One of the most common ways to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV is through an android tv box. Android TV boxes are becoming increasingly popular, especially among sports fans who want to watch their favorite games on the big screen in high definition. If you’re ready to buy an Android TV box and are wondering what to look for when choosing the best android tv box, read on!
What Features to look for in an Android TV Box?
Processor
For many people, going for a more expensive processor for their android tv boxes will be worth it. If you’re going to be playing high-resolution games and streaming in 4K, you want a machine that can handle it. On the other hand, if you mostly watch movies on Netflix or YouTube, you might not need top-of-the-line processing power.
Storage
When picking out an Android box, think about your storage needs. Some packages come with internal storage, and others need microSD cards. MicroSD cards are more common in lower-end Android boxes and can range in price from $10-$100+ depending on their size (32 GB or 128 GB). Make sure you purchase a big enough card to have enough space to install any apps or programs you might want on your device.
Operating System
If you’re looking to use your box primarily as a means of streaming video, then compatibility with Kodi is an important feature to consider. For those who aren’t familiar, Kodi is open-source media player software that allows users to stream online content on their big-screen televisions.
Connectivity Options
If you plan on streaming content from other devices like a desktop computer or gaming console, you’ll want a device with plenty of ports. Ensure it has an HDMI port (for high-definition video and audio) and USB ports (for wired accessories like keyboards). Some smart TVs even come with ethernet jacks so that you can plug directly into your router for superfast online access. The best boxes also have 3-4GB of RAM and a Dual Core Processor.
Ports
The most common ports on any streaming device are HDMI and USB, but that’s not always true. Many streaming devices, including our top picks, also have an SD or a MicroSD card slot. These slots allow you to view photos and videos from your library in addition to content from apps like Netflix or Hulu. Other ports include Ethernet (LAN) and Digital Audio Optical (S/PDIF) out port.
Remote Control
You’ll first want to consider if you’ll need a remote control or keyboard/mouse. You can save money by buying a box that doesn’t have one, but it makes navigation, searching, and movie watching much easier.
Battery Life
Most of us probably aren’t watching movies or shows on our phones or tablets all day long, so having a mobile device that lasts a few hours between charges will work in your favor. If you plan on taking your pill on long trips, look for one with a battery life of at least eight hours. This way, if you can’t charge it in transit (if you are flying, for example), you won’t be stranded once your battery runs out.
Conclusion
The best android TV box is one that suits your needs. If you want to save some money, consider buying a refurbished device. If you have a lot of space and like trying out different devices, get something with a range of ports—HDMI and USB ports can come in handy. Of course, if you’re not an experienced user and are purchasing your first android tv box, we recommend getting something simple and easy-to-use.
