While built-in Android TVs dominate the Smart TV segment, Android TV set-top boxes are making a place for themselves. For those who still have old TVs, Android TV Box can convert your boring TV into Smart TV at the least cost. You get a personalized user interface, access to thousands of apps through the Play Store, and support for Google Assistant. What more could you want? So if you want to buy an Android box for your TV, then you have come to the right place. Here are the Best Android TV Boxes 2021.
Best Android TV Boxes 2021
Here, we have mentioned the 5 best Android TV boxes that you can buy in 2021. Before selecting the list, we have taken prices, new features and reliability into consideration. So see the list below and click the link to proceed to the appropriate device.
NVIDIA SHIELD TV
If you are one of those people who are looking for a powerful Android TV box to play and reproduce high resolution content on a large screen, then Nvidia Shield TV is the best device you can buy. There are two offerings from Nvidia: Shield TV and Shield TV Pro. Both variants are almost identical, except that the Shield TV offers 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage (with support for microSD cards), while the Pro version is 3GB of RAM and 16GB. Storage.
In addition, the Shield TV features a powerful 256-core Nvidia GPU with Nvidia’s internal Tegra X1 + processor to drive millions of pixels on a large screen. Additionally, it supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision supports HDR and HDR10, comes with Dolby Audio and DTS-X surround sound, and more.
Some people may not like this, but Nvidia Shield TV supports converting HD and FHD content to 4K @ 30FPS using its AI algorithm. On top of that, it can render 4K HDR content at 60FPS without any frame drop. Also, you get support for a backlit remote, Google Assistant and Alexa, Bluetooth 5.0, and more. Considering all the points, it is clear that if you want to experience the best Android TV, then Nvidia Shield TV is nothing.
Xiaomi Mi Box S / Mi TV Stick
Mi Box S and Mi TV Stick are Xiaomi’s two Android box offerings in the US, India, and many other markets. Frankly, both smart TVs are good internal to the box and come with a clean Android TV operating system. To get started with the Mi Box S, you get 4K HDR playback, Chromecast built-in, and Google Assistant support.
Inside, there is 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage with an A53-based processor. You also get a premium audio experience as the Mi Box S comes with Dolby + DTS audio. Overall, Xiaomi Mi Box S is a decent Android TV box and you can check if Google TV with Chromecast doesn’t do it for you.
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If you are looking for an affordable Android TV box, go for the Mi TV Stick. It runs Android 9.0 out of the box and only supports up to 1080p output resolution. There is no 4K here. The Mi TV Stick has 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, an A53-based processor, and Mali GPU. In short, the Mi TV Stick is the best Android TV box for those looking for an inexpensive device that can convert their old TV into a smart TV.
- Buy from Amazon: ₹4,199 (Mi Box S)
- Buy from Flipkart: ₹3,299 (Mi box 4k)
- Buy from Flipkart: ₹2,499 (Mi TV Stick)
Chromecast with Google TV
Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best Android TV boxes out there. Unlike previous Chromecast, which were only streaming devices, this year Google has loaded Chromecast with a new user interface called Google TV, which is based on the Android TV platform. You also get a remote control to browse, search, and find new content in the Google TV user interface. You do not need to use your smartphone to stream content to your TV.
Specs-wise, it includes an Amlogic SoC (4 Cortez A55 1.9 GHz cores) and a Mali GPU. You also get 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, out of which only 4.4GB is available to the user. On the specs front, it does not look like a powerful Android TV box, but rest assured that you will get a great Google TV experience with its personalized recommendations and smart features.
It should not be forgotten that Chromecast with Google TV can also play 4K HDR content without sweating and has a separate live sports section. So if you want a 4K Android TV box that is well priced and features a redesigned classic Google style, Chromecast with Google TV is a suitable option for you.
Buy from Flipkart: ₹3,299
Fire TV Stick 4K
Many do not know this, but the Fire TV Stick actually runs the Android TV operating system under the hood. Since Android is an open-source project, Amazon has taken the source code and replaced all of Google’s services with one from Amazon. For example, Google Assistant is replaced by Alexa, the Play Store is replaced by Amazon Store, and so on. Basically what you get at the end is an Android TV box with a layer of Amazon services and applications on top of the operating system.
You can also install APK files on your Fire TV Stick 4K. Not to mention, you have access to a wide range of apps, just like the Android TV box. Simply put, if you have the experience, you can buy Fire TV Stick 4K to look like an Android TV box and download applications and services in the background.
Speaking of Specs, it has a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU with 1.5GHz RAM and 8GB of storage. Besides, 4K playback is available with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR 10+. Simply put, the Fire TV Stick 4K is a solid Android TV box with better internal and you can definitely try it out.
Buy from amazon: ₹2,999 (Fire Tv Stick 1080p)
Buy from amazon: ₹4,499 (Fire Tv Stick 4K)
MarQ by Flipkart Turbostream Media Streaming Device
MarQ which is owned by Flipkart is doing a great job in Smart Tv, TV box, and so many things. MarQ Streaming device comes at a very affordable price i.e. 2,999. It has a 64bit Quad-core 1.2GHz Processor and certified Android 9. In connectivity, it supports dual-band wifi 2,4GHz/5GHz wifi which will help you while streaming shows in good quality give you good speed.
Talking about Bluetooth it has Bluetooth 4.0. It has 1 GB ram which will help you to stream without any lag and 8GB storage to store install apps, download videos, music, and so on. Mali G450 graphics will help your graphics. It will give you full entertainment as it has Dolby Audio. You will get YouTube and Netflix apps button shortcut in Remote.
Buy from Flipkart: ₹2,999
Best Android TV Boxes 2021 VERDICT
So these are the best Android boxes you can buy in 2020. We have included only those boxes that provide reliability, long-term support, and are inexpensive to buy. If you want the best experience and don’t have a price range, I highly recommend that you get the Nvidia Shield TV if you are on a tight budget, choose MarQ. You will receive updates for a much longer period of time and the performance will stay on top for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Should You Buy an Android TV or Android Box?
If you want a longer update, I would suggest that you get an Android box instead of a built-in Android TV. Android TVs stop updating after 2-3 years. If you get a cheap Android TV box, you can replace it with the latest one after a few years without spending anything.
Q. Can You Watch Live TV on an Android Box?
Yes, you can watch live TV on an Android box. There are many applications like ESPN, YouTube TV, CBS Sports, etc. Where you can watch live TV. Please note that some applications may require a subscription.
Q. Which is Better Fire Stick or Android Box?
In terms of compatibility and app features, both Fire Stick and Android Box are almost identical. On the hardware side, the Fire Stick usually packs better hardware than the Android box, and the Fire Stick is generally well priced.
Basically, it boils down to whatever ecosystem you want: do you like Google Assistant or Alexa? Do you depend on the Play Store for membership or the Amazon Store? Based on these questions, you can choose a fire stick or an android box.
Q. Do I Need to Pay Regularly While Using Android Box?
No, you do not need to pay regularly while using Android Box. You only have to pay for the applications you have chosen to subscribe to. For example, Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, etc. And other payment transmission services.
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