People frequently ask us… What exactly is an Android TV box? and why should I get one? You’ll find all the information you need about Android TV boxes on this article. What is an Android TV box, exactly? What makes it unique compared to other streaming devices? What are you going to do with it? And why would you pick Android-powered one over other products on the market?
What Is An Android TV Box?
A TV box that runs on the Android operating system is an Android TV box. This is the same operating system that powers your smartphone, tablet, and millions of other devices worldwide.
Typically, the operating system is a bit older than the OS on your phone; it could be Android 9 or 10, for example, but you can run virtually all of the same apps on an Android TV box as you do on your Android smartphone.
Android TV Operating System
Android TV is an Android-based smart TV operating system developed by Google for televisions, digital media players, set-top boxes, and soundbars.
The platform was announced the first time in June 2014, and became accessible on the Nexus Player in November of that year. Sony and Sharp have adopted the platform as smart TV middleware, while other IPTV television providers have adopted Android TV set-top boxes.
It is the successor to Google TV, with a user interface focused on content discovery and voice search, content aggregation from various media apps and services, and integration with other recent Google technologies like Assistant, Cast, and Knowledge Graph.
Android TV Operator Tier is a special edition provided to service providers who use Android TV on the device they provide to their subscribers to access media content. The operator can customize the device’s home screen and services in this edition.
The latest version of this OS is Android TV 10, released on November 30, 2021
Source: Wikipedia
Alright, What is a TV Box?
Glad you asked! TV box is not a term with a strict definition. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and can possess a wide range of capabilities.
You’ve probably heard a variety of terms used on websites, in forums, and in social media groups. These might include:
- Streaming Media Device
- TV Box
- TV Stick
- IPTV Box
- Streaming Media Player
- Set-top Box
- Media Streamer
- HTPC
- Media Streaming Dongle
- Kodi Box
- Android TV Box – and so on!
They are all essentially the same type of device, a device that streams content from your home network or the internet to your television.
An Android TV device is an Android-powered media streaming box or dongle that connects to your smart or non-smart television. The device can be used to watch on-demand video apps, video sites, and network television shows. However, Modern TV boxes provide smart facilities like advanced gaming functionalities, DVR, and altering environments like a home theatre etc.
Android TV Boxes – Beginner’s Guide 101
If you’re unfamiliar with streaming devices and TV boxes, this is the place to start…
Don’t worry if the terminology seems a bit complicated; We’ll walk you through some of the fundamentals. We wrote this guide so simple and straightforward for anyone who wants to learn more to start.
Do you remember MP3 players or, Audio players? How many of you still have one of those MP3 players?
We’d used many of them. We still have one in our office. Back then 2009, thousands of users went to Apple stores looking for iPods.
However, like the iPhone, Apple did not produce enough of them. As a result, all of the iPods were sold in a very short period of time. Since then, all that has remained are several generic MP3 players.
When customers came into a large gadget store looking for an iPod, the first question they were asked was:
“Do you want an Apple iPod or just an MP3 player?”
This typically resulted in a confused expression. Most people thought they were the same.
The seller had to spend the time explaining to customers all of their other alternatives available. Sometimes, an iPod was exactly what they desired, which was fine, but most of the time they simply desired the best device they could afford for less. In those cases, the best device didn’t always come with an Apple sticker.
And due to a lack of supply, they were bound to sell what little stock they had, including a significant number of generic (brand/non-brand) MP3 players. However, most of the customers were very happy after their purchase as their ultimate goal was storing music on a portable music player and listening to them.
Now, consider an Android TV Box is like an MP3 Player. Your ultimate goal for a TV box is streaming content online and watching them on your Television or Monitor. Right?
All these boxes and streaming devices are essentially the same. The same thing is essentially known by several names as a TV box, media streamer, dongle, and set-top box.
Why Are There so Many Different Names?
What do you call this image when you see it? The answer likely depends on where you’re from, right?
These gadgets are typically referred to as streaming devices or streaming media players in the USA region. Sometimes they are incorrectly referred to as Roku boxes, even though they may be manufactured by Amazon, Apple, or one of the numerous other companies we’d discuss. Let’s provide an example of something comparable.
