Hi all! Modern TVs have many additional functions that turn them into full-fledged entertainment centers for the home. True, you have to pay extra for wide functionality, which, unfortunately, is not always possible. In such cases, set-top boxes will come to the rescue, which can significantly expand the functionality of even an old TV. I will tell you about the best TV set-top boxes in this review. I have selected 10 devices from different manufacturers that are very popular among buyers and now I will tell you about the key features of each model.
MECOOL KM9 Pro Classic
- Processor: Amlogic S905X2
- GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
- Memory: 2/16 GB
- OS: Android 9
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4, Bluetooth 4.0
- Video: 4K 30 fps
- Connectors: HDMI x 1, USB x 2, microSD
- Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 18 mm
- Weight: 150 g
Another representative of MECOOL in our TOP is the KM9 ProClassic console. It has an Android 9 operating system, an Amlogic S905X2 processor and 2 GB of RAM, which is enough to cope well with playing content from various storage devices, be it flash drives, memory cards or hard drives, watching videos on YouTube and playing movies in resolution up to 4K. It will also allow you to comfortably play undemanding games. Among the features of MECOOL KM9 ProClassic, it is worth noting that on its body there is a light strip that lights up in different colors, informing the user about the operating status. Its light is not bright, so it will not catch the eye and distract from viewing. For connectivity, the KM9 ProClassic has HDMI, LAN, AV inputs, as well as a couple of USB versions 2.0 and 3.0, plus a slot where you can install a memory card. And wireless connection is possible via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Well, for convenient user interaction with such a set-top box, it comes with a remote control that supports voice search. Owners speak extremely positively about the KM9 ProClassic, noting that at a fairly modest price it is an excellent multifunctional TV set-top box. So I can confidently recommend it for purchase.
What is LibreELEC?
LibreELEC is a Linux distribution or "Linux distro", an operating system based on the Linux kernel. Specifically, it is an operating system designed to load enough software to run a Kodi computer.
The main advantage of using LibreELEC is that it is a more efficient way to run Kodi compared to using a more robust operating system such as Windows or Mac OS. Because of this, you can usually run LibreELEC on a less powerful HTPC without sacrificing any image or sound. Essentially, using LibreELEC allows you to increase the performance of your HTPC without additional hardware costs.
The main disadvantage of using LibreELEC is that it is virtually useless for running any software other than Kodi. So if you want to surf the Internet, check your email, and play World of Warcraft on your HTPC, this may not be the OS for you. If you only want to use your HTPC for watching movies, listening to music and viewing pictures, then this is a great choice.
Google Chromecast with Google TV
- Processor: Amlogic S905D3
- Memory: 2/8 GB
- OS: Android TV
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth
- Video: 4K 60 fps
- Connectors: HDMI x 1, USB-C x 1
Our TOP GoogleChromecast continues. This is a compact media player with support for Google TV and a remote control, which will be convenient to take with you on trips and enjoy watching various high-quality content. And support for Chromecast technology allows this device to broadcast images from laptops, smartphones and tablets. The heart of GoogleChromecast is the Amlogic S905D3G. This is a fairly powerful chip, which is quite enough for playing “heavy” video files from a local network. He also has no problems with streaming services. YouTube and Netflix are great at playing HDR videos in 4K resolution. It is also worth noting support for control via a smartphone and a voice assistant and the fact that despite belonging to Google, the device allows you to install the necessary applications not only from the Play Store, but also using APK files. Moreover, this media player boasts support for ChromecastAudio technology, which allows you to synchronize music playback between all devices combined in the Google smart home system.
LibreELEC vs OpenELEC vs OSMC
LibreELEC is not the only Linux distribution designed for Kodi. There are two others that are popular: OpenELEC and OSMC. Here's how LibreELEC compares to each of them.
OpenELEC
OpenELEC is the name of the software from which LibreELEC was "forked" when the original developers had disagreements about the future of the project. OpenELEC and LibreELEC are very similar. However, because LibreELEC has a large team of developers working on it, it tends to ship updates faster than OpenELEC. Over time, this made LibreELEC more popular.
