Streaming services are the new TV, and cable is all but dead. Since cord-cutting began when Netflix shifted from mailing DVDs to streaming their content, binge-watching favorite shows and movies have become a big part of our lives. Although cable boxes are going the way of VHS players and tapes, watching streaming services on your TV sometimes requires a device. When you’re a cord-cutter, but you have a non-smart TV, or you subscribe to a streaming service that is not included with your smart TV, you will probably have to look for streaming boxes.

With streaming becoming the new norm for watching the latest movies and TV shows, the number of streaming devices has exploded along with the number of services available. While streaming devices all pretty much do the same thing, how they do it and what apps they offer are how they can be differentiated. Apple fans may opt for Apple TV and Roku has carved out a nice niche, but there is another choice when it comes to streaming devices. Android TV may not be as popular or well-known, but it is a very versatile and content-filled OS built upon the Android OS many are familiar with but optimized for TV viewing. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best Android TV box. In this list of the best Android TV boxes that you can find in 2021, we've included some of the most updated technology in TV boxes. Browse our recommendations and review the pros & cons of each product to choose which is best suited for you! When it comes to TV streaming boxes, Roku and Amazon immediately come to mind. Their notoriety certainly accounts for their combined 70 percent market share for streaming devices. But, there is another option when it comes to streaming devices, the Android TV box. The main difference among the streaming devices is what operating system, or OS, they use. Unlike Google’s cell phone OS Android, the Android TV OS is not as widely known. We're not sure why Android TV has not become as ubiquitous, considering it is the same as the Android OS, only optimized for TV viewing. With as many Android phones out there, wouldn't more streamers prefer a familiar operating system on their streaming boxes? But, the market is a fickle beast and Android TV remains an also-ran, but they are becoming more popular. However, there are still people who don't know too much about Android TV, and that's why we're here.

The Amazon Fire Stick TV 4K may not be the traditional box, but it is nonetheless an excellent choice as a streaming device. It’s affordable price point and excellent performance firmly place it on this listing of best Android TV boxes.

The Ematic 4K Ultra may not be widely known, but it holds its own against more recognizable TV boxes. For less than what bigger brands charge, the Ematic 4K Ultra comes with a full set of features to make streaming seamless and enjoyable. The Ematic 4K proves that a big name isn’t necessary to be listed as one of the best Android TV boxes.

The Minix Neo U9-H by itself is a very capable Android TV box with peppy performance and great picture quality. The included Neo A3 remote has features that add to the ease of control and enjoyment of the U9-H. Excellent performance and the inclusion of such a versatile remote place the U9-H firmly on the list of best Android TV boxes.

While a few reviewers have said that some apps might not be supported by the box itself, you can still cast your favorite streaming services to your TV from your Android phone. This Android box supports both 2.4 and 5G Wi-Fi for the highest internet speeds available now. Enjoy less latency, and higher speeds and bandwidths. It also supports 6K, the highest definition technology on the market now. Enjoy enhanced definition, even better than 4K, today.

In addition to tons of connection options and faster Wi-Fi, the Greva comes with a remote, ethernet cable, and instructions for fast and easy use. That way, you can dive into your favorite shows, movies, and games in record time.

Despite some of the downsides of the Xiaomi Mi Box S, it performs well as an Android TV box. It has entry-level features, but that will generally be enough for most users, particularly as a budget streaming box. Its affordability and decent performance place the Xiaomi Mi Box on the list of best Android TV boxes.

The Amazon Fire TV Cube does an excellent job of integrating a smart assistant with a streaming device, making it more than just a media hub. It may run its own OS, but at its heart, it is Android. Exceptional 4K performance and control versatility place the Fire TV Cube firmly on the list of best Android TV boxes.

Its basic features may make the Diyomate D905 an entry-level type of Android TV box, but at a sub $30.00 price, it is a great choice for updating a ‘dumb’ TV. It may not have many of the bells and whistles as other boxes, but it performs well and is easy to use. Even at such a low price, the D905 is worthy of being included in this listing of the best Android TV boxes.

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro may be one of the best Android TV boxes out there today. It is full of features for your streaming, and if you’re so inclined, your gaming pleasure. Thanks to its upgraded processor, it performs lag-free whether you stream movies or games. The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a very strong contender on the list of best Android TV boxes.

