Rating of the best TV boxes in 2021

Unlike the previous representative of this category of set-top boxes, the Xiaomi TV box runs Android TV, i.e. is able to receive content from the aforementioned Netflix (as well as YouTube and other services) in the highest possible quality, out of the box, as they say. It is possible that this is why the designers of Mi Box S did not bother with the problem of correct playback of interlaced movies, but limited themselves to the implementation of autoframerate at the application level. On the other hand, for some reason they did not provide the ability to turn off system noise reduction, although it is rather harmful on high-definition video.

The presence of a built-in voice assistant can be considered a feature of the Mi Box S TV set-top box, and we would also include the lack of a port for a wired connection to the disadvantages. Yes, in terms of gaming, this device is even less attractive than any of the budget Ugoos.

A conditional middle class in terms of capabilities with a still budget price tag — this is the leader of user sympathies in one phrase. The TOX1 set-top box differs from its “brothers” in the price segment by its advanced auto-tuning / resolution mode, which allows you to create a list of exceptions, as well as full support for the HDMI CEC standard and a normally working picture quality setting. It is difficult to predict the fate of a new brand, but the company indulges its only product with updates. Moreover, it gradually expands the functionality of the device. So, the New Year’s update provided everyone with the opportunity to install an application that transforms the user interface into a close resemblance to Android TV. Naturally, TOX1 does not have official certification, so there is no question of obtaining HD content from popular streaming services either. However, the ease of use of the set-top box has really improved, including through voice search.

Continues our review of the best TV boxes for Android Mecool KD1. Far from everyone likes the oversized “body kit” of the TV, but many have also heard about the problems with cooling especially compact set-top boxes made on an outdated element base. Mecool’s new stick is not one of the latter, as it runs on a fresh, energy-efficient processor. If you have a TV with a USB port of any version, the KD1 model is generally elementary connected without a separate power adapter, the power it consumes is so low. At the same time, the functionality of the recommended TV box did not suffer at all. The device is ready to play videos from YouTube in 4K format, supports HDR10 and Dynamic HDR technologies, is controlled by certified Android TV and boasts a normal AFR. Alas, sadly and traditionally for Mecool TV set-top boxes, the KD1 model does not have Netflix certification.

Not bad, from our point of view, an economical option for a TV box. In domestic retail, it is most often found under the trademarks Vontar and Smart-TV. It works on the same single-chip system as the previously reviewed Ugoos X3 PLUS set-top box, but differs from the latter in slower memory and an Ethernet interface. The Android operating system (AOSP) was originally installed on board, which does not allow full use of paid video services, but its independent replacement with ATV is possible. The TV box is equipped with a learning remote control and supports HDMI-CEC mode, i.е. for an elementary inclusion — channel selection — volume change within the entire complex, one remote control will suffice. And the “older” F3 (which is not Slim and not Air) provides the ability to control using a special application on a smartphone.

The most advanced of the novelties of the World Vision brand is the T625A LAN model, but it has not yet reached store windows en masse, so in our recommendations we are forced to “limit ourselves” to the younger version of the set-top box of this company. If someone is not in the know, the status of the flagship of the line in this case is indicated by the letter ‘A’ after the digital index, and such devices differ from other representatives of the series by the presence of a metal case, a learning remote control and an additional connector for connecting an external power source. Naturally, the recommended device is inferior to the T625 set-top boxes, insofar as it does not support the H.265 codec. In principle, this point is not yet critical for broadcasting, but if you plan to play films packed in this way from a flash drive or over a network, consider the difference.

The design ardor of set-top box manufacturers is limited to a very modest range of basic electronic components: processors and HF tuners. Especially inexpensive ones. If the developers of an on-air receiver are faced with the task of providing it with maximum versatility, i.e. support for Internet services and compatibility with smartphones, they are guided by the GX3235S chip. If only because there are a lot of good set-top boxes on its platform, so it is possible to adapt someone else’s software, and not write firmware from scratch. In this sense, Selenga is one of the pioneers of the domestic market, insofar as it still improves the software part on its own. For at least six months, I implemented the download of API KEYs over the network (when changing YouTube access settings) and finalized the DLNA service (transferring content from a smartphone).

Keep in mind that set-top boxes on the GX3235S processor get quite warm, especially in IPTV mode or when watching YouTube, so the best choice in this segment can be considered a TV set-top box model in a metal case. The recommended Selenga HD950D is one of those.

The promised access to the video riches of the Internet in the vast majority of inexpensive TV set-top boxes is provided using an external Wi-Fi adapter, which is not included in the package. Moreover, you still need to try to find and order it, and not make a mistake with the choice, since there are not so many compatible models. Lumax Electronics tried to make life easier for inexperienced users from the “outback” and equipped its flagship TV set-top box with a built-in Wi-Fi module, and also provided the ability to connect to the World Wide Web using a 3G modem or smartphone via a USB cable. And if you install the MeeCast TV application on the latter, then it will be possible to control the DV-4207HD model. And in the broadest sense of the term, including the emulation of the remote control and the choice of content sources. Downloading API KEYs over the network is provided. Of the rare chips, the “Weather Forecast” function and viewing the contents of an electronic mailbox deserve a mention.

If previous generations of Apple TV boxes were focused exclusively on the iTunes Store and the Apple ecosystem as a whole, then the TV Gen 4 model allows you to install alternative network service clients, which provides it with a wider choice of multimedia content, including free ones. Nevertheless, it makes sense to purchase this set-top box only if you have other mobile devices of the company and, accordingly, an Apple ID account. Among other differences, it is worth mentioning a modern productive platform, support for dual-band high-speed Wi-Fi and Siri technology. Even the remote control is now equipped with a microphone to receive voice commands. By the way, control can be carried out not only with the help of IR rays, but also via Bluetooth.