Best Android TV Devices

Google’s Android TV platform has come a long way since those awkward early days of sluggish interfaces and limited app support. Now powering everything from budget streaming sticks to premium 4K powerhouses, Android TV (and its fancy Google TV skin) has evolved into a legitimate contender in the streaming wars dominated by Roku and Fire TV. What you might not realize is just how many options are out there — and how dramatically different they can be in terms of performance, features, and price.

The landscape is more competitive than ever in 2025, with devices ranging from $30 bare-bones dongles like the Walmart onn. dongle to $200 gaming-capable boxes like the NVIDIA SHIELD TV. And while the core Android TV experience remains mostly consistent across devices, the devil is in the details: processing power, RAM, AI upscaling capabilities, and even remote designs can make or break your daily streaming experience.

We’ve spent countless hours testing the latest Android TV hardware, navigating their interfaces, stress-testing their app performance, and yes, binge-watching probably too much content in the process. Our goal was simple: find the Android TV devices that deliver the best experience at various price points without making you want to throw the remote across the room. Whether you’re looking for something basic to smartify an old TV or a premium centerpiece for your entertainment system, we’ve found options that should work for most people’s streaming needs and budgets.

Google TV Streamer

Google has finally released it’s own, somewhat high-end Google TV Streamer that is more than just a dongle. This streaming device is really impressive, actually. I use it every day in my living room. With the Google TV Streamer, Google has increased the processing power, doubled the RAM and storage, making for a much better experience. It’s also designed to blend into your environment.

With the Google TV Streamer, you get access to all of your favorite Android apps and streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, YouTube, YouTube TV and much more. There’s also support for Google Assistant, and soon Gemini will be available as well.

Perhaps the best thing about the Google TV Streamer is that you can also stream at up to 4K resolution. Google has also included a nice ethernet port, so you can wire right into your router for the best performance.

Buy at Best Buy

Walmart’s onn. Android TV UHD Streaming Device

Walmart has been quietly building out its onn. electronics brand for years now, expanding from basic accessories into tablets, TVs, and now streaming devices. Their latest offering? A $20 Android TV box that undercuts the competition so dramatically you might wonder what the catch is.

The onn. Android TV box manages to deliver 4K streaming capability at less than half the price of comparable devices from Roku, Amazon, and Google. While it doesn’t support 4K HDR (you’ll need to step up to pricier alternatives for that advanced feature), it handles standard 4K content without issue – impressive considering most entry-level 4K streaming devices hover around the $50 mark.

What makes this little black box particularly compelling is that it runs the full Android TV operating system – not some stripped-down, proprietary interface. This means you get access to the complete Google Play Store ecosystem with thousands of apps including all the streaming staples: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and virtually any other service you can think of. The device also features built-in Chromecast functionality, allowing you to cast content directly from your phone or tablet.

Google Assistant integration is another surprising inclusion at this price point. The voice-enabled remote lets you search for content, control playback, check the weather, control compatible smart home devices, and perform other Assistant functions you’d expect from devices costing much more.

In terms of hardware, the box features a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage – modest specs but sufficient for smooth navigation and streaming. Connectivity includes HDMI, USB, and built-in Wi-Fi.

The onn. Android TV box represents Walmart’s increasingly serious push into the budget tech space, offering a remarkably complete streaming experience at a price point that makes it nearly an impulse purchase. For second TVs, guest rooms, or budget-conscious streamers, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify spending more when options like this exist.

Buy at Walmart

Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

Google’s entry-level Chromecast with Google TV (HD) isn’t just affordable — at $29.99, it’s actually the cheapest Chromecast the company has ever released. This isn’t just Google trying something new; it’s a direct shot at budget streaming devices from Roku and Amazon that have dominated the sub-$35 market for years.

The most significant difference between this and its $49 sibling is right in the name: while the original Chromecast with Google TV pushes pixels at 4K resolution, this more affordable version caps out at 1080p (HD). For many people with older TVs or those who simply don’t care about 4K content (or don’t want to pay for 4K streaming tiers), this strategic compromise makes perfect sense.

What’s impressive is what Google didn’t compromise on. Despite the lower price, you’re still getting the full Google TV experience — the same slick, content-forward interface that runs on Google’s premium devices. The recommendation engine remains one of the best in the business, surfacing content across your subscriptions in a way that feels personalized rather than random. Instead of hunting through individual apps, Google TV aggregates shows and movies you might actually want to watch right on the home screen.

App support is comprehensive, with hundreds of thousands of options spanning major players like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+, alongside free ad-supported services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Amazon’s Freevee. The included remote — a massive upgrade from the old days of controlling everything from your phone — provides voice search through Google Assistant, which remains more capable than competitors at understanding natural language and delivering relevant results.

Where this budget Chromecast really shines is in its integration with the broader Google ecosystem. Got Google Home speakers? You can include the Chromecast in multi-room audio groups. Use Google Photos? Your TV can become a dynamic photo frame. The device even supports casual cloud gaming through services like GeForce Now (though serious gamers will want more powerful hardware).

For most people with 1080p TVs or secondary screens in bedrooms and kitchens, this $30 streaming device delivers nearly everything its more expensive sibling does at a price that’s impulse-purchase territory.

Buy at Amazon

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen

Xiaomi’s latest streaming device, the TV Box S 2nd Gen, might look unassuming with its puck-like design, but don’t let the minimalist exterior fool you. This $70 streamer is the company’s newest shot at conquering your living room entertainment setup, and it comes packing some surprising features that punch well above its modest price tag.

At its core, the device runs Google TV — not to be confused with Android TV, its older, clunkier sibling. Google TV represents the company’s more polished take on its streaming platform, bringing a content-forward approach that emphasizes what to watch rather than which app to open. The interface prioritizes personalized recommendations that actually get better over time, pulling suggestions across your subscriptions into a unified home screen that feels less like an app launcher and more like a content discovery engine.

