We feature the best Android boxes for TV streaming and gaming, from high-end 4K UHD to budget options that won't break the bank.
Android boxes have long been established as a means for wider TV viewing, from cable to satellite. Now android boxes are at the fore of TV streaming as smart devices that can not only allow for IPTV viewing in HD, but also serving as gaming and entertainment centers.
The best Android boxes are incredibly versatile devices. Plug one into a TV, and you've suddenly got a smart device that has access to all the latest streaming services, like Netflix and Disney Plus.
The best Android boxes are also impressively powerful, so you could hook one up to a monitor and use it as a mini PC. These make them great affordable alternatives to big and bulky desktop PCs. Because of their small size, they can be hidden away behind a screen (or even attached to it), which means they are great choices for powering interactive displays, adverts and points of sale.
Android boxes have also become very popular as Kodi streaming devices, to such an extent that Android boxes have almost become synonymous with Kodi boxes. But unlike the latter, Android boxes are more versatile and don’t suffer the bane of being tied to customized user interfaces or Android builds.
Here then are the best Android boxes you can currently buy for work, play, or indeed anything else.
We've also featured the best streaming services.
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
The Nvidia Shield
(Image credit: Nvidia)
The latest Nvidia Shield Pro doesn’t do much new, but doesn't have to in order to remain the best streaming box and retro gaming machine out there. An Android-powered set-top-box / games console, it's about as powerful as streaming devices come, and is jam-packed with features that will tempt movie and video game fans alike.
Whether you're after high-spec PC gaming streamed to your TV, or 4K movies in multiple HDR formats, it's got you covered. It does offer less value for money than previous models however, despite a spec bump.
Read our full Nvidia Shield TV Pro review.
Best for Amazon streaming
(Image credit: Amazon)
Using Fire TV OS, a variation of Android, Amazon’s newest Fire TV Cube is, by far, our favorite Amazon streaming device – better in so many ways than the Amazon Fire TV Cube that was released in 2017. The processor upgrade and inclusion of Dolby Vision are great new additions and, in spite of a few shortcomings, help solidify the Cube's spot as one of the best streaming players to be released this year.
The Fire TV Cube has always been rock-solid in terms of performance, but the latest version introduces a number of upgrades that make it even faster.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Cube review.
Best mini PC
(Image credit: Future)
High performance in a small package
Our expert review:
+
Well designed bootloader
+
Snappy CPU
+
Compact
+
Low-power
+
Schematic available
-
Expensive
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Lack of external I/O ports
The Khadas Edge2 is as good as it gets in terms of performance in a small package. It is as big as a pack of cards and will handily outperform the new Raspberry Pi 5 in all benchmarks. Under the hood, the Edge 2 includes a real-time clock with battery, stereo microphone, plenty of IO ports, and three camera interfaces. The built-in fan whispers just a bit, even when drawing 10W under CPU stress.
If the main reason to get the Edge 2 is a desktop-class CPU, its main drawbacks remain a high MSRP and small IO connectors to play with, unlike the fully fledge 2.54mm connector found on the Raspberry. What we liked in the Edge 2 was the OOWOW boot system, which simplifies the installation of various OS on the eMMC flash memory. The Edge 2 is an excellent alternative to a small desktop PC and will pay for itself with the electricity saved over an Intel CPU.
Read our full Khadas Edge2 review.
Best for speed
(Image credit: Turewell)
Fast and efficient Android box
Check Amazon+
Android 9.0 Pie
+
Good interface
+
Decent range of games
+
4K HD
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Save bandwidth
The Turewell T9 Android 9.0 TV box comes with Android 9.0 Pie, making it fast and efficient. This Android TV box offers a decent range of games, an attractive user interface (for the cost), and Google Play Store support which grants you access to an eclectic mix of experiences. It also supports video decoding and plays almost all popular audio and video formats, including 4K HD video.
And moreover, its H.265 decoding will save 50% of streaming bandwidth compared H.264, providing the ability to play thousands of Android games on a large 4K screen while enjoying a higher quality experience with less buffering.
Best budget box
(Image credit: MINIX)
Good budget Android box
Check Amazon+
60fps
+
Full HDR10 support
+
Cheap
-
Empty List
Featuring speedy video that stretches up to 60fps, the NEO U9-H 64-bit Media Hub for Android delivers smooth, responsive, and crystal-clear picture quality thanks to its 4K capabilities. Even better, the U9-H offers impressive picture performance thanks to full HDR10 support.
Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology widens the color spectrum, displaying brighter whites and deeper blacks, accentuating the contrast to create a more natural, vibrant viewing experience. All of this is available in a package that costs less than $50 / £50 / AUD$80.
Best for Google Assistant
(Image credit: Mecool)
Android box with Google Assistant
Check Amazon+
YouTube in 4K
+
HDR10
+
Bluetooth voice control
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Google Assistant
Powered by the S905X2, the latest chipset from Amlogic, the Mecool MK9 Pro can display YouTube in 4K and boasts HDR10 alongside HLG HDR and H.265(HEVC) video encoding for enhanced contrast, color and clarity.
Handily, it sports a voice control function and comes with a Bluetooth voice control remote controller, allowing you to operate the TV box using voice commands, which is both novel and useful. With Google Assistant built in, the Mecool MK9 Pro also makes it easy to control your smart home at the same time.
