Nvidia SHIELD Pro
Score: 82/100
Zidoo Z9X PRO
Score: 90/100Rankings
The Zidoo Z9X Pro is a high-end Android 11 media player delivering premium 4K60 HDR10+ and Dolby Vision performance with a robust aluminum chassis and extensive connectivity. Its lack of an internal drive bay and the bulk from external antennas may deter users seeking a more compact setup. Ideal for home-theater enthusiasts with large media libraries.
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a high-performance Android TV player featuring a Tegra X1+ processor, AI upscaling, and support for Dolby Vision, Atmos, and GeForce NOW gaming. Its limited 16 GB internal storage and lack of HDMI 2.1/AV1 keep it from being future-proof. Targeted at power users and gamers who value expandability and top-tier media capabilities.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 GB | 4 GBbest | |
16 GB | 32 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.5 Wbest | 24 W |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Processor | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ | Realtek RTD1619BPD quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A55 |
RAM (GB) | 3 GB | 4 GB |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 7.5 W | 24 W |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Android 11 (Android TV) | Android 11 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, Dolby Digital Plus | TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DSD, WAV, APE, FLAC, PCM 192kHz |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0b | 2.1 |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0+LE | 5.2 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Hands-free Google Assistant Remote | remote control |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 159x98x26 mm mm | 129.5x26.4x189.2 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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. However, they note the hardware design has not changed since 2019 and that it lacks newer interfaces like HDMI 2.1 and AV1 decoding, making it feel a step behind the latest competitors.
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 outlets describe the Z9X Pro as a next-generation video streamer that combines a premium aluminum chassis with top-tier decoding (12-bit color, Dolby Vision, AV1) and robust connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, HDMI 2.1). Reviewers commend its upgraded hardware-4 GB RAM, Android 11 and a faster single-core CPU-making it a strong Plex/Zappiti alternative for smooth upscaling, frame-rate adaptation and large-library handling.
Everyday users praise the vivid colors, Dolby Vision performance and the convenience of the side HDD bay and USB 3.0 ports, noting stable Blu-ray and 3D playback. Recurring themes include appreciation for the sleek metal design and occasional concerns about antenna bulk and the lack of an internal drive bay.
“best for PC game streaming to TV”
