![What is an Android TV box? [TV box 101]](https://androidpcreview.com/wp-content/plugins/jetpack/modules/lazy-images/images/1x1.trans.gif)
People ask me questions all the time: what is an Android TV box?
What can they do?
It turns out, this part of the question is actually very simple. An Android TV box is simply a TV box running the Android operating system. This is the same operating system as the one running on your smartphone, tablet and millions of other devices throughout the world. Usually it’s a slightly older version like Lollipop (Android 5) or Marshmallow (Android 6). But, if you know how to use your tablet or smartphone, you can usually run most (if not all) of those apps on an Android TV box.
What’s the difference between an Android box and a Roku or Apple TV?
You’ve probably heard a lot of different terminology being thrown around different sites, forums and Facebook groups: Streaming media device, TV box, IPTV box, set top boxes, media streamer, HTPC, Kodi box, and my personal favorite the Android TV box. They’re all basically the same type of device – something that gets content from your home network or the Internet to your television.
If you’re new to streaming devices and TV boxes, then this is the place to start.
The terminology may seem confusing, but don’t worry: I’m here to guide you through some of the basics. My goal is to make this a good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more.
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To start things off, I’m going to tell you a story about MP3 players.
What do they have to do with MP3 players?
Remember MP3 players?
A long time ago, it seems, I worked in a “big-box” electronics store. No, not the blue one. I worked at the red one that closed it’s doors back in 2009. Back then, we had thousands of people coming in the store looking for iPods. But, like Apple will do, they didn’t make enough to go around, so we had to sell what we had. And what we had was a lot of generic MP3 players. People would come in asking for an iPod and the first question we would ask is “do you want an Apple iPod, or are you looking for an MP3 player?”
That usually resulted in a confused look. Most people thought they were the same thing.
We had to take the time to educate people to all of the other options they had. A lot of times, an iPod really was what they wanted, and that was cool. But, a lot of other people just wanted the best device and in their case, the best device didn’t come with an Apple sticker in the box.
That’s what I’m doing now. A TV box is similar to a Roku or an Apple TV, just like an MP3 player is similar to an iPod. I’ll let you know how you can decide what’s right for you, but let’s get some terminology out of the way first.
Why so many different names?
When you look at this picture, what do you call it? Hint…it probably depends on where you’re from.
Where I am in North America, these devices are normally called Streaming devices or Streaming Media players. Sometimes, they’re mistakenly called Roku boxes, even though they may be made by Amazon, Apple or one of the many other manufacturers I cover on this site. Let me give you an example of something similar. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, you call that sugary, carbonated beverage Pop, Soda or even Coke (even when it’s not Coke). So, unless it’s actually a Roku that you’re talking about, please don’t call it a Roku box. It can create confusion for you and the person who you’re talking to.
In Europe, they’re generally called Kodi boxes due to the popularity of installing Kodi and some of the streaming addons that are available. They can also be called IPTV boxes because it’s much easier to find an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) service on that side of the Atlantic than here in the US. To put it simply, IPTV is a way to get live TV over the Internet.
If you’re in Asia, then chances are you’ve heard them called TV boxes. Personally, I prefer calling them TV boxes. It is a more generic term, sure, but the device can do so many things that it just makes more sense.
One last thing. You can also see the term mini-PC. TV boxes can certainly be considered a mini-PC, but I think that lumps them into a category that they don’t quite belong in. A mini-PC can also include any small-format computer like an Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing). They can usually do everything that your desktop PC or laptop can do. Some TV boxes can replace your desktop, but they’re the exception, rather than the rule.
Quick Look At Our Top Picks For Best Android TV Box of 2018
Skystream Two |
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NVIDIA Shield TV  |
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EZ-Stream Ti8  |
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Amazon Fire TV  |
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Click here to read my article on the best android tv boxes on the market today
What makes it an Android TV box?