There are still some Kodi users who started using OpenELEC before it forked and prefer it to LibreELEC, so whether you use that or LibreELEC largely depends on your personal taste.
CMSN
OSMC is another Linux distribution, but it is based on the Debian Jessie version. It boots directly into Kodi, as LibreELEC and OpenELEC do, but it also provides more advanced features found in other versions of Linux, such as the ability to run a web server or Plex media server. If you're interested in these broader capabilities, OSMC may be a better choice than LibreELEC. If you are not interested in these features, then OSMC may add unnecessary complexity to using your OS.
SEE ALSO:
Plex Vs. Kodi, which is better for you?
NVIDIA SHIELD PRO
- Processor: NVIDIA® Tegra® X
- Memory: 3/16 GB
- OS: Android 9
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4/5, Bluetooth 5.0
- Video: 4K 60 fps
- Sound: Dolby Atmos, DTS
- Connectors: HDMI x 1, USB x 2
- Dimensions: 159 x 98 x 26 mm
- Weight: 250 g
Our TOP is completed by NVIDIA SHIELD PRO. All gamers will appreciate this console. After all, it will allow you to play not only games available in the GooglePlay store, but also use the GeForceNow cloud gaming platform, which provides access to computer games. The hardware installed in the console and support for modern Internet connection interfaces will allow you to comfortably play modern games, which makes NVIDIA SHIELD PRO a good alternative to a computer or console. It also boasts the ability to stream content in 4K resolution without delays, support for HDR10 and DolbyAtmos, a video scaling function, and the ability to stream images from smartphones and tablets. In general, such a set-top box can turn your TV into an entertainment center for the whole family. Which is also very comfortable to use thanks to the convenient operating system and remote control included in the kit.
What is Kodi?
Kodi is software developed for LibreELEC. It is an open source media player created by the Kodi Foundation. It can play various types of media, including images, sounds, and videos. Kodi is especially useful for streaming TV shows and movies from the Internet. Because of this, it has become very popular among cable cutters who are looking to ditch cable TV services and get all their content online. Kodi can be installed on streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield and Apple TV, or on HTPCs like the ones discussed in this article.
Warning: Kodi should only be used for content that you have the legal right to access. Neither the Kodi Foundation nor Comparitech advocate the use of Kodi for piracy.
Video and audio test
The X96Q is equipped with the Allwinner H313 SoC, which on the one hand has the Allwinner Phoenix 3.0 VE Engine, which allows us to decode H.265 / VP9, and on the other hand, there is the Smartcolor 3.0 DE Engine, which is responsible for managing HDR modes such as HLG and HDR10, although Dolby Vision is missing.
It doesn't have an app to adjust video quality, but the image quality is good. We can use players such as KODI or PLEX without any problems. The system comes by default with a version of KODI full of add-ons that we recommend removing. On the audio level, you can play DD and DTS up to 5.1 through the HDMI port.
- Video settings: Image quality settings / RGB and SDR / HDMI-CEC available, see manual / Automatic refresh rate with root + AFRd.
- Audio settings: HDMI and SPDIF up to 5.1 audio / stereo output.
- Media sharing: GoogleCast No * / Miracast YES * / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay YES * / * With Airscreen.
- LibreELEC: This model is NOT compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC.
Video results
| Formats | Result |
| h.264/1080i/8bit | OK |
| h.264/1080p/4K/8bit | OK |
| h.264/1080p/10bit (anime) | Drop frames (SW) |
| h.265/1080p/8bit | OK |
| h.265/1080p/10bit (anime) | OK |
| h.265 / [email protected] / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / [email protected] / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P1 / [email protected] / 8bit | Skipping frames |
| VP9 P2 / [email protected] / 10bit HDR | Drop frames (SW) |
| VP9 P2 / [email protected] / 10bit HDR | Drop frames (SW) |
| AV1 / [email protected] / 10bit | Drop frames (SW) |
| Max. Bitrate | 65 Mbps = 8 MB/s. |
SW = does not have hardware acceleration and may have some frame drops in very large files.
The maximum bitrate depends on the port used for connection or network restrictions.
Audio test results
| Formats | DD/DTS 5.1 | DD+ / DTS MA | DD True/DTS HR | DD Atmos/DTS X |
| HDMI | OK/OK | OK/Core | Core | Core* |
| Optical | – | – | – | – |
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) - Stereo only with downmix from DD or DTS.
Core - Only the core of the format is played with what we transferred to the base Dolby/DTS system.
*Our AV receiver does not support these formats, but we have verified that it plays in 7.1 format
System
Environment and Android System
After connecting the X96Q, it launches automatically and we see a customizable launcher based on squares, where only the bottom line can be changed. In the upper zone there is a clock and an indication of the connected network. Among the installed applications we can highlight AirScreen, Miracast, KD Player (KODI), Netflix and Prime Video. Unfortunately, it comes with the Android TV version of Google Play, which limits the compatibility of many apps.
- Launcher: Alternatively, there is a Pixel launcher for using Android mouse/UI at 720p resolution.
- Languages and Google Play: All classic Android / Google Play languages installed for Android TV.
- Multitasking and access: Multitasking is NOT available, NO bottom or top Android bar
- System version and root: Android 10 (32 bit) / NO root by default / NO root menu / Build 20200809 / Model X96Q.
- Support: X96Q does not have a firmware site / Custom firmware is not available yet.
Network, memory and ports
The X96Q is equipped with internal eMMC memory and DDR3 RAM, has two USB ports and an SD card reader port. In the network section, it has a Wifi b/g/n Dual - No BT (XR819) wireless adapter and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port.
- Storage: 16 GB total - 9 GB free / NTFS + exFAT compatible / expandable via external USB or SD memory.
- RAM: 2 GB total - 1 GB free / DDR3.
- Network: Low speed with one internal Wi-Fi antenna / 42 dBm range, low / Bluetooth no.
Subsequent setup
The System menu changes the name of the Pi 3, under which the device is visible on the home network, keyboard settings, automatic updates, and also manages backups and resetting LibreELEC to its original settings.
Network, as already mentioned, is responsible for network settings.
Connections, Services, and Bluetooth manage the list of connections provided by the device, services, and Bluetooth connectivity.
TV boxes on Android TV and pure Android - what's the difference?
First of all, let's clarify the materiel. TV boxes on the market can be divided into two main categories. All of them run Android OS, but some of them have a pure version of the operating system - AOSP, while others come with the Android TV shell. What's the difference?
The functionality of both types of set-top boxes can be called comparable; the key difference is the appearance of the system with which you will interact on the screen of your TV. Android TV is a platform optimized for remote control and convenient consumption of media content. It offers a concise menu with various recommendations on the main screen (new movies, popular TV series, etc.). You will be able to choose from which applications they will be displayed: these can be either licensed services or various “pirated” cinemas with free content, which will have to be installed separately.
Android TV interface
The key advantage of Android TV set-top boxes is support for voice search. If you have the appropriate remote control, you just need to dictate the name of the movie so that the system finds it in all installed applications and offers viewing directly from the search menu. On pure Android there is no such convenience; there, voice search leads directly to Google.
Smart TV set-top boxes on pure Android may look completely different (it all depends on the installed launcher), but their interface usually resembles the desktop of tablets. It has a similar notification shade, multitasking menu, and allows you to add widgets to the home screen. In general, the possibility of customization is much wider here, but the ease of control from the remote control is less, which pushes owners to use air mice. Also, manufacturers of AOSP boxes usually do not certify their products with Google, which is why they may not support legal streaming services like Netflix.
Standard interface of set-top boxes on pure Android
The list of supported software on the platforms is the same, but there is a small nuance. In the application store on Android TV, only programs optimized for remote control are available, while pure Android has a full-fledged PlayMarket with absolutely all existing applications and games. On Android TV, this issue can be resolved by installing the necessary apk files from a flash drive through any file manager.
Thus, it is impossible to say unequivocally which Smart TV set-top box is better. Everyone must choose for themselves, depending on which use case is closer to them. If you prefer to have everything work out of the box and want ease of use, Android TV is definitely worth going for. Do you like to flash, customize and want to get the widest possible functionality? Take a closer look at TV Boxes on pure Android.
