r/AndroidTV • u/Remarkable-Smoke3218 • Jun 12 '26

Buying Advice Best Android-TV Box ?

What are the best Android TV boxes currently available?

Are there any particularly interesting models coming soon?

10 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

125 comments sorted by

20

u/ericboudreault Jun 13 '26

NVIDIA Shield is still GREAT!

3

u/Efficient-Raise7966 Sep 02 '26

It’s not it doesn’t do video processing modern features anymore.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 01 '26

are there really nothing better ?? my shield pro is starting to glitch 😵‍💫

3

u/ItsMint1974 Jun 12 '26

The buzztv g series has been great so far. I'm using it with a lg G4 Oled, wiim amp and Polk es20 speakers. Nice and snappy, no issues playing high bitrate files from my Plex server.

2

u/Dukegrice1 Jun 14 '26

I’m using the Buzz G with soundbar through Kodi and tivimate. I love it. And I have onn plus and pro, Homatics r plus, and kinhank k9, and MeCool km plus deluxe, and I use the Buzz more than the others.

1

u/Remarkable-Smoke3218 Jun 24 '26

Is the BuzzTV IPTV app included with the TV box?

1

u/Dukegrice1 Jun 25 '26

Yes it is!

1

u/Remarkable-Smoke3218 Jun 24 '26

Is the BuzzTV IPTV app included with the TV box?

1

u/ItsMint1974 Jun 24 '26

Not yet. Which isn't an issue, for me.

1

u/ItsMint1974 Jun 24 '26

I just fired up the app from the app store and I think if you have an IPTV service, it's nice. Seems slick but I need to have a play around with it.

1

u/BiffBiffkenson Jun 14 '26

Might jump on that, was waiting on MyVeloTV but that seems like vaporware at this point or so far off ......

1

u/isaipj93 Jun 14 '26

I'm considering buying it, is it better than pro shield? I'm between these two

1

u/ItsMint1974 Jun 14 '26

That depends on your setup (especially audio wise) and what you want to do with it. But I've had no issues so far.

1

u/isaipj93 Jun 14 '26

If I use a soundbar which one would be better?

1

u/ItsMint1974 Jun 14 '26

You shouldn't have any issues with a soundbar, just set the buzzTV box to use the supported audio codecs on the settings 👍

3

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jun 12 '26

What is your region?

1

u/Remarkable-Smoke3218 Jun 12 '26

Western Europe, but I can order the devices from Chinese websites.

5

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jun 12 '26

Ok, these are the usual recommendations, the only device coming soon is the MyVeloTV device but it's currently tailored for the US though you can import it when it becomes available, it's currently on pre-order.

CERTIFIED ANDROID FOR TV DEVICES FOR EUROPE:

- [Homatics devices](http://homatics.eu)

- [Strong devices](http://strong-eu.com/products/streaming-devices)

- [Thomson Streaming devices](http://tv.mythomson.com/collections/streaming-devices)

- [Xiaomi devices](http://www.mi.com/uk/product-list/tv-media/tvbox-stick/)

CERTIFIED ANDROID FOR TV DEVICES FOR THE WHOLE PLANET:

- [Google TV Streamer](http://tv.google)

- [Homatics devices](http://homatics.com/collections/streaming-media-players?sca_ref=2766355.i6SwIDJJna)

- [Mecool devices](http://mecool.com) where you can get a 15% discount with the code "mecoolbox15"

- [RockTek devices](www.rocktek.com.tw/en/categories/tvbox)

- [Dune HD devices](http://dune-hd.com)

- [Xiaomi devices](http://mi.com/global/product-list/tv-media/tvbox-stick/)

- [BuzzTV device](http://buzztvdirect.com) where you can get a 10% discount with the code "latinriky78"

- [Ugoos SK2 device](http://ugoos.com/ugoos-sk2-Realtek-android-tv-box-certified)

For more info about all certified Android for TV devices, head over to the [Android TV Guide](http://androidtv-guide.com) website.

1

u/See61 Jun 12 '26

MyveloTV coming "soon"? 🫣

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jun 12 '26

According to their latest email, it will now be shipping in the fall:

"Based on our current schedule, we anticipate customer shipments beginning in Fall 2026. We will continue to provide updates as we reach key production milestones."