OK, so the generic term is the one we’re going to be using, not just in this article, but throughout this site as a whole. So what makes it an Android box?
Different companies can create different skins or launchers to give it a customized look and feel. Generally they’re trying to make it easier to use from your living room couch, or have it look more like Netflix, which makes sense. Netflix is one of the world’s most best streaming services, so imitating their interface makes it easier for new users to familiarize themselves with their new TV box.
Since Android is an incredibly customizable operating system, if you don’t like the launcher that came with your device, in most cases, you can simply add a new one and start using that launcher instead.
There’s one important thing to remember here, though:
There is a big difference between Android TV and an Android TV box.
Wait…what?
Follow along, because here’s where it could get a little confusing.
Android TV vs TV box
At the I/O conference in 2014, Google launched Android TV. It’s a system that organizes your content into one platform for easy organization and searching – including Google’s own voice search functionality. You can find out all about the official Android TV here.
If that sounds familiar, it should.
Android TV is Google’s attempt to run your media hub. We’ve seen similar efforts over the years from Microsoft (Xbox), Sony (Playstation and connected Blu-ray players), Roku, Amazon, Apple, and the list goes on and on. Android TV is the second attempt from Google in this space from Google – the third if you count the Chromecast. Google TV, which was their first attempt at ruling your living room, but never really caught on.
The difference between Android TV and an Android TV box, lies in the operating system itself. Android TV is a special version of the core Android OS. Android TV can’t run every app, at least not without rooting your device. But, the apps that it can run are specifically designed to be run on your television rather than a touchscreen.
Why is that important? Well, lets use Netflix as an example. If you’ve used Netflix on your smartphone or tablet, then you’ll remember swiping up and down to scroll through the list of genres. Once you found what kind of movie you’re looking for, you can swipe left or right to see what’s in that genre.
How exactly do you swipe on your TV set?
So, the Netflix Android TV app was built from the ground up to use the remote control rather than a touchscreen. It’s the same for every other Android TV app.
What’s the catch? You can only get Android TV on a higher-end, newer Smart TV, say 2015 and later. It’s also available on a handful of high-end TV boxes like the NVIDIA Shield.
Not everyone can afford a new high-end TV or need something as powerful as the Shield. Android TV boxes offer similar performance, minus a few features, for a fraction of the cost.
Who should buy an Android TV box instead of a Roku, Apple TV or Fire TV?
There’s usually only one question left by this point: What should I buy?
Well, that depends on you.
Streaming devices like the Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV are great. I have nothing against them…well, maybe against the Apple TV, but that’s understandable, right? Anyway, they’re extremely easy to use. I gave my eighty-year-old mother a Roku 3 and she was able to learn how to use it in a few minutes. Does it do everything that my NVIDIA Shield does? Absolutely not. Can it run every app like my MINIX Android TV box can? Nope.
Android TV boxes give you flexibility
With a streaming device like Roku, you have to live in their world, their ecosystem and run their apps. You don’t have much of a choice if the app you want isn’t available. Thankfully, Plex is available on most systems. But, if you want to run Kodi on your Roku, tough luck. Same goes for your Apple TV. If you want to install it on your Fire TV, you’re going to have to jump through some hoops and sideload the app manually.
If I want to install Kodi on an Android TV box, all I have to do is go to the Google Play Store and click install.
That goes for hundreds of other apps as well.
Android TV boxes may have their drawbacks. They can be time-consuming to set up correctly, and they may need to be tweaked on a regular basis as new firmware comes out.
But if you’re the type of person that loves having the option to install whatever you want and tweak your system to really make it yours, then you’re just the person who should get an Android TV box. If you’ve just bought your first box, then you’re going to want to see our Android TV box setup guide to get you up and running fast.
