TechJunkie Expert Recommendations
TechJunkie is supported by our readers. When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Read More.
These days, staying home to watch TV and films is more ideal. Thankfully, the market offers the best Kodi boxes in all shapes and forms to help you catch up with your favorite TV shows and movies. A Kodi box, also known as a TV box, is a device that enables your TV to stream from the Kodi app. Kodi boxes have risen in popularity over the years, and they offer a wide variety of features that are tailored to your needs. Its flexibility makes it compatible with most device types including Android, Windows, Mac, and Raspberry Pi 4.
The Shield TV may not only be the best Kodi boxes in the market, but also the best Android TV box. It works with most streaming apps other than Kodi. Powered by Android and the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip, the Shield TV delivers top-of-the-line technology, which is worth the price. The Shield TV supports 4K resolution screens and has built-in Dolby Atmos technology for both sight and sound. This means you get to watch movies, shows, and sporting events in amazing visuals and immersive audio. You can also hook up extra storage and other devices with two USB ports. Connecting the Shield TV to your screen can be done via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. With its sleek build, the Shield TV is an attractive addition to your home entertainment system. The remote has a backlight, motion-activated, and has a built-in remote finder tool to ensure you always find it. The Shield TV also comes with Google Assistant, so this is a great convenience to people who already have the Google smart home setup.
Most of the best Kodi boxes run on Android, but for Apple aficionados, the Apple TV is the more suitable choice. Like most Kodi boxes, it has 4K and Dolby Atmos. For users who prefer a simple, uncomplicated remote control, the Apple TV is a great choice. Anyone who is used to the Apple ecosystem will find that using Kodi with an Apple TV is quite easy. You can use Siri to control the Apple TV, in lieu of the remote control. Because this is an Apple device, users can use an iPhone or iPad as a source for streaming to the TV via Airplay. This TV box also comes in handy for those with HomeKit-enabled devices as they can be controlled directly from the Apple TV via the Home app. Users of the Apple TV love the fast connectivity of the device. However, you have to use the right HDMI cable that works with your TV, especially if you have a 4K or HDTV.
The Xiaomi Box S 4K is a more affordable option for people who are on a budget but want to use Kodi. The Mi Box works with 4K, delivers decent streaming performance, and supports most streaming apps including Kodi. For its price, the Mi Box is one of the best Kodi boxes that people should consider. Despite its humble price point, the Mi Box offers connectivity for several streaming technologies including DLNA, Miracast, AirPlay, Torrent TV, Google Cast, Internet radio, and IPTV. Probably the most surprising feature of the Mi Box is the Bluetooth remote control with voice command support. This means you can “speak” to the remote to control it without using your hands, similar to voice assistants like Alexa and Siri.
The Fire TV stick is simple to use and possibly one of the best Kodi boxes for people who want something that’s plug-and-play. It’s technically not a TV box because it’s designed more like a thumb drive, except it connects via an HDMI port at the back or side of your TV. Once plugged in, you only need to turn on your TV and follow the steps to connect to the internet. This updated version supports 4K, HDR, and HDR10+ with Dolby Atmos audio, and it comes with Alexa built-in. Fans of Amazon smart devices will feel right at home with the Fire TV stick as it integrates seamlessly with the Amazon smart home system. The Alexa voice remote can not only control the TV but other smart home devices. The Fire Stick remote can also control most compatible TVs and can be used to adjust both your TV and soundbar volume. Preset buttons make it easy to stream movies and shows from popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. From the main menu, you can create profiles for each member of your household and enjoy personalized recommendations.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ may look like your typical Kodi box, but it offers a unique feature that might just make it one of the best Kodi boxes so far. The Stick+ promises to stream with WiFi over long-range distances, even if the box is from another room. Planning to have a viewing party in your yard? The Roku Streaming Stick+ is the right Kodi box to get the job done. As a standard TV box, the Stick+ supports 4K and HDR for great-looking videos. It also supports most streaming and cable services like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Sling. This box is one of a few boxes that lets you use any voice assistant, whether Alexa, Google, or Siri. A Roku mobile app enables you to stream the audio to your phone instead of your TV for privacy.
The MECOOL KM2 offers the most updated Android (Version 10) and it’s one of the first TV boxes to have Google Certification DRM level L1 and an Amlogic S905X2-B quad-core SoC, which simply means it can stream 4K at fast speeds. Additionally, the MECOOL KM2 offers an easier and more reliable connection as it supports a 2.4G/5GHz Dual-Band WiFi and built-in external and internal WiFi Antenna. This 4K and HDR Kodi box come with built-in support for Google Assistant and Chromecast. Despite being an Android device, this TV box supports most streaming services including Netflix, Google, and Prime Video. The box has one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and 2 USB ports. It also has useful ports such as an SD card reader, AV jack, and an IR extender.
With Google certification, the Minix Neo is a powerful TV box that is built with Android TV OS. It also integrates with your Google Home or Google Home Mini setup. Powered by Android 9, this Kodi box brings 4K resolution content to life, whether you use Netflix or Chromecast (which comes built-in). The Minix also has two internal antennas, which provide fast and stable streaming capabilities. When it comes to video and streaming quality, the Neo T5 works just as well as higher-end boxes like Nvidia Shield. Streaming from YouTube, Plex, or Kodi happens without so much as a glitch thanks to the Neo T5’s capable processor and built-in Android TV OS. While the Neo T5’s build looks elegant and durable, you might find the remote a bit difficult to navigate. Buttons are not positioned optimally, so there will be instances when you’ll press the wrong ones. Other than this, the Neo T5 is a strong contender for popular TV boxes.
If you don’t see an app that should be here, let us know what it is