TOP 20 best Smart TV set-top boxes for TV: 2021 rating and which model with WiFi to choose

A Smart TV set-top box is a special set-top box that helps turn an ordinary TV into a smart one.
Instead of factory firmware, such a set-top box has an operating system, with which the device connects to the Internet and provides the user with unlimited access to media content.

When choosing a Smart TV set-top box, attention is paid to the type of operating system, interface for connecting to TV and some other technical characteristics.

To rank the best devices in 2021 in terms of price/quality ratio, we analyzed expert opinions and consumer reviews and selected the 20 most reliable models.

Rating of the TOP 20 best Smart TV set-top boxes for TV in 2021

The best Android TV set-top boxes

First, let's talk about how to choose a Smart TV set-top box with official certification from Google. The following is a similar top 5 devices on AOSP.

No. 5 – Mecool KM3

Price: from 6,400 rubles in Russia, 4,500 rubles on Aliexpress (link to a verified seller)

Mecool's assortment includes several models that are similar to each other: KM3, KM9 and KM9 Pro Classic. These are almost identical devices with the same Amlogic S905X2 processor, differing in the amount of memory (KM9 Pro does not have 5 GHz Wi-Fi, so it is better not to take it). As the best option, we recommend Mecool KM3 in the 4/64 GB version - this is a good certified TV Box on the latest Android 9, which supports Google Chromecast (casting the smartphone screen to a TV) and makes it possible to comfortably watch 4K content online.

The main advantages of the KM3 are the absence of heating during operation, for which we should thank the effective cooling based on a metal plate, fast Wi-Fi Mimo 2×2 and the ability to broadcast 5.1 sound to a connected receiver. In general, the set-top box is quite fast, it will last for several years to come, but you will have to put up with the lack of auto-fremrate. Auto frame rate is a feature that synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV screen with the frame rate of the video, resulting in a smoother picture. It is usually received by more expensive boxes. An important nuance: despite having official Google certification, KM3 does not have a Netflix license and cannot work with this streaming service.

#4 - Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Price: 5,990 rubles in Russia, $35 on Amazon

Fire TV is an excellent Internet set-top box for a TV in a miniature stick format. This tiny gadget makes it possible to watch YouTube and torrents in 4K, has an auto-frame rate, is certified in all current services, including NetFlix, supports 5.1 sound, HDR and Dolby Vision - in general, in terms of functionality it is not much inferior to its full-size counterparts. Despite the modest hardware (MTK processor and 1.5 GB of RAM), all the declared functions on Fire TV work absolutely correctly, it even plays games.

The device also impresses with its convenient remote control, but there is a serious drawback - the interface and voice search are only in English. If you are willing to work a little with a file and Russify the stick using instructions from the Internet, it can be one of the best options for your money. But keep in mind that due to the lack of a wired connection, you need a good Wi-Fi router to pair with Fire TV.

No. 3 – Xiaomi Mi Box S

Price: from 4,490 rubles in Russia, 3,700 rubles on Aliexpress

Mi Box S is a very popular TV box powered by the Amlogic S905X processor, which has all the advantages of a certified product. Compared to most Chinese no-name competitors, Xiaomi's product stands out for its better stability and support from the manufacturer (the gadget has already begun to update to Android TV 9). Mi Box S works perfectly with all resolutions up to 4K/60fps, supports all current codecs and has an S/PDIF digital audio output, so owners of high-quality acoustics will definitely like it.

Many consider the Mi Box S to be the most balanced model in its segment, but it has one important drawback - weak 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which can cause stuttering in the interface and when playing heavy movies online. The problem is solved by purchasing a router operating in the 5 Hz range, since the device does not have an Ethernet port.

No. 2 - Nvidia Shield TV 2019

Price: from 13,990 rubles in Russia, $150 on Amazon

The rating of Android consoles continues with Shield TV 2021 - a new product from Nvidia, which has absolutely all modern technologies. We will not list a bunch of supported formats, we will only note the presence of the correct auto-frame rate and the intelligent scaling technology, which is absent from competitors, which converts low-resolution content into 4K. Due to this, Shield TV outperforms more affordable analogues in terms of picture quality, and the presence of a Gigabit Ethernet port will allow you not to spend money on an expensive router.

In terms of overall quality, the new Shield TV is head and shoulders above the previously reviewed models, but, unfortunately, Nvidia has limited the device in two important ways. There are no USB connectors, which means you won’t be able to watch movies from the hard drive; there is only a slot for MicroSD memory cards (up to 512 GB). The set-top box also runs a 32-bit version of Android, which is why it may not support some applications. However, even taking into account these disadvantages, if you do not trust Chinese manufacturers, you can safely take Shield TV 2021 - all functions on it work like a clock.

