Android TV boxes have become very popular and have changed the way many watch movies and TV shows.
Depending on the box many other options are available such as playing games, searching the internet, or even using Skype.
Android TV boxes are a computer with the android operating system loaded on it.
Like android phones apps can be installed from the Play Store that can do most anything you can think of.
While they can do many other things most buy them to stream their favorite shows from the internet or a home library.
Most use them to stream from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or any of the many online sources available.
With the many units available here we break down three of our favorite units all within a different price range.
High-end units are no doubt the best to get but can be outside many price ranges, with that in mind here is three levels of boxes.
High-End Box: NVIDIA SHIELD Pro
NVIDIA SHIELD Pro – 4K Ultra HD Streaming Media Player. Android TV. Great Gaming.
Nvidia is a big player in the graphics card manufacturing and also builds this high-end box.
There are two versions available, one with a 16GB hard drive, and another with a 500GB internal hard drive.
It can stream video or music from most any online source with up to 4K quality.
It runs a NVIDIA Tegra X1 CPU with 3GB of RAM.
Other features include USB 3.0, the new 802.11ac WiFi, along with a gaming controller or remote control.
The Nvidia Shield Pro is in our opinion the best android TV box available.
Unfortunately it is not a low cost box and cost more than other units.
If you have the money than this would be the one to get, if you need a lower cost options than read on.
Mid-Range Matricom G-Box
Matricom G-Box Q² Android TV Streaming Media Mini PC [2GB/16GB/4K] Quad/Octo Core
Matricom makes the G-Box at a lower cost than the Shield but still does a good job.
It runs a Quad Core S812 CPU with 2GB of RAM, along with built-in 802.11n WiFi.
The Matricom G-Box was built to work specifically with Kodi which is the best open source media player available.
Kodi does not need to be used as it is just another app but is the most used media player for streaming video from the internet.
Matricom gives basic support such as updates but wont be near the level of support High-End boxes get.
For a Full Review on the Matricom G-Box Read Here.
Low-End Tops MXV
Tops MXV Android TV BOX Amlogic S905 Quad-core Mini PC Streaming Media Player DDR3 2GB/ROM 8GB
If you are looking for a low cost option than the Tops MXV is an option.
It uses a S905 Quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, and has builtin WiFi.
Low-end cheap boxes have their place especially if you are a bit technical.
I myself have reviews and used many low-end units and while not the best performance they do just fine once setup correctly.
Unfortunately with these boxes there will be no support and they come needed to be setup often with limited instructions.
If you are a technical person than you likley will have limited problems after getting things setup at the start.
If you are not technical and want something that works out of the box, along with support when needed than better higher end units should be looked at.
Read Full Review Here on the Tops MXV S905
Summary
There are many great android TV boxes available with the above units simply our picks depending on your budget.
If you have the money than no doubt a high quality unit will be best.
Unfortunately for many of us paying the cost of a top unit is out of the price range.
Low end boxes do have their place and with some patience will work, simply dont expect more than you should from them.
If you do run into problems than there are may YouTube videos and online tutorials to help you work it out.
As always be sure to read the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.