You’ve got to love the ease and convenience of TV streaming. With so many streaming networks on the rise, you can access your favourite shows at any time, and at a price that’s easy to swallow.
If you want to improve your viewing experience even further or if you want to turn your average TV into a “smart” station, then you could always invest in a media or TV box. TV boxes provide you with access to a plethora of networks so that no movie, series, news station, or sports game is out of bounds.
1. What is a TV box?
An Android TV Box is a box-shaped piece of hardware that enhances your television’s capabilities. It does so by connecting your TV to an Android operating system – the same system that’s used to run smartphones, tablets, and millions of other devices throughout the globe.
How does an Android TV box work?
The hardware is designed to connect to a modern TV via a cable and a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. Once the set-up is complete, you’ll be able to download apps to your TV (such as YouTube and Netflix, for example). You’ll also have access to thousands of games and other features that can take your TV to the next level.
2. How much is an Android TV box?
Android TV boxes are quite versatile in terms of cost. Currently, their market price averages anywhere from R500 to R1500. Of course, the models at the higher end of the price range do offer more features but the cheaper devices are surprisingly reliable.
3. The best Android TV boxes in South Africa
When it comes to TV boxes that are readily available to South African consumers, then there’s no shortage of options. This can, however, make shopping for the ideal TV streaming device quite a tedious experience. To narrow down your choices and to keep your shopping experience a pleasant one, we’ve rounded up our selection of the best Android TV boxes in SA. Here goes:
Xiaomi Mi Box S
The Xiaomi is an excellent choice if speed and reliability are your top priorities when it comes to your viewing or gaming experiences. This Android TV box also has a great rep for being robust and for integrating well with other software. Overall, this is an admirable media centre that performs using either a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
Notable features: a quad-core processor, plenty of storage space, impressive RAM.
Current average price – R1 479
Telkom LIT
The Telkom LIT Box features an outstanding Android operating system. Its main selling point for South African shoppers is that it offers universal support. It also has an Amlogic s905x central processing unit, which means that it will have no trouble playing shows in impressive 4K. Last, but not least, this TV box includes an 8GB storage capacity, and 2GB RAM.
Notable features: flawless ethernet and wireless connectivity and several access points that include an audio jack and HDMI, USB, and SD Card slots.
Current average price – R1 099
KM8
The KM8 boasts one of the best storage capacities of any of the boxes listed in this article. Its only downside is that it doesn’t always integrate well with Netflix, so you may want to give it a test run before committing to it 100%.
Notable features: 4k display capabilities and a storage capacity up to 16GB.
Current average price – R1 699
Skyworth Binge
The Skyworth Binge Android TV features powerful operating hardware that provides optimal speeds and a flawless viewing and gaming experience. As a game download partner, you’ll be able to easily download your favourite titles to enjoy seamless gaming.
Notable features: reliable ethernet and wireless connectivity and the inclusion of a 2GB DDR3 and an 8GB eMMC.
Current average price – R999
MyGica ATV495Max
Here we have yet another robust piece of hardware that looks good but works even better! The MyGica ATV495Max Android box is one of the bestselling devices on the market. The streaming box boasts 4K graphic capabilities and can keep up with the high speeds we’ve become accustomed to.
Other notable features: 2GB RAM and impressive storage.
Current average price – R1 499
4. Best Android TV box with Google Certification
Many Android TV boxes available in South Africa are not Google-certified. This means that they are not compatible with certain applications. So, while you may be able to watch YouTube videos, you won’t have the ability to access the likes of Netflix and DStv.
On conducting a bit of research, we found the MECOOL KM9 Pro to be one of the best Android TV Boxes with Google Certification. It’s a little pricier than many of the other models (averaging R1 799), but if you don’t want to be barred from certain networks, then this is a media centre that won’t disappoint.
5. What do I need to run a TV box?
To run a TV box, you will need to connect it to a TV that has the right connectivity points. Most modern televisions come readily equipped with the necessary ports. You will also need a reliable wireless internet connection that is fast and stable enough to support 4K streaming.
Luckily, cheap internet isn’t hard to come by in South Africa. This means that you can have your new TV Box up and running to its full potential in no time.
To find affordable internet deals today, simply use our free online broadband deal comparison tool for a hassle-free approach. All you need to do is fill in a few basic details and we’ll supply you with internet deals available to your area within minutes!