Read in the review which Android TV Box is best to buy in 2019. The Android TV set-top box turns an ordinary TV into a multimedia center with great capabilities. At its core, it is the Android familiar to many - with folders and an explorer, with the ability to install applications from Google Play.
You can control it with a mouse or a TV remote control if the set-top box supports HDMI CEC. The trend at the end of 2021 and in 2021 is voice control of the set-top box. These are also in the review. Don't forget that the era of 6K and 8K video is coming. Even if not very quickly, Android TV boxes with support for this resolution are also appearing!
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the TOP 11 best Android TV set-top boxes of 2019. Our selection includes current models that have received maximum functionality. And also a couple of budget ones that will help you turn an ordinary TV into a Smart TV for mere pennies. Just don't demand too much from the latter.
How to choose a digital TV set-top box
A set-top box for digital television is a fairly simple device, but it also has several nuances that need to be taken into account when purchasing.
Supported Standards
The digital terrestrial television standard is DVB-T2. It is he who must be in the TV set-top box, otherwise the whole point of buying it is lost. The T1 tuner will also come in handy. Together they will provide excellent signal reception in any region of Russia.
On a note! If the device also offers an S2 and S tuner, then you can connect satellite TV through it. And DVB-C is a cable broadcasting standard.
Interfaces
The signal comes to the set-top box via a television cable, which is connected to the RF IN connector. After conversion, it is sent to the TV. If the device is very old, then you can use the same antenna output - RF OUT; more modern models use tulips (RCA), but the best option for transmitting high-quality images is HDMI. In addition, the presence of several of the connectors listed above will allow you to connect two TVs to one receiver.
An advanced set-top box can also offer a USB output. It is usually used to watch content from flash drives, or you can record your favorite broadcasts to an external drive. But there should be an appropriate option for this.
Functional
The main function of a digital tuner is to convert the signal in order to watch channels in a new broadcast format on an old TV. But it is better to buy a model with advanced capabilities.
- TimeShift allows you to pause your viewing and continue later from the same moment.
- The PVR option allows you to record the broadcast to an external drive.
- Built-in media player. Many devices have it, which allows you to watch not only 20 channels, but also movies from a flash drive, but it is important that the player supports different formats, otherwise you will have to search for a long time for a file with the desired extension.
Control
You usually have to control the set-top box using the remote control. They differ only in shape and location, so when buying, it makes sense to hold it in your hands to figure out whether it is convenient or not.
However, there is one more nuance with the control - if the remote control is lost, or its batteries run out, and the tuner was bought for the dacha, and there are no spare power sources, then you can find yourself in an unpleasant situation. To prevent this from happening, you need to make sure that the control buttons (at least the basic functions) are on the body of the receiver itself.
Average price range
Xiaomi Mi Box S
The model has small dimensions - only 95x95x17 mm and weighs about 150 grams. On the front panel you can see an LED indicator that glows white when the device is turned on. There are no connectors on the sides. All of them are located at the back of the product, where there is an analog audio output, a socket for connecting a power cable, HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. The body is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, on which dust is practically invisible. It is manufactured as a monoblock, so there will be no backlash or other assembly defects a priori. The bottom cover has only rubber feet, it is attached to the main unit with latches, it can be removed using any plastic flat tool, in a pinch even a bank card will do.
The device operates on the original Android TV 8.1 platform, which was developed specifically for such products. The set of applications is traditional, but in the PlayMarket store you can only find programs that are adapted specifically for this operating system. The model functions stably and quite simply, moreover, it is completely Russified. The remote control has an ergonomic shape and a minimum number of buttons, which will not at all affect its functionality. It connects to the main unit via Bluetooth, supports voice control, and it functions stably and reliably - you don’t even have to hold it to your mouth like a microphone. The internal memory here is 4 GB, this volume is quite enough to install all the necessary applications, but programs and broadcasts will have to be recorded on external media.
Advantages:
- Very interesting and original appearance;
- Ergonomic remote control equipped with a Bluetooth module;
- Voice search is provided;
- Stable operation of the operating system.
