Why We Love Android TV Boxes: The Ultimate Guide For 2024

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your TV experience, you might want to consider getting an Android TV box. An Android TV box is a device that connects to your TV via HDMI and runs on the Android TV operating system. Android TV is a version of Android designed for TVs, which offers a user-friendly interface, access to thousands of apps and games, voice control, and integration with Google services.

An Android TV box can transform your TV into a smart TV, allowing you to stream your favorite shows and movies from Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more. You can also play games, browse the web, listen to music, and control your smart home devices with your voice or remote. An Android TV box can also enhance your TV’s picture and sound quality, thanks to features like 4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.

But not all Android TV boxes are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best Android TV box for your needs, such as performance, design, features, price, and compatibility. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Android TV boxes available in 2024, along with their pros and cons. We’ve also explained why we love Android TV boxes and how to set them up and use them.

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The best Android TV boxes in 2024

Here are our top picks for the best Android TV boxes in 2024, based on their specifications, reviews, and popularity.

Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K): The best Android TV box overall

The Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is the latest and greatest Android TV box from Google. It combines the functionality of a Chromecast, which lets you cast content from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV, with the power of Google TV, which is a new interface that organizes your streaming services, recommendations, and live TV in one place.

The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) supports 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering stunning picture and sound quality. It also comes with a small, well-built remote that has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, and YouTube, as well as a TV power and volume control. You can use your voice to search for content, control playback, and access smart home features.

The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is also very affordable, costing only $49.99. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it works seamlessly with other Google devices, such as Nest speakers and displays. The only drawbacks are that it has limited remote buttons, and it may have some ongoing bugs that need to be fixed.

NVIDIA Shield TV 4K: The best Android TV box for gamers

The NVIDIA Shield TV 4K is the ultimate Android TV box for gamers. It’s powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip, which delivers fast and smooth performance for streaming and gaming. It also supports 4K upscaling, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of lower-resolution content.

The NVIDIA Shield TV 4K comes with a sleek, tube-shaped design that can fit behind your TV or soundbar. It also has a premium remote that has backlit buttons, a motion-activated locator, and a customizable menu button. You can use the remote to access Google Assistant, control your smart home devices, and adjust the settings of your Shield TV.

The NVIDIA Shield TV 4K is also a great choice for gamers, as it offers access to NVIDIA GeForce Now, which is a cloud gaming service that lets you play PC games on your TV. You can also stream games from your PC to your TV using NVIDIA GameStream, or play Android games from the Google Play Store. You can also connect a game controller, such as the NVIDIA Shield Controller, to enhance your gaming experience.

The NVIDIA Shield TV 4K costs $149.99, which is a reasonable price for its features and performance. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a game controller, and you may need to buy one separately.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro: The best Android TV box for power users

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV box for power users who want more storage, memory, and ports. It’s similar to the NVIDIA Shield TV 4K, but it has a few upgrades that make it more powerful and versatile.

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro has 16GB of storage, 3GB of RAM, and two full-size USB 3.0 ports, which allow you to connect external hard drives, keyboards, mice, and other accessories. It also has a Plex Media Server built-in, which lets you organize and stream your media files from your local or network storage to your TV. It also supports advanced Android gaming, such as NVIDIA Shield exclusives and GeForce Now.

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro has a classic, box-shaped design that can sit on your TV stand or shelf. It also comes with the same premium remote as the NVIDIA Shield TV 4K, which has backlit buttons, a motion-activated locator, and a customizable menu button. You can use the remote to access Google Assistant, control your smart home devices, and adjust the settings of your Shield TV.

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro costs $199.99, which is a bit pricey, but worth it for its features and performance. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The only drawback is that it doesn’t come with a game controller, and you may need to buy one separately.

Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD): The best Android TV box for 1080p streaming

The Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the best Android TV box for 1080p streaming. It’s the same as the Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K), but it only supports HD resolution, which is fine if you don’t have a 4K TV or don’t care about 4K content.

