This Android TV Box Resource Guide will provide you with everything you need to know about these marvelous media devices.
It includes a complete list of the best Android TV Boxes and tips on how to maximize the performance of your chosen device.
What is Android TV Box?
An Android TV Box is a type of streaming device that links to a television, offering access to movies, TV shows, live channels, games, and more.
The term “Android” is used to indicate the operating system that runs these entertainment hubs.
Android TV Boxes come in various sizes and shapes, sometimes known as IPTV Boxes.
Some are manufactured by well-known electronics companies, while others are generic boxes usually shipped from China.
Currently, the most in-demand Android TV Box is the Amazon Firestick.
There are multiple versions of this device, including the Fire TV Stick Lite, Firestick 4k, and Fire TV Cube.
This affordable small plastic rectangle functions on Android OS and is highly favored for the free media accessible after jailbreaking it.
Moreover, Android devices such as the Chromecast with Google TV can also be “jailbroken.”
How to Jailbreak Chromecast with Google TV
Due to the open-source nature of the Android Operating System and its popularity, app developers and box manufacturers deem it an ideal platform.
Contrasting the closed source system of the renowned Roku platform, which restricts installation of 3rd party apps permitted on Android devices.
With numerous applications available in the Google Play Store or Amazon App Store, any app not found in these stores can be sideloaded onto the device.
Process of sideloading on an Android device is straightforward, allowing users to utilize any app designed for the platform.
Variants of the Android Operating System on different devices should be acknowledged.
Android TV vs. Stock Android
Each Android TV Box operates on either Android TV, an Android TV variation like Fire OS, or Stock Android.
Android TV is Google’s OS tailored for TV and remote control usage.
Amazon also develops a similar Android OS named Fire OS for televisions.
Android TV and Fire OS offer a user-friendly 10-foot experience, simplifying navigation when relaxing on the living room couch.
Stock Android resembles the OS found on Android phones or tablets, not optimized for TVs but made navigable on television through custom launchers by box distributors.
Wolf Launcher for Firestick/Android
Generic Android TV Boxes utilizing Stock Android are commonly referred to as such due to the multitude available online, predominantly from China.
Examples of Android TV Devices
- NVIDIA SHIELD
- MECOOL KM7 Box
- Xiaomi Mi Box
- Chromecast with Google TV
Examples of Fire OS Devices
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
- Fire TV Stick Lite
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
Examples of Stock Android Devices (Generic Android TV Boxes)
Note: Some manufacturers install modified versions of Android TV on their devices.
Although functioning similarly to an NVIDIA SHIELD, these versions may have limitations, as seen with the MECOOL M8S PRO L, where features like Chromecast and HD streaming may not fully operate.
Despite its quality, the M8S PRO L lacks certain aspects commonly found in a complete Android TV experience.
Now, let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both Android TV and Stock Android systems.
Android TV & Fire OS Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent user interface – Android TV and Fire OS were designed specifically for televisions, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
- All Google Play Store and Fire OS apps are optimized for the television – The app store on Android TV only includes applications optimized for TV, providing a seamless experience. If the app you need isn’t available, sideloading is an option.
- Sideloading available – Allows the installation of applications not found in official app stores.
- Quality components – Devices from Amazon and NVIDIA use top-notch components, ensuring reliability.
- Android updates applied – Regular updates are provided by credible vendors for most Android TV systems.
- Great for gaming if specs meet game requirements.
Cons
- Limited app store – Only optimized apps are available on Google Play Store and Fire OS; however, sideloading remains an option for additional apps.
- Advertisements – Some devices display ads on the launcher, affecting user experience.
- Less open – These devices are not rooted, limiting customization options and app compatibility.
- Less storage – Typically come with limited internal storage capacity.
Stock Android Pros & Cons
Pros
- Access to most apps through Google Play Store.
- Most are rooted allowing for maximum customization.
- More bang for your buck in terms of storage and processing power.
- Easier to modify due to the open Stock Android system with no locks in place.
Cons
- Android updates are usually limited or non-existent.
- Limited customer support since most is distributed from China companies.
- Remote control experience is less than optimal.
- Netflix & Amazon Prime apps usually don’t stream in High Definition quality. This may be the case for other paid premium services as well.
- Most applications that you install aren’t designed for remote control.
NOTE: If you are having issues with your device, a simple Reset is a great way to alleviate any problems you may be experiencing.
How To Choose An Android TV Box
There are hundreds of different Android TV Boxes on the market, which can make choosing the right one overwhelming.
Consider what you will use the system for:
- Will it be used for premium on-demand portals like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime?
- Will you stream from various Streaming Apps or IPTV services?
- Are you interested in gaming on your Android TV Box?
Best Android TV Boxes
If you’re new to cord-cutting, we recommend starting with an Android TV Box from reputable manufacturers like Amazon, NVIDIA, MECOOL, or Google.
These brands offer regular updates, ensuring quality streaming for a few years.
If you enjoy customizations and are tech-savvy, a generic stock Android TV Box may be suitable, despite limited support and updates.
Don’t be overly concerned about future updates; some generic Android TV Boxes come with ample storage, multiple USB ports, Ethernet port, and fast processors.
Comparing with the Fire TV lineup, generic boxes offer more storage, USB support, and ports like Ethernet.
Some users find generic Android TV Boxes preferable over popular choices like Amazon and NVIDIA for specific use cases.
Consider testing a generic box on a spare TV before making a decision.
For gaming enthusiasts, the NVIDIA SHIELD is a top choice designed for both streaming and gaming, complete with a dedicated NVIDIA gamepad option.
MECOOL Boxes are another reliable option similar to NVIDIA devices, appealing to a wide range of users.
Attention to advanced cord-cutters.
If you frequently use services like Netflix & Amazon Prime, it’s advisable to avoid generic Android TV Boxes.
As of now, these services do not stream HD content and the apps can be challenging to navigate on generic boxes.
Android TV Box Apps
There are numerous apps and APK’s that you can install on your Android TV Box.
Even if your desired app is not in your app store, you can still sideload it onto your device.
One popular choice users install on their Android device is Aptoide, a Google Play Alternative.
Aptoide is a secondary app store allowing users to install 3rd party apps not found in Google Play.
Many apps from TROYPOINT’s Best APK’s list can be installed via Aptoide, among thousands of others.
The Android OS also supports running gaming emulators for endless fun with retro games!
Simply connect a compatible gamepad and enjoy playing popular games from years ago for hours of entertainment.
Happy Chick on Fire TV/Stick & Android TV Boxes
RetroArch on Fire TV/Stick & Android TV Boxes
User Interface
If you start sideloading apps, you might encounter some that don’t work well with the included remote on any Android TV Box.
You could be using an app on Android TV meant for phones/tablets that doesn’t function well with a remote; the same issue can arise on Fire OS and Stock Android.
Stock Android devices typically come with a remote-controlled mouse pointer, but in my experience, these remotes are cheap and unreliable.