Under the hood, Xiaomi has equipped this compact streamer with 2GB of RAM — a welcome upgrade from the anemic 1GB found in many competing budget boxes. That extra memory makes a noticeable difference when jumping between apps or navigating through menus, alleviating the frustrating lag that plagues many inexpensive streaming devices. The 8GB of onboard storage won’t break any records, but it provides enough space for a decent collection of apps before you’ll need to start playing installation Tetris.

Where the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen really differentiates itself is in its surprising support for premium audio-visual formats. The inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR capability is practically unheard of at this price point, allowing compatible TVs to display the wider color gamut and improved contrast that makes modern content pop. Pair that with Dolby Audio and DTS-HD sound support, and you’ve got a budget streamer that can feed high-quality signals to your home theater setup without breaking a sweat.

The device isn’t without its limitations, of course. The processor isn’t quite as snappy as what you’ll find in premium alternatives from Nvidia or Apple, and power users might find the storage constraints frustrating over time. But for most people looking to smartify a dumb TV or upgrade from an aging streaming stick, the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen hits a sweet spot of affordability and capability that’s increasingly rare in the streaming device market.

At under $70, it’s positioned as an intriguing middle ground — more capable than entry-level dongles but without the premium pricing of flagship streaming boxes. For many viewers, that might be exactly the right balance.

Buy at Amazon

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

Forget everything you think you know about streaming devices. The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro isn’t just another box under your TV – it’s a powerhouse entertainment hub that’s here to dominate your downtime. For gamers especially, prepare to have your mind blown.

Why is this the “holy grail” for gamers? Because it’s not just a streamer, it’s a secret gaming weapon disguised as a sleek media box. Imagine this: you can instantly access your favorite PC game library thanks to GeForce NOW cloud gaming. No more lugging your tower into the living room or settling for subpar console ports. We’re talking gorgeous, big-screen PC gaming without the PC! Think Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the latest Fortnite season – all streamed directly to your TV in stunning quality (bandwidth gods willing!).

 Think of it as a chameleon – it’s a streamer when you want to binge-watch, and a lean, mean gaming machine when you crave action. This duality is what sets it apart. It’s not just compatible with GeForce Now, it’s built to make it shine.

 But hold on, we haven’t even scratched the surface of its streaming prowess! Naturally, it’s rocking Android TV, the operating system that’s as versatile as your streaming habits. And yes, you probably guessed Android TV – but think of it not as an “expectation,” but as unlocking the vault to virtually every streaming app imaginable.

 We’re talking the streaming titans – Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max – they’re all here, ready to deliver your favorite shows and movies in glorious detail. Need live sports? Fubo TV is in the house. Want to lose yourself in the endless rabbit hole of YouTube? Consider it done. Your entertainment options are practically limitless.

 And when you’re ready to switch gears back to gaming? Buckle up. Hundreds of thousands of games are waiting for you. From indie gems to Android blockbusters, you’ll never run out of digital playgrounds to explore.

 Finally, let’s talk brains. Being powered by Android TV means you get the ever-helpful Google Assistant. This isn’t just about changing channels with your voice (though, yes, you can do that too!). We’re talking about commanding your smart home from your couch. Dim the lights for movie night, check your security cameras, get the weather forecast, or even find that obscure sci-fi flick you can’t quite remember the name of – all with simple voice commands.

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro isn’t just a streaming device; it’s your all-in-one entertainment command center. It’s the device that bridges the gap between PC gaming and living room relaxation, offering a seamless and powerful experience for gamers and streamers alike.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro – Amazon

Sony A80K OLED Android TV

• Available in: 55, 65 & 77-inches
• Price: Starting at $999
• Buy: Amazon

When it comes to Android TV experiences, Sony’s Bravia 8 OLED sits in a category of its own – a stunning technological achievement that makes almost every other smart TV interface feel like you’re computing on dial-up. It’s the Rolls-Royce of Google TV implementations, delivering everything the platform promises but rarely delivers. The catch? Starting at a wallet-wincing $1,799 for the 55-inch model, you’re paying a premium that could buy you three or four mid-range TVs instead.

I’ve been living with the Bravia 8 for the past few weeks, and the viewing experience has spoiled me to the point where visiting friends’ homes with “normal” TVs feels like downgrading from a 5-star resort to a roadside motel. Sony’s mastery of OLED technology is on full display here, with over 8 million self-illuminating pixels that produce the kind of inky, endless blacks that make dark scenes in shows like The Expanse feel like you’re actually gazing into the void of space.

What sets the Bravia 8 apart isn’t just the perfect blacks – it’s Sony’s XR Triluminos Pro color processing that delivers the most true-to-life colors I’ve seen on a consumer display. Skin tones look natural rather than waxy, and vibrant scenes pop without veering into the cartoonish oversaturation that plagues lesser OLED implementations. During a recent viewing of Dune: Part Two, the desert landscapes had subtleties and gradations that I completely missed when watching it elsewhere.

Sony A80K – Amazon

TiVo Stream 4K 

• Price: $35
• Buy: Amazon

The TiVo Stream 4K is currently the cheapest way to get Android TV onto your TV set at home. It comes in at just $35, which is really impressive for what you’re getting here. And best of all, the remote only has one sponsored button, and it’s for Netflix. One that most people likely won’t mind.

TiVo has included it’s own guide of what’s on TV here, and you can also see what’s on Live TV through the TiVo Stream. It’s similar to the Google TV interface that Google introduced in late 2020, but with a touch of TiVo included.

Don’t forget that the TiVo Stream 4K is also capable of running 4K HDR content and it also supports Dolby Vision.

TiVo Stream 4K – Amazon