Depending on your location in the United States, you may refer to this sugary, carbonated drink as “Pop,” “Soda,” or even “Coke” (even though it’s not Coke). People generally understand that “Pop” and “Soda” mean the same thing, but if you ask for a “Coke” from someone who calls it “Soda,” you will typically receive a Coke, not a choice of other flavors.
Similarly, unless it is genuinely a Roku, referring to it as a Roku box can cause confusion for you and the person you’re speaking with, as well as limit your options when searching for a new device.
In Europe, they are widely referred to as Kodi boxes because of the popularity of installing Kodi and some of the available streaming add-ons. They can also be referred to as IPTV boxes because Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services are considerably easier to find on that side of the Atlantic than in the United States. IPTV is a very popular way for streaming live television over the Internet.
The term “TV Boxes” is often used in Asia to refer to these devices.
As we are in Asia, you have probably heard them referred to as TV boxes here. We also prefer to refer to them as TV boxes. It is a more general term, but considering the device’s versatility, it makes more sense.
Last but not least The term mini-PC is also used. Certainly, TV boxes can be categorized as mini-PCs, but we don’t believe that’s an accurate description. A mini-PC can also refer to any small-format computer, including an Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing). Typically, they can perform all of the same tasks as a desktop computer or laptop. There are a few TV boxes that can replace your desktop, but they are the exception.
What Can You Do with an Android TV Box?
An Android TV box essentially brings the capabilities of your smartphone to your television. What does this actually mean?
You can stream video from apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video directly on your television by installing them (As long as you are a paid subscriber for their premium services).
You can watch live TV using a variety of live TV streaming apps, including Sling TV and Hulu, or you can connect an external antenna to your box to watch local channels.
You can install music apps such as Spotify, Youtube Music, and Prime Music to listen music on your television.
To watch free content from the internet, you can install powerful media library apps like Kodi. You can download the newest premium films and television shows, but this is a gray area in terms of the law.
You can find out more on how to install Kodi by going to this link.
If your Android TV box is powerful enough, you can use a game simulator to play Playstation, Xbox, and PC games on your big screen. Some of the more powerful boxes also support voice control and can integrate your TV into your smart home system via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Modern TV boxes also come up with DVR functionality, which can record your favorite program, show, or content. Drawbacks are you need large storage on your device and most times it’s illegal in terms of the law.
How Does an Android TV Box Work?
You should now be clear about what the distinctions are between an Android TV box, an Apple TV, a Roku box, and other brands. They are pieces of hardware manufactured by various companies that run different operating systems but provide essentially the same services.
It’s similar to the difference between the latest Samsung phone running Android, an iPhone running iOS, and a Windows phone running WindowsPhone-OS. They all accomplish the same thing but employ slightly different hardware and software technologies.
The TV box is designed to make it as simple to access your favorite entertainment on your television as it is on your mobile device. Netflix can be accessed using its own Android app, making the experience more streamlined and engaging. Since Netflix is one of the best streaming services in the world, having its UI function flawlessly on your large-screen movie streaming is a top priority. Netflix offers its official Android app, which makes watching movies and television shows more straightforward and more comfortable.
When it comes to accessing your favorite apps and switching between them, the various TV box operating systems’ launchers each offer a distinctive look and feel.
Since Android is such a highly adaptable operating system, Android TV boxes typically come with the built-in official launcher; but, if you don’t like it, you can usually just add a different launcher and use it in its place.
But there is one thing to keep in mind here:
There Is a Significant Difference Between Android TV and Android TV Box.
Follow along because this is where things could get a little complicated.
Android TV vs. TV Box:
Google announced the debut of Android TV during the I/O 2014 conference. You can put all your information into a single platform that makes it easy to organize and search and Google’s own voice search.
Google launched Android TV at the 2014 I/O conference. It’s a platform that consolidates your content for easy organization and searching, including Google’s own voice search functionality. You can learn more about the official Android TV here.
Android TV is Google’s attempt to run your media hub along with TV. Similar efforts have been made in the past by Microsoft (Xbox), Sony (Playstation and connected Blu-ray players), Roku, Amazon, Apple, and others.