NVIDIA is certainly no slouch when it comes to video performance and the Shield TV amply demonstrates that prowess in 4K streaming. It may not have all the features that it could have, particularly at its price point, but any such shortcomings are quickly forgotten when you turn down the lights and be wowed by the picture quality. The NVIDIA Shield TV is absolutely one of the best Android TV boxes.

What You Need To Know About Android TV

Android TV is well-suited as an OS for a streaming box. Access to the Google Play Store means there are hundreds of apps available to stream from your device to your TV (there are even some apps that are not yet available on Roku and Amazon Fire like Peacock and HBO Max). Being so versatile, Android TV can be a suitable option for streaming just about every service out there. And, since this is Android we’re talking about, just like there are many different options when choosing an Android phone, the options when it comes to Android TV streaming boxes are just as bountiful, but quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Things to look for in an Android TV box include resolution, app compatibility, connectivity, and usability. The 4K resolution standard is commonplace with most streaming boxes, including Android and there is no better way to take advantage of your 4K TV. You also want to make sure the apps you are interested in, whether they are free or premium, are available. Connection options can be important, particularly when it comes to the internet, if wi-fi isn’t stable enough, many Android TV boxes come with gigabit Ethernet ports to provide a more stable connection. And, the box has to be easy to use, Android TV has a straightforward OS that is very navigable. Taking all these factors into consideration, you will be prepared to find the Android TV box that works for you.

Consideration has to be given to smart TVs and the differences between them and Android TV boxes. First and foremost, smart TVs are more expensive than Android TV boxes. An Android TV box makes it easy and cost-effective to turn a regular TV into a smart TV. In addition, the number of apps on a smart TV will be limited in comparison to those available via Android TV. And with regard to the OS, a smart TV system is far more likely to become obsolete as some updates are less frequent compared to an Android TV box. There are other differences, but your personal preferences will turn you one way or the other.

So, now that you’re ready to make the leap to streaming bliss with an Android TV box, we’re here to help you make the decision with this listing of the best Android TV boxes. Time to get your binge on!

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Android TV and Smart TV?

Nowadays smart TV — also known as Internet TV — revolves around providing some extra bit of entertainment using internet capabilities. Having a smart TV is like having a mini-computer built into your TV itself. However, most smart TVs are not upgradable in terms of Operating System, it pretty much remains the same as what it came with preinstalled, so it doesn't offer any methods to install new applications.

An Android TV, on the other hand, can be thought of like having a smartphone with a massive screen. This also gives an advantage: with Android TV you get access to the world's biggest app market, the Google Play Store, from where you can install numerous applications onto your TV.

Another pro with Android TV is that it usually comes with a microphone, thus giving a seamless, hands-free experience.

Q: How can you select the best Android TV box for your needs?

First things first, purchasing an Android TV meaning purchasing a big-screen smartphone, and the most important part of it is the processor and RAM. Go for at least a 1.5Ghz quad-core CPU 4GB RAM for a seamless experience. For input compatibility check for at least 2 HDMI ports and high refresh rates. Another important aspect is that you need to select the OS with at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop).

Q: What Does Jailbroken Mean on a TV box?

If you see a message on your Android TV stating that your device is Jailbroken it means that your device is rooted, in other words, a bug has been installed that allows the user to bypass internal protections. This is a risky process because while it provides you extended access into the Operating system, where you can modify the bloatware, and even uninstall annoying preinstalled applications, you also lose the warranty provided by the company. Now if anything happens with the device, they are no longer responsible for it.

Q: What is better: Firestick or Android Box?

Android TV box and Amazon Firestick are both genetically similar as well as analogous in behavior. But they both have varied functionality. The Amazon Firestick is a much better alternative when your primary concern is to access mainly the Amazon ecosystem and its accompanying devices. Whereas when it comes to ease of use and profitability, Android Box is an ideal technology match, with Android Box you can not only connect to the Internet and boost your entertainment options but also download multiple utility applications from the Google Play store and make your TV your own personal entertainment center.

Q: How Do I Connect a Phone to an Android Box?

Your entertainment is increased more if you can pair up your smartphone with your Android TV. You can connect your phone to your Android TV box wirelessly using technology such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). This may allow you to stream your videos, photos, and music to your Android TV box using your home network's wireless connection.

With this technology, you can not only cast your phone, or use it as a TV remote but also increase the interoperability of your TV and smartphone.