This MECOOL KM3 Review is authored by Troy from TROYPOINT. It follows a week of regular use with this Android TV Box.

MECOOL generously provided this streaming device to TROYPOINT free of charge. This review, however, remains impartial, highlighting both pros and cons of the Android TV Box. MECOOL was not granted any preview before its release.

Below, you’ll discover an in-depth review paired with a setup video for rapid deployment.

MECOOL KM3

The MECOOL KM3 is classified as an Android TV Box. It operates on the authentic Android TV 10 operating system. And yes, there is a distinction. Many generic Android TV Boxes utilize stock Android, not Android TV.

You can explore the differences between Android TV and Stock Android in detail here

MECOOL brands the KM3 as a Google-certified Android TV box. This is because of its seamless integration with Google’s features. This includes voice control and Google Cast.

Like many generic Android TV Boxes, it doesn’t offer out-of-the-box Netflix support. Surprisingly, it does support Amazon Prime Video in HD.

The MECOOL KM3 offers two configurations for your selection during purchase. You can select either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

MECOOL graciously sent me the 64GB “COLLECTIVE” model. It has more than enough storage for all my needs.

Initially, the KM3 debuted in 2019 with Android TV 9.0. The updated COLLECTIVE model has been upgraded to Android TV 10.0. It seems that if you own the 2019 model, you can upgrade to Android 10.0. This can be done using their OTA update tool.

Upon reviewing the specs, the only change in the COLLECTIVE model seems to be the upgraded OS. It runs Android TV 10.0 instead of 9.0. If you bought the device in 2019, there’s no need to purchase the new model. It’s sufficient to update the Android OS using their update tool.

Their decision to retain this popular Android TV Box in their lineup is commendable. Many distributors introduce new products every few months. It’s hard to keep track. I believe it’s wise to refine an existing quality product over time. This approach makes more sense than constantly chasing trends.

MECOOL KM3 Features at a Glance

• It runs Android 10.0 on an Amlogic S905X2, delivering speed and seamless performance. It transforms your ordinary TV into a smart TV.
• With Google Cast, you can enjoy entertainment on the big screen. Cast from various devices like tablets, smartphones, or laptops. It’s a simple tap-and-go experience.
• Voice command is another convenient feature. You can speak commands into the remote instead of typing them out. Just press the designated voice control key to initiate this feature.
• It boasts an impressive 4GB of DDR4 RAM, offering ample space and high-speed performance.
• Experience the advantage of an H.265 supportive Mali-G31 MP2 decoding graphics processor. It provides professional-grade image processing.
• Dual-band WiFi support is available with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It also features USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors. Additionally, the inclusion of a Bluetooth 4.1 adapter adds to its connectivity options.
• A 100M LAN Interface is built-in for seamless internet browsing.
• HDR support ensures you can relish high-quality 4K images. You also have the option to add subtitles to any video content you’re watching.
• The smart breathing light is a convenient indicator. It flashes red when the device is in hibernation or standby mode. When it’s turned on, it flashes blue.
• The compact size makes it easy to position anywhere in your home.

Use coupon code TROYPOINT at checkout for a 10% discount.

MECOOL KM3 Official Website & Purchasing Options

MECOOL KM3 Running Android TV 10.0

The Android TV operating system is designed specifically for televisions. It’s fantastic to witness MECOOL embracing this platform.

Android TV is commonly found on the NVIDIA Shield and other select devices. It’s a refreshing change from the stock Android experience found on many other TV boxes.

TiVo Stream 4K too.

Most generic Android TV Boxes run Stock Android. The apps also aren’t optimized for the TV screen.  It’s true that we can side-load some of them onto those devices, however. But the Android TV Google Play Store gives you access to all applications intended for use on your Television.

This device really shines because it includes Android TV in its boxes. That’s my take, anyway.  You’re essentially getting many of the perks of the NVIDIA Shield, but without the hefty price tag.

This device integrates seamlessly if you’re a Google Home user.  It’s a really nice feature.

Google Cast is also supported.  This means you can easily send content from your phone, tablet, or computer right to your big screen.

Expand Internal Storage

The MECOOL KM3 has tons of internal storage. You probably won’t need to expand it, but I was curious to see if it worked.

To start, I enabled Developer Options. I went into Settings / Device Preferences / About / and then clicked the Build menu item several times.  Then I went back one screen and into Developer options. That’s where I enabled “Force allow apps on external”.

Next, I plugged a 256GB SandDisk 3.0 USB Drive into the unit. I formatted it as internal storage.  It worked flawlessly, just like on the NVIDIA Shield.  That’s awesome!

Now, any new applications I install will go right onto the USB drive, which is super convenient.  I can also go into each application’s settings and move apps to and from the USB drive whenever I want.

It turns out that we can do this same thing with the Fire TV Stick 4K. However, it’s not the easiest process.

When I go into Apps under Settings, I have the option to choose whether it should run from internal or external storage. I usually choose to run apps that need more resources on internal storage. This includes things like my VPN and Kodi.

Netflix & Amazon Prime Video

Many generic Android TV Boxes don’t offer HD video for Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.  It can be a real pain.

The good news is that the MECOOL KM3 supports Amazon Prime Video in full HD.  The experience is definitely smoother on Fire TV devices, as you might expect.  But at least it works on this system, which is a huge plus.

Netflix is not working at this time. However, there are several APK files available. These can be side-loaded to get 1080p HD video through the Netflix app.

I tested the APK that I linked. It worked, but I needed a wireless keyboard and mouse to use the Netflix app. The application is made for phones and tablets, not TVs.

It is important to recognize that the MECOOL KM3 is not Netflix certified. The APK mentioned earlier is a modified version of the app, and there’s no guarantee how long it will remain functional.

