15 Best TV Boxes for TV – TV Box Rating 2022

Introducing the top 15 best TV boxes for TV. The selection includes reliable and high-quality models of TV set-top boxes for TV. We have selected for you the best models of TV set-top boxes for TV according to experts and user reviews. This rating of TV boxes will help you choose and buy a quality TV box for your TV.

The question of choosing a media player is always accompanied by difficulties, not only with the study of a really wide range of goods, but also in terms of the existence of very conditional classifications of this technique. We will try to simplify the difficult task in our ranking of the best TV boxes of 2021 by first clarifying a number of key issues:

1. How much budget are you willing to spend on buying a media player: By setting the structure in advance, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to find the right smart set-top box. The cost refers to hardware characteristics, set of interfaces, functionality, packaging, number of file formats supported.
2. For what purpose do you buy a media player: modern TV boxes can be used to watch movies and videos using websites and applications; open the content of the sites; open files from external storage devices; run Android applications, including games; replace analog PC in workflows.

Knowing the answers to the questions asked, it becomes clear what operating system is needed, what options can be obtained, how long this or that TV box will remain relevant.

The best premium smart TV boxes

In this section you can find TV boxes on different operating systems. It is important to note here that Windows models have higher hardware requirements, but they boast a full BIOS. Such set-top boxes are clearly better suited for office work, they support many of the relevant applications from Microsoft. Android models are less demanding, have more apps, better search, and a simpler interface. They are more suitable for games, attract more affordable cost. You can also find Apple IOS models with smart optimization and stable performance.

DUNE HD RealBox 4K

Our Top 10 TV Boxes for TVs have been released by DUNE HD RealBox 4K which supports HDR technology. The new generation of TV boxes received not only VP9, ​​but also an improved codec format – VP9 profile 2, which is used by YouTube to play content with support for HDR10 + extended range technology. As a result, the brightness range when viewing content changes automatically according to the requirements of the frame, which ensures maximum image detail. But this is not all the advantages of the device. The novelty received support for 3D content with Full HD resolution. Implemented automatic frame rate change followed by flickering. The vast majority of analogues based on Realtek processors cannot boast such performance and stability when working with heavy content.

Advantages:

• 3D support;
• profile 2 VP9 codec;
• HDR10+ support.

Flaws:

• Several variants.

Apple TV Gen4

If you’re looking for a good 4K TV box, consider one of the best Apple products with great controls, features, and stabilization. This model supports HDR content, allows you to play interactive games, use Netflix, Red Bull and a number of other popular applications that the company interacts with. The picture is really clear, any dynamic broadcast, including sports events, looks very bright. The collection of pre-installed applications deserves special attention, including Amediateka (more than 150 free TV shows), IVI, MEGOGO, Qello Concerts (the largest collection of concerts, music in HD). Functionality is controlled by the Apple TV Remote or touch technology (switching by touch). A10X Fusion chip provides high processing speed. There is a branded App Store.

Advantages:

• A10X Fusion processor;
• the amount of RAM – 4 gigabytes;
• integrated applications;
• compact body.

Flaws:

• 1080p support.

Zidoo Z9S

We are talking about a functional multimedia player with 4K support, the review of which can be found on many reliable portals. The secret of the popularity of this model lies in a chic outfit. So many digital interfaces are implemented, including DLNA, AirPlay, Ethernet, Miracast, e-SATA. Of course, content playback is provided via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. At the same time, the elegant unibody aluminum body looks small. The ergonomic design is backed by a sleek design and good build quality. This particular model is equipped with a single-chip processor from the Realtek series RTD1296 and supplemented with 2 gigabytes of RAM. Of course, this is not an ideal indicator, but worthy of the cost. The amount of permanent memory is 16 gigabytes and can be increased thanks to the microSD slot. The model supports BitTorrent clients, many video services. HDR10 compatible content can be played.

Advantages:

• communication skills;
• modest size;
• resistant body;
• appearance;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• some RAM.

Apple TV 4K

In a review of TV boxes that attract with good functionality and power, the Apple TV 4K model simply cannot be ignored. The device supports HDR technology and Dolby Atmos sound. The main difference between the novelty and its predecessor is support for 4K UHD. In terms of services and features, everything is just as good here – there are IVI, Amediateka, Apple TV and even the company’s exclusive content – these are the originals. It is worth noting that the manufacturers took into account the wishes of users and added a custom switch – an excellent solution for use by the whole family, because in terms of content selection, everyone has their own preferences. The proprietary processor is responsible for power supply. There are several configurations to choose from. The best version will be the version with 64 gigabytes of internal memory.

