10 Best TV Media Players

In this rating, a selection of the ten most interesting, functional, high-quality and proven media players from different manufacturers. All the heroes of the rating-review are not only selected from the current models and are leaders in the number of sales, but also received a large number of positive reviews from their owners.
 
  Name
  Rating
  Nomination
1 Apple TV 4K 64GB, 2021 4.87
Multifunctional media player from Apple
2 Realme TV Stick 4K 4.85
Inexpensive media player with Google TV
3 Google Chromecast with Google TV 4.76
New media player from Google
4 Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Global 4.73
Best choice for HD and FullHD TV
5 NVIDIA SHIELD PRO 4.72
The most powerful media player
6 Xiaomi Mi Box S 4.68
The most popular
7 MECOOL KM9 Pro 4.65
Balanced Features
8 Vontar X4 4.64
Not bad, but not good either
9 Module with Yandex.TV - Smart.TV with Alice 4.48
A good media player with an annual Yandex+ subscription
10 ZTE ZXV10 B866 4.35
Entry level budget TV box

Many modern televisions are equipped with smart TV. But not everyone is ready to change their old TV just for the sake of this function, it’s not such a cheap pleasure, after all. The problem is easily and often cost-effectively solved by purchasing a media player. They may have different names: a smart TV set-top box, a smart flash drive or a stick, a media player - it doesn’t matter, all of them, when connected to a TV, transform it into a more functional and “smart” device. Now in use there will be not just a “box” with a bunch of TV channels, but a lot of applications for streaming video, a huge selection of all kinds of content, games, etc.

You need to choose a gadget based on your needs.For some, Full HD and the simplest features are enough, while others love movies and want to watch them in 4K HDR. Sometimes it is important to fit a media player into a closed ecosystem, Google, Apple and even Yandex, which, by the way, was included in this selection. For fans of Netflix, not every set-top box is also suitable. As, however, and for those who like to play. This rating-review contains not only successful, but also different models in terms of functionality and price. All of them have already passed a test drive with a large number of buyers, having received their reviews and ratings, which, among other things, was also taken into account when compiling the rating.

Top 10. ZTE ZXV10 B866

Rating (2022): 4.35
Accounted for 169 reviews from resources: IRecommend, Yandex.Market, Otzovik, M.Video
Entry level budget TV box

Simple compact media player for 4K content and simple games. HDR support.

  • Average price: 7,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S905X, Quad-core Cortex-A53, Android 9.0, 2GB/8GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.0b, RJ-45, composite AV-out, 2 USB 2.0, microSD slot
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Ethernet 10/100, Bluetooth (4.2)
  • Package contents: media player, remote control (2 AAA batteries), power adapter, HDMI cable
  • Features: Miracast and AirPlay, HDR and HLG support

The prefix was released only in 2019, but if you decide to purchase, do not wait for updates. This is one fly in the ointment, the second is the lack of a Netflix certificate. Now about the pros: a Chinese manufacturer that has been proven for decades, so you definitely don’t have to worry about the build quality. Immediately 2 USB 2.0 ports. and even a slot for microSD (64 GB) - not bad considering only 8 GB (and available 5) of internal memory in the media player.It differs from its main competitors in the middle price segment and with similar characteristics, including the popular Xiaomi Mi Box S, by the presence of a LAN connector (RJ45). The design is ordinary - a small box made of good plastic. The remote control is not impressive, especially with ergonomics, but it is friends with Google Assistant. In general, it copes well with the main function - video playback, including 4K.

Pros and cons
  • 2 USB2.0
  • microSD slot
  • Large and uncomfortable remote
  • No updates

Top 9. Module with Yandex.TV - Smart.TV with Alice

Rating (2022): 4.48
Accounted for 4449 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Wildberries, IRecommend, Citylink, M.Video
A good media player with an annual Yandex+ subscription

Quick setup and smooth operation. Users of the Yandex ecosystem and those who like to chat with Alice will especially appreciate it.

