Having bought one of the best TVs money could buy a few years ago, you might be disappointed to discover it’s not as smart as it used to be. Sometimes, the only way to cure sluggish menus and outdated apps is to upgrade to the best Android TV box to match your needs. But, unlike streaming sticks, a proper Android TV box can give you so much more.
Much like the latest 4K TVs, they come in all shapes and sizes, too. Most are geared up for quick and easy access to modern streaming apps like Disney+. Many can record your favourite shows and play your media over your home network or USB drive. With so many options you may need a hand finding the best Android TV box for you.
Best Android TV box of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall Android TV box: NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro - View on Amazon
• Best budget Android TV box: MECOOL KM2 Android 10.0 TV Box - View on Amazon
• Best compact Android TV box: Formuler Z11 Pro MAX BT1 Edition - View on Amazon
• Best Android TV box for Netflix: Xiaomi Mi Box S - View on Amazon
So why choose a box running the Android TV operating system? Well, you might be used to the Android TV OS already. It’s built into sets of all sizes, including massive 65-inch TVs. The general look and feel will be familiar to Android phone users, too. Also, you'll find popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and plenty of apps in the Google Play Store.
Our rundown of the best Android TV boxes of 2024 includes options for all budgets and tastes, including one that supports gaming; plus compact and budget Android TV boxes to keep your home entertainment setup neat and tidy. They all have their pros and cons, but we’re here with some excellent recommendations to give your TV viewing an essential Android boost.
Best Android TV box of 2024
Best overall Android TV box
Bridging the gap between ordinary streaming media players and a more console-style experience, the NVIDIA Shield is probably the fastest and most powerful Android TV box. As you might expect from a company best known for its PC graphics cards, the processor here is NVIDIA's own Tegra X1+. This means it's put to 25% faster than the previous model. The Shield Pro will kick out 4K in HDR (High Dynamic Range), which means you'll get a wider colour palette. There's 16GB of expandable storage too.
But what makes this special is the bundled functionality. This comes with a built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant, and you can even have this as the centrepiece of your home cinema setup. High-quality video and audio streaming are a given, but you also get AI upscaling, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos for amazing sound and visual clarity.
Of course, this wouldn't be an NVIDIA product without a gaming angle, and this platform offers thousands of Android games through the Google Play store and via GeForce NOW (NVIDIA’s own on-demand subscription cloud gaming service).
We have an overview of NVIDIA Shield for you if you want more detail. We think this is the best Android TV box on Amazon right now. But if you don't need that much raw power and want a more discrete solution, you're in luck.
Pros
- A raft of cutting-edge features like 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for the best vision and sound
- Gaming support means you can enjoy Android games
- A fast processor with AI upscaling makes this the most capable box here
Cons
- You'll probably want to expand the 16GB storage
Best 4K Android TV box
www.argos.co.uk
The Humax Aura is an Android-powered powerhouse. We particularly like the cleanly presented electronic programme guide. The built-in memory allows you to pause and rewind live TV. And you can record over 1,000 hours of HD programmes. Adding to the flexibility of this system, the Humax can record four shows at once while you watch a fifth that you've recorded.
The box also has built-in Chromecast and WiFi, so there's no need for an ethernet cable, and the remote is packing Google Assistant for voice control. Sound-wise, this even has Dolby Surround, and it can pass through Dolby Atmos via HDMI if you have an Atmos speaker setup.
Pros
- One of the very few 4K Freeview boxes with voice control on the market
- Massive hard drive for loads of storage for your recordings
- Record four programmes whilst watching a fifth
Cons
- No Netflix app as yet
Best budget Android TV box
MECOOLMecool has been around for a while now, and its products never fail to impress when it comes to functionality and value. While you can find cheaper Android TV boxes, in our experience, going below the £50 mark will only buy you a slow and frustrating experience. Here, though, we have the KM2. It's neat, has 4K resolution with HDR, and runs on Android TV 10. It's not the latest version of Android TV, but recent enough for solid performance.
Some extra surprises lie under the hood, with certification from Google and Netflix - which means content from both of these companies will look and sound as they should. The remote control is Bluetooth and also serves as the voice control interface. Dolby Audio is supported.
Google Assistant is here for voice control over your various home automation integrations like dimmable lights, as is the built-in Chromecast for easy access to content from mobile devices. You can even connect an external storage device to the UBS ports and play your content. The MECOOL KM2 might not be the most powerful machine here, but it certainly gives you a well-rounded box for the right price.
Pros
- Small and simple but still has advanced features like being able to attach external storage to it
- Voice control for easy hands-free control
- Google and Netflix certified for the best picture and performance
Cons
- A slightly dated design may not appeal to some
Best compact Android TV box
FormulerThe Z11 Pro MAX from Formuler isn't dissimilar in size from boxes like the MECOOL M2, but rather than a budget offering, we like to think of this as the turbo-charged equivalent with some clear benefits over most compact Android TV boxes.