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) lets you cast content from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV, and also runs on Google TV, which is a new interface that organizes your streaming services, recommendations, and live TV in one place.

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) comes with a small, well-built remote that has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, and YouTube, as well as a TV power and volume control. You can use your voice to search for content, control playback, and access smart home features.

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is very cheap, costing only $29.99. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it works seamlessly with other Google devices, such as Nest speakers and displays. The only drawbacks are that it has limited remote buttons, and it may have some ongoing bugs that need to be fixed.

Google TV 4K Streaming Box: The best Android TV box for Walmart shoppers

Google TV 4K Streaming Box is the best Android TV box for Walmart shoppers. It’s a Walmart-exclusive device that runs on Google TV, which is a new interface that organizes your streaming services, recommendations, and live TV in one place.

Google TV 4K Streaming Box supports 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering stunning picture and sound quality. It also comes with a simple, ergonomic remote that has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max, as well as a TV power and volume control. You can use your voice to search for content, control playback, and access smart home features.

Google TV 4K Streaming Box is also very affordable, costing only $29.88. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it works seamlessly with other Google devices, such as Nest speakers and displays. The only drawbacks are that it has limited remote buttons, and it may have some ongoing bugs that need to be fixed.

TiVo Stream 4K: The best Android TV box for cord-cutters

The TiVo Stream 4K is the best Android TV box for cord-cutters. It’s a device that runs on Android TV, which offers a user-friendly interface, access to thousands of apps and games, voice control, and integration with Google services.

The TiVo Stream 4K supports 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering stunning picture and sound quality. It also comes with a unique, peanut-shaped remote that has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, Prime Video, and TiVo Plus, as well as a TV power and volume control. You can use your voice to search for content, control playback, and access smart home features.

The TiVo Stream 4K is also a great choice for cord-cutters, as it offers access to TiVo Plus, which is a free streaming service that provides live and on-demand content from over 140 channels, such as Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, and more. You can also integrate your streaming subscriptions, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more, into the TiVo Stream app, which gives you personalized recommendations and a unified watchlist.

The TiVo Stream 4K costs $39.99, which is a reasonable price for its features and performance. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The only downside is that it may have some compatibility issues with some apps, such as HBO Max and Peacock.

Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen): The best Android TV box for Xiaomi fans

The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) is the best Android TV box for Xiaomi fans. It’s a device that runs on Android TV, which offers a user-friendly interface, access to thousands of apps and games, voice control, and integration with Google services.

The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) supports 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering stunning picture and sound quality. It also comes with a sleek, minimalist remote that has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, and Prime Video, as well as a TV power and volume control. You can use your voice to search for content, control playback, and access smart home features.

The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) is also a great choice for Xiaomi fans, as it offers access to Xiaomi’s ecosystem of products and services, such as Mi Home, Mi Cloud, Mi Remote, and more. You can also connect your Xiaomi smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your TV using the Mi Cast feature, which lets you mirror your screen wirelessly.

The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) costs $59.99, which is a bit pricey, but worth it for its features and performance. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The only drawback is that it may have some ongoing bugs that need to be fixed.

Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2: The best Android TV box for projector fans

The Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 is the best Android TV box for projector fans. It’s not just a device that runs on Android TV, but also a projector that can project up to 150 inches of screen size with 1080p resolution and 500 ANSI lumens brightness.

The Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 supports HDR10 streaming, delivering vivid and realistic colors. It also comes with a compact, cylindrical design that can fit in any space. It also has a built-in speaker that supports Dolby Audio and DTS-HD, delivering clear and immersive sound.

The Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 also runs on Android TV, which offers a user-friendly interface, access to thousands of apps and games, voice control, and integration with Google services. It also comes with a simple, elegant remote that has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, and Prime Video, as well as a TV power and volume control. You can use your voice to search for content, control playback, and access smart home features.

The Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 costs $599.99, which is very expensive, but worth it for its features and performance. It’s compatible with most TVs and soundbars, and it supports HDR10. The only downside is that it may have some compatibility issues with some apps, such as Disney Plus and HBO Max.

Why we love Android TV boxes

Now that you know some of the best Android TV boxes in 2024, you might be wondering why we love them so much. Here are some of the reasons why Android TV boxes are the best way to enjoy streaming, gaming, and smart home features on your TV.

Extensive streaming options

One of the main reasons why we love Android TV boxes is that they offer extensive streaming options. You can access thousands of apps and games from the Google Play Store, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, Hulu, and more. You can also watch live TV channels from various sources, such as TiVo Plus, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and more. You can also cast content from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV using the Chromecast feature, or stream your media files from your local or network storage using the Plex Media Server feature.

Personalized user interface

Another reason why we love Android TV boxes is that they offer a personalized user interface. You can customize your home screen with your favorite apps, games, and channels, and also get personalized recommendations based on your preferences and watch history. You can also switch between different user profiles, which is great for sharing your Android TV box with your family or friends. You can also use the Google TV interface, which is a new interface that organizes your streaming services, recommendations, and live TV in one place.

Gaming capabilities

Another reason why we love Android TV boxes is that they offer gaming capabilities. You can play Android games from the Google Play Store, or stream PC games from the cloud using NVIDIA GeForce Now, or from your PC using NVIDIA GameStream. You can also connect a game controller, such as the NVIDIA Shield Controller, to enhance your gaming experience. You can also enjoy 4K upscaling, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of lower-resolution games.

Smart home integration

Another reason why we love Android TV boxes is that they offer smart home integration. You can use your your voice or remote to control your smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, and more. You can also use Google Assistant to get answers, weather, news, sports, and more. You can also integrate your Android TV box with other Google devices, such as Nest speakers and displays, or with other smart home platforms, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

Cost-effectiveness

Another reason why we love Android TV boxes is that they offer cost-effectiveness. You can get an Android TV box for as low as $29.99, which is much cheaper than buying a new smart TV or a gaming console. You can also save money on cable or satellite bills, as you can stream your favorite shows and movies from various sources, such as free streaming services, paid streaming subscriptions, or live TV channels. You can also enjoy 4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, which can enhance your TV’s picture and sound quality, without having to buy a new TV or soundbar.

How to set up your Android TV box

Setting up your Android TV box is easy and quick. Here are the steps to follow:

Connect your Android TV box to your TV using an HDMI cable. Make sure your TV is turned on and set to the correct HDMI input.
Connect your Android TV box to a power outlet using the power adapter. Wait for the device to boot up and show the welcome screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your remote with your Android TV box. You may need to press and hold a button on your remote to initiate the pairing process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Android TV box to your Wi-Fi network. You may need to enter your Wi-Fi password using the remote or your phone.
Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your Google account. You can use your phone, tablet, or laptop to scan a QR code or enter a code shown on your TV. You can also use your remote to enter your email and password manually.
Follow the on-screen instructions to customize your settings, such as your location, language, privacy, and parental controls. You can also choose which apps and games you want to install on your Android TV box.
Enjoy your Android TV box. You can use your remote or your voice to navigate the home screen, launch apps and games, search for content, and access smart home features.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Android TV boxes and their answers.

What is the difference between Android TV and Google TV?

Android TV and Google TV are both versions of Android designed for TVs, but they have some differences. Android TV is the older and more common version, which offers a user-friendly interface, access to thousands of apps and games, voice control, and integration with Google services. Google TV is the newer and more advanced version, which offers the same features as Android TV, but also organizes your streaming services, recommendations, and live TV in one place. Google TV also has a more modern and colorful design, and supports multiple user profiles.

How to update your Android TV box?

