These days, the best android TV boxes are impressively versatile home devices. They are also very powerful – you could even use one as a mini PC by connecting it up to a monitor. Given their small dimensions, they can easily be hidden away, making them a popular choice for powering adverts, interactive displays and points of sale.
Android boxes have also fast become a popular choice for using as a Kodi streaming device, although, unlike Kodi, they are more versatile and aren’t restricted to use with android builds or customized user interfaces.
Here are the best rated android TV boxes for 2021:
1. Nvidia Shield TV Pro
The latest model of the Nvidia Shield TV Pro isn’t a great deal different to the last, yet this streaming box still holds the top spot for the best on the market, as well as being the best retro gaming machine on offer. As a games console and android-powered set top box, it’s as powerful as they come, and is packed full of features that can be enjoyed by video game and movie fans alike.
With the Nvidia Shield, you can stream high-spec PC gaming and multiple HDR formats of 4K movies to your TV no problem. The latest model is a little less value for money than previous ones, but it’s still a lot of bang for your buck.
2. Amazon Fire TV Cube
This newest edition of the Amazon Fire TV Cube is so much better than its 2017 counterpart. With a processor upgrade and great new additions such as the inclusion of Dolby Vision, the Cube is easily one of the best streaming players of 2021. The solid performance of the Fire TV Cube has long been well-renowned, but with the introduction of a number of upgrades, the latest version makes it even faster.
3. Minix Neo U9-H
Thanks to its 4k capabilities, this 64-bit android media hub features fast video stretching up to 60fps and delivers a crystal clear, smooth and responsive picture quality. Even better still, the NEO U9-H features full HDR10 support for an impressive picture performance.
The U9-H has HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology which widens the spectrum of color, displaying deeper blacks and brighter whites. This really accentuates the contrast, creating a more vibrant yet natural viewing experience. All of this for an incredibly affordable price point.
4. Turewell T9
Combined with Android 9.0 Pie, the Turewell T9 Android TV Box is a fast and efficient streaming device. It features an attractive user interface for its price point and a decent range of games. It also facilitates Google Play Store support, granting its users access to an interesting array of experiences, and plays almost every popular video and audio formats – as well as 4K HD video.
Furthermore, 50% of streaming bandwidth can be saved by its H.265 decoding, allowing for thousands of android games to be played on a big 4K screen – giving users a higher quality experience with significantly less buffering.
5. Mecool MK9 Pro
The latest Amlogic chipset, the S905X2, powers the Mecool MK9 Pro, which boasts both HDR10 as well as HLG HDR, can display YouTube in 4K and features enhanced clarity, color and contrast with H.265(HEVC) video encoding.
A useful added feature is its voice control function and bluetooth voice controller, enabling users to operate the TV box through voice commands. The Mecool MK9 also has built in Google Assistant, making it easy to simultaneously control smart home features at the same time.
6. A95X Max
Equipped with 5GHz + 2.4GHz Dual Band WiFi, this Android TV box also features 10M/100M/1000M Ethernet Lan, improving the issues that small wires have with signal coverage by supporting the receiving of signals from all angles. Fast data transmission between compatible devices is also enabled via Bluetooth 5.0.
The A95X Max boasts a unique function for video recording, allowing users to share and record videos with ease. It might not come with a remote control but with this model you can navigate by using your smartphone.
7. Ematic Jetstream
The Ematic Jetstream is a 4K Ultra HD TV Box that is great for the first-timer. With a voice search remote, this device is the perfect introduction to learning about TV boxes. With the Jetstream, you can access over 450,000 TV shows and movies across over 4,000 channels (both paid and free), including Netflix, PBS Kids and Hulu.
This surprisingly affordable, miniature device 4K resolution 60FPS video and has bluetooth voice search technology built in to the included remote, enabling users to play, install and browse movies, games and apps with voice control navigation.
8. Xiaomi Mi Box S
Whilst this device certainly doesn’t come close to the likes of Amazon Fire TV CUbe or the Nvidia Shield TV, if you’re after Android TV on a tight budget, it’s worth considering, as it still has a lot going for it with relatively decent specs.
It does have some irritating bugs, though, the remote isn’t always super reliable and it can’t be used for multiple high-performance tasks. That said, if it’s all you can afford right now, it’s still plenty usable.
Whilst there is a sizable difference in the quality of the devices listed here, they represent the best range of 2021 depending upon your needs and budget, and even the cheapest options are good enough to get you started. In fact, if all you need is something cheap that does the job, the Diyomate Android TV box might suffice – possibly the cheapest on the market but still delivering 4K. The choice is yours.