Use coupon code TROYPOINT at checkout for a 10% discount.

MECOOL KM3 Official Website & Purchasing Options

Side-loading Applications on the MECOOL KM3

Using the TROYPOINT App and its Rapid App Installer. I installed all of the most popular APKs and my preferred IPTV service.

I had no issues, and everything worked perfectly.

The Amlogic S905X2 processor handles HD video playback effectively, including 4K content.

Get the Free TROYPOINT Rapid App. It includes the Rapid App Installer.

Gaming

I connected my NVIDIA Shield controller to the MECOOL KM3. I then tested some popular games. I didn’t encounter any lag, and the gaming experience was top-notch on this Android TV Box.

Gamers will find the expandable storage a big plus. It’s useful if they need more space for their games, as a single game can easily take up 1 GB or more of storage.

MECOOL KM3 Download Speeds

I used the Analiti Speed test app for these tests. My internet plan offers 1 GB Fiber download speeds. During Wi-Fi testing, I connected to the 5GHz band on my Asus AC3100 Router. The router’s in the same room as the MECOOL KM3, about 20 feet away.

I am using IPVanish VPN on Chicago Server 04 (chi-a04).

Ethernet

VPN On: Download = 58 Mbps & Upload = 50 Mbps

VPN Off: Download = 96 Mbps & Upload = 88 Mbps

WiFi

VPN On: Download = 66 Mbps & Upload = 39 Mbps

VPN Off: Download = 252 Mbps & Upload = 103 Mbps

Note: The Ethernet port has a 100 Mbps speed limit, resulting in faster WiFi speeds.

Use coupon code TROYPOINT at checkout to get a 10% discount.

MECOOL KM3 Official Website & Purchasing Options

MECOOL KM3 Specs

OS: Android 10.0 Pie ATV.
CPU: Amlogic S905X2 Quad core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU.
GPU: ARM G31 MP2 GPU.
RAM: 4GB.
ROM: 64/128GB.
WiFi: Built in 2.4G&5G 2T2R WiFi. It also supports IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac.
Bluetooth: BT4.2.
LAN Ethernet: 10/100M.
LED Indicator: Smart breathing light.
Decoder Format: H.263,H.264,H.265,HD MPEG4.
Audio format: AAC,FLAC,MP3,OGG,RM,WMA.
Video format: AVI,DAT,ISO,MKV,MOV,MP4,MPEG,MPG,RM,WMV.
Photo Format: BMP,GIF,HD JPEG,PNG,TIFF.
Support 5.1 Surround Sound Output: Yes.
DRM: Support microsoft playready, google widevine L1.
HDCP: Support HDCP2.2.
HDR: Supports HDR10+, HDR10, HLG and Technicolor HDR processing.
OTA: Support OTA update.
Certified: Google Certified.
Language: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, etc. A total of 24 languages are supported.
Machine Size/Weight: 100X100X17.5mm / 130g.
Packaged Size/Weight: 410X355X282mm / 535g.
Included in the box: 1 Adapter,1 Gift Box,1 Vioce remote,1 HDTV Cable,1 User Manual.

What I Like

• Android TV Operating System.
• Large internal storage for both models.
• Plays 4K video smoothly.
• Powerful CPU.
• Bluetooth remote control, not a cheap IR remote.
• Expanding internal storage works excellent.
• Fast download speeds with VPN on & off.
• Excellent price.
• Supports Amazon Prime Video in HD.

What I Dislike

• Netflix HD not supported. It’s not certified.
• Ethernet Adapter is only 10/100M.
• Shipping takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to the United States from MECOOL. However, it is worth the wait in my opinion.
• Limited support.

Use coupon code TROYPOINT at checkout for a 10% discount.

MECOOL KM3 Official Website & Purchasing Options

Final Thoughts on the MECOOL KM3 Android TV Box

MECOOL is my favorite generic Android TV Box manufacturer. I can probably stop calling them “generic” now. This is because they are using certified Android TV operating systems!

Would I purchase the KM3 if I was a heavy Netflix user?  No, I would not. However, most TROYPOINT followers are not Netflix users. This is due to the numerous free streaming applications that are available. So this shouldn’t be a problem for them.

The NVIDIA Shield is still considered by many cord cutters to be the best streaming device on the market. But it comes with a hefty price tag.

The MECOOL KM3 is one of those devices that provides many features of the NVIDIA Shield. However, it does so without breaking the bank.

MECOOL sells additional models such as the KM1, KM8, KM9, and others.  I personally wouldn’t upgrade to this new box if one of their other models is working well for you. The main features that set this one apart from the others are the large internal storage and Android TV 10.0.

The common question that I often receive is whether I would purchase this instead of a Fire TV Stick 4K.  The answer is yes. This device can be better customized. It also provides more internal storage and power than the Amazon products.  But, the Fire TV Stick 4K also costs approximately $40 less than the MECOOL KM3.

Purchasing Options

MECOOL has instructed me to point customers to their official Website for ordering. As stated above, shipping takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to the United States. If you need it quicker, I would suggest searching both Ebay and Amazon. But you will probably pay a much higher price if you do that.

When you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission of the sale at no additional cost to you.  Your support is greatly appreciated, and I thank you!

As of this post, here are the prices for each model.

• 4GB 64GB – $89.99.
• 4GB 128GB – $104.39.

Use coupon code TROYPOINT at checkout for a 10% discount.

MECOOL KM3 Official Website & Purchasing Options

 

Links Mentioned in Video

Free TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer.

MECOOL KM3 Android TV Box (Collective Edition) Order Page.

Get Best IPVanish VPN Discount.

 

Do you own a MECOOL KM3?  Tell us what you think of this Android TV Box in the comments section below.

 

I rate the MECOOL KM3 4.7 stars out of 5.