Firstly, there's a generous 4GB of RAM and a CPU (and GPU, for that matter) that can churn out 4K HDR10+ at lightning speed. Secondly, selecting what you want to watch is also a wider playing field than most with the usual range of apps, but this time joined by the popular MyTV3Online3 app for IPTV services. So, if you subscribe to an IPTV provider you'll be well supported for watching a whole range of live TV channels in one convenient place. There's more on IPTV in our jargon buster below.
So, if you're all about a space-saving design but don't want to cut any corners regarding performance and flexibility, the Z11 Pro MAX is a real contender. The remote is not Bluetooth, with more features than the standard edition.
Pros
- Fast Android 11 OS and Bluetooth remote means this is a nice responsive system
- Compact yet powerful - connect to IPTV services and record to external storage
- Very well designed and compact
Cons
- No Dolby support
Best Android TV box for Netflix
When it comes to design, the Mi Box S is aiming for the Apple TV aesthetic. And it does a great job, with a refined, solidly-built box and equally well-considered remote control. Netflix is front and centre here, with a dedicated button on the remote control - but beyond that, this box is built to handle 4K HDR10 streams exceptionally well. Netflix 4K and YouTube 4K are smooth thanks to the ARMv8-A CPU with four Cortex-A53 processor cores.
Chromecast is built-in as well, as is Google Assistant for voice control via the remote. The Android TV OS is a slightly older version than we'd like, but then again, this doesn't cause any speed or accessibility issues for the Mi Box S. It supports screen mirroring of mobile devices, which is a great way to share much more than just video streams if you need to.
Pros
- Great simple design and a solid build
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Dolby and DTS audio does justice to those Netflix 4K / YouTube 4K streams
Cons
- Slightly older version of Android TV than we'd have liked
6.
Fire TV Cube
Best Android TV box for streaming apps
AmazonAmazon’s Fire TV Cube offers an almost unparalleled media 4K HDR streaming experience. It’s loaded with extra features, such as Alexa for voice control of your smart home devices or home entertainment setup. It boasts Wi-Fi 6 support, so 4K streaming is rock-solid.
Somewhat understandably, the Fire TV Cube's rendition of the Android TV OS is based on Prime Video and other Amazon services. Other streaming services are all there to be found, available through individual apps. When finding your favourite streaming apps, you'll see that the Fire TV Cube has one of the widest, well-supported catalogues around.
As Android TV boxes go, the Fire TV Cube transcends this label by quite a margin. It’s more like a central hub for your entire entertainment system and your wider smart home setup. You have completely hands-free operation via voice control, which means turning on the TV, searching for movies, changing the volume, and much more at the tip of your tongue.
These functions will be familiar to users of Alexa and Echo devices. But, this control goes further thanks to the Cube’s use of IR repeaters. These infrared emitters will allow external, non-smart devices to be powered on and operated via voice command. This includes speakers, AV units, consoles, Blu-ray players, and satellite boxes.
If you're looking for some of this Amazon-powered goodness but in a smaller package, take a look at the Fire TV Stick. And if you want to know more about it, we have a handy Fire TV explainer for you.
Pros
- 4K HDR means you'll enjoy ultra-high-definition pictures with stunning colour range
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision for enhanced images and audio
- The latest wifi 6E included
Cons
- Internal storage may need an external drive for expansion
Best easy-to-use Android TV box
Q PlusThe design is the first thing we like about this Q PLUS Android TV box. It's very similar to many of the premium devices provided by BT and the like. It's also well-apportioned with RAM and storage - so you can power through those streaming channels and more without a hitch.
Another great feature is being able to attach your own expanded storage for recordings. We're impressed with the video playback credentials here - as it can play extreme high definition up to 6K. And that even includes playing thousands of Android-based games.
The star here though is the remote control design. It's small to hold but with enough buttons to access all major functions. And it's not crowded either. Despite not coming with the latest Android version, and the speed is slightly slower as a result, it's still a nice and usable Android TV box.
Pros
- Very simple and attractive design with a usable yet uncluttered remote
- Plays video content up to a whopping 6K
- A decent amount of internal storage for an Android Box at a budget price
Cons
- We would have liked a more up-to-date, slightly faster Android version
Best Android TV box of 2024: Buyer's guide
Consider your TV
If you've got a new-ish 4K TV you may already be all set for streaming media. You may even be happy with the speed and accessibility of the menu system. But, even if that's you, some of the devices at the higher end of the price spectrum may well offer extra benefits. For instance, the ease of recording that comes with the Humax above could easily outstrip anything your smart TV can do. And then there's the huge gaming potential of the NVIDIA Sheild.
However, if your TV is indeed on the dumb side of smart, an upgrade is almost certainly going to revolutionise your viewing habits. For relatively little outlay, you could finally have that speedy menu and fast app performance you've been pining for.
Do you need to record?
