I've been searching for a less expensive solution since I don't need 4k but haven't yet found one.
Things I'm looking for in the box to be compatible with
Ethernet Port
Netflix, HBO, prime at 1080p (or chromecast built in if it gives these)
Reelgood
Plex or Kodi
Ability to turn on my TV through my Google home.
Right now I can do all this with my Chromecast, but it seems to be having heating or wifi issues and I'm looking for a replacement
It's not the only option, but it's the option you'll wish you made first. I've got a drawer of fire sticks and a mibox and my shield is still my most prized device. It just works!
Mi Box S is the next and cheaper alternative for Android TV. It has 4K and HDR but no ethernet adaptor, you should be able to add one by getting an ethernet adapter (Ugreen brand works perfectly for Mi Box users):
You should be able to get one on Amazon
If you will be mostly streaming or watching you should be fine with a Mi Box.
I have one of the original shields (16gb), and it I've of the best purchases I've ever made. 4 years running and it is still better than practically everything else.
So much so I've considered getting one of the newer ones for the bedroom.
Buy cheap buy twice
I got a Mi Box S and I've never looked back really. It's great for streaming Netflix, Youtube, Prime Video (with casting, still waiting for the app on the Play Store). A few games, but I'm not really fussed with the games on Android. It's great value for what it is and I was originally tempted by the Shield but I don't really have that much use for Android TV so I can't justify paying more. I just wanted a Chromecast with a navigable UI and the Mi Box S was pretty much exactly that.
Xiaomi mi box with an external USB Ethernet adapter?
Yes.
The shield is my favorite piece of tech I own, its the best option/the only one without compromise. If you ever get into uncompressed 4K its the only option.
All other boxes are slow and clunky in comparison.
You really should be reading about potential issues such as with Google Home and the Shield over on the Nvidia forums first. This thread is very good to get precise info:
I'm not sure you can turn on TV via Google assistant with a Roku(quick Google suggests you can)
I bought a Shield since everyone seemed to recommend it, especially for 4k.
I don't remember why exactly, but I returned it during the first week after much testing. It didn't solve any of my 4k issues and I preferred the Roku remote and interface etc. For the price it really didn't seem worth it.
A Roku meets all your needs unless you require AndroidTV itself (you didn't mention that, but wasn't sure if that was part of the insinuation by posting here)
I don't know about the google home ability...but I run all of my bedroom TVs off of an amazon firestick 4k that uses a USB Ethernet connector. I have had zero issues with them in any way. I run a plex server and it easily handles everything I throw at it including IPTV.
I don't know why it's overlooked all the time but the Jetstream is great. It has built in ethernet and every other port you could need. SD card reader, voice search in a great remote. I haven't tried it for 4K but it is advertised for 4K/HDR too.
Mi Box with ethernet adapter just works fine.
I got the shield plus a local option for half the cost for the bedroom
The shield runs circles around most androidTV boxes, the UI is smoother, nothing lags, updates are regular, and i dont see the need to upgrade unless they stop supporting updates and something major and groundbreaking comes out.
Shields been around since what..2015? its going strong 4 years on and will probably continue to do so for the foreseable future.
Consider it an investment in a quality media box.
It really is the best; can do so much.
Intel NUC?
Does anyone know why Shield is priced soo high in Europe?
Yes. I run a shield on main tv and firesticks 4k on other tvs.
Mi box S with an ethernet adapter like most have said here. It is the best value combo you can get. Been using this combo for 6 months now and it still works like a charm.
You might look at the Ematic Jetstream. Same hardware as the Mibox, but it includes an Ethernet port and more USB ports.
I just bought a A95XF2 WITH S905X2 CHIP 32GB ROM for $32 Shipped. Runs Android 9.
Installed Kodi, comes rooted. I setup the two USB external drives connected to it as Samba drives so I can access them from my Windows 10 machine. I also shared them out in Kodi using uPNP so I can watch movies from my iPad and iPhone. I can install any app from Google Play store. You don't need to spend $200. and yes, this comes with Ethernet so no need to buy adapters.
Be advised though, that the shield still hase some issues.
Ethernet gets "diconnected" somehow over time, and while not being a huge issue, it still is super annoying…
Realistically it's the only option. All the other boxes cut corners.