  • Average price: 5,700 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, memory: N/A, Android 9 with Yandex TV shell, 3 GB / 16 GB
  • Maximum resolution: 3840x2160 (Ultra HD)
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 1.4/ HDCP 2.2), USB Type-C
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth (4.0/5.0), IRDA, BLE
  • Package contents: module, remote control (batteries included), power adapter, USB Type-C power cable, HDMI cable
  • Features: work in the Yandex ecosystem, Dolby Vision

A miniature prefix that even a child can set up. Convenient remote control with built-in backlight, microphone for voice commands and integration with other Yandex smart home devices. Of the "goodies" - the presence of VLC media player in the application store, with which you can broadcast local media content. Unfortunately, there is no Netflix in the Yandex.TV app store, and in general, the choice today is small. In addition to KinoPoisk, there are, for example, popular ones - KION, More.tv, Megogo, IVI, Wink, TVzavr Okko, Start. The system is closed from installing third-party applications.Although at one time the craftsmen told w3bsit3-dns.com how to get around it. Alas, with one of the updates, the loophole disappeared. Therefore, for those who are not ready to be content with only available applications, it is better to look towards other options.

Pros and cons
  • Support for multi-channel audio
  • Easy setup
  • Fast OS
  • No browser
  • Modest selection of apps

Top 8. Vontar X4

Rating (2022): 4.64
Accounted for 294 feedback from resources: Aliexpress, Ozon
Not bad, but not good either

The ugliest media player in the ranking. Another budget folk version from the Vontar family. Multifunctional, but not well balanced.

  • Average price: 8,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S905X4, ARM Cortex-A55, Android 11.0, 4GB/64GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, AV, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, SPDIF, microSD slot
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Ethernet 100/1000, Bluetooth (4.0)
  • Package contents: media player, remote control, power adapter, HDMI cable

Several options for built-in memory - from 32 to 128 GB. I want to walk around the body, in the literal sense. It looks so terrible and gaudy that it is impossible to look at it - like a 10-dollar basement consoles. Immediately about the cons and possible solutions to problems with the media player. It heats up a lot under load, which can slow down heavy games. The craftsmen solve this problem by replacing the built-in radiator. At the same time, you can install the firmware from w3bsit3-dns.com, after which the set-top box will become almost a reference one. It would be better, of course, all this was done by the manufacturer. But in general, the copy is not bad, taking into account all the characteristics and price: a good processor, Android 11, a decent amount of memory, a bunch of connectors, DDR3 4 GB, 2-band Wi-Fi and even an Ethernet port - all this for about 8 thousand on Aliexpress .

Pros and cons
  • Good performance
  • heated

Top 7. MECOOL KM9 Pro

Rating (2022): 4.65
Accounted for 519 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon, SberMegaMarket, Otzovik, AliExpress
Balanced Features

Good performance and fast performance at a low cost. A productive processor, an excellent set of memory, all the necessary connectors and types of communication are available.

  • Average price: 12,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S905X2, Quad-core Cortex-A53, Android TV 10.0, 4GB/32GB
  • Maximum resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD)
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.0, RJ-45, analog AV-out, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, microSD slot
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Ethernet 10/100, Bluetooth (4.0)
  • Package contents: media player, remote control (2AAA batteries, not included), power adapter, HDMI cable
  • Features: Chromecast and AirPlay, HDR10+, HDR10

Inexpensive Android set-top box with 4 GB of RAM on board, which allows you not only to run all applications without problems and enjoy the video, but also, by connecting a gamepad, to play quite heavy games. A huge plus is the presence of two USB connectors at once, one of which is 3.0, which ensures fast synchronization with a connected external hard drive. Certified by Google, so there is both Google Play and Chromecast. Convenient remote control with a minimal set of buttons and a microphone of good sensitivity. Solid assembly and a large number of holes at the bottom for cooling. The device is popular, there are a lot of good reviews, so it takes pride of place in the selection. There is a simpler and cheaper version of the set-top box, with 2 GB of RAM - MECOOL KM9 Pro, which is also quite a suitable version of a home media player.

