Shield TV

The Shield TV is the best. Get the Pro version. No known upcoming device will be better than it so no need to wait.

The other devices are not for people whose criteria is "what is the best." The other devices are for "what is the best under X amount of dollars if I only need it to do this or that."

Upcoming devices are the Mi TV Stick which is already out but only a 1080p variant at the moment and the upcoming Chromecast Ultra 2 codename "Sabrina" which is still "to be announced", anyway, here a list of a few recommendations:

Certified Android TV devices WITH Netflix and Prime Video certifications:

- AirTV Mini

- Ematic Jetstream

- Nvidia Shield TV

- Tivo Stream 4K

- Verizon Stream TV

- Xiaomi Mi Box S

- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (1080p and 4K variants)

Certified Android TV devices with Netflix ONLY certification:

- AT&T TV

- JBL Link Bar

Certified Android TV devices with Prime Video ONLY certification:

- Mecool KM1 (Available at mecoolonline.com )

- Mecool KM3 (Available at mecoolonline.com , where you can also download the NEW Android 10 firmware update for this model)

- Mecool KM9PRO (Available at mecoolonline.com , where you can also download the NEW Android 10 firmware update for this model)

Certified Android TV devices WITHOUT Netflix and Prime Video certifications:

- Channel Master Stream Plus (with ATSC dual tuner built-in but outdated Android TV version)

- Minix Neo T5 (With gigabit ethernet but remote control doesn't have a microphone)

For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to Android TV Guide website.

Shield ..shield..shield

I've had my Shield TV since 2015. It's still being supported with patches and updated software. Good luck finding another device that will be supported half as long as that by any other company

If budget is no object, then the Nvidia Shield TV is the choice. You can also get it built in the TV. My Sony TVs have it built in and its not bad.

As others have said the best Android OS is The Shield pro, probably Overkill though for strictly streamers. I have a shield and a TiVo stream, they are identical once you tweak the stream to delete the bloat. I personally have no need for more than 8GB storage, and I have plenty of side-loaded apps.

Another vote for the Shield Pro 2019, this is my go to guy. But I also have the TiVo Stream 4K and I have to say it is pretty awesome for streaming, and it is great for travels. I have found the TiVo remote to be fantastic, it controls my TV and audio bar (Sonos) flawlessly. Also, if you use with the Button Mapper app you can launch every app you desire with just one click.. For my use, at $50 probably the remote is worth the price by itself.

you may want to be clearer whether you are looking for a box to work with an actually TV/screen, or a full TV/screen/baked-in android UI

Honestly? Probably a Samsung/LG TV paired with the NViDea shield TV pro, it's a little pricey but it's gonna be your best set up. There are not any other options that are quality, sadly. Everything else is made in China crap.

Google will be releasing an Android TV dongle at some point later this year. Details have been widely leaked.

Personally I picked up the Mi Box S about a week ago and it’s nice and the price is a steal at $50 at Walmart.

shit the fan

Uh, I don't think that's the phrase you're looking for.

Shield pro 2019... However, the shield pro 2019 is good too... and the shield pro 2019 is not bad either... All things considered, out of these three options I would go for the shield pro 2019. 😂

Do you really need the "best" Android TV device if coming from a Fire TV stick? LOL

The Shield TV is the "best" Android TV device (and priced accordingly) but only makes sense if looking to do Android gaming or setup a Plex server. Are you mostly just streaming content? The TiVo Steam 4K works just fine but you may wait want to hold out and wait for Google's upcoming "Sabrina" device.