Firestick VS Chromecast VS Androix TV Boxes VS "Insert any Media Streaming Device name here"

by EX-Dr4w

So, I'm looking to buy a media streaming device in order to watch movies and videos on my TV. I'm completely new to the topic and I'd like to gather some info before buying anything. I'd like to use the tipycal streaming services (e.g. netflix, amazon prime video, etc.) and stream my personal content via a Plex server, being able to use Kodi with plugins etc.

Now, I have no idea what the best option could be and I have no idea how much I should spend to get a decent device. Hope you could help me in deciding what to get. If you need any additional info in order to help me out feel free to ask.

bdanka50

Best - Nvidia Shield TV.... Best for the price - Fire Stick 4k

Just my opinion....

silent-zR

Had a Roku, Chromecast, and "Smart TVs", but nothing beats an Android TV or 4K Android box like the Mi Box S

haseebkp

I too agree with u/bdanka50

I started with chromecast ultra. Most video apps I used then supports casting anyways. So basic, very less options.

Then I graduated to Firestick 4K. Can’t compare it to chromecast as it serves entirely different function. And the remote is minimal and I loved it. Then after 3 months came the problems. I don’t want to list all of it here as there are plenty. In summary for Netflix and prime it’s fine but for personal media through PLEX/KODI ( I’ve mostly H.265 videos ) it couldn’t handle it. VOBSUB subtitles in mkv will make it freeze. And plenty other issues. I was picking my hair in frustration each time I wanted to watch something.

So I bought the Shield 2019 non-pro ( tube shaped). The proper android TV experience, smoothness of the OS and playback is a bliss. I realized I made a very good decision even for that price tag.

In short, why you have to go through all these headaches. Just buy the Shield, trust me it is worth the price tag.

Hotpinkyratso

I didn’t think I would but I really like the android box that you can talk to Alexa. I have that, Two firesticks and Roku. One Firestick can’t be updated to pick up Youtubetv so I’m guessing they don’t gave a lot of room. Not fond of Roku at all but my wife likes it. The ones we have are line of site with your remote. The amazon devices aren’t line of site either the remote.

I like being able to tell Alexa to turn on and go to a certain show. Later you can just tell Alexa to shut it all down. Hopefully, the cube has plenty of room for updates and it can do a lot of other things.

GravityDead

If you want to stream the best formats from Plex/Emby or have external speakers, then go for NVIDIA Shield or Apple TV 4K (be wary of getting stuck in Apple's walled garden though).

If you want to stream not very demanding files from plex and have a simple audio setup then go for Firestick.

Cheaper AndroidTV boxes and TV's with inbuild AndroidTV faces a lot of issues like not receiving updates at all OR delayed updates full of various bugs. Plus aTV platform doesn't have native 4k hdr youtube and few apps like AppleTV (and many regional ones around the world) whereas the FireOS does. Check the compatibility.

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Do not consider the standalone Chromecast device at all.

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EDIT: By firestick, I meant Firestick 4K.

EX-Dr4w

I never see RasPi reccomend, might be a valid alternative?

Cbomb101

My Mi box 3 does all that at 1080p. I don't have a 4k TV so I dno about that. Well I haven't looked for Amazon app but the rest I had seen in the playstore and I use plex and YouTube pretty much just them. I am surprised I can stream from my caravan to my room without some kind of lag. It use to lag but I fixed it by swapping my pc and mi box locations with each other lol weird as.

clarkss12

I also have tons of Android devices running the Android TV OS, including the Nvidia Shield, Nexus players, Xiaomi MiBox and Mibox S, ADT-1, etc. Plus many, many other non-descript Android boxes/sticks.

As others have mentioned, the Nvidia is the KING, and no other Android box can compare.

My newest purchase is the Google Certified Mecool KM1 using the Amlogic S905X3 (the Miboxes use the Amlogic S905X), and it is IMHO much better than the Miboxes.

My review of my new box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s6BNIqLpzM&t=132s

Boz6

For a beginner, for low cost, simplicity, and vast compatibility, I would suggest trying Roku.

BiggussDikkuss

Only specific Android TV devices do HD or greater Netflix. They have to be Certified and Approved.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/cguehm/androidtv_device_comparison_table/

Streaming only, Google Certified and Netflix Approved, however no USB then look at the new Verizon Stream TV and the AirTV Mini. Both sport a S905Y2 chipset.

Both will be noticably faster vs the 2015 chipset tech in the Mi Boxes.

If it were me personally I would get a Ugoos X3 (S905X3] and run CoreELEC Kodi on it.

That will give you the best version of 4K HDR, HD audio, capable Kodi you can get. Much better vs anything Android Kodi.

https://coreelec.org

Then for copy protected, paid for video streaming get a dirt cheap, often on discount sale, snappy FireTV 4K Stick. That is a cost effective 2 device combo that will handle anything without compromises.

Both setups will also give you excellent ongoing Firmware support which is really really important.

Flush with cash, specifically need Android TV, nothing beats the Nvidia Shield for power, performance and ongoing after sales firmware support.