If you’re looking to upgrade your TV for streaming and gaming without buying a smart TV, you’ll need an android TV box.
But, what is an android TV box, and how do you know which is best?
Please keep reading to learn about android TV boxes, what they do, and the best android TV boxes for gaming, movies, and everything else. This guide will also cover what an Amazon FireStick is and when it can make an excellent alternative to an android TV box.
What Is An Android TV Box?
In the modern age of smart TVs, many people need to know what an android TV box is and why you might need one. An android TV box is the best way to upgrade your TV to create a smart TV and make it easier to stream shows and access the internet via your television.
You can store media locally using the android TV box, and it is a highly versatile addition to your TV set to create a more flexible viewing experience.
Some android TV boxes come with unlocked or preloaded features. These are usually illegal and pirated resources, and you should steer clear of any android TV box listed under these terms.
There are many names for android TV boxes, and you may have heard them called Kodi boxes.
What’s The Difference Between An Android TV Box And Amazon FireStick?
The Amazon FireStick offers similar features to an android TV box; it is a more portable device with fewer features. An android TV box is less mobile and would be challenging to bring when traveling.
The android box offers the same quality as the FireStick, only it provides faster streaming. Additionally, the android box affords you access to an app store, making it a more versatile device for your TV activity and streaming.
Although it is not technically an android TV box, the Amazon FireStick can make a decent alternative to Android TV boxes for those who need a portable streaming device.
Best Android TV Boxes
Ready to invest in an Android TV box for gaming, movies, and more? Check out this list of the best android TV boxes to consider when upgrading your viewing experience.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is one of your best options if you're a gamer. Nvidia has a game streaming service, offering you access to the Google Play store. So, you can access a comprehensive offering of games with high-quality resolution and fast streaming.
You gain 16GB of hardware stores, along with the ability to add 3G of storage with a USB drive. You can access both Plex and Kodi to improve your streaming experience.
The box uses AI-enhanced 4K upscaling to improve your streaming experience and has a fast processor. You can easily stream files of different types with the Shield TV Pro, as it has a built-in transcoding processor.
This android TV box should be among your top considerations, and you can’t go wrong with this choice.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
If you’re looking for a portable alternative to an android TV box, the Amazon FireStick makes an excellent choice.
Although it can’t be considered an android TV box, it offers similar features - which is why it’s included in this list.
The FireStick has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, making it less capable than the typical android TV box. However, you can access Plex using the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which allows you to have a wide range of streaming choices.
The stick remote comes with a channel guide button and 4 app buttons allowing you to navigate your way around the interface quickly.
Easytone T95 Super
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Nvidia Shield, you should consider the Easytone T95 Super. It offers a quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage.
The remote is the main drawback of the Easytone compared to the Nvidia Shield. The buttons look slightly cheap, making the design feel flimsy and less chic. However, the design of the box is still sleek and attractive.
You can game on this box by accessing the Google Play store, and you’ll find it speedy, reliable, and simple to use.
Photo by Tech Daily on Unsplash
Summary
If you’re looking for an android TV box, you need a speedy processor that allows you to stream and play games without buffering or bad quality. The boxes listed in this article make solid choices, each box offering different strengths - the Nvidia Shield offers top-quality streaming and a wide range of games, the FireStick provides portability, and the Easytone T95 Super offers affordability. Consider what you’re looking for to make the right choice.