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Like all Roku devices, the Ultra model is well made and easy to use. This is the 2018 version which is pretty similar to the 2017 one, except for several upgrades.
Some of the improvements include the shortcut buttons and the lost remote control function. Therefore, in case you can’t find the remote control you can simply press a button on the device and the remote will emit a sound. And the great thing is that you can customize the sound.
A really nice thing is that this device comes with Premium JBL headphones that can be connected to the headphone jack on the remote control.
There’s also a voice search available with Ultra. Unlike FireTV that allows you to access only Amazon channels with your voice, the Ultra provides you access to all apps.
The picture quality is impressive and it supports HD, 4K, and HDR. Additionally, you have 2 streaming possibilities: wireless with 802.11ac dual-band MIMO or wired with Ethernet 10/100.
PROS
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CONS
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- You can search through all app via voice function
- The remote finder feature is a nice addition
- Comes with a pair of JBL headphones
- Has shortcut buttons for Netflix, Sling, Hulu, and CBS
- Features wired or wireless Internet connection
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- You can’t connect an advanced sound system to the device, only speakers
- The app buttons are nice but they are not customizable
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VERDICT
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Great option for people who want to buy their first streaming device. The setup is simple and the operation is easy to understand. Also, it works very fast.
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When it comes to Android TV boxes, one of the best options to go with is the Shield TV Pro from Nvidia. It provides you quick access to numerous media, thus allowing you to enjoy the most exciting smart TV experience. The device comes with several updates in comparison to the previous model and some nice accessories, like the remote control.
Design&Accessories
This model has a smaller design that makes it more compact and lightweight. It is approximately 4 inches tall, 6 inches wide and 2 inches thick and it weighs only 8.8 ounces. Besides the power output, the manufacturer added two USB 3.0 ports, one HDMi output, and one Gigabit Ethernet output. There’s also a little fan that is very silent.
- Controller: the controller has been redesigned, so it looks nicer. It has a built-in microphone that promotes a hands-free operation.
- Remote control: allows you to set the volume or activate the voice control function. It also has a headset jack.
Performance
You will be impressed with the performance of this device. It features a NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor and a 256-core GPU. Also, it has 500 GB of internal storage and 3GB of RAM. It uses the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system and has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You will also like the fact that it is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can even use it to control the lights or lock and unlock your doors as it can access your smart home hub.
- Impressing video quality: it comes 4K HDR ready and it supports playback at up to 4K resolution with HDR.
- Exceptional gamin device: you can access and download as many games as you want: Android games, Nvidia games, or games from your PC.
- Multiple app: you can easily access apps like Amazon Video, VUDU, YouTube and many others.
User Convenience
The device is pretty easy to set up and comes with all the necessary instructions. The home screen is very intuitive and simple – features one app and one game section. It automatically creates a shortcut that provides you access to the latest installed and accessed games and apps. There’s also a Google Play store with plenty of apps and games to download.
PROS
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CONS
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- Smart home ready if you want to experience home automation
- Frequent software updated to enjoy the latest improvements
- Comes with a Nvidia controller and remote for more convenience
- Compatible with most HDTV’s
- Quick connectivity for all your devices
- Voice search for a more convenient operation
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- Not much improvement in comparison to the older version
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VERDICT
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This is an excellent streaming box that won’t disappoint you. It is easy to setup and the controller and remote are highly responsive. You will love the versatility and innovation of this product, as there are many built-in features that work great. However, in comparison to the previous version, there are no significant hardware changes to explain the price of this model.
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Enjoy your favorite movies and shows with this streaming media player. Roku Premiere is among the most popular choice among customers and for good reason. The price is accessible and the performance is impressive.
The quality of the image is also great as it supports HD, HDR, and 4K. As about the sound, you will experience great sound quality every time you turn it on.
The device connects to your TV via HDMI cable which is included. It is equipped with 802.11 b/g/n, so it automatically connects to your Wi-Fi network.
The device comes with a simple remote control that also features shortcut buttons for Netflix, Sling, Hulu, and Now. There’s also a free mobile app available that allows you to use your phone as a remote control. Among others, the app also enables voice search and private listening.
