Best Android TV boxes 2024

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Chromecast with Google TV HD with Android figures on table

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

At a glance
1. Best overall
2. Best value
3. Best alternative
4. Best premium
5. Full HD value
6. Best budget-friendly
How to choose

There are plenty of ways to stream content on your television, and if you get one of the best Android TV boxes, you can make sure that the experience is as fast, seamless, and enjoyable as possible.

Android TV boxes allow you to instantly access all of your favorite video and music apps, along with some light games, without going out and buying a completely new TV. There are a few different options to choose from, with these being the best of the best.

Our overall pick has to be the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) when it comes to the best Android TV boxes. In almost every regard, the new Chromecast is basically perfect. It has 4K HDR streaming with support for Dolby Vision/Atmos, a great remote that's easy-to-use, and comes in at an incredible price. However, the star of the show is the special Google TV software that's layered on top of Android TV, offering new features and an upgraded design that we think you'll love.

At a glance

Best overall

Chromecast With Google Tv 169 Crop

(Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)
Best overall

Specifications

Processor: Amlogic S905X3
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 8GB
4K: ✔️
HDR: ✔️
4K upscaling:
Dolby Vision: ✔️
Dolby Atmos: ✔️
Lost remote finder:

Reasons to buy

+
4K HDR streaming
+
Supports Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos
+
Small, well-built remote
+
Google TV interface is excellent
+
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited remote buttons

The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) continues to be one of the best Android TV boxes around since it supports all the popular HDR formats at 4K resolution, and is priced just right. On the hardware/spec front, everything you need for high-quality streaming is here. It supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and has a processor that keeps things running smoothly for most tasks. The remote is a little lacking in buttons, but it's incredibly well-built and offers good utility in a sleek and compact form factor.

Where the Chromecast gets a big edge over the rest of the options on this list is how it's running the new Google TV interface. While it's technically powered by Android TV, Google's added this new Google TV software on top of it to create a brand new experience. As a result, everything is much more visually appealing, all of your apps work just the same, and the new home pages are designed to curate everything from your streaming apps so you can more easily find something to watch. Our testing has a much better user experience than regular Android TV, and the Chromecast is the only way to get it right now.

The biggest downside of Chromecast is that some users have reported various bugs and glitches since its debut — such as freezing apps and entire system crashes. It doesn't seem like everyone is being affected by these things though. If you want more storage, Ethernet, and AI funtionality, then the latest Google TV Streamer (4K) is now an option but for double the price. 

Best value

onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box product lifestyle

(Image credit: Walmart)

onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box

Best value

Specifications

Processor: Amlogic S905Y2
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 8GB
4K: ✔️
HDR: ✔️
Dolby Vision:
Dolby Atmos:
Lost remote finder:

Reasons to buy

+
Super affordable
+
4K UHD picture quality
+
Remote features dedicated Assistant button

Reasons to avoid

-
No support for Dolby Vision or Atmos
-
Limited to 8GB of storage
-
Not all the ports are on one side

The onn. brand might not be something that you recognize unless you regularly shop at Walmart. But you might want to start paying attention, at least with the onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box. Long name aside, this box is the most affordable way to get into the world of streaming powered by Android TV.

You'll enjoy a stock Android TV experience, meaning that you won't have to worry about annoying and intrusive ads telling you to sign up for Walmart+. But almost as good as the streaming device itself is the included remote. In addition to your normal TV controls, the remote offers four shortcuts for some of the best streaming services, along with a dedicated button for Google Assistant. 

Unfortunately, with a streaming device this affordable, there are some concessions that need to be made. And the biggest issue that you might run into is 8GB of non-expandable storage. Those who only rely on streaming services will likely be fine, but you'll need to look elsewhere if you plan on watching downloaded content.

Best alternative

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) with microSD card

(Image credit: Marc Lagace / Android Central)
Best alternative

Specifications

Processor: NVIDIA Tegra X1+
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 8GB
4K: ✔️
HDR: ✔️
4K upscaling: ✔️
Dolby Vision: ✔️
Dolby Atmos: ✔️
Lost remote finder: ✔️

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek, compact design
+
4K HDR streaming with upscaling
+
Lost remote finder
+
NVIDIA GeForce Now

Reasons to avoid

-
Not super affordable

Google did a lot right with the Chromecast, but if it doesn't seem like a good fit for you, another option to consider is the NVIDIA Shield TV. The Shield TV is one of the most compact Android TV boxes you'll find, starting with its hardware. In fact, it's not a box but more of a small tube. As a result, it's tiny, out-of-sight, and easy to hide regardless of your entertainment setup.

The Shield TV has all of the streaming tech you could ask for, including support for 4K HDR content, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. It also uses AI upscaling to convert HD content into 4K for an even crisper image than before. There's an Ethernet jack if you prefer a wired connection for faster streaming, along with a microSD card slot for quickly expanding your storage.

