The MECOOL KM7 Plus is a Google TV / Android TV 11 streaming box that is Netflix certified. It comes with enough power to suit most people’s streaming needs.
MECOOL kindly sent me this new model, and I have already created an exclusive First Impressions Video available to TROYPOINT Patrons and Founding Members.
Click Here for MECOOL KM7 Plus First Impressions Video
Below, you will find my in-depth unbiased review that covers both the good and bad.
MECOOL KM7 Plus Features/Specs
- Google TV built on Android TV 11
- 4K HDR & HDR+
- Amlogic S905Y4 Processor
- 16GB EMMC internal storage
- 2GB DDR4 RAM Memory
- WiFi 2.4 & 5 GHz
- Standard Ethernet Port
- 2 USB ports
- microSD slot
- Digital Optical port
- 3.5mm AV port
- HDMI out port
- 12.0V power adapter
- Bluetooth 5.0
- AV1 Codec Support
- Chromecast Built-in
- Google Assistant
- Netflix 4K Certified
- Prime Video Certified
- Dolby ATMOS
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MECOOL KM7 Plus Review
I’ve been using the MECOOL KM7 Plus regularly for the past two weeks. In this unbiased review, I will share my findings.
I won’t delve into every listed feature above since most are self-explanatory. Instead, I will focus on the significant aspects that interest most cord-cutters.
As mentioned in my First Impressions Video, when I first started using the device, I encountered various issues. Performing a factory reset resolved all these problems. This is a helpful tip if you face similar challenges upon initial setup.
Sideloading Apps on MECOOL KM7 Plus
Indeed, sideloading applications works seamlessly on the new MECOOL KM7 Plus.
I downloaded the free Downloader App, opened the TROYPOINT Toolbox, and installed Kodi, TiviMate, SmartTubeNext, and Unlinked.
All the sideloaded apps functioned as expected.
Google TV
Google TV is the operating system installed on the MECOOL KM7 Plus, the same one found on the Chromecast with Google TV.
Google TV functions on Android TV 11 on this device, essentially serving as a user interface layered atop Android TV.
I am not particularly fond of Google TV due to the abundance of ads for streaming services and slower menu transitions. It also occupies more space on internal storage, a point I will elaborate on later in the review.
This brings us to the next part of the review… 3rd Party Launchers.
3rd Party Launchers
Fortunately, we can install 3rd party launchers like Wolf Launcher, offering a customized user interface and a more responsive device. Users need to install Launcher Manager for proper functionality. Both Wolf Launcher and Launcher Manager are included in the TROYPOINT Toolbox.
I’m thrilled to let you know that the MECOOL KM7 Plus indeed supports 3rd party launchers. The Wolf launcher functions exceptionally well on this device.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant performs admirably on this device. When using the remote to interact with it, the responses are prompt and accurate.
Google Remote
The Bluetooth Google Remote Control that comes with the MECOOL KM7 Plus is highly popular among users.
Upon initial setup, the remote may exhibit laggy performance. However, after an update, most issues are resolved.
The MECOOL KM7 Plus Remote includes convenient shortcut buttons for YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
It also integrates well with TVs and other AV equipment, providing control over power, volume, and input on external devices.
Many users appreciate this remote and hope more Android TV manufacturers adopt a similar design.
Netflix 4K HD & Amazon Prime Certified
Netflix and Amazon Prime function as expected on this certified device.
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MECOOL KM7 Plus Storage
The MECOOL KM7 Plus boasts 16GB of internal storage. However, after accounting for system apps, approximately 9GB remains available for use.
One limitation is the storage required by Android TV, Google TV, and other system apps, necessitating more than 16GB.
Many users wish the device offered at least 32GB of storage to alleviate this constraint.
Expanding Internal Storage
Expanding internal storage enables the use of external storage like a USB drive as internal storage. Users can assign a USB drive or microSD card as internal storage to install applications.
The KM7 Plus supports expanding internal storage, unlike some other Android devices.
A 256 GB SanDisk USB 3.0 drive was successfully employed for this purpose during testing.
This functionality facilitates transferring applications to external storage.
MECOOL KM7 Plus Download/Upload Speeds
I performed speed tests using the Analiti Speed test app.
My Internet Service Provider offers a one GB Fiber download speed plan.
For WiFi tests, I connected to the 5Ghz band on my Asus AC3100 Router located about 20 feet away from the MECOOL KM7 Plus in the same room.
I used Surfshark VPN on the Chicago Server.
Ethernet
With VPN On: Download = 91 Mbps & Upload = 86 Mbps
With VPN Off: Download = 95 Mbps & Upload = 86 Mbps
WiFi
When VPN is On: Download = 123 Mbps & Upload = 76 Mbps
When VPN is Off: Download = 342 Mbps & Upload = 326 Mbps
Note: Faster WiFi speeds are due to the Ethernet port being limited to 100 Mbps.
The KM7 Plus offers exceptional WiFi speeds for downloading and uploading, surpassing the requirements for streaming 4K video. Speeds exceeding 20-30 Mbps are more than sufficient for optimal performance.
KM7 Plus Overall Performance
The MECOOL KM7 Plus delivers impressive responsiveness and speed.
I’ve had no issues streaming 4K videos through apps like Netflix and Kodi.
I expected some lag due to the 2GB RAM on the KM7 Plus, but surprisingly, I haven’t experienced that. However, I do wish they had included an extra 2GB for future-proofing.
What I Like
- Android TV
- Low-power yet powerful CPU
- Netflix & Amazon Prime Certified
- 2 USB ports
- Ethernet port
- Google Assistant
- Chromecast works
- Support 3rd party launchers such a Wolf
- Can expand internal storage
- Fast download/upload speeds
- 4K works great for both official and side-loaded apps
- Great remote control
- AV1 codec
What I Dislike
- Google TV
- 2GB RAM
- Not enough internal storage
- No USB 3.0
- No Dolby VISION
- Limited support
- Usually no updates from MECOOL
MECOOL KM7 Plus Final Thoughts
The MECOOL KM7 Plus is a good streaming device but not great. As with everything in life, having great usually requires paying more money. This Android TV Box will suit most cord-cutters, and many will find this an upgrade from Fire TV devices.
Many will compare this to Chromecast with Google TV since both run Google TV. I prefer the MECOOL KM7 Plus for including various ports not found on Chromecast with Google TV. Buying a USB C Hub and a new power adapter for Chromecast isn’t ideal for many.
Most Android TV devices seem to be transitioning to Google TV, which I’m not a fan of, as I prefer bare-bones Android TV. Overall, this is a good streaming device for the money, but MECOOL could have future-proofed it better by adding 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM.
My ranking of the new MECOOL KM7 Plus is Good.
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