Android TV is Google’s second attempt in this space, and the third if Chromecast would be included. Google TV was their first attempt to take over your living room, but it never really took off.
However, even though Google TV tried hard, it was never able to become the essential one in your living room.
The operating system itself is what makes an Android TV different from an Android TV box. The primary Android OS has a variant called Android TV. Even though Android TV is limited in the number of apps it can run without having to root your device, the apps it can run are created exclusively for your television rather than a touchscreen.
Why Is Android TV That Important?
Let’s take Netflix as an example. If you’ve ever used Netflix on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll remember swiping up and down to navigate the genre list. When you’ve found the type of movie you’re looking for, you can swipe left or right to see what else is in that genre.
Well, How Exactly Do You Swipe On Your TV Set?
Since you cannot, the Netflix Android TV app was created from the ground up to be used using a remote control as opposed to a touchscreen. Every other Android TV app works in the same way.
So, What’s The Goal of Android TV Boxes?
Only a few high-end, more recent smart TVs and a select few high-end TV boxes, such as the NVIDIA Shield, support Android TV.
However, not everyone can afford a brand-new high-end TV or needs anything as powerful as the Nvidia Shield, so Android TV boxes provide comparable performance, but with fewer capabilities, for a far lower price.
Android TV vs. Google TV
Google TV first appeared on television screens in 2020, along with a new version of Google’s streaming dongle, the cleverly titled Chromecast with Google TV. It’s the de facto smart TV interface for major manufacturers’ new Google-powered TVs and set-top boxes.
Google TV, rather than being a new operating system, is a software layer that runs on top of Android TV.
Google TV brings a new user interface with a different look and feels, similar to how launchers give Android phones a makeover and new functionality, with Android TV still providing the backbone for the experience.
While Android TV’s recommendations are based on apps rather than personal preferences, Google TV learns your viewing habits by utilizing Google’s machine learning, Google Assistant, and Google’s Knowledge Graph information base. This information is then used to make tailored suggestions on the dedicated For You tab on the home screen, show relevant promotions, and highlight popular content in your region.
What Should You Buy? An Android TV Box, Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV?
By this point, there is generally just one question remaining to ask:
What should you buy?
That depends on you and what you want it to achieve.
The Fire TV (stick or cube), Roku, and Apple TV are all excellent TV streaming devices. They’re so simple to use that we have nothing against them. But in terms of comparison – Do these all perform the same functions as the powerful NVIDIA Shield? Absolutely not. Do these have the same app compatibility as the Mi Android TV box? No, they don’t have.
Benefits of an Android TV Box
You have to install their apps and live in their OS ecosystem if you use a streaming device like Roku. If the app you want is unavailable, you don’t have many alternatives left.
Fortunately, Plex is available on most of the platforms, but if you want to use Kodi on your Roku, you’re out of luck. The Apple TV is the same way. You’ll need to manually sideload the application onto your Fire TV and go through a few steps in order to install it.
However, all you need to do is go to the Google Play Store and select the install option to install Kodi on an Android TV box. It’s pretty simple and straightforward. Moreover, the Google play store is considered as an ocean of useful apps. You can search and install almost every app you need from there.
Android TV Box Drawbacks
There are some drawbacks to Android smart TV boxes. They can take some time to set up properly, and as new firmware is released, they might need to be updated regularly.
However, most Android TV Box specifications are below average, resulting in slower startup speed and delayed UI response. In this regard, we recommend purchasing an Android TV box with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM/storage space.
One of the biggest disadvantages of non-branded Android TV box is, the Netflix app won’t stream in 4k on these devices.
Last but not least, you will not receive a firmware or OS update for the Android TV box after 2-3 years of its usage. You may need to purchase a new Android TV Box after a few years to run the most recent TV platform.
Is Amazon Fire TV Stick/Cube an Android TV Box?
Both yes and no. Amazon Firestick or Fire TV cube is a streaming device developed by the tech giant Amazon. While its operating system is based on Android, it is actually a proprietary version of Amazon’s Fire OS.
This can cause problems sometimes because you need to download apps from the Amazon App Store, which has a smaller selection than the Google Play Store but contains almost all of the essential apps. The default launcher also prioritizes Amazon-only content apps, even if these are cheaper (or free) elsewhere.
