Looking for a box to run basically Netflix and Kodi in a stable manner - (minimal app or network issues - on a 1080p screen (haven't got 4K yet).
In a choice between the Mi Box 4K or the Amazon Fire TV (not the stick, which i gather is weaker hardware), which would you folks recommend?
Edit: To clarify, I wasn't referring to the new 4k stick - that's not available to me at the moment where I am abroad (Amazon won't ship it, can't get it locally)
If you are in the USA, Fire TV Stick 4K, available at $49($35 on BF). If you are out of the USA, Android TV usually has better support than Fire OS. The Mi Box S would be a better choice.
Take into account you will need to sideload Kodi on the Fire TV. Also, check AVSForum and the Kodi forums about user experiences.
What are your audio output requirements?
https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=336151
A Jetstream 4K Ultra HD would be a better buy if you live in the USA vs the Mi Box.
The stick is actually quite powerful, more so than the mi box or jetstream. Only the fire tv 2 box is more powerful than it in the amazon fire tv range. I'd go with it tbh.
Be aware that Amazon is not present in some EU countries and the Fire Tv will be practically useless in those countries.
What about apps purchased from Google Play, can I still use them with Fire TV?
Kodi works perfectly for me on the new Fire stick. And Netflix is flawless as well, of course. I'm on 1080p too. The only thing that somewhat sucks is the YouTube apps that you need to sideload.
I had been strongly considering keeping my Roku and adding a MiBox for Kodi, Acestream, and hdhomerun when I get it.
But it turns out for around the same price, the Fire stick does all of this in addition to what I used on Roku. Having the remote that turns on/off my TV/soundbar is so nice too. I don't even need to use my terrible Harmony remote anymore.
Another thing, the 2016 Mi Box 3 - still has 5.1 DD+ Netflix audio drop issues. Fire TV has no such problems, it has much better Dolby Audio support as well vs any Android TV device.
The latest stick has better hardware than any Mibox. Specs, audio and video certifications, the two aren't even comparable.