Rankings
The Google TV Streamer 4K delivers smooth 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision and a voice-controlled remote, backed by 4 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. Its main trade-offs are Wi-Fi 5 only and non-expandable storage, which may limit power users. Best suited for families in the Google ecosystem who prioritize streaming quality and smart-home integration.
The RockTek GX1 is a compact Google TV 12 set-top box that offers 4K UHD streaming with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos, backed by a fast Realtek processor and 4 GB of RAM. Its Ethernet is limited to 100 Mbps and the chassis lacks ventilation, which can affect heavy usage. Best suited for users who want a small, Wi-Fi 6-enabled 4K player with strong HDR performance at a reasonable price.
The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is a compact 4K streaming box running Google TV with a quad-core CPU, 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, excelling in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and premium HDR/audio support. Its drawbacks are limited RAM and the absence of an Ethernet port, which can affect multitasking and wired stability. Ideal for families and casual streamers who value 4K HDR and voice control without needing heavy multitasking.
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is a compact streaming dongle delivering 4K HDR video and voice-controlled navigation. Its modest 8 GB storage and reliance on an optional Ethernet adapter limit flexibility. Ideal for users seeking affordable 4K streaming with Google integration.
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a premium Android TV streaming media player and micro-console with a powerful Tegra X1+ processor, AI upscaling and support for Dolby Vision, Atmos and GeForce NOW cloud gaming. Its lack of HDMI 2.1, AV1 decoding and limited internal storage make it feel a step behind newer devices. Best suited for power users, gamers and home-theater enthusiasts who need top-tier performance and expandability.
The Kickpi KP1 is a Google-certified Android TV box with 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage and support for Dolby Atmos and 4K HDR streaming. Its entry-level CPU and 100 Mbps Ethernet may restrict performance for demanding tasks. It fits users who want a compact, voice-controlled streaming device within the Google ecosystem.
The ONN Android TV 4K UHD Streaming Device offers solid 4K HDR performance with Dolby Vision at a very affordable price, featuring a voice remote and built-in Chromecast. Its drawbacks are the absence of Ethernet and modest 2 GB RAM, which can affect multitasking. Ideal for budget-conscious cord-cutters who rely on Wi-Fi and don't need extensive local storage.
Boxy BOXY is a compact Android TV 11 box that delivers certified 4K streaming with HDR10+, Dolby Vision and AV1 codec support, backed by a voice-controlled Bluetooth remote. Its trade-offs include modest 2 GB RAM, limited 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, and a small 16 GB flash storage that can restrict heavy usage. Ideal for home-theater enthusiasts who prioritize premium codec support and streaming certifications.
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is a pocket-sized HDMI dongle delivering smooth 4K playback with Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. Its limitations include the absence of AI upscaling and no wired Ethernet, which may affect users in dense network environments. It is best for travelers and secondary TVs where portability and 4K streaming are priorities.
TiVo Stream 4K is an Android TV dongle that aggregates multiple streaming apps and live TV into a single interface, offering 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Limitations include lack of Ethernet, an older Android 9 OS and modest internal storage. It suits casual streamers who want a unified UI and don't need wired networking.
The ONN Android TV 2K FHD Streaming Stick offers a budget-friendly Android TV experience with voice remote and Chromecast support. Its main trade-offs are limited RAM, storage and lack of 4K or wired networking. Best suited for cost-conscious users with 1080p TVs or as a travel streamer.
