Android TV boxes are a great way to watch your favourite shows and movies. But with so many different boxes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best Android TV boxes on the market and tell you why each one is worth your money. So read on to find out which box is best for you!
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Things To Consider
Before we take a look at some popular options, we’ll first share some handy tips on what you should look out for when buying a new Android TV box.
Processing power
The first consideration we have for you today is processing power.
Look for a TV box with impressive RAM and processing power, as this will ensure the box performs at its best without any lagging. If your budget will allow for it, an Android TV box equipped with an Octo-Core processor is best. And also, look for one with at least a 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU or larger.
Storage
Storage is another important consideration as a lack of storage will disrupt your viewing experience and result in you constantly deleting shows or apps to make room. Look for an Android TV box with at least 8GB of storage or expandable storage.
Display
To get the most from your viewing experience, you need to find a box that provides you with the right display.
For 4K streaming, for example, an HDMI 2.0 will be required. Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching and 265 Hardware decoding should also be present whenever possible.
If that sounds a little technical, basically look for an Android TV box that can support 4K streaming and HD vids. This is mainly because most popular streaming apps now stream in these configurations.
Google Play Store
To make installing apps and features a whole lot easier, look for a box that supports the Google Play store. Setting this up is no different to setting up your Android smartphone, and ultimately it will make your user experience much better.
Best Android TV Box In Singapore
Okay, now that you know what to look for, here’s a look at what many consider to be 4 of the best Android TV boxes on the market today.
1. Nvidia Shield TV Pro
First on our list today we have the Nvidia Shield TV Pro.
Why We Love It
If you happen to be on a bit of a budget but don’t want to miss out on all of your favourite TV shows and movies, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the perfect tv box for you.
This Android-powered games console/set-top box comes with a deceptively large amount of features for a box with such a humble price tag.
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro has an attractive and unusual design that is perhaps comparable to a B-2 Stealth Bomber. Powered by Tegra X1+ Processor, Nvidia Shield TV Pro is compact, responsive and eye-catching, featuring an adjustable neon green light strip to indicate its power status.
To the rear, you’ll locate two USB 3.0 ports, 4K, HDR-Compatible HDMI port, proprietary power port, and an ethernet port.
As far as online connectivity goes, there is in-built WI-FI and Bluetooth 5.0 for flawless wireless connectivity.
Keep In Mind
As far as flaws go, we struggle to find anything major to complain about with this TV box.
The only real downsides are that with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, storage and memory capacity can be bigger for such a premium device.
It would also be useful if they included an HDMI cable with this TV box instead of just the 1 power cable that comes with it.
Get Nvidia Shield TV Pro from Amazon
2. Xiaomi Mi Box 4K
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense TV box that will help convert your TVs into fully-fledged smart TVs, Xiaomi Mi Box 4K is the box for you.
Why We Love It
The Mi Box 4K is an affordable Android TV box. The box is powered by a quad-core Amlogic processor and has 2GB of RAM plus 8GB of internal storage for apps. With in-built Google Chromecast, 4K HDR10 support, access to the Play store, and heaps more besides, this is proving to be a very popular device.
Launched in Singapore back in May 2020, this box is perfect for those who aren’t too handy with electronics. Setting the box up is a piece of cake as you basically need a power outlet for the adaptor and an HDMI port. After switching the box on, you will then receive many on-screen instructions walking you through the set-up process.
As for the overall design, okay, it might not be as aesthetically pleasing as the Nvidia TV box, but it still looks attractive enough. It is a good size in that it isn’t too big or clunky to be stored away, but it’s also not small enough to get lost.
It’s the features that really seal the deal for us, though, in that the Mi Box 4K will transform even the most basic of TVs into smart TVs loaded full of handy functions and features. The app library is extensive and responsive, and as you might expect, all of the big streaming apps are there.
There are regional providers supported, along with meWatch, iQiYi, and popular options such as Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.
As far as features go, though, we loved the in-built Chromecast Ultra, which allows users to stream onto the TV via their phones and tablets.