However, you can sideload the apps as your desire by turning on the “Apps from Unknown Sources” option. Despite this, Fire TV Sticks remain an extremely popular option, as they are one of the most affordable and effective TV streaming devices. Even more so, we recommend the Amazon Fire TV Stick as a top option.
Android TV Box vs. Fire Stick vs. Chromecast
Although all of this is related to the features and shortcomings of the Android TV Box, we will compare it to two other market competitors: the FireStick and the Chromecast dongle. To begin with, both the Android TV Box and the FireStick run Android in the background, but the FireStick replaces all Google services with its own Amazon service.
Chromecast was only a projection device before entering the previous generation, which meant it could only be used to mirror the screen of a smartphone or desktop on a TV. However, Google released a new “Chromecast with Google TV” device recent year, which runs Google TV (the successor to Android TV OS) and supports Chromecast.
How To Set Up An Android TV Box
Although the process is relatively straightforward, as we already said above, you can read our comprehensive guide on how to set up an Android TV Box.
Simply follow the steps below to set up your Android TV Box for the first time:
- Connect your device to an electrical outlet.
- Connect your device to your television or monitor using an HDMI cable. For old monitors and TV, you can use a VGA-HDMI converter like this.
- Turn on your device and use the device’s remote for navigation.
- Connect your device to your Wi-Fi network by following the on-screen instructions (Or you can connect through an ethernet cable with the device’s LAN port.)
- Sign in with your Google account. (To set up your TV box, you will need a Google account)
- Update your device firmware to the latest one. (Optional/If available)
- Start downloading and installing apps in the same way you do on your smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions – Android TV Boxes
What Channels Are On The Android Box?
You shouldn’t actually consider your TV Box to have “channels” on it. It differs from having a cable subscription. It is a device that enables you to cast the streaming services you want to stream on your television, including Netflix, Prime TV, and Disney+. You’ll need to buy subscriptions from these services separately because they aren’t really included.
Most of your favorite television channels, such as ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, NBC, and PBS, offer online streaming services that allow you to watch their Live content without a TV antenna or cable subscription. Simply visit their official website for your preferred channel, and follow the instructions on how to access them. Most of them have useful Google Play Store applications.
Can I Watch Live TV On An Android Box?
Yes, there are numerous applications available for streaming Live TV. Again, your Android box is nothing more than an ideal device for streaming online content. Simply find the content and services you want to stream on them.
There are dedicated apps available for all of the major television networks that allow you to stream their channels live and catch up on what you have missed. There are some additional services, such as IPTV service providers, which provide popular channels for streaming on your set-top box. These are similar to cable television operators but are provided through your TV box online instead of a TV cable.
How Can I Use An Android TV Box?
TV boxes are supposed to be user-friendly and straightforward, similar to your smartphone. In general, connecting your TV box to your internet network and then to your television is all that is required for functioning your TV box properly.
The box, which typically includes a dedicated remote, will next guide you through a quick setup procedure to download your preferred applications. Numerous popular applications, including Netflix and YouTube, will already be pre-installed.
The process of downloading and configuring apps on your TV box is very similar to that on your smartphone. There are some more difficult processes if you wish to modify something, like your launcher interface.
Because there are so many users who love Android and want to learn how to get the most out of it, you should be able to get help and instructions just by searching on Google.
Do I Need An Android Box If I Have A Smart TV?
Smart TVs are televisions with many of the features of TV boxes already built-in. For the most users, having a smart TV eliminates the need for an Android TV box because you can even get one that runs the Android TV OS. However, the Android box will significantly increase the features you already have.
One more thing to remember, Not all Smart TV is Android-powered.
Sometimes, the manufacturer makes smart TV on their own operating systems. For example, Samsung produces many smart TVs based on their own Tizen OS.
Is There Any Monthly Fee For An Android Box?
Similar to when you buy a computer or a gaming device, an Android TV box is a one-time purchase of the hardware and software. Although there are no continuing costs associated with Android TV boxes, this does not mean that using an Android TV box is totally cost-free. Your TV box is essentially useless without a strong internet connection, just like your cell phone. And your internet data will be charged as a result.