The ONN Full HD Streaming Device provides an ultra-compact solution for basic 1080p streaming with Google Assistant voice control, targeting budget-conscious users with older TVs. Its limitations include a lack of 4K support, minimal RAM, and no built-in Ethernet, which restrict performance. Best for secondary rooms or travelers needing a simple plug-and-play HD streamer.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 GB | 4 GBbest | 3 GB | 2 GB | 0 GB | 2 GB | 4 GBbest | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB | |
32 GBbest | 32 GBbest | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 32 GBbest | 32 GBbest | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
1best | — | — | 1best | 1best | 1best | — | 1best | 1best | 1best | 1best | 1best | |
1 | 1 | 2best | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2best | 1 | 2best | 1 | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.091 kg | 0.162 kg | 0.25 kg | 0.34 kg | 0.454 kg | — | 0.115 kg | 0.122 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.028 kgbest | 0.055 kg | — |
— | 1 years | 1 years | — | — | 0.25 years | 1 years | — | 2 yearsbest | 1 years | — | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||||||||||||
RAM (GB) | 2 GB | 4 GB | 3 GB | 2 GB | 0 GB | 2 GB | 4 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB |
Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 | — | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ | Amlogic S905Y2 | — | Amlogic S905Y2 | Realtek RTD1325TPV | Amlogic S905Y4 Quad-core Cortex-A35 | Amlogic S905X4-J | Quad-core Cortex-A55 | — | — |
GPU | ARM G310 V2 | — | 256-core NVIDIA GPU | — | — | Mali-G31 | Mali-G57 | ARM Mali-G31 MP2 | — | ARM G310 V2 | — | — |
Display(1) | ||||||||||||
Maximum Video Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 1080p | 4K UHD | 3840x2160 | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K UHD | 1080p |
Storage(1) | ||||||||||||
Internal Storage (GB) | 32 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Connectivity(3) | ||||||||||||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 6 | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 5 | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 | 802.11ac | 802.11ac dual-band | Wi‑Fi 6 | Wi‑Fi 5 | — |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2/5.3 | 5.1 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 4.2 | — |
Ethernet Port | false | true | true | false | false | false | true | true | true | false | false | false |
Audio(1) | ||||||||||||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Audio | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, DTS‑X, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos passthrough, Dolby Digital Plus | — | Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS, etc. | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital | Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos (TrueHD + MAT), DTS:X, DSD/SACD, FLAC | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS HD | — | — |
Ports(2) | ||||||||||||
HDMI Version | 2.1 | 2.1 | HDMI 2.0b | — | — | 2.0a | 2.1 | 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 | — | — | — |
USB Ports | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | — |
Controls(1) | ||||||||||||
Remote Type | Bluetooth voice remote | Voice remote | Hands‑free Google Assistant | Voice remote with Google Assistant | Voice remote with Google Assistant | Voice remote with Google Assistant | Voice Remote | Voice remote | Bluetooth remote with microphone and IR | Bluetooth voice remote | Voice remote | Voice remote with Google Assistant, IR + Bluetooth |
Software(1) | ||||||||||||
Operating System | Google TV | Android TV OS | Android 11 (Android TV) | Google TV (Android TV 10) | Google TV (Android TV) | Android 9.0 Pie | Google TV 12 | Android TV 12.0 | Android TV 11 | Google TV | Google TV | Android TV 11 |
General(1) | ||||||||||||
Warranty (years) | — | 1 years | 1 years | — | — | 0.25 years | 1 years | — | 2 years | 1 years | — | — |
Build & Design(2) | ||||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.091 kg | 0.162 kg | 0.25 kg | 0.34 kg | 0.454 kg | — | 0.115 kg | 0.122 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.028 kg | 0.055 kg | — |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 97x17x97 mm mm | 76.2×25.4×162.56 mm mm | 6.26×3.86×1.02 in mm | — | 95×54×173 mm mm | 53.0×16.0×77.0 mm mm | 93.98x22.86x93.98 mm mm | 96 mm × 23 mm × 96 mm mm | 100 x 20 x 100 mm mm | 90x40x165 mm mm | 162 × 61 × 12.5 mm mm | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen for its substantial storage upgrade, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and full Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos support, calling it a solid, compact home media player with a clean Google TV interface. However, they criticize the limited 2 GB RAM and the absence of an Ethernet port, noting that these constraints may affect heavy multitasking and wired network stability.
Everyday users love the device's smooth 4K streaming, generous 32 GB storage and easy voice-remote operation, especially when enjoying Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision content. The most common complaints revolve around the 2 GB RAM causing occasional lag, UI sluggishness, and the lack of a wired Ethernet option.
“faster than before with a clean UI and ton of apps”
“2GB RAM is kind of okay for general use”
“did not skip a beat”
Professional reviewers commend the Google TV Streamer 4K for its fluid 4K video playback, rapid app switching, and extensive Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos support, while also highlighting the value of Gemini voice integration and Matter/Thread smart-home features. However, they criticize the lack of Wi-Fi 6, the fixed 32 GB storage without expansion, and the limited gaming performance, questioning whether the specs justify its 2024 price for power users.
Everyday users praise the device for seamless 4K streaming, quick app launches, reliable Ethernet connectivity, and the convenience of a voice remote, noting the noticeable speed boost over older Chromecasts. Recurring complaints focus on Wi-Fi 5 bandwidth constraints, the inability to expand storage, and insufficient power for gaming.