PROS
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CONS
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- Roku mobile app available for free
- Easy and quick setup
- Compact design
- Good sound and image quality
- Fast Wi-Fi connection
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- The HDMI cable is rather short
- You can’t control the volume with the remote control
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VERDICT
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Versatile and user-friendly this streaming media player is a nice option for your home. It works very well and it gives you access to a wide range of free channels.
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This device is made by Amazon and is slightly different than the other ones. To start with, it won’t work without Amazon Prime, so you need an account to get the most out of it.
In comparison to all the other boxes, it is more compact and lightweight, which allows you to take it with you everywhere you want. It has a small HDMI cable attached to connect it to your TV.
The included remote is easy to use and you can select your desired changes with Alexa voice search. You can even control your entire house as it is compatible with many smart home devices.
This is actually the third generation of the device and it comes with some improvements but also downgrades. Therefore, you will enjoy 4K resolution and HDR10 content. It features a stable connection and the app support is very nice.
However, it has a slower processor so gaming performance may disappoint some people. Also, there aren’t any ports to plug things into the device but you can buy a special power adapter if you want.
PROS
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CONS
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- Compact and stylish design
- Crystal-clear image quality
- Less expensive than most similar devices
- Smart home integration
- Alexa voice assistant
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- It lacks Dolby vision support
- No ports for your devices
- The processor is less performant in comparison to the previous generations
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VERDICT
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We recommend this device for those who are in the Amazon universe. It will be the perfect addition for their home. Even though it has some drawbacks, this little box is among the most popular ones out there. We like that fact that is affordable and easy to use being able at the same time to control the entire house with Alexa voice remote.
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This box is very well-made and features a nice design. It is entirely made of metal, so it’s a solid investment for many years. It is heavier than the other models selected by us but it has a compact size.
Besides the included standard remote control, it also comes with a wireless keyboard that fits great in your hands, helping with a lot with your searches. The keyboard features a trackpad on top to help you navigate with the mouse.
This is great as not many similar devices come with one, so you won’t have to buy it separately.
The antenna is located in the back for a better Wi-Fi reception. Once you finish the installation process, the main page looks like the typical Android interface.
You can easily customize the interface for a more user-friendly interface experience. The overall performance is pretty impressive and you will have access to a lot of content.
We like the picture quality as it moves fast and without buffering when streaming video.
PROS
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CONS
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- Solid construction and compact design
- Easy to set up and customize
- It features an on-off button on the front of the panel
- Comes at an affordable price
- You can expand the storage memory up to 64 GB
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- The keyboard batteries don’t hold the charge for long
- The remote control is not very responsive
- Doesn’t support all the apps
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VERDICT
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All in all, the device features a solid construction and is available at a budget-friendly price. The included wireless keyboard is very helpful although it seems rather cheap. Good quality image and easy to set up. It also works fast. There are some drawbacks but they don’t affect its overall performance.
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SkyStream TWO Streaming Media Player
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Maybe it is not as impressive as the previous console, but SkyStream TWO Streaming Media Player still has what you need for unlimited entertainment. It is less compact and heavier than the other devices selected but this is just a minor drawback.
The included remote control is nicely made and it allows you to control the box with ease. What’s impressive about the remote is the fact that if you don’t use it for a couple of minutes, it takes a nap to save battery life.
Unfortunately, the remote doesn’t have a built-in voice search but with an air mouse package, you can make it work.
This device is equipped with great technology, so no wonder there are many people who appreciate it. You can watch movies in 4K and full 1080P HD quality, enjoying the home-theatre experience every time you want.
You will have access to Kodi, Netflix, Google Play and so on, which means you will never get bored with this little box. The built-in Bluetooth allows you quick transfer between your personal devices while the Wi-Fi automatically connects to the Internet for no-hassle setup.
You can use this console with most HDTVs and enjoy the intuitive interface no matter what you want to do.
