Best Smart TV Boxes for 2020

The life of our contemporary without the Internet, social networks, applications that make life easier is simply impossible. However, what to do if there is no computer nearby, the size of the smartphone display does not suit you, there is only one thing to do, buy a Smart TV set-top box. Of course, you can get a smart TV, but this is not always the best solution for a number of reasons. Therefore, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offer you an overview of the best TV smart set-top boxes for 2020.

What is a smart box?

Let's see what a “smart” set-top box is, how it works, how it differs from the same “smart” TV. Let's start with a comparison.

Why the prefix is ​​better

A smart set-top box, or as it is also called Android TV Box (literally Android TV box), allows you not only to connect your TV to the Internet, you can get an almost full-fledged computer with a large screen. Naturally, the question arises, isn't it easier to buy a smart TV right away?

No, and here's why:

• The price of a smart TV is higher than a TV plus set-top boxes;
• "Smart" TVs are usually large, which is inconvenient when placing it in the kitchen or transporting it to the country;
• There are a lot of applications on Android (operating system of set-top boxes and smart TVs) in both cases, but for a TV with a smart function, some of them are paid;
• The set-top boxes have richer functionality, for example, the ability to connect external, peripheral devices.

How does a TV box work?

In fact, this gadget is a mini-computer, which, like a laptop or stationary computer, has a processor, memory, RAM and physical memory, ports for connecting devices. And its work is provided by the OS - the operating system of a certain version. And expensive models are equipped with even a small, own monitor. Accordingly, the characteristics of this device, its performance depends on the number of processor cores, what size, type of RAM. At the same time, physical memory, the size of the "hard drive", for set-top boxes is not as important as for a computer. Since it can be increased, because it has memory slots such as MMC, SD, or even for connecting external HDD systems. Internet connection occurs in two ways, either via Wi-Fi, or by directly connecting an Internet cable.

Basic and preferred parameters of the set-top box

Processor - the speed of the "box", work with applications, games, it all depends on the number of processor cores, their power. Budget models have dual-core processors, usually from Amlogic or RockChip. Their capabilities are quite enough for watching IPTV, working with simple applications. However, the higher the video format, for example, for 4K viewing, the more complex the application, the higher the power required for the games. The most powerful Amlogic S912 processors with eight cores to date.

RAM is another factor that is responsible for the "nimbleness" of the console. Accordingly, 1 GB is the entry level with which inexpensive models are equipped, 2 GB are of the middle level, 3 - 4 GB are premium.

Physical memory - its size is not so important, because it can be expanded with external memory cards. Therefore, it is much more important which memory slots are supported by the device. Most devices have 16 GB memory, type of RAM - DDR third, more expensive models, fourth generation.

Video processor - matters when buying a set-top box with advanced features. An integrated, built-in video processor is suitable for normal work with applications, social networks.

Ports - connection of the set-top box to the TV, peripheral devices (mice, gamers), the Internet is carried out through ports of various configurations. In addition, the set-top box must have the slots for the memory card mentioned above, in order to store more photos, video materials, downloaded and installed applications.

Operating System - There are two options here, either Android or Windows. The advantage of the first is the openness of the platform, which makes devices based on it cheaper than those based on Windows. In addition, Android systems have a wider selection of applications of a diverse nature, entertainment, educational, etc. Windows models are more expensive, but they have more functionality, the ability to connect peripheral devices, and allow you to work with documents of the most popular format. Such as word, excel. An important, especially for Android, version of the system, because the updated systems provide more opportunities, work more stably.

What are the smart TV boxes

All set-top boxes can be roughly divided into two categories. Those that are created more for watching video, including via the Internet, Internet channels, viewing of which on a smart TV will require a paid opening. And devices with broader, gaming, working capabilities. The high price of such models is justified by the fact that they allow you to communicate on social networks, fully work with documents, and use the TV as a game console. In addition, they work more stably, the material of their manufacture is of higher quality than that of models of a lower class.

How to connect a smart TV box?

Internet connection is carried out via an Internet cable or using Wi-Fi. Of course, the Internet connected via cable has the best performance, but not all set-top boxes have a cable connection port. In this case, you will have to buy a special USB - LAN adapter.
With an unstable Wi-Fi signal, when the router is in another room, it makes sense to buy a model with an external antenna that can amplify a weak signal. Or, another option, purchasing an additional router. The very process of connecting, setting up the set-top box is no different from connecting a smartphone to a Wi-Fi network.

Which prefix to choose?

First of all, you should decide on the purpose of purchasing such a set-top box. Maybe you want to make a smart TV in the country, or a second one in the kitchen? Then your selection criteria are the compactness of the device, its ability to receive a weak Wi-Fi signal. If you want to make the TV a second computer or multimedia center, the "box" must have good characteristics, additional modules, inputs, outputs for connecting external devices. But in this case, you will have to additionally buy the necessary accessories, otherwise most of the set-top box's capabilities will remain unrealizable.

