A device capable of turning even the oldest LCD TV into a "smart", or improving the smart capabilities of a modern one. Reproduction of any media content, access to the Internet, including via the wireless WiFi protocol, mirroring images from the screen of a smartphone / tablet - far from all the capabilities of modern smart set-top boxes. At the same time, they are compact, they can be hidden from view behind the TV, many provide for wall mounting. The choice of smart consoles is huge. The pricing policy also differs significantly depending on the technical filling, the speed of the device and the availability of additional features. I have collected the TOP 7 of the best Smart TV boxes in 2020. When choosing models for the rating, I relied on user reviews and expert reviews. I tried to cover the entire price range of the market - from the most budgetary to the most expensive options, so that everyone could choose the best price-quality ratio, device.
X96 Max Plus
Inexpensive model from Aliexpress. Its "heart" is the Amlogic S905X3 quad-core processor, which is installed today on the premium segment models. Works on the latest Android version. The amount of RAM - 4 GB, permanent - 32 / 64GB, depending on the modification. The model performs all the daily tasks of a smart TV - supports 4K + HDR, IPTV, wireless data transmission technologies from the smartphone / tablet screen, access to social networks. There is a built-in browser, popular video services, media player. If this is not enough, you can install any application from Google Play. To connect additional devices on board there are a card reader, 2 USB connectors, a composite output (via the supplied adapter), an optical audio output. To connect to the Internet, a LAN connector - 1 Gbps and a dual-band WiFi module are used. There is also Bluetooth V 4.1. HDMI is used as standard for connection to TV. You can control the device both from the complete remote control, and alternatively - a keyboard, joystick, voice commands (control devices are purchased separately). The set-top box is made in a compact form factor, its dimensions are 105 * 28 * 105 mm, it can be mounted on a wall, there is a display - you can use it like a clock. The price is 5,000 rubles.
pros
- Price.
- Compactness.
- Powerful hardware.
- 4K support.
- Stable work.
- Support for voice control.
- WiFi 5.
- 1 x USB 3.0.
- Universal Remote - Can be set to control individual TV functions.
- LAN port 1000 Mbps.
Minuses
- The display is uninformative, the backlight is dim.
- There are no wall mounts included.
- The complete remote control is not very convenient.
- The quality of the supplied HDMI cable.
- Zoom does not work correctly - distortion of proportions when zooming in.
- Heats up under heavy load.
Great TV box. Competitors in the rating, which have a price tag several times higher, cannot boast of special functionality, I see no reason to pay more. Of the competitors in this price segment, I can note the MECOOL KM9 Pro, it stands out for the presence of the Google certificate and does not heat up even at maximum load, which means, in theory, it will last longer. I recommend it to everyone who considers television a relic of the past.
Ugoos X3 PLUS
The technical stuffing of the device is completely identical to the X96 Max Plus, as well as the set of connectors.By the way, the USB ports are located on the front edge, which, in my opinion, is much more convenient. There are no significant differences in terms of configuration and functionality. But the design has features. X3 PLUS is made in a rectangular form factor, its dimensions are 110x22x62 mm. The body material is glossy plastic, the upper bezel is finished “like metal” on top - the logo with the model name. An external WiFi antenna is attached to the back. In my opinion, it spoils the almost perfect appearance of the device. On the other hand, it provides more stable reception than built-in antennas. In any case, compared to the X96 Max Plus, this model looks better. The price is 9 500 rubles.
pros
- Design.
- Powerful hardware.
- 4K support.
- 4 customizable buttons on the remote.
- Works stably fast.
- Support for voice control.
- WiFi 5.
- 1 x USB 3.0.
- Does not get warm during work.
Minuses
- Price.
- The supplied HDMI cable is short.
- There are no wall mounts included.
- Weak WiFi receiver.
Not much different from the X96 Max Plus in terms of functionality. There are only advantages in design and ergonomics. Experts call this model the "coldest" TV box - heating at maximum load no more than 60 degrees, which certainly affects the speed and service life. At the same time, the price, in comparison with the X96 Max Plus, is 4,500 rubles higher. It might be worth it, but if you are on a tight budget then the X96 Max Plus will be the right choice for you.