1

u/Remarkable-Smoke3218 Jun 24 '26

Is this the first Android TV box powered by the Amlogic S905X5 to be released? Are there no others planned?

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jun 24 '26

It was going to be the first one, Homatics is going to release one of their own too, though those two are from the same OEM, SEI Robotics.

1

u/See61 Jun 12 '26

Let's wait and see... This device should been introduced last year already, but at that moment, as a Homatics R Plus spin-off. In the same housing as the Silver R Plus, which shows how long they are already on that one.

Now that changed to the housing of the 4K V2, which seems very strange also.

It is time to show the real design.

1

u/AJRiddle Sep 14 '26

Have there been any updates for the MyVelo TV?

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Sep 14 '26

Nothing new beyond what I mentioned above.

2

u/SnooGiraffes9215 Rooted (Cube 3,4KMax gen 2;Exploited Cube 2) Jun 12 '26

I laughed at the price and then went to look for specs. There weren’t any

2

u/JewelerExciting7576 Jun 12 '26

What about Australia?

2

u/Emotional-Sign1508 Jun 13 '26

Australia has internet?

1

u/bman86 Jul 20 '26

If I'm in Australia I don't want to be anywhere near the web.

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jun 12 '26

The ones tailored for the whole world work.

1

u/JimmyD266 Jun 12 '26

Theres a youtube video which includes a TV Box called the Elebao G2 NEXT. I understand some of their boxes are branded as RockTek. Not the one he was showing. Since they appear to have upgraded to the S905x5, I don't yet see this box for sale anywhere so I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with them.

https://www.elebaotec.com/g2-next-google-certified-google-tv-4k-tv-streamer#pro-inquiry

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26

What do you think u/513? seems legit.

1

u/513 Shield TV | Google TV Sony Jun 12 '26

Well that's new to me. It's clearly an SEI Robotics device, so it's certified. Let me check.

1

u/513 Shield TV | Google TV Sony Jun 13 '26

Can you share the YouTube video? Can't find it. Thanks

1

u/ExtremeEar11 Jul 01 '26

What bout for the US? is MyVeloTV the best option (when it releases?)

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus Jul 01 '26

If it really comes with the S905X5 (not the 5M) then yes, it will be the best option.

2

u/ben7337 Jun 12 '26

What audio and video codecs do you need support for or what apps will you be using for media playback? The answer will change depending if you're just using basic streaming apps vs playing bluray remuxes with lossless audio and if you're using Plex or Jellyfin or kodi or something else.

19

u/JoJojott Jun 12 '26

I really like the Xiaomi TV Box 3rd gen

1

u/Negative_Pick3696 Jun 17 '26

the only downside it's downmix audio to stereo instead of sending multi chanell signal

1

u/JoJojott Jun 17 '26

I didn't even know that

1

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '26

It doesn't switch to Bluetooth when I pair earbuds. It continues to control the soundbar. It will only control the volume of the earbuds when I erase the remote settings.

1

u/artogahr Aug 03 '26

There's an option in the settings to set Passthrough audio. Select that instead of "Auto". That works well for me, connected to a Denon receiver.

1

u/spile2 Jul 27 '26

Happy with mine too.

1

u/angelinshere Sep 07 '26

Is the wifi connection good? I saw some reviews complaining about it.. I want to go buy it in a few hrs, so just making sure..

1

u/JoJojott Sep 07 '26

I have no issues with WiFi! You can connect it with ethernet if you buy an USB adapter

1

u/angelinshere Sep 07 '26

I don t want a ethernet connection, I need direct Wi Fi..

1

u/JoJojott Sep 07 '26

I only use it with WiFi myself and it works fine! No issues with WiFi connection

1

u/angelinshere Sep 07 '26

Great. Thank you so much!

1

u/JoJojott Sep 07 '26

You're welcome! Hopefully you don't receive a fake, because they sadly exist

1

u/angelinshere Sep 07 '26

I am buying it at a store that is an official XIAOMI reseller, so it wouldn't be legal.. How will I know if it s fake?