Keep In Mind
Despite having Dolby Audio and DTS 2.0, some users may be disappointed to learn that the Xiaomi Mi Box 4K does not support Dolby Vision.
Get Xiaomi Mi Box 4K from Qoo10
3. Google Chromecast 4
This is a streaming device that has been a long time coming, as finally, after what seems like an eternity of waiting, we finally have a Chromecast with a remote. Huzzah!
Why We Love It
This is so much more than just a smart streaming stick with a remote. Chromecast 4 comes packed full of apps; it offers a user-friendly interface, a 4K 60/fps video resolution, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision compatibility, and a very affordable price tag.
Okay, the design is minimal in that this is basically a dongle that you plug into your HDMI port, but so what? It does exactly what you’d want it to do.
Using this small, white, pebble-shaped device is very easy, though to make life a bit easier, there is now a remote included as well.
The TV interface is what you’d expect from such a device, with tabs at the top of the screen for Search, Apps, Movies, and Library, with thumbnails below, so you know exactly what you’re looking at.
We especially like that the device learns about you and your viewing habits the more you view. Based on your search and watch history, you can find a sub-category for Top Picks. Here the device will recommend shows and movies for you, based upon what you’ve watched in the past.
As far as responsiveness goes, the Chromecast 4 is generally very quick and will deliver very sharp images in high definition right from the get-go.
Another very cool thing about the Chromecast 4 is the fact that it is compatible with other devices. If you have a Nest Cam or a Nest Hello, for example, you can ask Google to show you a live feed that particular device right to your TV. If you have other smart devices such as lights, you can use Google Assistant on your Chromecast to control these other smart devices.
Keep In Mind
Perhaps Chromecast’s biggest let down is its lack of storage. With just 8GB of storage, you will be limited in terms of what you can install and download.
Get Google Chromecast 4 from Lazada
4. Apple TV 4K (2021)
The penultimate TV box we have for you today is one from Apple; it is the only non-Android TV box on this list.
Crammed full of features such as Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR.2, and boasting a brand new Siri remote, the latest Apple TV is one to watch. Literally.
Why We Love It
Ever since Apple revolutionized the way we use our mobile phones and tablets, they’ve branched out and have expanded into the world of streaming.
The latest Apple TV 4K box has plenty to offer its viewers.
The new Apple TV 4k (Gen2) brings more performance to your TV with the A12 Bionic, the same chip found in your iPhone XS. Offering twice the frame rate for HDR (High Dynamic Range) video thanks to their HDR.2, this Apple TV box provides incredibly clear and sharp detail and colour. Whether you’re watching a nature documentary, a live game of football or your favourite remastered classic movie, the viewing experience you enjoy with this TV box will be second to none.
On top of the top-notch image quality you can enjoy with the new Apple TV 4K Box, you can also enjoy sound like no other. Offering a 3D audio Dolby Atmos compatible sound system, combine this with Dolby Vision as you have the ultimate sound system to go with the ultimate cinematic system.
With AirPlay 2, you easily stream and share anything apps, photos and videos for your iPhone/iPad to your TV in full resolution.
We especially like how users can now use their iPhones to automatically calibrate the TV to get the perfect balance of colour. It really is as simple as aiming your phone at the screen once and then laying back and allowing the box to work its magic. Now you will be able to see how your favourite shows and movies were supposed to look.
Crammed full of apps such as Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, finding what you want to watch has never been easier. There’s also, of course, the Apple TV app, offering a selection of Apple Original shows and movies with an Apple TV+ subscription.
If you’re an Apple user and are familiar with Apple products, this box will change the way you watch TV for the better.
Keep In Mind
As with many Apple products nowadays, the price tag associated with this TV box is fairly hefty.
Final Thoughts
Well, each of the 4 products listed above comes with loads of useful functions and features and will improve the way you watch TV by a huge margin.
With 4K HDR displays, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, user-friendliness, compatibility with other devices, more apps and streaming services than you know what to do with, and more besides, any one of the 4 products listed today comes very strongly recommended indeed.
