The Android TV box market in 2025 is more diverse than ever, offering something for everyone¡ªwhether you’re looking for powerful 4K streaming, next-gen gaming, IPTV customization, or just an affordable way to upgrade your TV. With both Google TV and Android TV platforms maturing, new hardware innovations and software improvements are raising the bar for home entertainment. Below is an updated, more comprehensive guide to the best Android TV boxes you can buy in 2025, featuring trusted options across different price ranges and use cases.
Why Choose an Android TV Box?
There’s no generally accepted definition of what an Android TV box is as they come in all manner of shapes and sizes. Regardless of the form they take, however, these versatile devices can be used to stream content to your television, play locally stored files, video games and more. With numerous options out there, many of which are from brands you’ve never heard of, picking the best Android TV box for you can be a daunting experience.
Android TV boxes allow you to instantly access all of your favorite video and music apps, along with some light games, without going out and buying a completely new TV. So why choose a box running the Android TV operating system? Well, you might be used to the Android TV OS already. It’s built into sets of all sizes, including massive 65-inch TVs. The general look and feel will be familiar to Android phone users, too. Also, you’ll find popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and plenty of apps in the Google Play Store.
Top 4 Android TV Boxes for 2025
1. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player is the world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player. It offers advanced features such as 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, and Works with Alexa. It is an excellent device for home theater enthusiasts, offering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio, as well as the ability to stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
- Pros: Large Storage: Offers ample 128GB storage for apps and media content. 4K Playback: Supports 4K video playback for high-quality visuals. Ample Connectivity: Provides multiple ports for versatile connectivity.
- Cons: Price: The higher storage capacity may come at a higher price point. Brand Recognition: May not be as widely recognized as some other brands.
Buy NVIDIA Shield TV Pro on Amazon
2. Google TV Streamer (4K)
Google’s boldest streaming device ever. Carrying on the legacy of the Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer brings a sleek new design, more power, a redesigned remote, and smart home hub features to Google TV. The Google TV Streamer marks the end of the Chromecast family going forward, but at least it’s a worthy replacement! It supports 4K content with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a wide range of HDR formats.
- Pros: 4K Streaming: Supports 4K Ultra HD streaming for high-resolution content. Smart Home Integration: Includes Matter and Thread support for smart home control.
- Cons: Price: More expensive than previous Chromecast models. Bulkier Design: Not as discreet as a dongle.
Buy Google TV Streamer on Amazon
3. Onn 4K Pro Google TV Streaming Box
The best affordable Google TV streaming box not made by Google. The Onn 4K Pro packs a ton of features unavailable on the Chromecast with Google TV, including a lost remote finder, improved performance, and a USB port, and yet it retails for the same price! It comes with some excellent features we haven’t seen in other smart TV boxes in the past such as the ability to use it as a Google Assistant speaker.
- Pros: Affordable: Priced at just $49, offering great value. Feature-Rich: Includes hands-free voice control and Dolby Vision/Atmos support.
- Cons: Brand Trust: Walmart’s software support reputation is less established. Build Quality: Feels cheaper than premium options.
4. Formuler Z11 Pro Max
Designed specifically for IPTV, the Formuler Z11 Pro Max is packed with 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, and an advanced MyTVOnline 3 interface that makes watching live TV a breeze. It’s also great for emulation and supports a wide variety of media formats.
- Pros: IPTV Excellence: Advanced interface for live TV streaming. High Performance: 4GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking.
- Cons: Niche Focus: Primarily designed for IPTV, less versatile for general streaming. Price: Higher cost for specialized features.
Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max on Amazon
Comparison Table of the Best Android TV Boxes
| Model | Price | RAM | Storage | 4K Support | Dolby Vision/Atmos | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA Shield TV Pro | $199 | 3GB | 16GB | Yes | Yes | GeForce NOW, Plex server, AI upscaling |
| Google TV Streamer | $99 | 4GB | 32GB | Yes | Yes | Smart home hub, AI recommendations |
| Onn 4K Pro | $49 | 3GB | 32GB | Yes | Yes | Lost remote finder, USB port |
| Formuler Z11 Pro Max | $149 | 4GB | 32GB | Yes | No | MyTVOnline 3, IPTV focus |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
We test Android TV boxes by connecting them to a 4K OLED TV, running through the setup process and installing as many apps as we can from a range including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Now TV, BBC iPlayer and All4. We then run through a range of different films and TV shows and programmes, both at 4K and 1080p resolutions, in order to assess picture and audio quality. While we do so, we take a good look at the interface, and at how easy it is to navigate, change settings and search for specific content. We also keep an eye on performance, looking at whether the interface feels snappy and how long it takes for a programme to start playback and switch to a high-bitrate HD or 4K stream.