Pros and cons
  • 2 USB
  • Certified by Google
  • HDR10+, HDR10 support
  • Close to USB ports
  • Poor quality included HDMI cable

Top 6. Xiaomi Mi Box S

Rating (2022): 4.68
Accounted for 7400 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Wildberries, SberMegaMarket, Citylink, DNS
The most popular

150,000 Yandex.Market users were interested in the prefix in two months. An excellent media player with 4K UHD support, the purchase of which will not hit the budget.

  • Average price: 7,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S905X, Quad-core Cortex-A53, Google Android TV 9, 2GB/8GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.0a, AV 3.5mm, USB 2.0
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth (4.2), BLE
  • Package contents: media player, remote control, power adapter, USB Type-C power cable, HDMI cable
  • Features: support Miracast, Intel WiDi, AirPlay, Android TV 3D video, Dolby Digital, DTS

Compact, affordable and very popular Android set-top box from Xiaomi. Connect to TV via HDMI, remote control via Bluetooth. By the way, if the batteries in the remote control (two AAA) suddenly die, you can use the Mi Box Remote app for your phone. Google's voice assistant works quickly and perfectly recognizes commands, and the initial setup of the device takes a minimum of time, there are no special glitches. In addition to Miracast support, AirPlay is present, which iPhone owners will appreciate - not the most important feature, but still nice. An ideal budget option for owners of 4K TVs who are not confused by games and are looking for an option mainly for video content - the amount of memory of the media set-top box and processor will be enough for this.

Pros and cons
  • Google certification
  • Miracast and AirPlay
  • OS stability
  • USB input
  • Little built-in memory
  • No LAN port

Top 5. NVIDIA SHIELD PRO

Rating (2022): 4.72
Accounted for 949 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, AliExpress, IRecommend
The most powerful media player

The best media player for watching videos, 4K video upscaling function.The ideal choice for gamers is streaming from PC and GeForce NOW.

  • Average price: 41,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: NVIDIA Tegra X1+, Android TV 9.0, 3 GB / 16 GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.0, RJ45, 2 USB 3.0
  • Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth (5.0)
  • Complete set: media player, remote control (2 AAA included), power supply 40W
  • Features: Chromecast support, Google Assistant, DTS-HD, DTS-X, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, GeForce NOW

The shape of the media player case alone will make any gamer's heart beat faster. And if you pick up the remote, you can completely go crazy with delight: an unusual, but very comfortable shape, nice matte plastic, a motion sensor, backlit keys and Google Assistant, of course. All this is worthy of a separate review, but we are more interested in the filling and functionality. We’ll clarify right away that they are enough for everyone: audials, visuals and gamers. All major technologies for high quality video and audio are supported. 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, video quality conversion with AI Upscaling, a large number of pre-installed applications. For gamers: not only any games from the Market and connecting a gamepad, but also the ability to stream games from a PC and the GeForce NOW cloud service.

Pros and cons
  • Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10, Dolby Atmos
  • AI upscaling up to 4K
  • High price
  • Difficult to find for sale in Russia

Top 4. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Global

Rating (2022): 4.73
Accounted for 8638 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Eldorado, DNS, Ozon, Wildberries, IRecommend
Best choice for HD and FullHD TV

Budget and high-quality media player from Xiaomi. More than 3,000 reviews on Yandex.Market, sales leader.

  • Average price: 4,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S805Y, Quad core Cortex A53, Google Android TV 9.0, 1GB/8GB
  • Maximum resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.0, USB micro
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.2
  • Package contents: module, remote control (without batteries), power adapter, USB power cable, HDMI cable
  • Features: support for Chromecast, DOLBY, DTS

An ideal budget option for those who don't have a 4K TV. A smart stick with very rare glitches, which is often compared with the module from Yandex in terms of performance, ease of use and price. Unlike the latest Xiaomi, the module is more “open to the world” and allows you to install not only applications from the Play Market, but also third-party ones, if you download the file manager first. Implemented support for Chromecast - you can transfer an image from your phone or other device. Simple control and convenient remote control that connects to the set-top box via Bluetooth. A minimum of buttons, main and separately rendered Netflix and Prime Video for their quick launch, there is a built-in microphone. Memory is not enough, but if you use the device to view channels and basic services, then it will be enough.

