for a large number of video formats, and a slot for a microSD card.
How to choose a Smart TV set-top box
Now that you already know about the capabilities of Smart technology, it’s time to talk about on what basis you should choose a Smart set-top box. Regardless of the type of equipment you decide on, it is worth analyzing the most important parameters in order to choose the model that best suits our preferences. Undoubtedly important is the set of supported functions, capabilities, as well as technical parameters. Which ones exactly?
CPU
For efficient operation of the device, you should choose models with at least a dual-core system. But today you should not have any problems finding devices even with quad-core processors.
Graphics video processor
Responsible for processing high-resolution materials, but if the device is not used to run demanding mobile games, then this criterion is not the most important.
RAM memory
Responsible for the speed of the hardware. The bigger it is, the better. Since Android is not the best optimized system, the minimum amount of RAM is 1 GB. Most often you can find models with 1 or 2 GB of RAM on sale.
Flash memory
A very important parameter that tells you how many applications can be installed. Fortunately, many TV boxes have slots for additional memory cards, and also support external hard drives with up to several terabytes of memory.
operating system
It should be remembered that when choosing a specific set-top box, we remain tied to a specific company and its software. You need to find out what software runs on the equipment, whether it has a VOD service, how the system's navigation works, and what other interesting features it offers.
Supported Communication
Most Smart technology microcomputers are equipped with an HDMI connector, which is present in most new TVs. It is this interface that is responsible for connecting receivers to the set-top box. The most modern equipment has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules. Thanks to this, you can connect not only to the Internet, but also to other devices.
Supported Resolutions
From 720p to 4K.
Supported music and graphic formats
A very important criterion that cannot be ignored when choosing this type of equipment.
Frame
While the design itself doesn't impact usability, it's worth assessing whether it suits your TV or home theater setup. A rough or flimsy case will not look good against the background of good equipment. Strength is a parameter that speaks for itself.
Appearance
There are two formats of consoles on sale:
- box - a small box - more efficient, more functional and more durable. Equipped with main and additional connectors, including for a removable hard drive;
- devices that look like an enlarged flash drive. They have a sleek body that contains basic ports like HDMI or a USB port (for power or connecting a mouse), but their performance is not always satisfactory. Budget devices may have problems with Wi-Fi.
Control method
Most models can be connected to any keyboard and mouse, but browsing websites is greatly facilitated if the device comes with a multifunctional remote control equipped with a gyroscope (an air mouse with a minikeyboard). Gyroscopic control is very convenient during games. Developers of equipment based on intelligent technology claim that Smart TV can be controlled using gestures and voice. In reality, this method does not work perfectly and accurately as advertised by manufacturers, because it requires slow movements or clear voice commands. But these decisions are tirelessly refined to achieve the desired effect.
Availability of DVB-T2 tuner
Models from some brands have a built-in DVB-T2 tuner, so they can also receive digital television, and you get two devices in one.