Advantages:

• high power;
• convenient management;
• appearance;
• branded services;
• memory size.

Flaws:

NVIDIA SHIELD

The best premium TV box of 2021 isn’t new, but it’s still relevant for NVIDIA SHIELD, which is great for content as well as gaming. In fact, the fact that this is the most functional multimedia player can be understood both by the image and by the cost. At the same time, the number of supported assets deserves special attention: from NVIDIA Games to Netflix. The powerful TV box does an excellent job with HDR10, Dolby Vision, has a powerful -Fi 802.11ac Mimo 2 × 2. In addition, the manufacturer has taken care of the ability to play Blu-Ray discs. Simple control is due to the support for the execution of voice commands, the presence of a high-quality web browser. However, the quality of the remote justifies even the most demanding expectations of customers. The manufacturer guarantees a powerful NVIDIA Tegra X1. The model runs on Android 9.0 operating system.

Advantages:

• equipment;
• strength;
• design;
• volume;
• number of services.

Flaws:

The best Android TV boxes for price and quality

To begin with, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most popular media players costing up to 5,000 rubles that work on the Android operating system. According to the editors, the declared price is the embodiment of the optimal ratio of price and quality with decent technical characteristics and, of course, functionality. Are there cheaper TV boxes? Oh sure. But we do not recommend trying to save on these gadgets, as in most cases this negatively affects the functionality, stability and usability of the equipment. Prefixes on the Android operating system are attracted by the fact that most applications and games are available for them.

ZTE ZXV10 B866

The ZTE ZXV10 B866 model falls into the rating of a TV box, which is a multifunctional device for both video playback and games. The ARM Mali-450 series chip offers good performance, with enough power for light applications and to watch 2160p videos without any problems. High speed tasks are also guaranteed by 2 gigabytes of RAM. The ROM is only 8 gigabytes, and this is clearly not an ideal indicator. I am pleased with the number of ports that allow the full potential of the technology. Uses HDMI connector, 2 USB ports. Of the wireless modules, it should be noted Wi-Fi, information transfer via Bluetooth, there is Ethernet. At the same time, a device with a loyal price tag supports voice control and access to Google Play resources.

Advantages:

• number of ports;
• good image;
• compact size.

Flaws:

• average power.

Vontar X96 Max+

Undoubtedly, and rightly so, the Vontar X96 MAX + model is today considered a good SMART set-top box on Android. We used to have the classic version of this box on our list, but now we want to celebrate the merits of the premium setup, which also works with support for 4K UHD resolution. This version also uses the advanced Mali graphics accelerator with OpenGL support. However, the improved version has more memory: 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM. Recall that the usual variation is only 2 gigabytes of LPDDR4 RAM. The browser in this gadget is the recognizable and protected Google Chrome. It supports a wide range of ports including USB 3.0 Type A and Ethernet.

Advantages:

• good power;
• many applications;
• open GL support;
• build quality.

Flaws:

Ugoos X3 Plus

If you are looking for a cheap but good TV box for Android 9.0, we recommend that you check out the upgraded version of Ugoos X3 Plus with quad core processor. This is a powerful enough chip, the performance of which will not seem small for playing demanding content and even games. Mail-G31 is used as a graphics accelerator. At the same time, the manufacturer equipped the device with 4 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM. Internal memory 32 GB. There is a built-in HDMI, a remote infrared port, Ethernet, tulips. The design is quite strong, but the design is inferior to a number of competitors. However, this is a cosmetic issue. In terms of technical parameters, this is definitely a high-class media player.

Advantages:

• good power;
• memory size;
• many ports;
• related services.

Flaws:

• amateur design.

Rombica Smart Box v007

If you have not yet decided which Android TV Box to choose, you should definitely pay attention to Rombica Smart Box v007. I am satisfied with the number of integrated Internet resources, including Netflix, Megogo, of course YouTube and others. However, if something is missing in the collection, you can easily increase the number of applications using the Google Play Store or the built-in APK. If the internal memory is not enough, you can expand it with a memory card. Responsible for performance is a medium-power chip with 4 cores clocked at 1 GHz. I am satisfied with the quality of the implementation of the Rombica software shell. The system is well suited for remote control.