PROS
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CONS
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- Great storage capacity
- Most of the updates are automatic
- Friendly interface and easy to use remote
- Impressive picture quality
- Multiple ports for your devices
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- Not the most compact and lightweight streaming box
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VERDICT
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Undoubtedly this box is packed with almost everything you need for streaming content. You will be impressed by its performance and features and you will be able to enjoy it for many years. Of course, there are some minor drawbacks as the lack of the voice search or the bulky design. Also, keep in mind that this model is a little bit expensive, so make sure you purchase stands on solid arguments.
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All streaming boxes from Minix are specially made to enjoy the best performance and functionality. This model is among the most popular ones from Minix, so it totally deserves a place in our top.
The device is less compact than the previous model but is lightweight and stylish. The included remote control works with infrared so you have to make sure you are in line-of-sight.
The remote allows you to access the built-in features. It is powered by 2 AAA batteries that are not included. Additionally, it includes the GP800 wireless keyboard for a more enjoyable experience.
This device delivers solid performance and comes with many nice features that are meant to enhance your experience. What is great, it that it comes out of the box with full Google Play Store access.
This means that without spending a fortune, you will be able to enjoy your favorite apps and movies every time you want to relax with your family or friends. It runs fast and it features its own launcher for a user-friendly navigation. You can customize the interface according to your preferences.
PROS
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CONS
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- Sleep mode feature to save battery life
- The menu is versatile and you can easily customize i
- The best wirless connectivity on the market
- Comes with Kodi/li>
- The firmware is regulalrly updated
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- The antenna is rather bulky
- Not very great for gaming
- Android Lollipop is rather old so you may not be able to enjoy the latest app updates
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VERDICT
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This device is a nice choice but not if you’re into gaming. However, it works pretty well if you like to enjoy simple games that you usually play on your smartphone. It features an excellent picture quality and comes with a user-friendly interface. It looks nice and even though is a little bit more expensive, it worth the investment.
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Another great option to consider is this model made by Sammix. The design is very simple – black with white logo on the front – and compact – measures 4.4 x 0.8 x 4.4 inches and it is very lightweight – weighs 0.75 pounds.
It is equipped with a Quad Core Mali-450 GPU and an Amlogic S905X Quad Core ARM Cortex CPU. Additionally, it features an 8GB ROM and 1GB DDR3 RAM but you can also opt for the 16GB ROM and the 2GB RAM version.
When it comes to the software, the device comes with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow – works with multiple applications.
The device is very easy to use and install, being specially designed to enjoy a hassle-free operation. It works fast and has a good Wi-Fi connection. However, you can also use it with an Ethernet cord.
The included remote control is very simple which makes it highly intuitive for everyone. The quality of the image is really impressive and it can support 4k movies. For ease of mind, the device comes with a 2-year warranty and you can return it within 30 days of the date of purchase.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features a simple operation that makes it easy to install and use
- Includes an intuitive remote control
- Features LED indicators for power and sleep
- Comes with a HDMI cable
- Works with a TF card
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VERDICT
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The device suits every budget and works very good. Great image quality and impressive Wi-Fi connectivity. Even though it features Android 6.0 it deliver great performance.
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Enjoy the experience of using an advanced TV box with this device made by Leelbox. It is equipped with the latest technology in this field, so you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows at the best resolution.
The device is easy to set up due to the online prompts that will guide you through the process. Once the installation is complete, you will find it very easy to use. Overall it works very well and this is not only our opinion. Most of the customers who use the box are very pleased with their purchase.
It is equipped with the latest Android system – 8.1, so the device is very fast. At the same time, the 2.4 GHz wireless technology can support 802.11b/g/n. Furthermore, this model is upgraded with 2 GB of DDR3 ram and 16 GB storage. This means you can download more games and apps at a higher speed.
The quality of the picture is really impressive as it can support 4K ultra HD and 3D video playback. It easily connects through HDMI. Another nice thing is the fact that it includes a voice remote control with a range of up to 50 feet.
PROS
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CONS
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- The installation process will only take several minutes
- Features a simple and compact design
- Works very fast and smoothly
- Supports 4K streaming at 60 FPS
- Equipped with Android 8.1
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- Has few USB ports
- The remote control doesn’t work very well and you can’t use it to control the volume
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VERDICT
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The device is versatile and very easy to set up. Withit, you will be able to enjoy the latest technology for the best experience. Also, the price is attractive.