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so what should I buy and from whom .I liked my googlecast till i bought fire tv. I Iove my fire tv so now what
Hi Tony. If you love your Fire TV, you don’t need to buy anything else, especially if you have one of the new 4K capable Fire TV’s. The goal is to find a device that does what you want it to do without spending a fortune. It sounds like you’ve done that. 🙂
Your explanation about Android TV boxes was very helpful. I am shopping for one now and there are so, so many choices with different specs I have no idea where to go. I’ve done some research and am considering the Beelink Mini MiniMXIII or the Idroidnation I Box Pro. Big difference in price though. Does more expensive typicially mean better product with these boxes? I have 4 TVs in my home so this can get pricey to buy 4 boxes. What is your opinion on the best box/specs to consider?
Hi Julia. Great questions. Price is -usually- a factor, BUT, and this is a BIG but, there are a lot of scammy sellers out there who will try to sell you a $30 box for $300. My advice is to only buy your TV box from a reputable dealer like Amazon, GeekBuying, GearBest – basically any of the larger companies that sell a broad range of models. If anything goes wrong, you have a solid return policy to fall back on. Its a win-win for you.
I have two articles you should look at. First is my “10 Must Have features for your next TV box” article. That is like my own personal wish list of stuff to look for. It’s only a wish list, though. Pick and choose what’s important to you on there, because it will be rare for one device to have them all. The second is my Best TV Box recommendations. I’ve been updating that based on performance, and most importantly ease-of-use.
Feel free to shoot me any questions and happy shopping!
Great resource for folks just learning about TV boxes. I’ve been reading, and learning, for the past hour or so. I sincerely say thank you so much for the time and effort you put into educating those, like myself, that could use the help.
God bless brother and have a great day!
Michael
Thanks Michael. I appreciate the kind words! Take care.
Form your article:
———
What makes it an Android TV box?
OK, so the generic term is the one we’re going to be using, not just in this article, but throughout this site as a whole. So what makes it an Android box?
———-
So here you can see the difference. In the title you say “what makes an Android TV box”, and they you say what makes an “Android box” as if they were the same thing.
Maybe you should call them “Android box” throughout the site. Using only “Android TV box” for the few that are actually Android TV
Sorry I’m not trying to be a pita, only to point out my own confusion that can happen to somebody that’s learning when they read all this. So please take it as positive feedback for your site
Gonzalo
I’ve been searching for other Android TV boxes. By this I mean the actual Android TV OS, not just Android. I would be awesome if you had a list of what’s available. I know the Mi Box is coming out very soon and I also saw one box from DroidBOX in the UK called the DroidBox Streamer. We all know of the nVidia shield as well, but its hard to find other boxes due to everyone using the generic term Android TV Box everywhere.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot for your efforts
Can you record live TV from these boxes and which one would you recommend for that if you can
Hi Bob. You can, but recording live TV will be done from either an app or another device like an HDHomeRun.
Thanks for your help Tim! It would be nice if there were reviews for the different price points like…under $50, under $100, under $200, under $300. There are so many to choose from it’s hard to understand (for newbies) why to spend the extra cash.
Thats a great suggestion, Jason. Thank you. I’ve organized them into my Best Overall Android TV box article and my Cheap Android TV box article, as well as my one (and only one) recommendation for a fully-loaded Kodi box.
Does that help?
Thanks Tim. A few questions, if you please:
1. We’re currently on cable (TWC/Spectrum) and get all their regular network, cable & premium channels (as well as VOIP & Internet.) We stream Netflix & Amazon Prime through our Panasonic DVD player, which included those apps. Do any of these streaming boxes truly replace all that…will we be able to watch every one of these sources, or lose some channels?
2. All our computers/tablets/iPhones are Apple-based, but we have Alexa trough an Echo-dot and Google Chromecast. Obviously, your site is based more around Android systems, but is there any reason we’d need to look at Apple TV for best interfacing?
3. Wondered if you’ve seen or reviewed MediaLauncher.TV. Sells for $147, promises the moon (because it’s “open source” compared to Roku, Apple, etc.) and we’re currently getting daily emails for it. Here’s the link: http://www.cablecutterguide.org/landers/squeeze5/?engsec=18&clcsr=1
Hi Seth. Those are great questions. Thanks for asking.
