Modern manufacturers never cease to amaze consumers with ingenious developments. It got to the point that the Android TV set-top box is able to turn a standard TV into a real center with multimedia capabilities. For this reason, there is a desire to take care of such an acquisition for your home. The best TV boxes in 2020 work with apps from Google Play, which is very convenient. The user should arm one of the additional devices to control and customize multimedia to suit his tastes.
Such devices should be understood as a remote control from a TV or a simple mouse from a PC. Of course, it should be noted that in this case the set-top box must support HDMI CEC. In the presented article, each user will be able to find out useful information about such devices and, most importantly, understand which TV set-top box is better.
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Best smart set-top boxes for TV 2020
Original Xiaomi Mi TV Box
The rating opens with a prefix from the famous brand Xiaomi. It is worth recognizing that the manufacturer company was able to achieve great success in various areas of production of modern technology. TV set-top boxes are no exception.
It must be admitted that this model can safely bear the title of "classics". Let it hardly be called new, but it definitely fits the parameters of the "best TV set-top box 2020". This is confirmed by the fact that there is a high demand for it on the market. What is the reason for this phenomenon? Let's figure it out.
First of all, it is due to the interest in the presence of a good processor of the device. This is Amlogic S905 which runs on 4 cores. It should be admitted that such characteristics are quite enough to provide its owner with quality content. The device is designed for 2 GB of RAM, which is quite normal, but 8 GB of built-in is a small figure today. Modern players surprise with great values. The device is powered by Android TV 6.0.
As for the appearance, which is also an important parameter, then everything is worthy. The prefix looks like a small box. The style is minimalistic, which is a big plus. It will fit into any interior, not standing out and not attracting special attention to itself, but perfectly coping with its original goals. The manufacturer chose a very high-quality plastic for the case. The assembly is excellent, the quality of the device is at the highest level.
Here I would like to note that whatever one may say, but Xiaomi has developed a very good tradition - to keep the brand and not to fall in the "brand in the mud". Everything is thought out in the console to the smallest detail, starting from the rubberized ring on the bottom of the case. This approach allowed the attachment to not slide over the surface.
Users note that the interface of the console is very simple, there are no problems with learning it. The appearance of the menu is tiled. Our compatriots can choose to support the Russian language. Just keep in mind that in this case you need to buy the best TV box from Xiaomi in the global version.
It is very convenient that the manufacturer has enabled voice search. Thus, it is very convenient to download content of interest. You can apply not only to the Google platform, but also download from a USB flash drive.
No less significant is the fact that the device works on the AMLogic S905X-H SoC matrix, its faithful companion is the Mali-450 processor. The hardware is perfect. The media attachment does not emit unnecessary sounds, users note that there are no lags, but the video plays smoothly on the screen. The Xiaomi remote control has a microphone, which in a number of games should be used like a joystick.
Summing up the Mi TV Box model, I would like to note that this is the best option for watching videos, playing simple gaming entertainment. The set-top box is definitely of high quality, and it will certainly remain relevant on the market for several years, despite the presence of new competitors.
Unfortunately, even such a giant was not without drawbacks. This is due to the fact that the device is characterized by low performance if you want to try your hand at heavy "toys" that are presented in 3D modes.
All the rest is within the power of the prefix from Xiaomi! User reviews only prove this fact, and it's hard to argue with that.
Tanix TX5 Plus
And now it is proposed to move abruptly to a novelty on the market in 2020. This is a prefix that appeared on sale quite recently, so it will not work to judge by feedback from user experience.
Let's first highlight the technical characteristics of the device. This is a good device, the memory of which is designed for 4 GB, in addition to the RAM, you can connect a drive up to 32 GB. The manufacturer took this point into account, which is a very significant plus.
Operates Tanix TX5 Plus with Amlogic S905X2 processor. It has 4 cores. Cooperates with Mali G31 MP2 GPU. The memory capacity is really solid, and the chipset is distinguished by high performance, and therefore you can safely run Android games. By the way, it is important to mention that the set-top box works on Android 8.1.
Like many of the best digital TV set-top boxes, the device is 4K. you can watch movies, TV channels, launch interesting applications at any time for yourself. The SMART box is conducive to spending time with quality content.
And this was not without a flaw. It is minimal, but still there - the lack of voice control. And this option has recently been in great demand among users, therefore it can become one of the decisive points for the buyer.
TV Box Tanix TX6
It is highly recommended to take a closer look at this model. The prefix appeared on the market in 2018, but has already been able to earn extremely positive reviews on the Web.
The device is based on SoC Allwinner H6. It is also important to note that it has 6K video support! 30 frames per second were taken into account.
