Hi, I'm in Canada and looking to get a Mi Box. I just have a few questions, as I'm 100% new with streaming devices like this. I understand it runs with apps. Are you able to get apps for normally free to watch channels like CBC or CTV without extra cost? Does Crave TV have an app for this box? I've also seen other streaming boxes on Amazon.ca for less $$, like MXQ or Roku. Is the extra money worth it for this box, or are these other cheaper boxes just as good?
CBC news yes with some news broadcasted live. CTV no. Unfortunately the free to air channels can only be received via OTA tuner like homerun.
Mi box is better than other boxes available on Amazon as it has official Android tv firmware and supports Netflix and YouTube HD.
Edit: saw that you mentioned roku as well. It is better than no name tv boxes depending upon what you want to acheive. It supports Netflix HD and might be easier to use in terms of user interface.
CraveTV doesn't have an Android TV app. To watch craveTV you'll have to Chromecast it (mibox is a shitty Chromecast receiver though) or sideload the smartphone version . Neither are decent solutions.
If you live in the GTA, you can get antenna broadcasts from both Toronto and buffalo (this includes CBC, CTV, TVO,PBS,City,ABC,CBS,NBC,FOX) but until mibox updated to nougat, you need the tablo engine app and a compatible USB tuner, or a HDHomerun network tuner or a 2/4 tuner tablo
Apps like the CTV app require a cable TV subscription. CBC has a good app (and doesn't require a cable TV login) but it doesn't have live TV
Avoid all costs android boxes like MXQ. They are all garbage . Any android box that doesn't have android TV OS will not be DRM certified. Meaning no Netflix HD.
Roku is junk. Unless you're American, the app selection is awful.
Nvidia shield, Nexus player , mibox. Focus on those
STB emulator app can fill in whats left of Live TV. You add a IPTV provider and you have a 'cable' like experience with a electronic guide.
There are several providers that provide a lineup of Canadian channels.
Crave tv has no Android TV app. So it won’t work. It may work side loaded but have not tested that.
I am sure that Bell is due to release an official Android TV Crave TV app, since they promised a Fibe TV app for the fall.
Mi Box is great, Fire TV Box is great IF you like the UI (I don't), and Ruku sucks. I haven't owned an AppleTV, so can't speak for it.
I personally would get a mi box over a roku any day. You can access the play store and get a lot. The roku is so propitiery and locked down in my opinion.