It’s 2023, and the world of streaming TV has never been more exciting. With the rise of Android TV boxes, cord-cutters and binge-watchers alike can now experience their favorite shows and movies like never before. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s where we step in with the list of the best Android TV boxes for 2023. From lightning-fast processors to stunning 4K visuals, and excellent storage, these devices will elevate your streaming experience. So hold tight and discover the top picks for the best Android TV boxes in 2023!
Top 5 Best Android TV Boxes In The Market Today
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
Our top pick is the newest Fire TV Cube. Released last year, it has ditched the previous glossy finish for a sleek black mesh exterior, avoiding unsightly fingerprints. The remote has also received an upgrade, but unfortunately, the four app buttons at the bottom are pre-set and can’t be configured like the Alexa Voice Remote Pro.
One notable improvement is the inclusion of WiFi 6e, offering more bandwidth in the 6GHz range, resulting in higher speeds (theoretically). Additionally, this version comes with an Ethernet port, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a wired connection. It’s worth noting, however, that it’s a 10/100 Ethernet port and not Gigabit.
Pairing the Fire TV Cube with an Amazon Echo transforms it into an affordable surround sound system, a nice feature for many users. While Amazon claims that the new Cube is twice as fast as the Firestick 4K Max, it doesn’t necessarily feel that way. Nevertheless, it still outperforms the FireStick and offers more flexibility, thanks to its better processor and HDMI 2.1 input, allowing you to pass through your game console and simplify your setup.
WARNING FIRESTICK USERS |
|
YOUR INFORMATION IS EXPOSED Your location is: Ashburn VA Your current IP address is: 2001:4455:2f7:b700:f880:7bad:b46b:1768 You can stream and download anonymously through your PC, Mac, Android, and iPhone through IP Vanish. HIDE ME NOW
|
- Apple TV Pro 4K
The second-generation Apple TV 4K was good but expensive and not significantly better than its competitors. The 2022 revision, however, has a new A15 Bionic chip, a USB-C port on the remote, and good gaming performance. It is still expensive but a worthy addition to any living room.
Google trackers are lurking on 75% of websites. Cover your tracks to protect yourself.
The new model is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, has a rubbery bottom to prevent slipping, and includes a remote with soft touch buttons and a USB-C port. The A15 chip supports HDR10+, providing better color and future-proofing, and the device has 128 GB of internal storage, making it far more than what you’ll find on cheaper streaming sticks.
Picture quality is better than ever, and the user experience includes all apps, easy menu navigation, and the ability to use stored passwords from your Apple keychain. So you can log into all of the streaming apps conveniently.
Exclusive Apple features include using your iPhone to calibrate your display’s color, voice search via Siri, and SharePlay for watching Apple TV with friends and family. You can also easily pair AirPods or a Bluetooth controller for silent viewing or accessibility purposes.
- NVidia Shield Pro
Yup, NVidia Shield Pro is still one of the top three Android streaming boxes in 2023. Released in 2019, NVidia Shield Pro isn’t just a streaming box. It’s also a very powerful gaming machine.
It offers a 4K HDR resolution, supports numerous TV and music apps, is a PLEX media server, and is easy to set up within minutes. Without a doubt, it provides one of the best streaming experiences available.
On the gaming front, you can pair the SHIELD TV Pro with your PC to enable AAA PC games on your TV, which is an amazing feature. However, this functionality comes at a price, as the already expensive SHIELD TV Pro requires a separate, paid subscription to GeForce NOW for gaming.
While dedicated PC gamers may be able to afford the SHIELD TV Pro’s cost, casual and non-gamers may find more affordable streaming devices that suit their needs. They can continue to use PCs or consoles for gaming and still enjoy the SHIELD TV Pro’s outstanding streaming capabilities.
Notice: Hackers create fake WiFi hotspots to steal your passwords when you log in to public WiFi. Secure your data.
- Roku Ultra
The top-of-the-line Roku Ultra media streamer now comes with a Voice Remote Pro. And at the same price of $99.99 as the previous model. This is a notable improvement as the remote, which used to be a $30 accessory, includes hands-free voice control and a headphone jack for added convenience.
The rest of the Roku Ultra remains familiar. It has the same features and specifications as the 2020 model. It is a matte black plastic box with rounded corners, measuring 1.0 by 5.0 by 4.9 inches (HWD). The front edge includes a tiny window for the indicator LED. On the left has Roku’s signature purple fabric tag. The right edge holds a button for the remote finder feature.
