Any Android TV Stick suggestions?

by sagikage

Hello guys,

Sorry if this is a very cliche post but I just got an Amazon Firestick and wasn't really happy with its App store.

I'm thinking of returning it and look for a TV Stick that is much more flexible instead.

Is there a TV Stick where I access to whole android app store and download Streaming apps and VPN apps etc without Amazon, Apple etc. limitations?

Looking to have access to Putio, Streamio, Roku, VPN, Netflix etc. and can't really decide which to go.

I Also own an Apple TV but can't even get its SmartDNS working for VPNs and it's the most limited platform anyway.

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Any suggestions are appreciated.

koshergoy

Wait for new Google chromecast with AndroidTV in mid May.

GR3YH4TT3R93

You can install just about any app on the firestick? Look up Aptoide TV.

But other choices would be to wait a bit and get the new Chromecast Ultra that's coming out, it's supposed to have full android TV instead of just basic chromecast functionality. https://9to5google.com/2020/03/10/exclusive-2nd-gen-chromecast-ultra-android-tv/

Or the Mi Box S (which isnt a stick), or the Nvidia Shield tube

BiggussDikkuss

https://www.airtv.net/products/airtv_mini/

https://www.techhive.com/article/3512152/the-tivo-stream-4k-is-an-unexpectedly-exciting-media-streamer.html

Both use the regular Android TV - Oreo / Pie - user interface and simply have Sling TV or TiVo Stream App occupying App position #1 on the regular Android TV user interface.

Both use a snappy AMLogic S905Y2 chipset - the TiVo Stream 4K will even do DolbyVision and if TiVo release decent Firmware on it that Stream 4K will be a massive seller.

I've always loved TiVo Peanut remotes.

https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=351960&pid=2926602#pid2926602

:D

andyjeezy

AirTV Mini is cool got one for $50 on eBay

JimboLodisC

I mean if you want Roku then get a Roku.

CuvisTheConqueror

The only device that is going to get you Roku Channel is a Roku. No Android TV device will give you that, at least not easily. Of course, Roku won't do VPN, so six of one, half dozen of the other.

My recommendation is always the Nvidia Shield. You pay more, but it's money well spent IMHO. If you just can't make it work with your budget, consider waiting a month or so and picking up the Tivo Stream when it hits the market.

wyssaj01

I'd hold out for the $50 TiVo dongle personally. Full Android TV and should be able to sideload apk files like the fire stick.

CyclingAsia

I've been using one of these: https://www.bigw.com.au/product/blaupunkt-4k-android-tv-smart-box/p/72059/ connected to my TV for about a month now, and although the device has been trashed a few times in this thread, it works great for me.

Being in AU, I have to deal with VPN to get the good content, so I've got open VPN running. I don't pay for netflix and friends, but rather use the free streaming services; TubiTV, XUMO, Pluto tv, filmrise. These all work great and look great on my 4K tv.

I also use the HDMI-CEC to use my TV's remote - which has more functionality than the box's remote.

The prices vary for these devices and they are available from different "manufacturers" (rebranding). But I think it is good value for money.

trlef19

You should get the 4k one if you didn't