#1 - Nvidia Shield TV 2021 Pro

Price: from 17,590 rubles in Russia, $199 on Amazon

Shield TV 2021 Pro is the best Android smart set-top box that has no and will not have competitors in the foreseeable future. The Pro version differs from the younger model in the absence of software and hardware limitations and more powerful hardware, which makes it possible to use it as a replacement for a full-fledged gaming computer.

In addition to the standard Google Play store with applications and games for Android TV, you will have access to the GeForce Now cloud service, which has its own library of games and allows you to launch games from popular digital stores (including Steam). This option is also available on the younger version, but due to the larger amount of RAM, the Shield Pro is much better suited for gaming. To use the service you will have to pay 999 rubles per month, and if you have a powerful computer, you can stream games to your TV via Plex Media Server, which is not supported in the younger model. In general, the set-top box is expensive, but taking into account the fact that the very first version of Nvidia Shield does not lose its relevance 4 years after its release, rest assured that it will work for the money in full.

How to choose a Smart TV set-top box for TV?

When choosing a console, first of all pay attention to the type of operating system.

It is better to give preference to well-known software like Android . This is explained by the fact that well-known operating systems provide a wider selection of video content and applications in the virtual store.

The set-top box must have an interface for connecting to TV. As a rule, USB ports are used for this, but it is better to immediately choose a model with an HDMI connector and the ability to connect to Wi-Fi.

In addition, the resolution that the set-top box supports must match the TV resolution . In other words, if the TV does not have a 4K function, it makes no sense to buy a set-top box with such a resolution.

Packaging and equipment

They didn’t bother too much with the packaging design. This is a box made of the now fashionable “eco” cardboard with a schematic image of the device and the name of the model.

However, from it we can quickly read the main characteristics and capabilities of the gadget. The inscription “Made in Russia” attracts attention. The set-top box is a domestic product and has full warranty support in the Russian Federation. What gadgets of comparable cost cannot boast of, which today people love to order with delivery from China, for example, the same Mi Box S.

But the set of accessories surprised me. In addition to the usual power supply and HDMI cable for connecting to the TV, 2 remote controls were added to it. One is standard, reminiscent of a television one, which will be familiar to those who have never used media players before, but only TV.

The other is more modern with a minimalist appearance and a small set of buttons. Also, the “trick” of this remote control is the presence of a built-in microphone, and therefore the possibility of voice search. A very convenient thing, which for some reason not everyone is yet implementing into their TV set-top boxes.

Batteries are included with each remote control. So after unpacking, you don’t have to run to the store extra - everything works out of the box.

How does the Smart TV set-top box for TV work?

Maxim Kirichenko

A smart TV box is a multimedia device that helps you connect to the Internet through your TV. Thanks to this, the user gets the opportunity to watch videos through a browser, search for information on the Internet, or play simple games. In fact, such a set-top box is a small computer with a multifunctional operating system .

What is a smart TV set-top box

A smart set-top box has memory, a processor, ports for connecting various gadgets, that is, all those elements that are present on a PC or laptop. Operation is ensured using a specific version of the operating system.

Connecting to the network can be done in two ways - via Wi-Fi or using a cable. After this, you can watch videos on the big screen, check the news and weather, install games and various applications. It will also be possible to visit websites and social networks.

Smart TV can reproduce a large number of formats, so you can view any information. In addition, you can write data to third-party media.

You can record a movie broadcast on your TV onto your smart set-top box so you can watch it later. The kit may include a remote control or a keyboard; both items make working with the equipment much easier.

Selecting a TV set-top box - basic parameters

There are several characteristics that you need to focus on when choosing equipment. They are as follows:

• processor, it must be powerful enough to handle all user requests;
• the amount of memory, the larger it is, the better the set-top box and the more information it can hold;
• network interfaces, how the set-top box is connected, via Wi-Fi or using a cord;
• ports, equipment must have all the necessary connectors and slots for memory cards;
• operating system on Android or Windows, the former are cheaper and have a large selection of applications, the latter are more expensive and have advanced functionality;
• does the kit include additional items such as a remote control and keyboard;
• For many, the design of the product is also important; some need devices in a strict style, others in a more relaxed style.

If you only need a set-top box for watching movies and downloading data, you can choose cheaper equipment. Conversely, when you need to work with games, documents and applications, it is better to take a console whose price is higher.

GTMedia GTT2

Android TV set-top box on Android 6.0 OS. Digital and cable television tuners (DVB-T2, DVB-C, ISDB-T). An all-in-one entertainment center for your home TV. Android media player with functions for viewing digital terrestrial television.

Characteristics: