The Ugoos UT8 PRO 64bit Android TV Box is among the most powerful streaming devices available. It makes you wonder if it might be too much for the average cord-cutter.
Troy from TROYPOINT wrote this Ugoos UT8 PRO review. He used the Android Box regularly for a week before writing it.
If you’re a TROYPOINT Patron or Founding Member, you can watch my initial impressions video of this device.
Troy’s Ugoos UT8 PRO First Impressions Video
TROYPOINT bought this streaming device. The review is impartial, and you’ll find that I discuss the TV box’s strengths and weaknesses.
Ugoos UT8 PRO Key Features
- Strong aluminum case
- Powerful Quad-core Cortex-A55 Processor
- 64bit Android 11 OS (not Android TV)
- 8GB LPDDR4 RAM
- 64GB Internal Storage
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 USB 3.0
- 1 USB OTG 3.0
- 1 USB 2.0
- WiFi 6 with 2×2 MIMO technology
- Optical Out
- TF Card Slot
- Audio Out & Aux In
- Samba server
- Bluetooth 5
- 4K 60 fps resolution
- HDR support
- OTA Updates
Ugoos UT8 PRO Review
Looking at the features above, you can tell this box has it all! The only things missing are Android TV and AV1 codec support.
The Ugoos UT8 PRO uses Android 11, not Android TV 11. It’s the same operating system as phones and tablets. However, Ugoos has modified it to function as a streaming device.
Generally, I’m not a fan of boxes that don’t use the real Android TV. They tend to have clunky interfaces and never get updates.
I want to emphasize that this box isn’t suitable for those who pay for streaming services like Netflix. The device isn’t Netflix certified. Instead, the UT8 Pro is designed for people who use unverified streaming apps, Kodi addons, and IPTV services.
Setup
Setup is incredibly easy and quick. The only thing I needed to do was pair the remote. That was it!
There’s no need to go through a bunch of questions! The home screen showed up on the UT8 Pro as soon as the remote was paired.
User Interface
The Ugoos UT8 PRO user interface resembles a phone or tablet. Personally, I’m not fond of this UI on a television screen. The shortcuts are tiny, making it crucial to use a 3rd-party launcher like Wolf Launcher.
The system includes a launcher called ULauncher. It’s made for television and offers some screen customization. However, Wolf Launcher provides more customization options.
Some Android boxes don’t work with 3rd-party launchers. But I’m pleased to say that the Ugoos UT8 PRO does. All of the Ugoos streaming devices I’ve tested have supported them. I think they also have another launcher that you can get from the Google Play Store.
Over The Air (OTA) Updates
Most generic boxes that run stock Android don’t get updated. However, that’s not the case with Ugoos. They regularly send out essential updates, which is fantastic!
I’ve reached a point where I don’t bother reviewing generic boxes anymore.
Due to this issue, Ugoos is a brand I’m always happy to review. I appreciate their commitment to customer support, which sets them apart.
### 4K Streaming Playback and APKs
After updating the Ugoos UT8 PRO, I proceeded to install my go-to applications.
- Surfshark VPN
- Kodi
- FilmPlus
- Syncler
- TiviMate for IPTV
- SmartTubeNext Ad-Free YouTube
- Analiti Speed Test
- Wolf Launcher
I tested several free streaming apps. These included Kodi, Filmplus, and Syncler, each linked with my Real-Debrid account.
Not surprisingly, given the device’s robust specs, all of them played 4K video seamlessly. No stuttering at all.
I also configured my preferred IPTV service within TiviMate. This also worked flawlessly
### Remote Control
The Ugoos UT8 PRO comes equipped with both an infrared and Bluetooth remote, referred to in the documentation as an “IR+BT remote”. The documentation indicates that once the remote is properly paired, you can use the IR sensor to control your TV. Supposedly, this allows you to turn your TV on and off, as well as adjust the volume. There’s a learning button on the remote that facilitates this.
The remote features an air mouse function. This lets you wave the remote to control an on-screen mouse pointer, which is helpful. Since it doesn’t run Android TV, most users will need this to navigate apps and the Google Play Store effectively.
### Download & Upload Speeds
For my speed assessments, I used the Analiti Speed test app. My internet service provider offers a 1 GB Fiber speed plan.
My WiFi tests were conducted while connected to the 5Ghz band of my Asus GT-AX11000 Router. The router and the Ugoos UT8 PRO are in the same room, about 20 feet apart.
I am currently using Surfshark VPN, which holds the top spot in our TROYPOINT VPN rankings
#### **WiFi Speeds**
With Surfshark VPN activated, I got a download speed of 177 Mbps and an upload speed of 107 Mbps.
Without the VPN, speeds increased significantly. Download speed reached 557 Mpbs, and upload speed was 280 Mbps.
#### **Gigabit Ethernet Speeds**
Using a Gigabit Ethernet connection and Surfshark VPN, download speed was 211 Mbps, and upload was 140 Mbps.
Disabling the VPN resulted in download speeds of 848 Mbps and upload speeds of 638 Mbps. This is truly impressive for an ethernet connection.
I’m quite impressed by the WiFi and Gigabit speeds. While a VPN does reduce speeds, it’s worth noting that these speeds are still more than enough for streaming 8K video.
### Ugoos UT8 Pro Price
At the time of writing, the Ugoos UT8 Pro is priced between $139 and $200, with the final cost varying depending on the options chosen at checkout.
Keep in mind that shipping times can vary significantly based on your location when buying from these popular retailers.
Buy Ugoos UT8 Pro at AliExpress
## What I Like
- 64GB internal storage
- 8GB of RAM
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Strong aluminum case
- Air-mouse on remote control
- Can control TV with remote control
- Plays 4K video flawlessly
- Fast download speed with VPN on and off
- USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports
- Optical audio port
- TF card slot
## What I Dislike
- Stock Android and not Android TV
- No support for AV1 codec
- High price
## Ugoos UT8 PRO Final Thoughts
I have positive feelings toward this streaming box. However, the price is a bit high in my opinion.
The box seems to be well-equipped for the future, with one notable exception. The lack of AV1 codec support is a significant oversight. It’s surprising that a device at this level wouldn’t include it, given that AV1 is set to become the standard for online video delivery. New devices really should have this feature.
This box might be a good fit for you. Especially if you need a lot of internal storage, Gigabit Ethernet, and prefer stock Android.
Personally, I’d suggest waiting. It might be worth seeing if a new NVIDIA SHIELD is on the horizon, as it seems like an upgrade is due.
I find that many of these devices offer features that most cord-cutters won’t fully utilize. Do you really need Gigabit Ethernet, USB ports, 64GB of internal storage, and 8GB of RAM? It’s nice to have these features. But many users can get by with less and wouldn’t miss them.
Don’t get caught up in the Gigabit Ethernet hype. 20-30 Mbps is sufficient for streaming 4K video. Anything more is unnecessary and won’t make a noticeable difference.
The Walmart onn. Android TV Box is still a great option at just $19 and will be perfectly adequate for many people!
I rate the Ugoos UT8 PRO Android TV Box 4.6 out of 5 stars.