Professional reviewers commend the SHIELD TV Pro as a high-performance media powerhouse, emphasizing its AI upscaling, 25% faster Tegra X1+ CPU, dual USB expandability, and robust GeForce NOW 4K cloud gaming, while noting the hardware design has not changed since 2019 and lacks newer interfaces like HDMI 2.1 and AV1 decoding.
Everyday users praise the device for smooth 4K streaming, excellent Plex integration, reliable NVIDIA firmware updates, and powerful GeForce NOW gaming. Recurring complaints focus on the limited 16 GB internal storage, occasional Wi-Fi drops, voice-control glitches, lack of AV1 support, and a setup process that can be daunting for non-technical owners.
Professional reviewers agree that the ONN 4K streaming box punches far above its weight class, delivering impressive 4K HDR picture quality, Dolby Atmos audio, and a responsive Google TV experience despite its modest hardware. They commend its value, fast boot times, and solid Wi-Fi performance, while noting the lack of Ethernet and limited RAM as the primary trade-offs.
Everyday users echo the reviewers' praise for price-to-performance, highlighting quick app loading, vibrant 4K streaming, and the convenience of the voice remote and built-in Chromecast. Recurring complaints focus on occasional lag, limited internal storage, no wired networking option, and a basic plastic build.
Professional reviewers praise the ONN dongle for its ultra-low price and functional Google TV experience, noting smooth voice control and decent Wi-Fi for 1080p streams. However, they consistently point out its limited hardware-no 4K output, minimal RAM, and lack of Ethernet-as significant drawbacks that keep it in the entry-level segment.
Everyday buyers love the quick setup, responsive voice assistant, and reliable HD playback on older sets, but many complain about occasional lag, the need to replace remote batteries frequently, and disappointment when trying to use it with 4K televisions.
Professional reviewers commend the TiVo Stream 4K for its content aggregation that simplifies browsing across multiple services and for delivering solid 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos performance at a budget price. However, they criticize the modest Amlogic S905Y2 processor, the lack of Ethernet, and the outdated Android 9.0 operating system, noting these as trade-offs for the dongle's compact form factor.
Everyday users praise the device for its easy setup, responsive voice remote, and the "headache-free" unified recommendations that make managing multiple streaming accounts simple. Recurring complaints focus on the limited 8 GB internal storage, occasional app lag, the need for AAA batteries in the remote, and the absence of a wired Ethernet connection for more stable streaming.
Professional reviewers commend the GX1 for its striking Dolby Vision and HDR10+ performance at 2160p60, smooth AV1 playback, and the polished Google TV 12 experience. However, they point out the 100 Mbps Ethernet as a bottleneck for high-bitrate local streaming and note the absence of VC-1 support and limited ventilation as drawbacks for power users.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the GX1's video and audio quality, compact size, and responsive interface, often calling it a top-line product that outshines competitors. The most common complaints revolve around screen-resize issues on certain LCD TVs and the lack of Gigabit Ethernet for heavy NAS-based media consumption.
Professional commentary is limited to a single YouTube overview, which praises Boxy's premium codec support, ISO 4K Dolby Vision playback and Netflix certification, while calling out the Ethernet speed ceiling and modest RAM/storage as the main compromises.
No consumer reviews or ratings were found in the research, indicating that everyday users have not publicly shared feedback on Boxy yet.
Professional reviewers praise the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) for delivering performance on par with much larger TV boxes, highlighting its smooth interface and substantial CPU/GPU improvements, while noting the lack of AI upscaling as the main drawback.
Everyday users consistently commend the device for its lag‑free 4K streaming, portable form factor, and responsive UI, with few complaints aside from the missing AI super‑resolution capability.
Professional reviewers highlight the inclusion of the voice remote as a game-changing feature that frees users from relying on smartphones, and they commend the 4K model's ability to handle high-resolution HDR content smoothly. The device is praised for its strong value proposition and solid overall performance, though the HD variant's 1080p limitation and modest storage are noted as drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the straightforward setup, reliable streaming, and the convenience of voice control, often rating the product highly for everyday use. Common complaints revolve around occasional Wi-Fi connectivity hiccups, the need for a separate power adapter, and concerns about the small dongle being easy to lose.
Professional reviewers consider the ONN stick a solid entry-level Android TV device, praising its affordability, smooth 1080p performance, and full Google Play access, while noting the constraints of 1 GB RAM, limited 8 GB storage, and lack of 4K support as clear trade-offs.
Everyday users generally like the easy setup, reliable 1080p playback, and low cost, but repeatedly mention RAM-induced lag, storage filling up quickly, and disappointment over the missing 4K capability.