1. Will any streaming device truly replace cable TV? No. Not entirely. But don’t think of it like that. According to ArsTechnica back in 2014, Americans get an average of 189 channels through their cable TV company. Do you know how many they watch? Seventeen. Whether you use an Android box or something like a Roku or Fire TV, cord cutting isn’t about replacing all the channels you get. It’s about replacing the 17 that you actually use.
2. This may seem like a strange answer coming from a guy running an Android site, but probably, yes. I’m a big fan of having things work well together. Personally, I don’t like Apple products. But, if you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, it’s really nice to have all of your devices play well with each other. You can certainly get an Android box and happily use it, but definitely take a look at what you’ll be giving up as the trade-off.
3. Wow. I haven’t heard of them before, but they have all the makings of a company just trying to make a quick sale. The entire medialaunch.tv site is geared to hype up all of the stuff that the box can do, without mentioning anything about the box itself. There’s no specs. No model name. No way to get any more details. The $149 price isn’t bad, I’ll give them that. But without knowing what box you’re getting, you have no idea if this is a good deal or not.
But what I REALLY hate about the site is that all of the features they’re promoting are free Kodi addons, which may be illegal depending on where you live. Their video promotion highlights Exodus, eCloud TV and ProSport. You can put these on any Kodi device you want, without going through MediaLauncher.
I’ll look into it more, but my first impression is that I don’t trust them at all.
First, Tim, thanks so much for your prompt & complete answers. Always great to find a site that is well-moderated, kept current, and with prompt responses – all too few of those.
Your point about replacing the 17 channels that you actually use is well -taken. So for us it would be the main networks, the basic cable movie channels like TMC, TNT, TBS, FX, USA, A&E and AMC, and the HBO channels. Plus, as I said, we stream Netflix & Amazon Prime through our Panasonic DVD player. So far I haven’t found a streamer box that hits all those, but perhaps you know of one.
I have an MXQ 10M Android Box and I want a good air mouse. Are you familiar with the Minix Neo A2 and do you know if this will work with my box?
Hi Charles. I am familiar with it and actually wrote a couple of articles which feature it. You can check out my NEO A2 review here, as well as my airmouse roundup here.
The way the air mice (airmouses?) are set up, they have a USB wireless adapter that plugs into almost every device.
After reading your review on the NEO A2 Lite, I went ahead and ordered it. I like it much better than the remote that came with my M10 android box, however, it will not cut the box on and off. I still have to use the original remote to cut the box off and on.
Hi Tim, I believe that I have purchased a bad android box. It is an MXQ M10, but I am not happy with it. it came from California downloaded with a 14.2 Kodi which I had to update to a 16.1 Also, I am getting a lot of buffering on some of my channels and I know my internet speed is 61 megs, so I am thinking this box is just not letting the speed through. I have this Minix Neo Lite remote which I like very much. Can you recommend a good android box that I would be happy with? Also, maybe one this remote would turn on and off? It will not turn my M10 box on and off. Thanks.
Hi Tim, I probably should have read your tutorial on android boxes before I sent you this last message. Sorry about that. I want to buy this Minix box you spoke about in your review. You mentioned checking it out on Amazon, which I did. It reads as follows:
MINIX NEO U1, 64-bit Quad-Core Media Hub for Android [2GB/16GB/4K/XBMC/KODI]
I noticed that Geek also has one and it reads as follows:
MINIX NEO U1 4K*2K UHD TV BOX Android 5.1 Lollipop Amlogic S905 2G/16G 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac WIFI Bluetooth 4.1 1000M LAN KODI
Both boxes are priced at $119.00. These specs don’t mean much to me, so which one should I buy?