At the back, you can find HDMI, USB, Ethernet ports, and a connector for the power adapter. The device is compact and straightforward, making it easy to fit under your TV or inside a media console cabinet. However, it is smaller than the Roku Streaming Stick, which is dongle-like and can be hung from an HDMI port.
However, the Ultra’s voice features still need to match up to our top three picks and particularly the Alexa-enabled Amazon Fire TV Cube. If you do not require Ethernet and USB ports for wired network connections or playing media from USB drives, the $69.99 Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ provides almost everything the Roku Ultra offers. Depending on your needs, these two options may be slightly better for a 4K-capable media streaming device.
- MeCool KM2 Plus
With a price tag of less than $100, the MeCool KM2 Plus is the best-budget Android TV box. It’s almost half the price of the MINIX U22-XJ, yet performs nearly identically and is certified by Google and Netflix for streaming 4K video on both apps.
At the heart of the MeCool KM2 Plus is the latest iteration of the popular Amlogic processor, the S905X4-B CPU, which offers better memory performance, floating point data processing, and reliability than the Amlogic S922 CPU found in the U22-XJ and Beelink GT-King Pro.
However, the MeCool KM2 Plus has only 2GB of RAM, which is a drawback. While this is the same amount as the Fire TV 4K Max, the Firestick feels quicker when navigating the menus and initially loading apps.
The storage capacity of 16GB is average, but the device does include a microSD card slot for additional storage. You can add a 32GB SD card to complement the storage. Overall, MeCool KM2 Plus is a pretty decent choice if you’re on a budget.
Comparison of the Top 5 Best Android TV Boxes
| Android TV Box | Video | Audio | Game streaming | Advantages | Disadvantages | Details |
| Amazon Fire TV Cube | 1080p, 4K, Dolby Vision | 2.0 stereo, Dolby Atmos, Dolby 5.1 surround | Amazon Appstore games | Fast processor and Fire OS | None | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| Apple TV 4K | 1080p, 4K | Digital stereo, DTS Digital SurroundTM | Only Apple App Store games | Apple A15 Bionic Chip, USB-C port on the remote, Excellent storage | Expensive | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro | 4K HDR Ready, Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10, AI upscaling | Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos | PC and free-to-play games, Android games | Full-size USB ports, high-spec gaming | Expensive | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| Roku Ultra | 1080p, 4K | 2.0 stereo, Dolby Atmos, Dolby 5.1 surround | Various Roku Channels for games | Hands-free voice control supports AirPlay 2 | No Twitch App | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| MECOOL KM2 Plus | 4K HDR | Dolby Atmos | Free-to-play Games | Amlogic S905X4 Processor, Google Assistant | Clunky User Interface, Limited Storage | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Honorable Mentions:
- Google’s Chromecast 4K
- TIVO Stream 4K
- Xiaomi Mi Box S
Factors to Consider When Choosing An Android TV Box
- Processor
Like a computer, the processor is the brain of the TV box. AmLogic is the most popular Android TV box processor these days, and the only one worth purchasing.
- RAM
The amount of RAM affects the device’s ability to multitask and run multiple apps simultaneously. Look for a device with at least 4GB of RAM. Anything more or less, you will just throw your money away!
- Storage
The amount of storage on a TV box determines how many apps, games, and media files you can store on the device. Go for a device with at least 16GB of internal storage. Some devices also come with a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Connectivity
Make sure the TV box supports the latest connectivity options you need, such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, and Gigabit Ethernet. Go for devices with dual-band Wi-Fi for faster and more stable connections.
- Ports
Consider the number and types of ports on the TV box, such as HDMI 2.0, USB 3, and audio outputs. HDMI 2.0 is particularly important because it’s required to stream 4K videos at 60fps.
- Gaming capability
While not really an important consideration, gaming capabilities add a nice perk. But keep in mind you may have to invest in proper gamepads to truly enjoy gaming on your android box.
- Operating System
Look for a TV box with the latest version of Android (or Android 9.0 at least) and access to the Google Play Store. It will allow you to download and enjoy a variety of apps and games.
- Price
Android TV boxes range in price from budget-friendly options to high-end devices. Prices increase with bells and whistles. Consider your budget and what’s most important to you when choosing a device.
Final Thoughts
So, these are our top Android TV boxes and streaming sticks available in the US market. Amazon Fire TV Cube and Apple TV 4K are the best of the best. At the same time, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is ideal for power users, while Roku Ultra offers great value and competes well with others in the category. As the market continues to evolve, we will keep updating this list with any new streaming devices worth considering.