Advantages:

• corporate shell;
• build quality;
• many Internet services;
• neat appearance;
• small size.

Flaws:

• not much power.

Xiaomi Mi Box International Version

The best Android TV box in 2021 in terms of price / quality ratio is Xiaomi Mi Box from the International Version series. The usual Mi Box S, as you understand, is less convenient for our region, as can be seen from the management and settings. At the same time, each of the configurations boasts really good hardware characteristics. It is worth noting that this model supports video 3840 x 2160. The processor is Amlogic, based on a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor paired with 2 gigabytes of RAM. Persistent storage is 8 gigabytes. Satisfied with the variety of interfaces, including HDMI, USB and audio output. For ease of use, there is Google Assistant and SmartCast.

Advantages:

• maximum resolution;
• powerful processor;
• global version;
• many ports;
• smart assistants.

Flaws:

• no for this number.

Rating of TV tuners for TVs

T2 set-top boxes are the cheapest option for organizing TV broadcasts at home. These tuners can send images to a monitor or TV in various formats. Indeed, such devices are the forerunners of DVB-T, a standard already implemented in all modern televisions. In this collection, we will look at the simplest TV solutions.

LUMAX DV-1115HD

Let’s start our review of the budget TV tuner with the previous generation LUMAX DV-1115HD series, which has a simple yet compact body. Despite the extreme simplicity of style, this is a reliable device with support for most open-air channels available and even cable TV. In addition, it also fixes them automatically. It is worth noting that this receiver supports the Dolby Digital system and can play content in various formats. The advantages of the device include the input for a 3G modem to access the Internet. As a result, a network application such as YouTube hosting can be used. Importantly, the device is available on different processors – pay attention to the packaging. The firmware depends on it.

Advantages:

• modem output;
• stable work;
• support for different formats;
• good manual channel search.

Flaws:

• comes out on different chipsets.

D-COLOR DC1501HD

Another inexpensive digital tuner with a standalone connection and space for an external drive. The D-COLOR DC1501HD supports three picture formats from 720p to 1080p, so it’s good enough for older TVs. The output image format can be in two aspect ratios: 4 x 3 or 16 x 9. Various outputs are available, including audio, HDMI, and standard composite. In addition, the manufacturer has taken care of the possibility of connecting external drives via USB 2.0 Type A. The kit includes a standard remote control. From the functions you can see the timer, teletext as well as delayed display.

Advantages:

• support for Dolby Digital;
• there is a teletext;
• delayed vision;
• proportions;
• USB 2.0 type A.

Flaws:

• for old TVs.

Cadena CDT-1753SB

Model Cadena CDT-1753SB with support for DVB-T and DVB-T2 is considered a good solution for on-air connection of channels. The gadget supports antenna input for television and is equipped with a modest screen. Operation is carried out using an intuitive and ergonomic remote control. Inside there is a good hardware component, which is the key to stable operation of the equipment. In addition, the chipset is effectively cooled by a passive cooling system. In terms of functions, everything here is extremely modest, but stability and the number of doors attract. There is HDMI input, AV output and USB 2.0 interface.

Advantages:

• number of ports;
• stable work;
• convenient remote control;
• build quality.

Flaws:

• Several variants.

LUMAX DV-1120HD

Another model from LUMAX, but with a more modern design, which can be understood by the number of supported options. At the same time, the DVB-T2 / C digital receiver operates on the basis of a new chipset. Unlike the previous line, this gadget attracts with a higher frequency of image and sound. At the same time, support for a wide range of formats is implemented: from PNG to MP3. The same simple manual search is available as in the previous line, but a few options have been added. In particular, support for pauses during TV broadcasts has been implemented, and a WI-FI connection for Internet access has been provided. Also, by default, there are several movie theaters that you can subscribe to if you wish.

Advantages:

• convenient remote control;
• interesting interface;
• many options;
• image quality;
• support for different formats.

Flaws:

World Vision T624A

The best set-top box for receiving digital signals in 2021 is the entry-level model of the World Vision T624A series, which allows you to enjoy not only terrestrial TV channels, but also organize a modest media center next to the TV. In particular, this gadget can play multimedia files using flash drives and other external storage devices. In addition, you can record content to your hard drive, including live broadcasts. Useful features include a TV guide, access to email services and news feeds. On the back of the device, you can find a wide selection of connectors, from USB to HDMI.