MECOOL KM9 Pro
It fundamentally differs from the two previous models in the rating - voice control, the complete remote control is equipped with a microphone. At the same time, the number of buttons on it is minimized, which is not convenient for all users. The model is more compact than the previous ones (100x18x100 mm). On the front of the case there is an LED indicator, the color of which changes depending on the operating mode - an original solution, but often unnecessary, because they usually try to hide a smart set-top box behind a TV. The set of connectors, in comparison with the competitors above, is victorious for the digital audio output. Under the hood of the device is an Amlogic S905X2 processor. In terms of clock frequency, it is slightly inferior to Amlogic S905X3, installed by the leader of the rating, but this does not significantly affect the performance. Memory - 4 operational and 32GB permanent. This is enough for most users, but still having 64GB of permanent memory is more pleasant. The problem is solved with an SD card. But MECOOL KM9 Pro is certified by Google. At the first setup in automatic mode, it will offer to install a set of necessary applications for viewing IPTV, media files of different formats and codecs. App updates like Android 9.0 OS. occur constantly in automatic mode. The price is 6000 rubles.
pros
- Compactness.
- Powerful hardware.
- 4K support.
- Voice control.
- Google Certified.
- Works stably fast.
- WiFi 5.
- 1 x USB 3.0.
- Does not get warm during work.
Minuses
- Price.
- There are no wall mounts included.
- Weak WiFi receiver, especially at 2.4 GHz.
- There are problems with connecting peripherals. One of the users of the Yandex market complains about the impossibility of "making friends" a set-top box with a Marshall Acton 2 speaker via Bluetooth.
Not a bad smart console that justifies its price. The only alternative in this price segment will be the X96 Max Plus. He has more memory on board, the processor is newer, and you can save about 1 thousand rubles, but there is no voice control, there is only support. To use the function, you need to purchase a special remote control. Ultimately, the savings will be offset. If we take the Xiaomi Mi Box S, then it is inferior to the KM9 Pro in terms of basic technical characteristics and costs 500 rubles more.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Powered by Amlogic S905X. Without going deep into technical nuances, we can say that the difference in performance between it and Amlogic S905X2, S905X3, which is powered by competitors, is imperceptible to the average user. But the smaller amount of memory (2/8 GB) will be noticeable to everyone. Android 8.1 version. will be updated to version 9.1. after the first connection to the internet. In terms of performance, the model is inferior to competitors higher.Also, unlike them, Mi Box S lacks a LAN connector, which is not critical in the presence of a dual-band Wifi module, and has only 1 USB port - the problem is solved using a USB hub. The manufacturer sacrificed these interfaces for the sake of the compactness of the set-top box (95x16x95 mm). At the same time, the set-top box boasts an extended list of supported codecs, including sound DTS and Dolby Digital Plus, functionality worthy of competitors. Browser, online TV and radio, popular video services, Time shift, DLNA and Miracast, voice control - all this is available to the user out of the box. And given that this is an international version, there will be no problems with installing and updating any software from Google Play. The price is 6 500 rubles.
pros
- Compactness.
- 4K support.
- Voice control.
- Bluetooth remote.
- WiFi 5.
- DTS support.
Minuses
- Price.
- Memory size.
- The quality of materials and assembly of the console.
- Remote buttons click loudly when pressed.
- No batteries included for the remote control.
- The Amazon prime video and Netflix buttons on the remote are non-reassignable.
- Sometimes it slows down and freezes.
- Non-standard audio output via optics in the form of a 3.5 mm jack.
- There is no LAN connector.
- 1 USB connector.
- Placement of the USB connector.
In general, the set-top box is not bad, but in comparison with competitors in this price range it has a rather weak hardware part, fewer interfaces. In addition, many users are unhappy with the quality of the remote control and the lack of batteries in the kit. Nevertheless, many experts recommend the model for purchase, which is why it got into this rating. Personally, I would prefer the MECOOL KM9 Pro or X96 Max Plus for even more savings.
Beelink GT-King Pro
The attachment is encased in a blue all-metal case with the manufacturer's emblem in the form of a skull. It looks very impressive. Has a well thought-out ventilation system in the form of grilles on the side edges. There are as many as 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB 2.0 and a card reader. There is also the familiar LAN input and composite output. There is also a physical shutdown button on the back, which can be reassigned, for example, to enter sleep mode. But the most interesting is inside. The box is equipped with the latest Amlogic S922X-H six-core processor, Mali-G52 MP6 graphics accelerator, additional ESS9018JPA audio DAC and multiple RT6862D operational amplifiers. Needless to say, support for DTS and Dolby Digital. To connect premium audio systems with zonal amplification of sound zones, an RS232 connector is provided, which can also be used to connect smart home automation systems. The memory capacity of the console is 4/64 GB, which is enough for any task, whether it be watching 4K video or installing and running any games. Convenient control from the remote control, which can receive voice commands or be used as an air mouse. Internet connection using a gigabit LAN connector or a dual band Wifi module. To get the best possible performance, the device should be located near the router or use a wired connection. In terms of functionality, the model does not stand out in anything significant. It costs 13,000 rubles.
pros
- Design.
- Powerful hardware.
- Sound enhancement processors.
- sound quality when using powerful audio systems;
- HDR turns on automatically.