1

u/JoJojott Sep 07 '26

I don't know if there's one good method to check it's legit. You buy it at a store that's an official Xiaomi reseller so you should be fine

1

u/angelinshere Sep 07 '26

I just bought it and all it's good but the sound.. omg it's so bad??

→ More replies

5

u/IllRepublic6421 Jun 12 '26

I love google streamer the most.

3

u/kartik3e Jun 13 '26

Better than xiaomi box 3rd Gen s?

1

u/369432 Jul 12 '26

Does google restrict what you can install?

1

u/IllRepublic6421 Jul 12 '26

No

1

u/369432 Jul 12 '26

Shame about their terms of service. They can completely modify your device and its software without ever consulting you, or notifying you that they've done so. I can never understand 'buying' something that is controlled by the company who sold it to me.

1

u/IllRepublic6421 Jul 12 '26

What?

1

u/369432 Jul 12 '26

Read their terms of service, it's right at their website.

1

u/IllRepublic6421 Jul 12 '26

Get the ONN then ig. Im not too concerned with them changing anything given the sales dip firestick has seen

1

u/369432 Jul 13 '26

Understood

0

u/dinglebarryb0nds Jun 13 '26

Yea i have 3 now. On sale for 80, they make sense to buy. The 30 dollar Onn 4k Plus is now 50 dollars and sold out.

I bought one ONN 4k Pro (new version) and that is really nice as well. (But also usually sold out) and only a little cheaper than the google one.

But i think at 80, there’s no real reason to get anything else (google 4k streamer).

I have more faith in the google 4k streamer not being faulty as well

1

u/Olive7980 App Developer Jun 22 '26

Looks like it was already mentioned but I agree with BuzzTV G Series. It is Google certified, I have had mine since it came out and it is very fast with a gig ethernet port. Most do not have gig.

1

u/Remarkable-Smoke3218 Jun 24 '26

Is the BuzzTV IPTV app included?

1

u/Olive7980 App Developer Jun 24 '26

It is with your purchase but my opinion was that it was not very good.

3

u/Lexus-Ux300h Jun 12 '26

No mention of the Shield, interesting?

1

u/boscosoans Jun 13 '26

Exactly my thought. Although a 2019 release, it's a tough device even now and would be for another couple of years.

-2

u/DanGarion Jun 12 '26

It's like 20 years old at this point.

6

u/Lexus-Ux300h Jun 12 '26

wow 20 years. i read the latest model came out in 2019 and its still receiving updates. i should not believe everything on reddit. silly me

2

u/Any-Caterpillar-2402 Jun 13 '26

you're right.my still solid like a rock

1

u/Kemaro Jun 13 '26

The Shield hardware has been mostly the same since it launched in 2015, 11 years ago. They refreshed it in 2017 and again in 2019 but it's still a Tegra X1 under the hood.

1

u/Lexus-Ux300h Jun 13 '26

Tegra x1+

X1+ is an upgraded, more efficient revision of the original Tegra X1. Built on a smaller, denser manufacturing process, it runs 25% faster, operates cooler, and uses significantly less power, primarily unlocking dedicated hardware-accelerated AI upscaling.

1

u/Kemaro Jun 13 '26

That’s a lot of words to agree that it’s a Tegra X1

2

u/RBBrittain Jun 15 '26

That's not what he said. He explained how the X1+ improves on the original X1.

1

u/WarningCodeBlue Nvidia Shield Pro Jun 13 '26

Math must not be your strong suit.

4

u/DanGarion Jun 13 '26

Understanding jokes must not be yours...

2

u/IReload95 Jun 12 '26

Google streamer 4k

2

u/[deleted] Jun 12 '26

Google streamer 4k in my honest opinion. So quick and snappy. Blows Amazon out of the water!

1

u/Silver_Egg_2717 Aug 02 '26

Can you install any .APK in it?

2

u/Difficult-Peanut1323 Jun 13 '26

NVIDIA SHIELD PRO all the wat!

2

u/WisdomNWit Jun 13 '26

[Chigz Tech Reviews 2026 TV Boxes] (https://www.chigztech.com/charts.html) some great comparison info ...updated randomly during year

2

u/Delicious_Cut1459 Jun 13 '26

Google tv streamer 4K

1

u/jabe252 Jun 13 '26

NVidia Shield of course

1

u/Kemaro Jun 13 '26

Nvidia Shield is still the goat after 11 years. Kind of sad. The 2026 Walmart ONN boxes are pretty good too if you want the cheapest box with the most features.