Another big draw to the Shield TV is that it can access GeForce Now — NVIDIA's cloud gaming service that allows you to play fully-fledged PC games right on your television.

Best premium

Nvidia Shield TV Pro

(Image credit: Android Central)

4. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro

Best premium

Specifications

Processor: NVIDIA Tegra X1+
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 16GB
4K: ✔️
HDR: ✔️
4K upscaling: ✔️
Dolby Vision: ✔️
Dolby Atmos: ✔️
Lost remote finder: ✔️

Reasons to buy

+
4K HDR with upscaling
+
Tons of RAM and storage
+
Full-size USB ports
+
SmartThings hub

Reasons to avoid

-
Most expensive on our list

If you like what you see with the NVIDIA Shield TV but want something that's even more capable, the Shield TV Pro could be for you. It has everything that makes the regular Shield TV great, including 4K HDR streaming, 4K upscaling, Dolby Vision and Atmos, and more.

The physical hardware for the Shield TV Pro is considerably larger, and there's a reason for that. If you have a lot of smart home gadgets under the SmartThings brand, you can use the Shield TV Pro as a hub for all of them. It also has two full-size USB ports on the back, connecting external storage devices, over-the-air antennas, and keyboards. On top of all that, the Pro has more storage and RAM than the regular Shield TV — 16GB vs. 8GB and 3GB vs. 2GB, respectively.

The increased price and size of the Shield TV Pro make it a tougher sell than its non-Pro sibling, but for power users that need their Android TV box to do as much as possible, it's a fantastic choice. A worthy and cheaper alternative to the TV Pro's funtionality is the Mecool KM2 Plus Deluxe Android TV box. It's roughly the price of the standard Shield TV, and has 4GB of RAM along with support for AV1 decode.

Full HD value

Chromecast with Google TV HD leaning on Stadia controller

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Full HD value

Specifications

Processor: Amlogic S905X3
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 8GB
4K:
HDR: ✔️
4K upscaling:
Dolby Vision:
Dolby Atmos: ✔️
Lost remote finder:

Reasons to buy

+
Supports Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos
+
Small, well-built remote
+
Google TV interface is excellent
+
Even more affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited remote buttons
-
Only one color

One of the nice things about a standalone streaming box like the Chromecast with Google TV is that it can breathe new life into an older TV that's no longer getting app updates or has an older processor that's struggling to keep up after some updates. That being said, if your older TV doesn't support 4K, you can save with the 1080p version of the Chromecast with Google TV while still getting the same great remote and user experience.

Google has made sensible cutbacks to the hardware with features like HDR and 60fps video still supported. The only thing it's missing that you may want is Doble Vision, for HDR, but with HDR10+ support still included, it should still look great. As many fans of cinema will tell you, a great audio setup is just as important, if not more, important than video quality, so it's nice that this streamer supports Dolby Atmos audio.

This version of the Chromecast with Google TV is only available in white, so if you want the Sky or Sunrise colorways, you'll need the 4K model. Luckily, the 4K model will still work fine in 1080p, so if you want to get the 4K model anyway, the only con is the price.

Best budget-friendly

TiVo Stream 4K packaging

(Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)
Best budget-friendly

Specifications

Processor: Amlogic S905Y2
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 8GB
4K: ✔️
HDR: ✔️
4K upscaling:
Dolby Vision: ✔️
Dolby Atmos: ✔️
Lost remote finder:

Reasons to buy

+
Streams 4K HDR
+
Remote with voice control
+
TiVo Stream app
+
Very affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Expandable storage is clunky
-
No 4K upscaling

As much as we love the NVIDIA Shield TV and Shield TV Pro, we also understand that they're expensive and not everyone will appreciate the advanced features. If you happen to fall into that group, the TiVo Stream 4K is a good alternative. Despite being a lot cheaper, the Stream 4K from TiVo, still supports 4K HDR content, works with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and comes with a voice remote for easy access to the Google Assistant. In fact, the remote is the star of the show here with a more traditional layout that may appeal to those that don't like the minimalist design adopted by Google.

The biggest draw to the TiVo Stream 4K (other than its low price) is access to its exclusive TiVo Stream app. TiVo makes personal recommendations of shows and movies to watch based on your own tastes and preferences in the app. In the process, the Stream app also houses access to all of your other streaming services so that you can access them in one convenient place. It's not quite as seamless as the Google TV experience. However, the Stream is an excellent pick if you want the traditional Android TV interface while still getting high-quality content recommendations.

TiVo Stream is also where you'll find a collection of free channels from the likes of Pluto TV, Tubi, Cheddar, and Tastemade. Of course, if you have a subscription to Sling TV, you'll be able to watch it in the TiVo Stream app, too.