What to look for when buying?

After purchasing, especially through the online store, be sure to check the correctness of the package, first of all, the presence of all cables, instructions in Russian. Otherwise, the connection, setting up the device at home will be difficult. If there is no such instruction, or it is in a foreign language, then in theory it can be downloaded from the Internet, the main thing is to know exactly the model of your set-top box.

Rating of the best smart TV boxes for 2020

Models of the budget price category

Google Chromecast 2018

A well-known multimedia player from Google that can be classified as a smart "box", even at a stretch. After all, the device has neither its own storage nor support for memory slots. In fact, this is a TV projector that broadcasts video, photos, online movies from your smartphone, iPhone (there is support for IOS systems). With a small, one might say, miniature dimensions, Google Chromecast 2018 has decent capabilities and an attractive design.

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Selenga T81D

The features of this device are such that it is impossible to call it a smart set-top box unconditionally. In fact, this is a combo device that combines a TV tuner with a Wi-Fi module. This gives the user the opportunity to watch videos of popular Internet services (720p, 1080i, 1080p quality), digital, cable antenna television (DVB-C, DVB-T2) for 20 channels.

Considering how much this budget device costs, we can confidently recommend it to the owners of old, analog TVs that still work in the country or in the kitchen.

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Mid-range models

iconBIT Movie ULTRA HD 4K

A simple, compact box representing a decent combination of average price / quality.

From the name of the module it is clear that its main "feature" is work with the 4K format, which is played at 60 FPS. The model has a fast processor, several connection ports, including RJ-45, DLNA, HDMI, 8 GB permanent memory. An excellent gadget for Internet television, watching videos. At the same time, you may not need instructions on how to set up iconBIT Movie ULTRA HD 4K, because the boxing interface is so simple and user-friendly that it allows you to carry out all the manipulations yourself.

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Xiaomi Mi Box S

The popularity of models of smartphones and tablets from Xiaomi is due to wide functionality at a relatively affordable price and smart consoles are no exception. Xiaomi Mi Box S has wide technical and user data. The four cores of the Cortex-A53 processor, the Mali-450 video chip, 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of drive memory allow not only playing all popular multimedia formats, but also using the Xiaomi Mi Box S as an integral part of a smart home. In addition, the device has an excellent three-dimensional sound system, which makes it indispensable when watching your favorite movies from popular movie services (Netflix, Live TV). Moreover, the button for their direct inclusion is already on the remote control.

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Premium price models

NVIDIA SHIELD TV

Our ranking of quality high-end consoles should start with NVIDIA SHIELD TV.NVIDIA is the most famous manufacturer of high-tech hardware equipment. Whose product quality has always been the guarantor of long, stable and multifunctional work of any, the most complex equipment. It is not surprising that this company decided to occupy a niche in the production of smart consoles, and it certainly succeeded. Boxing NVIDIA SHIELD TV is a worthy NVIDIA product that has high performance, supports many video formats, and allows you to use it as a gaming gadget. After all, a gamepad is already supplied in the package, and the quality of the gaming process is at a height thanks to proprietary gaming technologies from NVIDIA. Long-term operation is provided by a powerful Tegra x1 processor, proprietary from NVIDIA and a forced cooling cooler. Therefore, if the question "which company is better to buy a smart box" is urgent for you, pay attention to this model.

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Apple TV Gen 4 32GB

The description of expensive consoles would of course be imperfect without mentioning the products of the world famous Apple company, and Apple TV Gen 4 32GB in particular.
What has always distinguished Apple products is the design, thought out to the smallest detail, a wide range of features, and high quality software.
Apple TV Gen 4 32GB is a prime example of this. If we talk about the external component of both the main module and the control panel, then it is extremely difficult to find something similar from competitors.

High-level system capabilities. Gyroscope sensors, accelerometer are already built in. Initially, some online cinemas are available, although some of them are paid.
In addition, Apple TV Gen 4 will be an indispensable purchase for those who work on a MacBook as it supports the AirPlay service, iCloud.

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Dune HD Pro 4K

Perhaps, the most expensive device of all presented here, whose price is quite justified. Undoubtedly, the advantage of this model is the excellent quality of the transmitted image, which is also easy to adjust yourself. The high level of Dune HD Pro 4K is justified by the fact that it supports technologies such as 4K, HDR. And the high speed of playing these technologies is ensured by the good technical parameters of the device itself (2 GB / 16 GB memory), the ability to connect to the Internet via the LAN port at a speed of 1 Gbit.

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Conclusion

Our article shows only the most popular smart TV box models. However, you may have your own recommendations for the set-top box you are using, or perhaps we forgot to mention.We are always glad to read your advice on how to choose such a gadget, which device is the best to buy, and who do you think are the best manufacturers of this technology? Or maybe you know from personal experience how, for example, to avoid mistakes when choosing a device, especially if it is of a premium level? Be sure to share with us your experience and knowledge in the comments to this article.