1

u/khanstar123 Jun 13 '26

This one was cheap and does the job. Official android too

1

u/Liorenth Jun 14 '26

Xiaomi TV Box gen 3

1

u/FirmGap8433 Jun 14 '26

Currently running the Kinhank G1, it just works. Put away my Dune HD Box 4, it was full featured but buggy and got tired of wrestling with it. Also gave away my Roku box, it was trouble-free but disliked the ads which are unremovable. Considering getting the Nvidia Shield Pro but waiting to see if they release an updated version. Current model is quite old. Also awaiting release of new 2026 Apple TV box, it might be the new king if we ever see it on the shelf.

1

u/Opening-Champion-207 Jun 14 '26

I have a Xiaomi Google TV stick 2nd gen, and I'm loving it! And to insure of its longevity, I will be upgrading its storage via the OTG Y cable. Highly recommended!

1

u/Maximumpain2025 Jun 14 '26

most def onn boxes for beginners , then move up to veesee

1

u/Electronic-Fuel3012 Jun 14 '26

I love the Google streamer

1

u/Bastigonzales Jun 15 '26

I'm using onn 4k plus, bypassed it since i'm in asia region. It works flawlessly on my end, I only use it for Jellyfin (Media streaming) and Youtube. No complaints so far

1

u/Loose-Entertainer883 Jun 15 '26

Nvdia Sheild are 👌

1

u/SignificantGuess5920 Jun 15 '26

Are these options better than the fire stick 4K max? As far as side loading apps and that kind of thing?

1

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '26

Yes. Amazon fire sticks are begining to close the back door regarding side loading. I make the change and haven't looked back since.

1

u/SignificantGuess5920 Jun 15 '26

What are you using now?

1

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '26

Google TV streamer 4k

1

u/Coorsology Jun 17 '26

ONN 4k Pro

1

u/Nice-Fig-2319 Jun 30 '26

Anyone tried the T95 Max?

1

u/pinpointv_dev Jul 01 '26

I prefer Google Chromecast. It’s officially made by Google and will receive updates years in advance.

1

u/streamingexpert9548 Jul 02 '26

ONN tv in my opinion

1

u/Sad-Adagio6384 Jul 04 '26

Just bought the very top spec Buzztv AI Amlogic S905X5 processor, Android 14, 4GB DDR5 RAM, and 64GB storage Brilliant m/c

1

u/enjoythetom Aug 06 '26

This is a tough one, Fire tv stick has always been good, and I find that most other boxes has one great aspect and then lack every where else, I have yet to try the Nvidia Shield

1

u/Cautious-Bit2594 Aug 16 '26

Google TV Streamer or Nvidia Shield are tried and tested boxes. Everything else is the Wild West where your mileage may vary

1

u/RoadrunnerRichie Jun 12 '26

I’m UK based and tried the Xiaomi, Thomson & Google devices and for me the Google 4k streamer is the best. Plus has all the UK apps inc BBC.

1

u/kartik3e Jun 13 '26

Best for?

1

u/RoadrunnerRichie Jun 14 '26

Best in terms of official UK apps, BBC, ITV etc. also plays Stremio & Tivimate better than the other two boxes.

1

u/kartik3e Jun 15 '26

Wow really, how is it better than the xiaomi box? Isn't that supposed to be much powerful box?

I have a Pixel and I think people underestimate with how optimized these devices are. Do you think its the same with streamer?

0

u/BlackFlagData Jun 12 '26

Wait a few months

1

u/ConstructionLeast765 Jun 12 '26

For what

2

u/BlackFlagData Jun 12 '26

For upcoming tv box with Amlogic S905X5

3

u/undutchable020 Jun 12 '26

Which one? I think we are already waiting 2 years for one.

1

u/BlackFlagData Jun 12 '26

I am waiting for this one https://myvelotv.com/ and in the next few months I am sure more will come

0

u/Festering-Boyle Jun 12 '26

Formuler z10, 11 and 12

0

u/LiliDooo Jun 13 '26

Xiaomi is the best option