The device of the set-top box is decent in performance characteristics. You can use it as a game. In this case, lags will not be 100%. In the presence of 4 GB of memory, but you can expand with the drive. The maximum value is 32 GB. The device runs on Android OS 7.1.2. Thanks to this solution, it became possible to install applications from the Play Market. But you can also visit third-party sources. The choice will be solely for the user. One of the useful features of the device is its support for voice control.
The cost is not high, while the functionality is at a high level. Therefore, we can conclude that those who are not yet familiar with the TV Box Tanix TX6 personally will certainly rush to correct this defect in the near future. This console will become even more popular. Actually, this should not be surprising. The manufacturer is the market leader with exceptional quality products in the electronics field.
A95X PRO
The device is very popular with consumers. It attracts in many respects because the set-top box is based on the Amlogic S905W processor. As you know, it differs in high performance, which is almost the main characteristic for many consumers. The video is displayed great, everything is smooth and even.
An interesting feature of the device is the ability to control it using your voice.Also in the kit, the manufacturer offers a PU, which has a built-in high-quality microphone.
It should be noted that the set-top box supports 4K technology and demonstrates high quality pictures, there is no delay. It works on the basis of Android 7.1, but everything would be fine, only there is very little RAM memory, as for modern devices. It's only 2 GB. There is nowhere else to fall below. As compensation, the manufacturer decided to have a built-in drive, but even here its capacity is not large - only 16 GB. Of these, the user will be able to use 11 GB.
There are no complaints in appearance. The attachment is made on the basis of a plastic case. Even taking it in hand, you understand that all the materials are of high quality, the connectors are made very carefully. In general, the build quality is excellent.
One of the features of the set-top box is the desktop. Since this is an Android TV, it is divided into several parts. The top row is the content that the user has chosen for himself, and at the bottom the labels can be changed as the soul desires.
The voice control function shows itself quite well in practice. The Russian language is perfectly recognized. In general, operating the set-top box is simple and straightforward on an intuitive level. I am glad that there are a number of applications that come standard with the device. For example, Spotify, YouTube, Chrome browser, etc.
A significant disadvantage for the A95X PRO is the lack of Bluetooth. Also not happy with the exclusion of rubber feet in the lower area. This allows the attachment to slide over the surface, which could have been avoided.
The disadvantages also include the fact that the console gets very hot during the gameplay. Its temperature can reach 80 degrees.
Summing up, you can see that the A95X PRO is a good option. The impression from consumers when using it is extremely positive. The video is produced with dignity, there is a voice mode, and even the cost is democratic.
TV Box Beelink GT1 mini
Continuing the review of the best TV set-top boxes, it would be appropriate to talk about the development of the Beelink company. It is worth noting that this manufacturer was already able to positively mark in the creation of Android SMART TV boxes that users like. The latest interesting model is the Beelink GT1 mini. Let's find out why it is so attractive to consumers.
A distinctive feature of the model is that the manufacturer decided to use a new platform. This is Amlogic S905X2. The processor is new in its generation. It has excellent performance characteristics, and even a small heating rate. Powered by 4 cores.
As for the base, the manufacturer gave preference to the Android 8.1 OS. Support for the voice control option is also accompanied by a remote control, which has a built-in microphone of good quality.
The image is high quality, the picture in 4K is smooth. Memory is also worthy of respect. This is 4 GB of RAM, moreover, it is possible to expand the built-in 64 GB.
If we turn to the comments of consumers, it will become clear that the firmware of the console is not fully thought out. The product has just appeared on the market, but this suggests that updates will make it more improved, removing shortcomings.
Not without reason, the manufacturer added “mini” to the name. The dimensions are really tiny. This prefix is no larger than a plastic card. It will not take up much space, and it will not catch your eye. This decision is very appropriate.
Alfawise s95
There is a place in the rating for models of consoles that belong to the budget category. Alfawise S95 is just that. The cost of the device is no more than 2 thousand rubles. As for the characteristics, let's figure it out together.
It is known that the S95 from the manufacturer Alfawise hit the market in 2017. Until today, it still has not lost its relevance. The cost also played a role here, but it should be noted that its performance characteristics are at the level.
The box is equipped with an Amlogic S905W processor, which is distinguished by its 4 cores. The graphics are wonderful, the picture is very clear and pleasing to the eye. There is support for 4K technology.There are no problems with playback, although some videos may not start at all.
It was decided to take Android 7.1 as the OS. The menu is presented in a classic form. This is a very comfortable tiled style. In fact, everything is clear enough, even on an intuitive level. The apps are impressive. They occupy the entire area of the panel, but the user got the opportunity to remove some of them if he does not use it.
Turning to the characteristics of the memory, it is worth noting that this is 2 GB of RAM, but there is a built-in 16 GB drive.