More: Robot vacuum cleaner IMILAB V1 – full review of a smart robot vacuum cleaner
Flaws:
- The Wi-Fi module does not always work correctly with some routers.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Beelink GT1 Ultimate 3/32Gb
This is one of the newest models in our entire review of the best smart TV set-top boxes - it went on sale at the very end of last year. The design is distinguished by an expanded amount of RAM (3 GB) and decent internal storage capacity (32 GB). The overall dimensions, like many other devices in our rating, are small - 96x96x16 mm. The body of the console is entirely made of plastic; there are no ventilation holes. On top there is an insert made of translucent plastic with a silver tint, which gives the device additional style. All key operational connectors are located on the back of the device, so connected wires will not be visible. On the front you can only see the power indicator of the set-top box. It is LED, but not very bright, so this set-top box can be installed even in the bedroom without fear that it will shine too much in your eyes.
The remote control has a modern design and is also equipped with a Bluetooth module. The set-top box itself operates on the Android 6.0.1 operating system, navigation through applications and settings is convenient, and the interface is Russified. The console works stably, without braking or lags. The operating system is updated automatically when connected to the Internet via a powerful and stable Wi-Fi channel. The performance of the device is good, it even allows you to play quite demanding games and surf the web.
Advantages:
- Quite wide possibilities for a set-top box;
- Small device size;
- There is a passive cooling system that does not require access to fresh air;
- Allows you to turn your TV into a full-fledged entertainment center;
- Reasonable price.
Flaws:
- It should be placed not too far from the Wi-Fi router.
Beelink GT1 Ultimate 3/32Gb
Dune Neo 4K Plus
It differs in its somewhat large overall dimensions compared to the previously reviewed models - 160x118x32 mm with a decent weight, which is about 300 grams. Like many similar devices in this price category, there is nothing else on the front panel except the LED power indicator; everything else is located on the rear side of the structure. The case is plastic, quite original, the cooling system is passive, there are rubberized feet, there are no connectors for mounting to the wall, but there is everything necessary for connecting to both modern TVs and devices of outdated models. The AmLogic S905D chip is used as a processor. It operates on four cores, which are capable of delivering up to 1.5 GHz clock speed, and the Mali-450 adapter is used as a graphics processor.
There is an optimal amount of memory here, both operational (2 GB) and physical (16 GB), so you don’t have to connect a flash drive to record the program you like. Headphones or a wireless mouse can be connected to the device using the high-speed Bluetooth 4.0 module. Android 6.0.1 is used as the operating system; the design style is not very original, but everything works very quickly, stable and smoothly. The device can be used to watch movies with 4K resolution, the frame rate reaches 60 frames per second.
Advantages:
- Quite a good and not too expensive device;
- Elementary to use;
- Codecs work reliably, you can use the set-top box to work with any video and audio formats;
- There is a function for dividing films into catalogs.
Flaws:
- It is advisable to update the firmware immediately.
Dune Neo 4K Plus
MECOOL M8S PRO W
Despite the fact that this console has a rather modest design, it has a very wide and rich functionality. The case is made of reliable plastic with a corrugated top panel, and it is completely matte - dust and other contaminants are not visible on it. The cooling system here is natural; there are ventilation holes on the right and left sides, and they can also be found on the bottom edge. It should be ensured that the device is located on a flat surface, otherwise air will not penetrate through them to the processor. On one side there are sockets for connecting USB and memory cards. All the main connectors are located on the rear side, and there is also an AV slot for working with older TVs, and there is also an Ethetnet port with support for a 100-megabit channel. The console will heat up the most during demanding games. The built-in memory here is 16 GB, the recording speed is very high, so you can easily record television broadcasts in the best quality, including 4K. The RAM standard is DDR3, its volume is 3 GB.
The design operates on the Android platform, it is very convenient to operate, and an ordinary remote control is quite sufficient - there is no need to connect a mouse or other third-party devices. The Wi-Fi module is of high quality, works stably - there is no need to install the set-top box near the router, it provides high Internet speed. There is also a voice control module, access to streaming services and a virtual application store.