Hi Charles. They’re actually the same device. Some sellers will list them in slightly different ways in the hopes that different features will appeal to you more than some other features. It makes it a bit confusing to shop for.
Has anyone heard any news at all as to when Minix is going to release their new box (U9-H) based on the AmLogic s912 chip?
Hi Jerry. Nothing since that original announcement which promised a November release date. MINIX will be attending CES 2017 in a few days. We may hear something then. Even so…I think they’ve missed the boat.
I’ve read through this page and every comment, and I hate to say it but I’m still confused. )0:, so is the Roku 3 and the TV Box basically the same thing? I have a Roku 3, but every channel I go to I have to subscribe, but I want something I can turn on and just go to a channel. I don’t have cable and can’t get good reception with an antenna. I’m sorry if all this sounds dumb, but I’m really confused still. Also if the Roku 3 and TV Box are different what is a pretty cheap ( I’m on disabilty)TV box yet good one please. Sorry if I sound dumb, just don’t want to be taken by some company. Than you so much for you help.
I have the same problem whats your advice i got the tv as a gift
Hi Tim, thanks for some great insight on the Android TV box. My main interest is live sporting events. Is it possible access these venues with the TV Box?
Perhaps this is a stupid question but how do you stream your favorite TV shows and movies, it is this piracy? There are cable companies in Canada trying to block the sale of these boxes, saying it’s piracy. I understand you have to subscribe to Netflix $8 a month for movies but how do I get TV channels or current television programs like “the Big Bang theory” or “Dr. who”?
I’ve bought quite a few different boxes now M8, M8S, MX Pro but there are so many fakes especially on ebay. Be sure to buy a box from a trusted seller who is selling the real thing.
Wholeheartedly Agree!
Hi I’m Edwin, I want to buy the M8S pro, can it work in Kenya?
Sure. It will work anywhere there’s an Internet connection. Content may differ depending on your region, but the device will work exactly the same.
G’day Tim
Thanks for clarifying some of the bits.
I would like to watch the Giro d’Italia (cycle race) that is not being broadcast in Australia this year.
I’ve tried to install Kodi on my Surface but can’t work out which add-ons I need or how to load them.
Would I have the same issues if I bought myself an Android box?
Thanks John
Can u watch reg tv on android boxes like shows and series..
It depends on what streaming service you use.
I am looking for android streaming boxes that work with Playstation Vue.
Hi Ken. There is an official Playstation Vue app in the Google Play Store, so any Android device should work.
Please help me decide what box i need. I am not up to date with technology. Im just sick of cable, it shows re-runs and its expensive. When you get a box does it automatically show new shows or series? Would I need to buy a different one in the future to get other shows or series? Im not hard to please but I do like lifetime and cartoon channels for my grandsons. When you purchase a box how do you know what shows will be on it? Sorry but as you can tell I know nothing about the different technological advances. I hear fire stick roku android tv boxes, so I dont know what to choose. I hear people say whatever one they have is the best. I just want easy and get the shows I want without paying a bill every month. I will except your recommendation and also where I can purchase one. Thank you so much for helping people like me that dont know all the different products out there.
Hi. I’m glad I found your site. I’m interested in getting the Android TV box but read your article. My TV is not current 2015 and newer. It’s more 2012-2013. What kind of TV streaming can I use? Thanks
As long as you’ve got an HDMI port, you can use any TV box or streaming device.
I’m totally confused by android tv boxes vs. a Roku streaming box. I have a Roku box and have to pay a monthly fee to watch Netflix. My friend told me that android tv boxes allow you to stream from Netflix etc. for free without subscribing to Netflix? Is this true? Do some android boxes allow you to stream from Netflix, Amazon prime etc. for free without subscriptions?
Hi Donna. You can always find premium content for free – no matter what device you’re on. It all depends on what you think about piracy. If you’re ok with it, then the answer to your question is yes. My general rule (and the EU agrees with this) is that if you’re getting premium content for free that you should otherwise be paying for…that’s illegal.