Although you don’t have to pay a monthly charge for the TV box, you might have to pay for the content services. You will have to pay the monthly subscriptions if you wish to use Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, or other services on your TV box.
Your Android TV box is also a piece of hardware that allows you to access content on your television through your Android device. However, while there is no requirement to pay a monthly subscription fee for the box, you may be asked to pay for the content that is included in the box.
How Much Will Cost An Android Box?
Depending on the quality of the box you choose to purchase, the hardware component (Ram, Processor, GPU, Storage, Chipset etc.) of an Android TV box may cost you around $20 to $400.
The most expensive devices come equipped with powerful chipsets that let you watch videos in 8K and play challenging games. They have voice control, integrations for smart homes, and services like Google Assistant. Additionally, they own the required licenses to enable 4K streaming from Netflix and other services. Most likely, you should budget at least $100 for all of these modern features.
Budget boxes these days are powerful enough to stream in 4K, but the small and non-brand companies that make them can’t get the certifications to unlock 4K content on the most popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video. So you’ll have to settle for regular HD (720p) Netflix and Prime Video.
You’ll also notice that cheaper boxes lack voice command capabilities and smart home integrations. They also have a limited amount of storage space and RAM and old processor versions. This means they can be a little slow when running heavy applications, and their storage can be filled up quickly if you download a lot of content.
What Should I Look For In An Android Box?
How you should consider an Android TV box depends on your priorities. Are you looking for streaming the high-definition content? Do you prefer a quick response so that there is no waiting for applications to load or for content to buffer? Do you simply need an inexpensive device for Netflix streaming in regular HD (720p)? You can prioritize what you need before purchasing if you know what you intend to do with your device.
As a general guideline, search for a box with a recent version of the Android operating system (definitely nothing older than Android 9.0) so that it will not become dated too quickly. Other considerations include a good CPU and RAM, which frequently determines performance, and enough storage capacity to manage your preferred applications. On top of this, if you have a 4K TV or monitor and want to take advantage of its visual quality, consider a box that can stream 4K as well.
Do I Need Internet For An Android Box?
Yes. You can stream content to your television using an Android TV box, just like you can on your phone. So, in order to stream or save content for offline watching, it requires an internet connection, much like your mobile device. A reliable internet connection is required if you want to get the most out of your TV box.
Can I Watch Free Movies on Android TV Box?
To watch premium content, latest movies and TV shows on an Android TV Box, you’ll need to have a subscription to Netflix, Prime Video, or other premium streaming services.
However, you can watch free movies on an Android TV Box by using a number of free Android apps like Sony’s Crackle and Tubi. On your Android TV Box, you may sideload Kodi and watch movies available for free.
Is Android TV Box Better than Fire Stick?
As we already said, since Android TV Box includes the pre-installed Google Play Store and Google Assistant, it has more software functionality than FireStick. However, Fire Stick offers significantly superior internals in terms of hardware offerings.
Can Android TV Box Work On Any TV?
An Android TV box will work on practically every modern TV bought in the previous 20 years, but there are very few that you can’t connect one to.
All you need is an HDMI connector to connect your Android TV box to your TV or Monitor. However, older TVs and monitors without HDMI ports or portable televisions could cause issues. There are adapters/converters available to bridge with TV box’s HDMI port if your old TV has AV connectors – Component (Red, Green, and Blue), Composite (Red, White, and Yellow), or VGA port (PC monitor or old flat TV).
Final Thoughts
An Android TV box is one of many devices that can transform your non-smart television into a smart TV, allowing you to stream all of your favorite content directly to your big screen.
These boxes run on the Android TV OS, which is very similar to Android smartphones, but there are other cheap and powerful alternatives available, such as Roku TV and Amazon’s Fire TV.
We prefer the Android TV box over other devices because it provides a wide range of flexibility and customization options rather than being locked into proprietary or brand-owned operating systems.
By far now, you should have a clear view of Android TV boxes, their advantages-drawbacks, features-functionalities, pricing, etc. If you still have any questions remaining on your mind, leave them in our comment section below. We’ll be delighted to answer all your queries.