Updating your Android TV box is important to keep it secure and up to date with the latest features and bug fixes. To update your Android TV box, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Settings app on your Android TV box.
2. Scroll down and select Device Preferences.
3. Scroll down and select About.
4. Scroll down and select System Update.
5. If there is an update available, select Download and Install. If there is no update available, select Check for Update.
6. Wait for the update to download and install. Your Android TV box may restart during the process.
7. Enjoy your updated Android TV box.

How to install apps on your Android TV box?

Installing apps on your Android TV box is easy and fun. You can install apps from the Google Play Store, which offers thousands of apps and games for Android TV. To install apps from the Google Play Store, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Google Play Store app on your Android TV box.
2. Use your remote or your voice to search for the app or game you want to install. You can also browse by categories, such as Movies & TV, Music & Audio, Games, and more.
3. Select the app or game you want to install. You can also read the description, reviews, and ratings of the app or game.
4. Select Install. You may need to accept some permissions or terms of service before installing the app or game.
5. Wait for the app or game to download and install. You can also check the progress on the notification bar at the top of the screen.
6. Enjoy your app or game. You can find it on the home screen or in the Apps section of your Android TV box.

How to troubleshoot your Android TV box?

Troubleshooting your Android TV box is necessary to fix any issues or problems that may occur. Some of the common issues and problems are:
– Your Android TV box is not turning on or booting up.
– Your Android TV box is not connecting to your Wi-Fi network or the internet.
– Your Android TV box is not showing any picture or sound on your TV.
– Your Android TV box is not responding to your remote or your voice.
– Your Android TV box is freezing, crashing, or lagging.
To troubleshoot your Android TV box, you can try the following solutions:
– Check the power connection and the HDMI connection of your Android TV box. Make sure they are plugged in securely and correctly.
– Restart your Android TV box by unplugging it from the power outlet and plugging it back in after a few seconds.
– Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from the power outlet and plugging it back in after a few seconds.
– Check the Wi-Fi settings and the network status of your Android TV box. Make sure you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the signal strength is good.
– Check the display and sound settings of your Android TV box. Make sure they are compatible with your TV and soundbar.
– Check the battery level and the pairing status of your remote. Replace the batteries if they are low or dead, and re-pair the remote with your Android TV box if they are disconnected.
– Check the Google Assistant settings and the microphone status of your remote. Make sure they are enabled and working properly.
– Update your Android TV box to the latest version. Go to the Settings app, select Device Preferences, select About, and select System Update.
– Clear the cache and data of your apps and games. Go to the Settings app, select Apps, select the app or game you want to clear, and select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
– Factory reset your Android TV box. Go to the Settings app, select Device Preferences, select Reset, and select Erase Everything. This will delete all your apps, games, settings, and data, and restore your Android TV box to its original state.

How to reset your Android TV box?

Resetting your Android TV box is a last resort solution to fix any issues or problems that may occur. Resetting your Android TV box will delete all your apps, games, settings, and data, and restore your Android TV box to its original state. To reset your Android TV box, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Settings app on your Android TV box.
2. Scroll down and select Device Preferences.
3. Scroll down and select Reset.
4. Select Erase Everything. You may need to enter your Google account password to confirm the reset.
5. Wait for the reset to complete. Your Android TV box may restart during the process.
6. Set up your Android TV box again. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your remote, connect to your Wi-Fi network, sign in to your Google account, and customize your settings.

Conclusion

Android TV boxes are the best way to enjoy streaming, gaming, and smart home features on your TV. They offer extensive streaming options, personalized user interface, gaming capabilities, smart home integration, and cost-effectiveness. They are also easy to set up, use, and troubleshoot.

If you’re looking for the best Android TV box for your needs, you can choose from our list of the best Android TV boxes in 2024, such as the Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K), the NVIDIA Shield TV 4K, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD), the onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box, the TiVo Stream 4K, the Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen), or the Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2. We hope this article has helped you understand why we love Android TV boxes and how to choose the best one for you. Buy an Android TV box today and enjoy the best of Android TV.

Why We Love Android TV Boxes: The Ultimate Guide for 2024