


Its hardware is more than capable, but the thing that puts it over the edge is its unmatched software and highly competitive price. It doesn't seem like everyone is being affected by these things, but if you plan on picking up the Chromecast, it's something to consider beforehand.īottom line: In the world of Android TV boxes, the Chromecast with Google TV easily stands out as the best one to get. The biggest downside of Chromecast is that some users have reported various bugs and glitches since its debut - such as freezing apps and entire system crashes. So not only is it the best Android TV box on our list, but it's also one of the most affordable. Making all of this even better is the Chromecast's price.

Our testing has a much better user experience than regular Android TV, and the Chromecast is the only way to get it right now. As a result, everything is much more visually appealing, all of your apps work just the same, and the new home pages are designed to curate everything from your streaming apps so you can more easily find something to watch. While it's technically powered by Android TV, Google's added this new Google TV software on top of it to create a brand new experience. Where the Chromecast gets a big edge over the rest of the options on this list is how it's running the new Google TV interface. The remote is a little lacking in buttons, but it's incredibly well-built and offers good utility in a sleek and compact form factor. The Chromecast offers 4K HDR streaming, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and has a processor that keeps things running smoothly for most tasks. On the hardware/spec front, everything you need for high-quality streaming is here. This one also doubles as a SmartThings hub, which is a great touch if you have a lot of SmartThings-enabled gadgets in your home. It's almost identical to the regular Shield TV, but you're benefitting from extra RAM/storage and full-size USB ports. Last but not least, it's also worth considering the very similar NVIDIA Shield TV Pro. Its higher price may turn some potential buyers away, but it makes up for that with a faster processor, 4K upscaling, and a more premium remote. If you aren't thrilled with what Chromecast has to offer, another solid pick is the NVIDIA Shield TV. However, the star of the show is the special Google TV software that's layered on top of Android TV, offering new features and an upgraded design that we think you'll love. It has 4K HDR streaming with support for Dolby Vision/Atmos, a great remote that's easy-to-use, and comes in at an incredible price. In almost every regard, the new Chromecast is basically perfect. Our overall pick has to be the Chromecast with Google TV when it comes to the best Android TV boxes. Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.