Advantages:
- Quite a powerful processor that allows you to play very demanding games;
- Convenient operating system shell;
- Voice input with microphone on the remote;
- Sensitive antenna of the Wi-Fi module.
Flaws:
- Does not switch frequency automatically.
MECOOL M8S PRO W
Vontar X3 4/128 Gb
- TV set-top box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 128 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 2
- HDMI 2.1 output
Chinese company Vontar is one of the main names in the world of best smart TV boxes, and the X3 4/128 Gb is its best set-top box that you can buy right now. Place this nifty device under your TV and you've got one of the best home entertainment hubs money can buy.
There are three models to choose from. The entry-level model has 32 GB of internal memory, but there are versions with 64 and 128 GB of internal memory. The amount of RAM for all three models is the same - 4 GB. We recommend buying the top version, which will accommodate not only casual games, but also many films and TV series.
This fast device is powered by an Amlogic S905X3 processor with a frequency of up to 1.9 GHz, easily handles FullHD and 4K content, and allows you to play games on Sega and Dandy emulators. All you need to do is buy a gamepad. You can also play more demanding games, but keep in mind that during a long session the console heats up to 75 degrees, and you will have to install a larger radiator or add additional ventilation to the case.
In addition, Vontar X3 has the ability to automatically adjust the image by resolution and frequency and the “Superuser” application, which grants (and takes away) root rights to individual applications.
Pros : stylish appearance, easy setup, Google Play comes out of the box.
Cons : not a very convenient remote control (it doesn’t even have a Pause button), few USB ports, hard to read small display.
② Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3
Rating: 4.9 Price: from 3418.10 rub.
up to
3697.19 rub.
Go to the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 store - an updated version of the smart set-top box, running on a 64-bit platform, has support for voice commands - in this way you can search for the necessary content and control the player.
Updates have also been made to the processor - a 64-bit Cortex-A53 is used, which helps increase the performance of the model, which can play content in 4K Ultra HD format. The remote control makes it possible to determine your location in space; control is performed with a simple movement of the hand. Despite the high performance, modern 3D games do not run very well on the console, but that is not its main purpose.
Advantages:
- easy-to-use voice control;
- Google Cast support;
- ability to work with HDR, video in 4K 60 fps format;
- H.265 codec support;
- acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- lack of Ethernet;
- not the largest number of applications for Android TV, on which the device operates.
Buy on AliExpress.com
Tanix TX6 4/64Gb
- TV set-top box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 64 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 3
- HDMI 2.0 output
- support for services: Skype chat, Picasa, YouTube, Flicker, Facebook, online movies, etc.
A well-made and highly functional Android TV set-top box in the 2021 rating. And if 64 GB of information storage does not seem enough to you, you can always install a microSD or microSDHC memory card into this set-top box.
According to user reviews, Tanix TX6 is easy to set up and has decent operating speed. It heats up moderately even during long-term (6-8 hours) operation and maintains a stable Wi-Fi connection. For example, with a tariff of 100 Mbit/s and a 5GHz connection, the set-top box produces 90 Mbit/s.
Pros : compact, fast, inexpensive model.
Cons : not the most convenient remote control.
Tanix TX3 Mini
- TV set-top box on Android 7.1
- 4K UHD support
- Built-in memory 16 GB, RAM 2 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 2
- HDMI 2.0 output
The smallest and most inexpensive model among the best Smart TV set-top boxes for Android in 2021. But despite its diminutive size, this baby works quickly and stably. It is equipped with an Amlogic S905W processor, which is a cheaper version of the S905X (with it 4K content comes at 60 fps).
Note that you should not expect 4K from the TX3 Mini as declared by the manufacturer. Image output is carried out in resolutions up to 720p.
If your goal is to watch videos on YouTube in good quality and without lagging, search for the necessary information in the browser, or open movies in an online cinema, then the Tanix TX3 Mini will be an ideal option. It may not be able to cope with more complex tasks, such as launching heavy games, without dropping fps and stuttering.
Pros : easy to use, compact, has a slot for a TF card.
Cons : the remote control is not very convenient, it heats up during prolonged use and may freeze because of this, there is no built-in Bluetooth, 4K cheating.