Pros and cons
  • Compact and lightweight (28g)
  • Google certification
  • Chromecast
  • Small amount of memory

Top 3. Google Chromecast with Google TV

Rating (2022): 4.76
Accounted for 85 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon, SberMegaMarket
New media player from Google

Convenient user interface and easy connection. Google TV and HDR support.

  • Average price: 10,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S905D3G, Quad-core Cortex-A55, Google Android TV 10 with Google TV, 2GB/8GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0 Type-C
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth
  • Package contents: media player, remote control (2 AAA included), USB cable, power adapter
  • Features: support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Atmos, Chromecast, AirPlay

Finally, a full-fledged device from Google, which no longer needs a smartphone to work (Google Nexus Player is not taken into account). New incarnation with a convenient miniature remote control equipped with a microphone and the ability to call the Google Assistant. If necessary, you can replace the complete remote control with the Android TV Remote Control program. After the first setup, access to a huge number of applications from Google TV will open, there are an order of magnitude more of them than in Android TV, but if not enough, there is an option to install third-party ones. It connects to the TV via a standard HDMI port, powered by a USB Type-C connector, Wi-Fi connection to the network only. An excellent set-top box from the giant Google - support for modern formats and a new "pet" that can be added to Google Home.

Pros and cons
  • compactness
  • Google TV and licensed Netflix
  • No LAN port

Top 2. Realme TV Stick 4K

Rating (2022): 4.85
Accounted for 4988 reviews from resources: Aliexpress
Inexpensive media player with Google TV

So far underestimated in Russia, a novelty from Realme. Google TV and thousands of sales on Aliexpress.

  • Average price: 7,500 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: Amlogic S905Y4, Quad-core Cortex-A53, Google TV 11, 2GB/8GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.1, MicroUSB
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth (5.0)
  • Equipment: media player, remote control (batteries not included), HDMI extension cable, power adapter, USB cable
  • Features: HDR10+ support, Chromecast, Google Assistant

A budget version of a TV stick from a popular Indian manufacturer today. The main difference from the competition is the Google TV firmware and HDR10+ support. And all this at a very affordable price.A simple, minimalist and ergonomic remote with separate buttons to launch Netflix, Youtube, YTmusic and Primevideo. Surprises the old MicroUSB input on the stick, which is used to connect to the power adapter; you can’t use it to connect other devices, but if you need to install additional applications, you can download the file manager and download the necessary APK files from the cloud. Smooth stable, no freezes work of programs, only occasionally in customer reviews come across complaints about minor failures. The only big disadvantage is that it is difficult to find on sale in Russia. However, we still have Aliexpress.

Pros and cons
  • Google TV and 4K with HDR10+
  • Does not support Dolby Vision

Top 1. Apple TV 4K 64GB, 2021

Rating (2022): 4.87
Accounted for 160 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon
Multifunctional media player from Apple

Powerful A12 Bionic and Wi-Fi 6 support. Expensive, but almost perfect.

  • Average price: 30,000 rubles.
  • Processor, OS, Memory: A12 Bionic, tvOS, 64GB
  • Max Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD) 60Hz
  • Connectors: HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet
  • Connectivity: 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6, AirPlay, Bluetooth (5.0), IRDA
  • Package contents: media player, remote control, power adapter, Lightning cable
  • Features: HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision

An updated version of the console in 2017. We note right away that there are few global differences between them, so you can change the old version if it is in use, but it may be better to wait for the next upgrade. Of the main changes - support for Wi-Fi 6 and a new version of HDMI - 2.1. Processor A12 vs A10 Fusion - there is no significant difference in terms of performance. And now information for those who have not used apple media players.Why choose? No glitches, smooth fast tvOS and elegant menus. The remote control as a separate art form - ergonomic, only the main buttons and separately - Siri. Apple Music, Apple TV+, lots of apps, cloud access, integration with other Apple devices. The only thing that can spoil the impression is the price and the lack of an HDMI cable in the kit.

Pros and cons
  • Excellent picture and sound
  • Lots of applications
  • Convenient to use
  • Minimum upgrade from the previous version
  • No HDMI cable included
Who is the best media set-top box manufacturer?
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Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the experts!

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