I have as firestick, and kodi keeps messing up, can I use the android box with the firestick?
A Fire Stick and an Android box both serve the same purpose. The Android box is more powerful (usually). Have you checked out the Fire TV?
I just purchased an android box and am wondering how much internet speed and capacity I need ?
also my box is a buzztv . Do you know anything about them?
Hello
Can i get local channels and discovery, food network, Disney ,sports even thought they are not on my channels i have know?
Question 2 How much internet speed would I need to run this device without buffering, and with other devices hook to my internet ?
hi Tim ,
i want to ask you that if i buy the android TV box, then is is useful in improving my digital set top box ( cable channel) picture quality to 4k ?
i am having 55 inch led TV which is not the smart TV and having 1920 x 1080 p so if the android tv box will be useful in increasing picture quality while using the cable TV ?
i have understand the other uses of android TV box as it is a android OS and can do all that android does. i am have the the only one doubt that i asked . please reply asap thanks
Hi Jay. Unfortunately not. Streaming devices (like Android boxes) provide content much the same way as your cable box does. You can’t use both at the same time because they’re essentially doing the same thing – sending video to your TV.
Tim, iam glad i read this review in time i was so confused looking at some online shop and did not just understand ,you have answered alot of questions ,i feel more empowered right now.thank you
I have a M8 android player and accidently erased everything.When I turn it on all that comes on my tv is MBOX and it searches continuously.Is there a way to reprogram it or do I have to get another box?
Hi Gary. You can definitely program it yourself. I’ve got a Kodi setup guide that will show you the basics, although it doesn’t cover how to get different feeds from third-party addons. You could also try reaching out to the manufacturer to see if they can re-image the device for you.
The OS is built into the chip set. Unplug the unit. Stick a toothpick into the AV port. At the back of the AV port is a switch. Push it down gently, you will feel it click. Hold it there and plug in the power and wait 10 seconds and let the switch go. Move down the menu to Wipe data/factory reset.
Hi Tim, I live in Canada, moved from the UK 5 years ago and would like to watch British TV via BBC iplayer and ITV Hub. I’d also like to watch channels like HBO, AMC and movies. Would I be able to do this using an Android TV box? Also would I be able to do this free after the initial purchase. Many thanks in advance.
Can i connect it with my pc lcd to watch tv????
As long as you have an HDMI input on your monitor, sure.
What is the monthly costs on this?The ad that drew me to this is it said NO montly costs on anything? Im in South Africa
What’s the difference between 7.1 and 6.0 android tv boxes?
Other than the newer version of Android, the newer Android 7.1 boxes normally have slightly better hardware with newer chipsets and better performance.
The maim reason I stay with satelite is the ability to copy my program. Is there anything i can buy to hook up on my tv android box thsnks tim
Hi. I’m new to the TV BOX. I’m so glad I came upon this site. Could you please tell me the difference between the TV Box T95m from icoolgadgets and the Tic Box? Arts they dependable? Thanks for your help. .
I bought a roku express $25 and downloaded ace iptv as a sidebar $85 per year. I get all premium channels + sports package and vod. Never any buffering problems. This works great easy to manage. What are your thoughts on my setup? You think it was good investment.
The Roku Express is fine if you don’t need 4K. ACE IPTV is another story though. Here’s how I feel about paid Kodi addons and IPTV services.
Seriously, I don’t know how to thank you, best explanation ever
I have a question about the shows and movies being Free? Don’t you have to pay a subscription to HBO to watch say game of thrones? I am getting an add saying I can get any show or movie streamed to my TV for free. It also says it is completely legal. Only one time fee for the box. Is this true?
Hi Brett. It may be “”legal”” (strictly speaking) to get movies for free from a TV box, but that’s only because of a technicality in the way the law is written. I don’t expect that to last much longer.