How to choose

How to pick the best Android TV box

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

You have a few choices available to you when shopping for an Android TV box, but overall, the Chromecast with Google TV stands out as the clear winner. It gives you a ton of features, amazing software and comes in at a very reasonable price.

In regards to watching movies and TV shows, the Chromecast is a champ. It handles 4K HDR content without breaking a sweat, and thanks to its support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you can ensure that your picture and audio quality are as good as it gets.

What makes the Chromecast unique from other Android TV boxes is it features the new Google TV software. Google TV is layered on top of Android TV and curates all of the shows and movies from your various streaming apps into one place. It takes out the usual hassle of juggling between multiple apps just to find something to watch, and it's a genuinely useful addition that you won't find anywhere else.

1. What is Android TV?

First thing's first, a brief overview of what Android TV is at its core.

Android TV is a special version of Android that's designed specifically for televisions. It's technically the same software that powers your Galaxy or Pixel phone, but the user interface is designed to be used with a remote rather than a touch screen.

You can download various apps on Android TV, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and NBC's Peacock service. Some basic games are available to download, which can be fun if you're looking for another way to kill some time. The last and biggest missing piece from Android TV's content library was the Apple TV app. Fortunately, it has been available on Android TV for quite awhile now.

There are a couple of nifty tricks Android TV has up its sleeve that you won't find on many competing smart TV platforms, the first of which is Google Assistant. Just like you have Google Assistant baked into your smartphone and smart speakers, it's also integrated into Android TV boxes. Just press the microphone button on the remote that comes with the box you buy, and you can ask the Google Assistant to control smart home devices, bring up your calendar, start streaming a specific show, and a lot more.

Android TV boxes also double as Chromecast targets! So if you're browsing the Netflix app on your phone and find something you want to watch, just tap the Chromecast icon, and it'll be sent to your Android TV just like that. You can even mirror your entire phone screen if you want to show off an app that doesn't natively support Chromecast, which is pretty darn cool.

2. Why should I buy a streaming box instead of an Android TV?

When shopping around for an Android TV box, you may notice that you can buy a full-on television that comes with Android TV software already built into it. These can be handy if you're in the market for a new TV and know you want it to run the Android TV interface, but they're also a much larger commitment than going with an Android TV box.

Android TV boxes are considerably more affordable than the best Android TVs, making them a lot easier on your wallet. If you've already got an excellent non-smart TV, a TV box is a cheap and easy way to rectify that instead of shelling out the big bucks on an Android TV. It's also a great way to get familiar with the operating system if you've never used it before.

Alternatively, if you get an Android TV box and it turns out that it isn't a good fit, it's much easier to return a small box instead of a giant TV. Android TV boxes also tend to have better processors and get more reliable software updates, especially with ones like the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro.

3. How does Android TV compare to Roku and Fire TV?

If you aren't thrilled about any of the choices on this list, you may want to consider shopping for streaming boxes powered by a different smart TV platform — specifically, Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

Roku is the most popular software out there for smart TV interfaces, offering robust options for both streaming boxes and televisions with Roku built-in. Roku benefits from having many more available hardware options in both of these regards and supports more apps. Android TV's app selection is a lot better today than it used to be a few years ago, but Roku still has many smaller apps/channels that you just can't get on Android TV.

Amazon Fire TV is right behind Roku in terms of popularity. While it doesn't have many different hardware choices for Fire TV boxes, the available ones tend to be considerably cheaper than the top Android TV picks. It also benefits from having Amazon Alexa built-in, which functions as Google Assistant does on Android TV.

4. Can you tell me more about NVIDIA GeForce Now?

We mentioned NVIDIA GeForce Now a couple of times throughout this article, but if you're still a little confused about what it is, here's what you need to know.

GeForce Now is a service that allows you to play PC games on virtually any device by streaming them over the internet. Similar to how you stream movies and TV shows from Netflix, GeForce streams video games. It works with various free-to-play games and ones you've purchased through platforms like Steam, with some of the supported titles including Fortnite, Cyberpunk, Baldur's Gate 3, Rainbow Six Siege, and tons more.

You can use GeForce Now for free, but you'll only have one-hour gaming sessions if you do so. However, once that hour is up, you can just hop back into your game and start playing for another hour (and so on). There is a paid tier, and this gives you access to longer continuous play sessions, priority access to GeForce Now servers, and RTX support for even better-looking games.

Android TV boxes are a fantastic way to stream endless content on your television easily, and as you can see, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get one. So whether you decide to pick up a Chromecast or the TiVo Stream 4K, you'll have a capable and reliable gadget for streaming the day away.

Andrew Myrick
Senior Editor — Smartphones (North America), Chromebooks & Tablets

Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is collecting different headphones, even if they all end up in the same drawer.

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