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A Few Words About Our Ratings
Now that we’ve reviewed the Android boxes, let’s find out more about how we ranked them. When talking about these devices is highly important to consider the CPU, GPU, video resolution, and so on. Even though there may be little differences between the devices, there may be a considerable discrepancy in terms of performance and image quality.
- Design: these days, no matter what product are we looking for, we put a high price on design. We tend to opt for simple and compact appliances or devices that easily fit into our home decor. Comparing the latest Android boxes to the first ones, we noticed that not only they are more performant but also more stylish. They look like little boxes. The most compact and lightweight model is Amazon Fire TV that measures 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches and weighs just 0.19 lbs.
- CPU&GPU: the central processing unit is the brain of the streaming box. Therefore, for enjoying amazing performance you need a fast processor. However, there are processors that even though they are less advanced, they may work better in certain situations. For example, some devices are better for gaming, like NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro. For a responsive graphic, your streaming box needs a powerful GPU. All our models render high-quality. The key for a top-performing streaming device is the combination between the CPU and GPU, being, in fact, the most important components of these devices.
- Memory: the more built-in memory, the better. In order to get the most out of your smart TV box, you need space to store the apps, games, and so on. The winner in this category is by far NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro with an internal memory of 500GB. It is quite impressive in comparison to the other models and this is one of the main reason why it is so popular.
- Operating system: many of the Android TV boxes come with the same operating system used by smartphones. This means you can download a wide range of apps, games, or just watch your favorite movies or listen to the music you love. Comparing the models in our chart we notice that most of them use the advanced Android versions. MINIX Neo U1 is using an older version of Android, Lollipop 5.1.1, so you may not be able to upgrade some apps.
- Video resolution: the picture quality in a streaming box is highly important, especially if you’re a movie fan. Luckily, all our models can output videos at 4K resolution. This translates to exceptional high video quality. Unlike many other models that only promise to deliver ultra-high-definition content, these ones really do.
- Warranty: it seems that the standard warranty for these devices is 1 year. However, considering the fact that the first ranked models are more expensive, we would’ve expected at a longer warranty. Sammix R95 is the winner of this category as it is backed by a 2-year warranty. Nevertheless, some manufacturers offer you the possibility to extend the period of warranty for 1 year or 2 years but this automatically means extra money.
Impressive Things You Can Do With Your Streaming Device
Check out the list of the most impressive things you can do with your Android TV box. With this smart entertainment platform, you will never get bored again.
- Watch movies: you will be able to stream classic movies or the newest ones every time you want. By using Netflix, Kodi, or other services you will enjoy the entertainment of movie theatres without leaving home.
- Surf on the Internet: by using Chrome, you can get a live update of news, visit your favorite web pages, or retrieve information on various topics.
- Play games: if you like playing games, a streaming device is a great alternative to a game console. It is less expensive and works pretty nice.
- Use Android apps: the device allows you to access a great many Android apps. Apart from pre-installed apps, you can download many others from the Google Play for free.
- Listen to music: by using the best music apps you will be able to relax after a stressful day at work. Watch your favorite artists in live musical performances on your big TV screen.
One thing we know for sure is that Android TV boxes will change your TV experience into something really great. Comparing the best models currently available has helped us get to the conclusion that quality really matters. Roku Ultra 4661R is one of the most advanced streaming media players currently available. It is versatile and easy to use. And the affordable price is a great plus. We also recommend NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro as it comes with exceptional storage capacity and great gaming experience. Also, you can use it to control your home and it features advanced voice search. Nevertheless, you will have to pay more money for this model.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Do I Have to Pay a TV Subscription for Using the Device?
No, in order to use the device you don’t need to pay any TV subscription. You will pay only for the box.
?Does It Work Without an Internet Connection?
No, you can’t use the box without an internet connection. You have to connect it either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, according to your preferences. However, using a cable will deliver faster connection.
?How Difficult Is to Install the Box?
The streaming box is very easy to set up. You just need to follow the provided instructions and you are all set.
