Box or Chromecast Ultra?

by TYKOB

I currently have a Nvidia Shield that is breaking. No voice control. Doesn't connect to google home. It used to work but Nvidia basically said, "Sorryyy, you're outta warranty. ¯|_(ツ)_|¯ " when I contacted them several times. That's a whole issue all together.

So, I am moving on from Nvidia and trying to decide whether to get a cheaper Android TV box. I've been looking at the Mi Box and have read both very good and very "meh" things about it. I'm also considering just getting chromecast ultra for my streaming needs. My streaming breakdown is basically:

  • 60% Plex (a little 4K)
  • 30% Netflix
  • 10% Sports (ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS, etc.)

What do you all think?

just_roc

I would go with the Mi Box S because it actually has apps and processes everything directly.

Why do people prefer to use another device and then cast to a separate device to mirror a screen? The only time I use the built in Chromecast is when someone else has something to show off of their phone, tablet, or laptop.

I prefer to navigate via the box instead of other devices and have a nice user interface without the hassle of casting.

loft024

Mi Box S is decent and inexpensive, but not as powerful as the Shield TV. And it'll do what you're looking for. Have you tried to factory reset the shield? IMHO getting a box other than a Shield TV would be a downgrade for me.

saknussemm

Mi Box S has a chromecast ultra built in.

elgenes

Do you want to control everything on your phone, or do you want Android TV? That is the main question. I do not use Plex but I use Kodi with Elementum addon for "streaming" torrents in 4K. That does work, but I do not know how 4K with Plex works. I would guess it works if you have a fast Wi-Fi (AC 5 GHz probably required for 4K).

With respect to the Google cast function I do not think there are much difference. Some said that the Chromecast had a better integration for Google assistant, but if you don't care about that that doesn't matter. If you do not care about the user interface that Android TV gives you then I would reckon that the Chromecast would be a slightly better option. Google updates it regularly, and you can count on it to not have annoying bugs. The Mi Box S has after some time finally received a firmware that is pretty stable. I still struggle to turn it on without clicking 10 times on the power button on the remote, but that is my only real issue.

If you want to have the ability to download Kodi, use VPN or download other apps then you need the Mi Box. If you do care about the user interface you need the Mi Box. If you want to connect an external hard drive you need the Mi Box. Be sure to check whether all your apps that you use support Chromecast if you are considering it.

If you could return the Mi Box I would buy it and see whether Plex does 4K and that your other apps work.

mr1sparkle

Get the ultra. The stadia is coming soon!

hafezeku

Prefer box..

akisnet

Box.

BiggussDikkuss

I would stay away from all devices that do not have built in Gigabit Ethernet if you are looking at streaming (high bitrate) 4K from a home networked server.

Some will say AC WiFi is enough, but that is highly variable, what works for one person will be absolute crap for another.

So where does that leave you?

  • a NVIDIA Shield or my preference an Apple TV 4K - because it has superior Apps - auto Frame Rate Matching for Netflix.