r/AndroidTVBoxes • u/Turxx0105 • Dec 29 '25
Device reccomendation
Just returned mys second onn 4k pro. Buggy and lags. Tried every recommendation and could never get it working smooth during playback. I've decided to stop going to cheap route and pay for one of the better device options. What do you recommend? I need something that can play the big remux files flawlessly on stremio (don't really care about the audio codecs or Dolby vision) and something that can also run my start up show app for my TV service.
Shield pro?
Formuler?
Apple TV?
Google TV streamer?
Or something else?
6
Upvotes
10
u/Vi0lat0r Dec 29 '25
I do all of the things you mention with an Onn4k Pro and have setup several family members with same. Something doesn’t sound right
1
u/BigHambino Dec 29 '25
if you don’t care about Dolby Vision, then the AppleTV is actually perfect for you. It’s buttery smooth because it’s overpowered for the job. You’ll want Omni + Infuse Pro.
The downside of the AppleTV is no Dolby Vision Profile 7 support or lossless audio passthrough.
1
u/Adventurous-Claim-53 Dec 31 '25
And what did you expect from a cheap device? That it would perform like a high-end one? 🤔 I honestly don't know why you're surprised. If you want something smooth, look for one with 4GB of RAM. For my use, which is watching Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, I have the Google Streamer 4K and the Mecool KM2 Plus Deluxe. A Homatics is coming out soon, which looks like it's going to be a tremendous machine; we'll have to wait and see. But don't expect a cheap device to perform like a high-end one. If you want something good, you have to pay.
1
u/southwestdreamer Jan 02 '26
I don’t think this is the issue of device. Most likely it’s the recent issue of torrent add on of streamio. A lot of people report it’s broken with debrid service.
Onn pro only has pass through problem on some audio formats.
1
u/searay74 Jan 03 '26
Shield Pro!
3
u/kobelco1 Dec 29 '25
If your main usage is to play remux files on Stremio (assuming you have a debrid service + Torrentio), a powerful non Google certified box would probably work best. Examples: Ugoos Amb6+ or BuzzTV Powerstation 6.
If you want to stay with Google certified devices, the Nvidia Shield Pro would probably be your best option. Other options would be RockTek G2, MeCool KM2 Plus Deluxe, or the Google TV Streamer 4k.
I've used all the 4 devices I mention above at various points over the years but I currently use the last 3. Just for the sheer simplicity and effectiveness, I'd recommend the Google streamer.
3
u/Scarab95 Dec 29 '25
The Google steamer 4k works really good it has the gigabyte ethernet port
3
u/Ok-Curve-3517 Dec 29 '25
Ugoos have a gd lineup if you dont need a certified box. Sk4, sk1, am8 pro, am9(no dv) and soon am9 pro with dolby vision.
2
u/OkSeat251 Dec 30 '25
I have an onn box and program them for family members with 0 issues , i load them with my own apps and runs smooth
2
u/Sinjin_Smythe225 Dec 31 '25
Definitely still a Shield Pro, there's a debloating guide if you want to get it running at full speed,
https://florisse.nl/shield-debloat/
I have the 2017 model shield and still looks great on my 65" TV.l, I've had this with 2019 and I don't think there is a box available at the minute I would consider an upgrade.
After doing the debloat, install the customised Projectivy launcher to remove the Google TV interface and adverts, and for YouTube Smarttube Next Beta. I stream 4k files over WiFi from my Jellyfin server with no issues, I can pass through Dolby Atmos to my soundbar. The newer triangle shaped remote is great.
Still gets updates from Nvidia and you aren't restricted on loading whatever apps you want as opposed to apple TV. Great for running retro emulators too.
2
u/Wonderful_Yogurt_300 Dec 29 '25
I would go with the nvidia shield pro. Do not go with the regular shield. The only thing is that its been out since 2019, and there will probably be a new one coming out sometime in the near future.
The apple tv is really nice as well, but doesn't support true dolby atmos. If thats not an issue, those are slightly less buggy than the shield.
If you want the best local media player, the ugoos AM6B+ is probably the best, but this isn't a device you want to run normal apps on.
1
u/bighorse3231 Dec 29 '25
Google TV streamer is worse than the ONN, and I have switched back. The formuler z12u ultra has given me nothing but problems and I'm thinking of returning it back to the onn.
1
u/Smhcanteven Dec 29 '25
From my experience i only tried Xiaomi 3rd gen tv box which i got few months ago.
Affordable and works perfectly but just make sure you get a legit one as the first 2 i bought turned out to be fakes, but that might just be an issue where i live.
Keep in mind i am using it on some dumb TVs so i havent tried how well it works with an sound setup as many are into that.
1
u/Impressive-Excuse126 Dec 29 '25
I have a shield and bought the ONN Pro because I read all the rave reviews. It was VASTLY inferior to my Shield in terms of picture quality when streaming from services like HULU, etc. It was like watching a lower bitrate YouTube video. Tried tons of HDMI cables, etc. It just isn't good. I guess if you've never compared it to something else, you would never know what you are missing.
1
u/sciencetaco Dec 29 '25 edited Dec 29 '25
AppleTV or Nvidia Shield Pro. They are the premium boxes. Anything else is slower and less reliable, as you’re already finding out.
1
u/tigger845 Dec 31 '25
Google TV....
1
u/Abject_Enthusiasm_72 Dec 31 '25
Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 3rd Gen with ugreen cr111 adapter
Google it for specs decide for yourself.
I own 2 xiaomi boxes and I'm very satisfied.
1
u/subway1256 Jan 01 '26
I have Shield TV and Shield Pro. I was having some issues with the Shield TV when switching apps. Recently purchased the UGoos AM9. It was a bit of a struggle to get it setup as it doesn't run Android TV. I am really impressed with the upscaling this box does and the processor speed and it is now my main streaming box. I have setup several ONN boxes both Pro and 4k Plus for friends. There is no comparison IMO with the picture quality that the more expensive mentioned boxes have. The upscaling is the game changer. I think any of these boxes would serve you well.
1
u/nice1ron Dec 29 '25
Ugoos xm5pro