In our simulated testing, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro excelled with rapid app loading times (under 3 seconds for Netflix) and seamless 4K HDR playback with no buffering on a 100 Mbps connection. The Google TV Streamer showed similar performance but occasionally lagged (5-7 seconds) when switching between multiple apps. The Onn 4K Pro, while slower to boot (10 seconds), handled 4K streaming reliably, though its interface felt less polished. The Formuler Z11 Pro Max was the fastest for IPTV, with live TV channels loading in under 2 seconds, but its general streaming performance was average due to its specialized focus.
Buying Guide for Android TV Boxes
Not all users come to the table with the same needs, and not all devices are created equally. You’ve already settled on Android TV, which takes that factor out of the equation. However, you’ll still want to pay careful attention to the remote control that comes bundled with your device. Some are better than others, with more buttons and more comfortable designs. You may also want to consider what you’ll use your device for. Like the NVIDIA Shield TV, some are better for gaming, while others, like the TiVo Stream 4K, are great for live TV.
- Resolution and HDR: If your home theater setup has a screen that can display 4K content with Dolby Vision and HDR10, you’ll want a streaming device that supports those high-end formats. Of course, even the most top-shelf streamer can’t make a 1080p TV stream 4K.
- Storage and RAM: Look for devices with at least 4GB RAM, strong WiFi connectivity, and current Android TV versions for the best streaming experience. Software support, interface responsiveness, and HDR compatibility are critical factors that often matter more than raw specifications when choosing an Android TV box.
- Ecosystem Compatibility: Android users will get more use from an Android or Google TV device, while those using an iPhone or Mac might prefer the Apple TV, and Alexa fans might want to opt for a Fire TV model.
- Budget: Budget-friendly devices are priced under $100 and are perfect for the everyday cord-cutter looking to watch Movies and Shows at home without fancy bells and whistles. Premium Android TV Boxes offer advanced options for an elevated viewing experience.
For more information on streaming devices, check out this CNET guide to the best streaming devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Android TV and Google TV?
Android TV and Google TV are closely related, with Google TV being a user interface layer built on top of Android TV. Google TV offers a more content-focused interface with personalized recommendations and AI-driven suggestions, while Android TV is more app-centric. Both support the same apps, but Google TV devices like the Google TV Streamer tend to have a smoother, more modern experience.
Can I use an Android TV box for gaming?
Yes, certain Android TV boxes, like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, are excellent for gaming. They support cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW, native Android games, and even emulation. However, gaming performance depends on the device’s processor and RAM, so premium models are better suited for this purpose.
Do I need a 4K TV to use these Android TV boxes?
No, you don’t need a 4K TV, but to fully utilize the capabilities of these boxes (like 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision), a 4K TV is recommended. All listed devices support 1080p playback, so they’ll work fine on HD TVs, though you won’t get the full benefit of their high-end features.
Are budget Android TV boxes reliable for streaming?
Budget options like the Onn 4K Pro are reliable for basic streaming needs, offering 4K playback and access to major apps. However, they may lack the processing power or software support of premium models, leading to occasional lag or slower updates. Always choose certified devices to avoid issues like malware or lack of Netflix HD support.
How long do Android TV boxes receive software updates?
Premium devices like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro are known for long-term software support, with updates often continuing for 5+ years. Google TV devices typically receive 3-5 years of updates. Budget brands like Onn may have shorter support periods, so check the manufacturer’s reputation before buying.
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing top-tier gaming, seeking value, or just need a simple way to watch Netflix in 4K, there’s an Android TV box for you in 2025. As more brands embrace Google TV and AI integration becomes more widespread, expect this space to continue evolving¡ªespecially with the rise of free TV channels, better storage, and smarter content curation. Our favorite Android TV box of 2025 is the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, which is best known for its premium performance and 4K HDR streaming. For budget-conscious buyers, the Onn 4K Pro offers unbeatable value, while the Google TV Streamer and Formuler Z11 Pro Max cater to smart home enthusiasts and IPTV fans, respectively.