As 4K content becomes the norm, investing in a Smart TV box that supports 4K streaming is essential for an immersive viewing experience. These devices offer smooth, high-quality playback, greater app compatibility, and more advanced processing capabilities than many smart TVs on their own. In this guide, we’ll cover the best Smart TV boxes available in 2024 for streaming 4K content, detailing each one’s features, pricing, and performance so you can make an informed decision.
1. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
- Overview: The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro remains one of the most powerful streaming boxes on the market. It’s equipped with the Tegra X1+ processor, 3GB RAM, and 16GB of storage, and supports both 4K HDR streaming and Dolby Atmos.
- Features: The Shield TV Pro supports AI upscaling, which can transform non-4K content into near-4K quality, making it an excellent choice for those watching a mix of HD and 4K content. With built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant, you can access a vast selection of apps, games, and streaming services.
- Gaming Capabilities: One of the highlights of the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is its gaming capabilities, including compatibility with the NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming platform, which allows users to stream PC-quality games directly on their TV.
- Price: $199
- Pros: Excellent AI upscaling, powerful processing, great for gamers, Dolby Vision support.
- Cons: Higher price, limited internal storage.
2. Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
- Overview: Apple TV 4K is a solid choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. With Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, this device delivers fast, smooth streaming and supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
- Features: The Apple TV 4K integrates seamlessly with Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Arcade. It offers a sleek, user-friendly interface and provides access to an extensive selection of streaming apps.
- Additional Benefits: The Siri remote allows for voice control, and users can easily connect their other Apple devices to share photos, videos, and more.
- Price: Starting at $129 for the 64GB model and $149 for the 128GB model.
- Pros: Integration with Apple services, high-quality build, smooth user experience.
- Cons: More expensive than some other options, especially if you’re not already in the Apple ecosystem.
3. Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)
- Overview: The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a versatile streaming device with hands-free Alexa functionality. It supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Features: With a powerful octa-core processor, the Fire TV Cube is responsive and supports a wide range of streaming apps. It allows you to control your compatible smart home devices, making it a convenient hub for your home.
- Unique Selling Point: The Fire TV Cube includes HDMI input, allowing you to control cable boxes and other devices connected to your TV. It also features a built-in speaker, so you can use Alexa even when your TV is off.
- Price: Around $139.
- Pros: Hands-free Alexa integration, fast performance, 4K support with HDR, versatile connectivity.
- Cons: Limited app library compared to other platforms, needs a stable internet connection for optimal performance.
4. Roku Ultra (2024 Edition)
- Overview: The Roku Ultra is a high-performance streaming box that’s affordable and user-friendly. It supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, offering excellent picture and sound quality.
- Features: Roku’s platform is known for its simplicity and offers one of the largest selections of streaming services. The remote control includes voice functionality, personal shortcut buttons, and a headphone jack for private listening.
- Additional Perks: Roku Ultra provides an Ethernet port for a stable internet connection and supports Apple AirPlay and HomeKit, which is useful for iOS users.
- Price: Around $100.
- Pros: Extensive app library, user-friendly interface, private listening option.
- Cons: Limited customization options, no gaming features.
5. Xiaomi Mi Box S
- Overview: A more budget-friendly choice, the Xiaomi Mi Box S offers solid performance for 4K streaming. It comes with an Amlogic S905X processor, 2GB RAM, and runs on the Android TV operating system.
- Features: The Mi Box S supports 4K HDR content and has Chromecast built-in, so you can cast content from your smartphone or laptop. It includes Google Assistant for voice control, allowing you to control apps and smart devices.
- Value Proposition: This device is one of the most affordable options for 4K streaming with Android TV, making it ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly device with solid performance.
- Price: Around $50.
- Pros: Affordable, Google Assistant integration, Chromecast built-in.
- Cons: Limited internal storage, basic remote control.
6. MINIX NEO U22-XJ
- Overview: The MINIX NEO U22-XJ is a solid mid-range device for 4K streaming, offering the Amlogic S922X processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB storage. It’s a reliable option for users who need robust streaming capabilities.
- Features: With support for 4K UHD, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, the NEO U22-XJ is designed to deliver an excellent visual experience. It also supports DTS HD and Dolby Audio, catering to users seeking high-quality sound.
- Strengths: This device provides ample connectivity options with multiple USB ports, an Ethernet port, and an SD card slot for expandable storage.
- Price: Around $150.
- Pros: Great audio and video quality, multiple ports, expandable storage.
- Cons: Older Android version, larger form factor.
7. Turewell T95 Android TV Box
- Overview: The Turewell T95 is another affordable Android TV box that supports 4K content. It has a Rockchip RK3318 processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB of storage.
- Features: It supports 4K Ultra HD and HDR10, making it a good choice for watching high-quality video. The T95 also includes Bluetooth 4.0 and dual-band WiFi for better connectivity.
- Additional Benefits: With the Android TV operating system, you have access to Google Play, allowing you to install a wide range of apps for streaming, gaming, and more.
- Price: Around $45.
- Pros: Low price, decent connectivity options, 4K HDR support.
- Cons: Limited processing power, lower app support compared to other options.
8. Dynalink Android TV Box
- Overview: The Dynalink Android TV Box offers a streamlined 4K streaming experience with Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in. Powered by the Amlogic S905Y2 processor and 2GB RAM, it provides solid performance for basic streaming needs.
- Features: It supports 4K HDR streaming and has voice control capabilities, making it a practical choice for hands-free operation. Dynalink’s box is one of the more compact options available, so it won’t take up much space.
- Affordability: With its competitive pricing, it’s ideal for those who want access to Google’s ecosystem without breaking the bank.
- Price: Around $60.
- Pros: Compact design, affordable, Google Assistant and Chromecast.
- Cons: Basic specs, limited storage options.
Selecting the best 4K Smart TV box depends on your budget, desired features, and existing tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, a home theater enthusiast, or someone seeking a budget-friendly device for streaming, there’s a 2024 model that fits your needs. Keep in mind the unique features and capabilities of each device, and choose one that enhances your viewing experience with seamless, high-quality 4K streaming.