- Physical shutdown button on the back.
- The function of the shutdown button can be reassigned.
- 4 USB ports.
- Gigabit LAN port.
- Continuous improvement and software update.
- Voice control.
- Remote pointer.
- Does not heat up during operation.
Minuses
- Translation of the instruction into Russian.
- The buttons on the remote control are flat.
- The Wifi connection speed is noticeably cut by the metal case.
The console will delight lovers of high-quality video and audio content, as well as inveterate gamers - significant heating and any freezes were not noticed even under stressful load - it will pull any games. On the other hand, the budget X96 Max Plus and MECOOL KM9 Pro do just as well with games. They also support 4K and HDR, so if you are not an audiophile and not the owner of a powerful speaker system, their capabilities are enough for you. You only lose 2 additional USB ports and get a less versatile remote with no cursor control.On the other hand, savings of 7-8 thousand rubles will be a pleasant bonus.
Apple TV 4K 32GB
The set-top box was released in 2017, so it is equipped with a fairly "age" A10X Fusion processor. At the same time, the language does not dare to call it obsolete. Combined with the powerful Power VR GX 7600 graphics, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, it handles all day to day tasks, including playing 4K content, running demanding games on system performance. Naturally, applications and games can be downloaded from the App Store, the "Apple" operating system tvOS is installed. For fans and owners of brand devices, this is an absolute advantage - a familiar interface, simple synchronization and AirPlay that works without lags. For those who are just starting to get acquainted with the "apple", the interface is also quite friendly - all applications are on one screen, and when a separate icon is selected, a preview is possible. The controls are also pleasant - the remote control consists of a touch panel and just a few buttons. Feature - built-in battery, one charge lasts an average of 3 months of use. Alternatively, you can control the set-top box using other Apple devices, voice commands, through Siri, however, there is still no support for the Russian language. The model uses Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth v 5.0 wireless interfaces. The latter is economical and allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time. But the model does not have the possibility of wired synchronization with other devices, due to the lack of additional interfaces - there are only HDMI and LAN connectors. The price is 13,000 rubles.
pros
- Materials and build quality.
- Gigabit LAN port.
- Built-in power supply.
- DTS, Dolby Digital support.
- Wi-Fi 5.
- Bluetooth v 5.0.
- Easy sync with brand devices.
- AirPlay stability.
- Working with iCloud.
- Convenient functional control panel.
- The remote control operates from a built-in battery.
- You can control it from other brand devices.
- Stability of work.
Minuses
- No HDMI cable included.
- There are no additional connectors.
- There is no support for the Russian language in voice control.
- No 4K support in YouTube app.
A worthy alternative to the Beelink GT-King Pro, especially for Apple fans. Excellent functionality, interesting touch panel, stable work in the Apple ecosystem. At the same time, the usual for many, connectors for connecting external storage media, acoustics - no. If their availability is of fundamental importance to you, it is better to purchase Beelink GT-King Pro, or models from the middle price segment X96 Max Plus or MECOOL KM9 Pro - they work on the android familiar to many.
Selenga R1
Representative of the budget segment from a fairly well-known Chinese brand. Equipped with Amlogic S905W quad-core processor, Mali-450 graphics chip, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of permanent memory. It runs Android 7.1.2 out of the box. It has a good set of connectors - HDMI, 4 USB, LAN, AV, card reader. Built-in modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The only thing missing is the audio output, and one USB could be version 3.0. Control from the complete remote control, which can act as an on-screen mouse. Voice control is not provided. The main functionality is worthy of all the more expensive competitors in the ranking. Access to the network, playback of multimedia content, online TV, radio, IPTV, time shift and DLNA video services - the model copes with all this, albeit with noticeable difficulty, a small amount of memory affects the system performance. In addition, the set-top box heats up during operation, which affects the service life of the processor and motherboard. Moreover, the price is only 1900 rubles.
pros
- Price.
- Dual band WiF.
- 4K support.
- 4 USB ports.
- Remote control with gyroscope.
Minuses
- The amount of memory is 1 / 8GB.
- Periodically slows down.
- Heats up while working.
The most "popular" model in the ranking. Suitable for undemanding buyers for home use. It is cheap, but it also works unstable, compared to the representatives of the middle price segment. Only recommend if you need austerity. In all other cases, it is wiser to look at the mid-range models. The best option, in terms of price-quality ratio, I think X96 Max Plus.The MECOOL KM9 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Box S are not bad, but they already have obvious drawbacks. Buying a Beelink GT-King Pro is justified only if powerful acoustics are used together with the set-top box. Apple TV 4K 32G is also not intended for everyone, I recommend it only to fans of the brand due to the peculiarities of the Apple OS and the absence of any additional interfaces.