That being said, many people don’t necessarily care about piracy, one way or the other. I’m not here to judge. If you want to be completely above board,yes, you would need an HBO subscription to access their paid-content like Game Of Thrones.
Hi Tim, would i be able to install 3rd party apps on an Android TV box, i.e. apps not available on the App Store but download from a 3rd party website..
Hi Ahmed. Absolutely. That process is called sideloading. I’ve got a couple of articles that you may be interested in:
How to sideload Android apps
The Aptoide App store
The Aptoide app store article is written with the Fire TV and Fire Stick in mind, but you can also install it on any Android TV box.
Hi, I’ve been looking st something like this but for a completely different reason. Can I connect my USB flash stick or drive to this box and use as a media player as my tv doesn’t recognise my USB stick.
Absolutely, although it may just be easier to find an approved USB drive list from your TV manufacturer. 🙂
Very helpful article. Thank you.
this article is good but it is not providing information about RAM and ROM difference and according prices difference to buy new tv box. please guide if anybody knows current prices
For that, you might want to check out this article instead.
Can you download shows and movies from Kodi on an Android box?
There are some plugins that will let you do that, but Kodi is set up to be a streaming media center.
HELLO guy i would lime to know if i buy an android Tv box; if i would be able to take all the international channel. I dont know much about it. I was about to take a limited cable for my house when a friend tell me about it; by searching i find you guys. My friend told me if i buy it and have internet access i would be abble to take all the international channel; im in Haiti though please give me a hint
Hello, great post. I have a question. If you sideload Android TV specific apps (let’s say Netflix) into a Tv Box.. would they work?
Hi Simone. Definitely, although they might not use the entire screen. I’ve got an article on how to sideload Android apps here.
Hi Tim,
Appreciations for the info given on what an android TV box is. I really apologise to still sound ignorant. I need to admit that I take time to understand new technology terms. Could you please put it in a simple standard language I could understand?
Does it mean that with an android box, you can download stuff from YouTube just like on the phone? Or you can watch YouTube videos on the TV the same way we do it on the phone? Or you can install TV channels and watch them, or there are specific channels alocated to you?
Forgive my ignorance, Tim. God bless.
Thanks
Lyman.
Can you comment on ToTvBox from TheOnlyTvYouNeed.com?
So if you go to their website there’s no specs listed (Red Flag #1).
Their FAQ section “answers” the legality question by saying “ToTVBox is 100% legal.It is legal to stream content. It is illegal to download copy written material.” This is the age old defense that hinges on the copyright laws not ever changing. See my article on “Kodi is Legal…but probably not how you’re using it.” (Red Flag #2)
Finally and most important, if you zoom in on the picture which has the boxes stacked up behind a unit, you can read the specs on the boxes. This is an S905X box that they’re selling for $150 ($135 on sale). Those boxes start at around $30 according to GeekBuying.
Three strikes. They’re out.
I have a question: Is there any Generic TV box, that breaks the 2GHz processor barrier? While generic phones get faster, with the more money you spend, generic Android boxes seem to be capped at 8 core, 2GHz – no matter how much you spend, unless you get one of those name brand gaming things. A PC is a much better value at that point, in my opinion. While 2GHz is generally fine, for videos, it seems a pretty big exaggeration to claim that they are good for any type of 3D game. There’s plenty of room in those boxes. It seems to me, you should have the option to get one that’s faster than your generic Android phone. If there are better suppliers out there & better models to look out for, I’d be very curious to know.
Hi Tim! Thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to make such a great place for folks like me that are just learning about the Android TV boxes. I just canceled my DirecTV service. I had a 3TB external harddrive hooked up to my DirecTV receiver to store all my recorded shows on. I know I can’t watch the shows I recorded as they are encoded by DirecTV but can I hook up my 3TB harddrive up to one of these boxes as long as it has a USB port and record shows to my harddrive? What other equipment or apps would I need to install in order to do this?
Thank you again for all of your help!