With so much content available on-demand, not everyone will want or need to record anything. In fact, the only Android TV boxes that can record are the ones that support
Will you want to stream content stored locally?
Depending on whether your content is on a USB hard drive, a USB stick for smart TVs, or stored elsewhere on your local network, you'll need to select the right Android TV box to match. As video resolutions have increased to 4K, file sizes have become larger too. If you're thinking about streaming in 4K it's best to get a box that has a wired ethernet port directly to your home router; or support for a 5gHz wifi signal. Both of these will have the speed and bandwidth to handle a 4K stream. If you have a portable USB drive you may want to be able to plug this straight into the box, so make sure the model you have your eye on can take it.
Choose based on your favourite apps
Although the range of apps available through Android TV and the Google Play Store is more or less ubiquitous, some models will have remote controls with handy shortcuts to chosen TV subscription services. Others, like Fire TV devices, will favour Amazon Prime over others in how things are presented. Take the time to see what each device puts front and centre, and buy based on the content and the streaming provider you use the most.
Best Android TV box of 2024: Frequently asked questions
What's the best Android TV box for IPTV?
As you'll see in our glossary below, IPTV is different from catchup or live TV from apps like BBC iPlayer. Our favourite Android TV box from the list above, just in terms of streaming capabilities and integration with popular IPTV services, is the Formuler Z11 Pro MAX.
What's the best Android TV box brand?
Brands vary wildly in the realm of Android TV boxes. You'll find the internet littered with anonymous-sounding brands as well as market leaders. Unlike the clear-cut world of the best TV brands, other than perhaps NVIDIA and Amazon Fire, it's much harder to identify quality on brand name alone. That's just another reason for our selection of the best Android TV boxes. Read before making that all-important decision to buy.
What's the best Android TV box for gaming?
When it comes to gaming, the undisputed king of Android TV boxes is the impossibly good NVIDIA SHIELD Pro. This is hands-down the real game-changer here, literally. It's an affordable portal into the world of gaming for TV owners. Considering all of the usual streaming video and app functionality, it's unsurpassed.
Do I need an internet connection to use an Android TV box?
An internet connection is needed for content from streaming apps. No internet connection is needed if you store your media locally and stream it via your network. The reason for buying an Android TV box is the enhanced capabilities an internet connection can bring. But don't worry if your internet drops out; the box will still boot up, and you'll have access to all of your locally stored videos.
Do I need a TV licence for streaming services?
For several years, there has been quite a bit of confusion over whether watching over the internet is the same as watching through an old-fashioned aerial. But forget how your TV entertainment gets to you - think instead about what you’re watching. According to TV Licensing, the common rule to follow is whether or not what you’re enjoying on your TV is broadcast live. It doesn’t matter whether that’s through one of the best Freeview boxes, a satellite dish, an app, or a smart TV; if it’s a live broadcast you’ll need a TV licence.
Amazon Prime Netflix and many other TV subscription services do indeed offer some live programming. So, you’ll need to consider what you’re watching if you don’t have a licence. Non-live and catch-up viewing also doesn’t need a licence. As always, legislation can change, so if you’re not a licence-holder, always check with TV Licencing.
Android TV box or stick - which is best?
Technically, most boxes will perform better than a stick-type device due to their extended circuitry. Notably, in the case of the Fire TV stick, it will forego some of the more advanced functionality seen in the Cube version and also has less RAM and storage. Android boxes are also better than sticks when it comes to physical connectivity, of course, as there's more room for ports.
Best Android TV box of 2024: Jargon-buster
IPTV
Internet Protocol Television is shorthand for streaming live TV over an internet connection. This differs from regular catchup or streaming apps from the likes of BBC iPlayer and ITV3, as IPTV providers are subscription services that will provide content from multiple channels all in one place. For many, this is the true replacement for their digital or terrestrial aerial of old, but it's worth mentioning that not all of these services are recommended if they do not have the rights to share some or all of the channels they're including in their package.
Storage capacity
Measured in gigabytes (GB), this is the amount of storage an Android TV box has built-in. For example, 500GB can typically store around 200 to 250 hours of standard definition recording. However, this number will decrease dramatically if you're recording in 4K. Also, if you're a massive user of many apps, you'll need more space to store all of those downloads from the Google Play Store. As always, with storage (or RAM, for that matter) more is best.
4K and Ultra HD (UHD)
4K and UHD are two interchangeable terms that more or less refer to the same TV resolution - 3840×2160. This pixel resolution count is four times higher than standard HD screens, with 8.3 million pixels working across the screen. This means clearer, more accurate images.
Android TV boxes are available in both 1080p (Full-HD) and 4K variations. We recommend getting a 4K-capable device, as these will still work on a full HD TV via an HDMI cable - but of course, it will only display the maximum resolution your TV supports. The good news is that if you upgrade your TV later, for instance to a nice new 55-inch 4K TV, you'll be good to go.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.
He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.