The model as a whole is quite interesting and definitely deserves the attention of consumers in 2020. Just be prepared for the cons. The cost is small, but there is 4K support. Such a duet is accompanied by strong overheating of the device. And why not watch content in Full-HD format, then the problem will be solved by itself.
MXQ G12
The console has an excellent design. Everything is stylish and tasteful. A distinctive feature of the TV box can certainly be called the backlight. This is the neon outline that frames the plastic case. It looks very appropriate, giving a special flavor to the design.
The box is powered by Amlogic S905X2 processor. This is a fresh solution, but quite appropriate. OS - Android 8.1.
The MXQ G12 has 4GB of RAM, you can even add 32GB from the drive. This is quite pertinent data, as for modern TV box in 2020.
Even if the model has just appeared on the market, there are chances to believe that it will have its fans. The price is quite affordable, and the characteristics are good. The first consumers will definitely share their feedback on the use of TV-box on the Web, then it will already be possible to draw accurate conclusions about its performance in general.
EACHLINK H6 mini
Inexpensive version of Android TV box. The body of the device is made of thin plastic. It seems that the attachment is bulky until you take it in your hands. The EACHLINK H6 mini actually looks very stylish. This is largely due to the fact that the lid has a textured surface.
As for the internal filling, everything is quite decent here. Powered by Soc Allwinner H6 platform. A device is suitable for working with different media content. Supports 4K and 6K resolution. The processor is amazing. This is how the AllWinner H6 Quad-core Cortex-A53 has proven itself. It has 4 cores.
Memory is also pretty smooth. There is 3 GB of RAM + expandable to 32 GB using a flash card. The manufacturer preferred OS Android 7.0. In general, the interface is attractive and clear. Many users like that the items are large, they exactly correspond to the remote control that comes with the device itself.
The upper part of the launcher is presented in the form of applications. Among them are players, YouTube, Google Play and Netflix. But from below, the user can refer to programs that have been launched recently. Among the applications there is a calendar, browser, Play Store, etc.
It is worth noting that the system has no lags or freezes. The work is done very quickly. It is possible to run 8K video. There is a fading at the beginning, but later the duo of the GPU and the chipset - Mali-T720MP2 and Allwinner H6, respectively, cope with the task.
Summing up, it can be noted that this version of the Android TV set-top box is inexpensive, but this does not prevent it from broadcasting extremely high-quality video content.
There is also a minus. In the YouTube application, videos can only be viewed in 1080p quality.
Mecool M8S PRO L 4K
The presented prefix attracts attention primarily by its small size. The manufacturer pleased with a beautiful design that will appeal to all adherents of the minimalism style. Black color. The body is made of plastic, the surface is matte. On the top of the lid there is a relief finish and the model name in white. In fact, the top decoration is also an outlet for ventilating the inside of the device.
Let it seem from the outside that the device is very small. But it's also incredibly powerful. Let's take a look at the specs together to be sure.Powered by Amlogic S912 processor with 3GB of RAM. This duo allows the device to function very quickly, plays various types of video formats, but there are no lags or freezes. The picture pleases with its smoothness and quality of data transfer.
You can expand the memory up to 16 GB at the expense of the drive. The manufacturer gave preference to OS 7.1.2 and provided an option for voice control. In "Tanks" with such a prefix it will turn out to be great, but the settings should be set low. Heavier games simply will not pull.
Since during the screenings of the film you may notice that the console is overheating too much, you can use our life hack and remove the upper part of the device case. In this case, the processor will cool faster. Another option is not to be greedy and buy a special stand with the appropriate effect for quick cooling.
In general, Mecool M8S PRO L 4K is a good option, but noticeable heating spoils the picture of the user experience.
Beelink Gs1
The rating ends with a prefix from Beelink. This variation of the TV box is called the GS1. But not only this fact distinguishes it from similar devices. She has several features. First of all, the set-top box works on the Allwinner H6 chip. The device became the second on the market with a similar processor. Thanks to this decision of the manufacturer, it was possible to set up video playback in 4K and 6K. The chipset runs on 4 cores. The RAM of the device is 2 GB, but there are versions for 16 and 32 GB additionally. To do this, you need to take care of purchasing a drive.
In the prefix OS - Android 7.1. Launcher looks like tiles, this is a very common option for many TV boxes in recent years. On the left side there are applications, widgets. On the opposite side, there are applications that the user likes. In fact, the interface is not clogged with unnecessary programs. You can independently download any product from the Play Market.
Video content playback is great. Everything moves smoothly, there are no freezes, as well as lags. Even if you intensively load the attachment, it does not heat up more than 60 degrees. This is an excellent indicator.
The Beelink Gs1 TV box is capable of extremely delighting its owner, the connection is maintained, the speed of work is at altitude.