Hi Tim (great name!). Thanks for the kind words!
There are a bunch of DVR apps for Android devices that will work on Android TV boxes. My weapon of choice would have to be the DVR that’s part of Plex. You can find out more a bout it, and Plex, here: https://www.plex.tv/features/live-tv-dvr/
Hi, if I connect an android TV box to a projector with HDMI cable, will the TV box still stream audio through WIFI at the same time? So I can see a movie on my projector and hear the audio on my speakers.
Thanks
Hi Elonora. That’s a surprisingly specific use-case. And I have to confess that I don’t know the answer.
If I had to guess (just a guess), I would say that’s likely going to be difficult to find. Wi-Fi is normally used for data communication, not audio signals. Bluetooth is normally used for audio. My thought is that your Android box probably would run into challenges simultaneously trying to play audio over Wi-Fi and still be connected to the Internet for data.
Again…just my thoughts. I could be totally wrong.
Great site!Question is what is best / min. internet speed you need to have for android tv boxes? I live in rural area.Certainly no fiber optics here.I want to lower cable bundle and eventually have unlimited internet only.
Great question Theresa. I’ve got a summary article on that subject: Does Streaming Use Data? It’ll give an overview of just what speed you’ll need for streaming.
so exactly what internet speed do i need for the best quality?
You should check out this article.
Hi Tim,
Great article. It really answers a lot of my questions. I want to ditch my cable due to their ever increasing rates. Like you said, I get a gazillion channels but only watch about 12 regularly. So in a nutshell:
1) I buy an android box for one time fee
2) I go to the Google Play store & dowload the apps I want like NBC or The Food Network for free
3) I can now watch anything that this company plays on their website like Chicago Fire or Top Chef
4) I can still watch live sports like a hockey game
5) Any “special” channels like WWE Network, I still have to pay their monthly fee for
Is that pretty much how this works?
That’s it in a nutshell Susan. 🙂
Hi Tim
I’m about to buy my first android box but can’t decide which. I’m looking to get an IPTV subscription and Run Kodi also on this. I’d like to be able to record. Can you advise me on this and which to buy please.
I forgot to mention that I’m in Ireland, if that makes a difference to my choices I’m not sure.
I saw this ad today for a T95m TV Box that claims you can watch TV from all over the world for free. That seems attractive to me if it’s actually true. I currently have three TVs, each with its own Roku and I have subscriptions to both BritBox and Acorn TV for my British TV addiction. What would be different if I were to switch to this TV Box from Roku? Would I be able to get British shows for free and ditch my subscriptions? And should I even bother? By the way, they’re selling it for $97, claiming it’s 40% off, but I found it for much less at many other online sellers.
I have Apple TV, is the TV Box basically the same or could I add it to the TV to add an additional option for live TV and channels I would otherwise have to pay for, i.e. HBO, Netflix, or Hulu?
It’s the same concept as the Apple TV, but it gives you much more flexibility with what you can add or change. With Apple, you’re stuck in their ecosystem and its very difficult to do things that Apple doesn’t want you to do. Not so with an Android TV box.
I have a question about our android box. We have subscribed to a server as my hubby does not use a computer at all. A simple question for anyone who can help. How can I find out what movies are out there to watch at a specific time? For instance if we wish to watch a children’s movie at 7 pm with the kids before bedtime, is there a way to find out what movies are available at 7 pm?
Hello. Heres my question…. my cable company is Bell ( Canada), since getting it my tv shows so much clearer. If i notice when i go to Terannium for instance the quality is very poor. I have an older android box. If i get a more up to date box will the picture be better and does the quality of y HDMI cables matter?
Sorry, I am still confused. I want to know what I can get in programming from an android box (in lieu of my overpriced cable tv subscription), exactly what equipment I need, in total, and HOW I can find someone to install it for me… because I know nothing about technology..
Is there any advantage to using a tv box over using the hdmi output on my android tablet or my PC ?