Advantages:

• many connectors;
• recording channels;
• Internet access;
• there is a TV guide;
• simple interface.

Flaws:

How to choose the right SMART TV box?

Having decided on the manufacturer, operating system and functions, it remains to pay due attention to key parameters directly related to performance and hardware. If you do not know how to choose a good TV box, we recommend that you consider the following features:

1. CPU. This is one of the most important connections in the hardware base of a TV box. He is responsible for the speed of the equipment, the level of performance. It is worth saying that Apple has its own processors that have higher performance than analogues of the Amlogic S922X-H series based on Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A53 cores. But the last option is quite enough and it will remain relevant for a long time. However, there are enough less powerful solutions, but do not forget that the requirements for content are growing, as well as for modern applications, so it is better to focus on the latest versions of chips.
2. graphics adapter. This is more relevant for Android models that allow you to play games. Mali G-52 is still considered to be a good graphics accelerator with which you can easily use 4K image with frame rate from 60 to 120 FPS, with other decent specs.
3. Memory size. We are talking about RAM (responsible for speed, multitasking) and ROM (the amount of data that can be stored inside the device). Of course, it depends on the goals, but the more the better. If you are going to play games, you will need between 64GB and 128GB of permanent storage and at least 4GB of RAM.
4. WiFi module. The speed of downloading and playing content on the Internet depends on the version. The more modern the better.
5. Connectors. Different ports are responsible for different connection purposes (media, Internet, other options for viewing information). You definitely need HDMI (for TV), AV (if you have an old TV), LAN (wired internet), TF (for increasing memory via MicroSD), USB (peripheral devices).

Actual TV Box Tests

Other things being equal, actual TV box performance and speed measurements are not uncommon. Therefore, in addition to reviews, it is necessary to take into account the data of resources conducting the following studies:

1. Extreme Test: Shows the maximum temperature the device can withstand and how hot the device gets when using its full potential;
2. Wi-Fi test: displays the real speed of receiving / transmitting information;
3. Game test: If you are interested in Android TV Box for games, you should pay attention to the frame rate in different applications (FPS).

As a rule, you can see the real performance in the reviews of all premium solutions.

Media Player Tips

1. What is the minimum power of the TV box? If you are on a budget, it will be useful to know that the minimum for comfortable viewing of good quality video is the use of a 4-core chip with a frequency of 1.3 to 1.5 GHz with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB. ROM. For 4K on a budget, the X96 Max is considered a worthy solution.
2. On which operating system should I choose a media player? As a rule, Windows-based models are purchased to obtain an alternative to a PC, that is, to solve office problems (included). If you are interested in a multimedia player for entertainment, Android TV BOX is definitely the best option due to the wide variety of applications. The alternative is Apple’s more optimized iOS products. But their software list is smaller and the cost is higher.
3. Does the price of a TV box depend on its appearance? Many parameters depend on the cost of a media player: from equipment to manufacturer. Appearance is not an important parameter in the formation of value. However, if you are interested in a compact solution, look at the actual trot test performance, which indicates the life of the equipment.

Choice of TV box configuration

The vast majority of TV boxes have a standard set of accessories, including documentation, HDMI cable, charger and remote control. Premium solutions can have many more add-ons:

1. Antennas – significantly increase the speed of data reception through the Wi-Fi module;
2. Technological remote controls – more advanced components equipped with voice input, a gyroscope for cursor control, etc.;
3. Infrared signal receiver – useful, for example, if you are going to hide the box behind the TV;
4. Game controllers: Gamepads are usually found in expensive Android boxes that support some pretty demanding 3D applications.

The list is not final. Much depends specifically on the purpose of the model and brand.

What is the best TV box to buy in 2022?

I would like to hope that it has become clear that the choice of such a technique gives an understanding of the main tasks that modern boxes may face. If you’re not sure which TV box to buy, think about the possibilities of different operating systems, processors, and features. If you are interested in our opinion, then the conclusion is as follows:

1. Best TV box for iOS – Apple TV 4K
2. Good media player for the price and quality – NVIDIA SHIELD;
3. Balanced model on Android – Vontar X96 MAX +;
4. Best Android TV Box – Xiaomi Mi Box International Version;
5. Economic set-top box for digital TV – World Vision T624A.

Friends, if you think that any media player is missing from this list, be sure to include the name and your reasons in the comments and thank you for your attention.