The best Android TV box you can buy in 2024

If you’ve decided to bring the power of Google to your TV, there’s a good chance you’re looking for an Android TV device. While not as popular as Roku or Fire TV, Android TV still supports all streaming services. However, there are still plenty of options for you to consider. Here are our picks for the best Android TV boxes on the market.

We’ve done our best to spread the love in this post. It includes picks from a select few top manufacturers, each with its own set of pros and cons. You won’t necessarily get the full picture here, but we have reviews for each device.

Editor’s note: The Google TV Streamer has officially been announced as a more expensive and premium successor to the Chromecast with Google TV. The Google TV Streamer will very likely be the device we recommend to most users going forward but we won’t have a change to check it out detail until it arrives this September.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro: The best overall

NVIDIA has long been known for its gaming chips, and now you can get a taste of them on your Android TV. It’s a pretty old device launched in 2019, yet it remains the best of Google’s TV operating system. The tube-shaped streaming device packs Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and AI-powered content upscaling into a $150 package (although it goes on sale occasionally).

One of the more unique aspects of NVIDIA’s device is the Toblerone-shaped remote. It’s unlike any others on the market, and it fits surprisingly comfortably in your hand. The remote offers your standard array of controls and a dedicated Netflix button for good measure.

Even though NVIDIA’s hardware is four years old, the platform still receives regular updates. That means you’ll find support for all of your favorite streaming systems, and the Shield TV remains a top option for bingers and gamers alike. If you’re hoping for a few more advanced gaming options, you’ll have to splash out an extra $50 for the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro ($199 at Amazon).

Are you looking for other recommendations? While the NVIDIA Shield TV is our top recommendation, keep reading below for other choices worth considering.

Other Android TV boxes worth considering

• Chromecast with Google TV 4K: The latest Chromecast is one of the best media streaming devices out there. It comes with a slick remote and sports the Google TV skin. It can also output video in 4K resolution.
• Chromecast with Google TV HD: If you want to keep costs low, the Chromecast with Google TV HD is the way to go. It’s just as awesome as the higher-end version, but it can only reproduce video at 1080p. This is still plenty good for many users, though.
• Onn 4K Pro: We were about to recommend this one over the official Google devices. It’s a great unit, and doubles as a smart speaker.
• TiVo Stream 4K: For those of you not committed to cord-cutting, the Stream 4K is a winner. It packs great Sling TV integration, even if the UI seems to have a split personality.

Chromecast with Google TV 4K: The best streaming device for most people

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is one of the best media streaming devices you can buy, and we stand by it. However, it’s only a close second regarding Android TV boxes. The NVIDIA Shield TV performs better overall, which is why it takes the top spot. Google’s Chromecast with Google TV 4K offers incredible value for your money, though, as you’ll only have to shell out $50 to bring it home. It is a much better deal, and likely the best option for most people.

When we refer to Google TV, we’re talking about Google’s UI skin. Under the hood, the Chromecast with Google TV is still working with Android TV, and it offers all of the streaming platforms you could ask for. It even comes with Google’s beloved Chromecast remote right in the box.

Google has released a couple of versions of the Chromecast with Google TV. This one is the higher-end version with 4K resolution capabilities. There is an HD (1080p) version, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

Google TV HD: Tbest Full HD Android TV device

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is awesome, but it makes no sense to get it if you don’t have a 4K TV. Especially if you can save a good chunk of change by simply getting the Chromecast with Google TV HD. It has the same design, remote, upgrades, UI, and a lower $30.

The only difference is that it will output video at 1,920 x 1,080. Which might be plenty for many of you. Full HD TVs are still very common, even if 4K televisions have become cheaper. And it still supports HDR content.

Onn 4K Pro: The Best Value

This one could have taken the #1 spot in this list of the best Android TV boxes, but it comes from a brand we don’t trust as much. That said, the Onn 4K Pro is definitely a great option you should at least consider. It comes with some excellent features we haven’t seen in other smart TV boxes in the past. For starters, the specs are better than those in the Chromecast with Google TV devices. It has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

Likely the coolest feature is that the unit doubles as a Google Assistant speaker, so you won’t need to buy a separate Nest Mini. Additionally, it features a new remote that can be located if misplaced.

Of course, there are some downsides to keep in mind. Walmart created this thing, and the US retailer isn’t available everywhere. This means people in many markets will have a hard time finding one. Walmart also hasn’t built a reputation for itself in terms of software support. The unit also feels and looks a bit cheaper than Google’s options.

All that said, it costs $50. And considering you get both a capable Android TV and a Google Assistant speaker, we think this is a pretty awesome deal.

Tivo Stream 4K: The best for live TV

TiVo built the Stream 4K to be a Chromecast killer, complete with a low $40 price point. It offers one of the most powerful remotes on our list of Android TV devices, and it’s easily the best if you want to watch live TV. TiVo teamed up with Sling TV to bring plenty of live channels that you can surf with the remote’s NumPad. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re not entirely committed to cutting the cord.

On the other hand, TiVo seems to find itself in competition with Android TV. It added a second UI on top of Android TV, which essentially offers the same set of apps and features, just arranged differently. We wouldn’t mind it much as the only UI, but it can be confusing to switch between them. If you can choose between Jekyll and Hyde, you’re in for a solid streaming experience.

Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 is an Android TV projector with full portability

If money is no object, or you simply want something a bit more exciting, the Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 is definitely a device you should consider. It costs a whopping $600, but it is more than just one of the best Android TV boxes.

The Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 can connect to any TV via HDMI and offer the full Android TV experience, but that’s not really what makes it special. It has an integrated projector that can output 500 lumens of brightness. Additionally, its small size (4.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches) is very convenient. Not to mention, the design is gorgeous.

You’ll get to enjoy a 1080p resolution at up to 120 inches, two 5W speakers, Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio jack, and everything Android TV has to offer.

Buying the right Android TV device for your needs

Not all users come to the table with the same needs, and not all devices are created equally. You’ve already settled on Android TV, which takes that factor out of the equation. However, you’ll still want to pay careful attention to the remote control that comes bundled with your device. Some are better than others, with more buttons and more comfortable designs.

You may also want to consider what you’ll use your device for. Like the NVIDIA Shield TV, some are better for gaming, while others, like the TiVo Stream 4K, are great for live TV. Google Nest users will also probably find themselves drawn to the Google Chromecast with Google TV to keep things uniform.

It all depends on your needs, but we’re sure you want to get the most value for your money. Price is an essential factor, so we’re focusing heavily on the cost for this list of the best Android TV boxes.

You’ll also want to ensure you get an Android TV device matching your TV features. If you have a higher-end 4K TV, for example, you want to make sure you get one that supports said resolution, as well as any added features like HDR. If you don’t need any of those additions, you can save money with a 1080p device.

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