Best for beginners
(Image credit: Ematic)
Miniature Android box with Bluetooth voice search
Check Amazon+
4K Ultra HD
+
Netflix, Hulu, and PBS Kids
+
60 FPS video
+
Bluetooth voice search
Buying your first Android TV box? Then the Ematic Jetstream 4K Ultra HD TV Box could be the one for you. The Jetstream 4K Ultra HD Android TV Box with Voice Search Remote is, in our view, the perfect starting point to learn more about TV boxes. It provides access to more than 450,000 movies and TV shows across 4,500+ paid and free channels, including streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and PBS Kids.
The miniature (and surprisingly affordable) marvel supports 60 FPS video at 4K resolution while the included remote has built-in Bluetooth voice search technology so that you can use your voice to browse, install, and play more apps, games, movies, and shows.
Best for video recording
(Image credit: A95X Max)
Android box with unique video recording
Check Amazon+
Unique video recording function
+
Dual band WiFi
+
Smartphone as remote
This well-connected Android TV box is equipped with 2.4GHz + 5GHz Dual Band WIFI, in addition to 10M/100M/1000M Ethernet Lan, which improves the problem of small wireless signal coverage by enabling signals to be received from all corners. It also packs Bluetooth 5.0 for fast data transmission to compatible devices.
We’re fans of the A95X Max's unique video recording function, which lets you record videos to share with your family and friends when desired. And who needs a remote control? With this model you can use your smartphone as a remote to navigate recorded clips.
Best basic
(Image credit: Xiaomi)
The Xiaomi Mi Box S doesn’t compare to the likes of the Nvidia Shield TV, but if you’re looking for Android TV on a budget, it’s an option to consider. While it’s not perfect, it has a lot going for it, and if you’re looking for an Android-based streaming box and don’t want to spend much, this is a decent device to go for.
However, know that you will need to put up with a few bugs, a remote that doesn’t always work properly, and you won’t be able to use it for too many high-performance tasks.
Read our full Xiaomi Mi Box S review.
We've also featured the best smart TVs.
Android box FAQs
When deciding which Android box to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as the cheapest options may only provide basic features, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a more expensive platform is better suited to you. Additionally, higher-end boxes can usually cater for every TV and gaming need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require from your Android box.
How we tested the best Android box
To test the best Android boxes we set each one up with a standard HDTV and Windows 10 desktop PC, to explore how it could be used to better facilitate TV and game streaming. We looked at issues such as ease of set up, features available, and what options might be useful for expanding the general experience. The aim was to push each Android box platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
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What is an Android TV Box?
Android TV boxes are popular items these days and allow a user a wide range of uses from surfing the web, to streaming video straight to your TV. These small boxes can turn most any TV into a smart TV with a wide range of options. Most people use them to stream movies or TV shows from their favorite streaming sites, such as Netflix or Hulu.
How Does It Work?
The Android Box is connected to a TV and setup to the internet via wired Ethernet or WiFi connection. After a box is connected to a TV, and the internet, apps can be installed. For example a YouTube app can be installed to stream YouTube videos.
Android is a Operating System, like Windows or iOS, that was created by Google mainly for mobile phones. It runs on ARM based processors which makes it portable to any device that runs the same hardware. Since the Android Operating System is open source and free, it is much cheaper to manufacture hardware based on it and sold. While it is mainly used on smartphones it can also be installed on small boxes that run the same hardware but give better input and output options.
For example Android TV boxes can output HDMI to a TV giving it HD viewing ability. They also can use a remote control, keyboard, or mouse for input.
What can an Android TV Box Do?
They are mainly used to stream video content to users allowing them to watch their favorite TV shows and movies on demand. While that is their main use they can also do most anything a standard computer can do. As with android based smartphones Apps can be installed from Google Play Store that can do most anything that can be thought of.
A very large variety of apps can be installed that can do everything from creating a document, to checking the weather.
What Type Of Boxes are Available?
Units come in all shapes, sizes, and pricing formats. Like all things computer related better hardware is introduced constantly from many manufactures. Low cost budget boxes are available along with high-end units packed with the latest fastest hardware. Each box will come with its own setup as manufactures modify the android code to fit their machines. The best way to see what is best for your setup is to read reviews on units within your budget.
Summary
Android TV boxes are here to stay and are a nice fit into any home entertainment center. Android smartphone users will have no problem quickly moving about the interface and finding what they want. As with any computer those that are new may have a slight learning curve as to how things work.
Mostly all units are different and will have different features and hardware. Most don’t come with much internal hard drive space and use micro-SD cards or flash drives to give more storage space.
Some high-end units give large internal hard drives which of course will cost more. Low-end units are popular since they are cheap and a nice place for many to feel comfortable starting with. While many cheap units work well keep in mind they often require some skill to setup and operate. If you have some knowledge of android based systems than using a low-end box will likely be fine. If you have never used one before than having some technical support may be best which low-end boxes don’t usually offer.
Reading reviews and watching YouTube videos on the different units available is best to see which one would fit your skill and home setup.
Also keep in mind the wireless the box offers. Streaming video over WiFi can be challenging at times even with good equipment. Running a wired Ethernet cable is always best but sometimes not feasible. If you do need to use WiFi be sure to read how well it streams video content over a wireless setup.