Beat boredom and enjoy all the benefits of a smart TV when you have the best Android TV box in Malaysia 2020! Gone are the days when satellite TV was the only option!
You can pretty much do the same thing you do with your smartphone, but with a bigger display (i.e. your TV)! These boxes don’t take up a lot of space either!
See these reviews on Android TV boxes in Malaysia! Starting from ~RM150 and up!
What Is An Android TV Box?
An Android TV box is what it sounds like. It looks like a box and runs Android software.
It may not look like much, but with one of these, you can convert a regular TV to a smart TV!
Allowing you to browse the web or stream videos from your TV! You can access popular streaming sites like Disney + or Netflix!
Some Android TV boxes are specialized for games too!
What You Can Do With An Android TV Box
Basically, you should be able to do practically everything that you can with a regular computer:
- Watch your favorite TV shows and movies via a streaming website (or from your hard disk)
- Browse the web
- Play games (stored or online)
- Read emails
- Write documents
- Check the news
- Listen to music
And more!
Are Android TV Boxes Legal In Malaysia?
When it comes to legal Android TV boxes in Malaysia:
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Standard and Industrial Research Institute (SIRIM) are the leading authorities.
And for now, Android TV boxes are still legal.
However, it’s not enough that your Android TV box is certified by SIRIM, how you use it is important too.
For example, if you’re using it to stream pirated content and to access illegal websites, then you’re already flouting the Copyright Act 1987.
Some Android TV boxes are installed with the means to connect to international landlines/ satellites. These could be considered illegal too without a license from MCMC!
How Does An Android TV Box Work?
You’ll need reliable Internet access (either via Ethernet or WiFi) to use an Android TV box. And you’ll have to install some apps. Depending on what you want to stream or play (e.g. music or games)!
Of course, you’ll likely have to pay separately for those streaming services!
It’s like using your phone or tablet but on the bigger screen of your television! And with more input and output possibilities (e.g. keyboard, remote control, etc).
How To Set Up Your Android TV Box
- Hook up the Android TV box to your TV via the HDMI cable.
- Plug in the power cable of the Android TV box to a power outlet. Try not to use the same outlet your TV is using!
- Turn on your TV and the box.
- The Android TV box should prompt you for access to your home WiFi connection. You can check the settings section too. Or you can connect an Ethernet cable to the Android TV box.
- When you’ve got WiFi, start installing Apps using Google Play Store (after signing into your respective Google account).
- If the Android TV box prompts you to update the device, go ahead to take advantage of the latest features the manufacturer may have!
- Make an account through the respective app (e.g Netflix). And start streaming!
How To Choose An Android TV Box
1. Processor
First up, the processing power and RAM of an Android TV box! A powerful processor means you can run 4K quality content with little or no lag!
Forget dual-core completely, octa-core processors are the best that money can buy these days!
And at the very least, a 1.5GHz quad-core will do.
By the way:
Since Android TV boxes handle a lot of graphics and videos, they may have a GPU (graphics processing unit). Also known as a graphics card.
Which is a type of microprocessor to specifically process graphics optimally.
2. Storage
This implies the device’s internal memory. Its ability to store the operating system, apps and other programs.
You need at least 4GB of RAM. And preferably a minimum of 32GB for storage. If you can add in external storage (via a microSD card or built-in hard disk slot), that’s even better!
Bigger RAM means better performance in general. Plus, you can run multiple apps concurrently (i.e. multitask)!
3. Port Capability
HDMI 2.0 (for 4K streaming), at least 2 USB ports and an Ethernet cable port (for WiFi) are all things you should look for in an Android TV box.
Newer TV boxes now support USB 3.0. Which is faster than the older USB 2.0 at transferring data to and fro. Especially if you connect them to an external hard drive to play your movies from!
4. Video Resolution
To sum it up, these are the features you want for high quality videos:
- Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching
- HEVC (High-efficiency Video Encoding) or 265 hardware decoding (H.265) for up to 8K resolution
- If your Android TV box can only manage 720p, it’s considered outdated!
- Your LCD display must be able to support 4K too
- Fast internet connection is necessary too
5. Operating System Version
You know your TV box is running an older operating system version when it can no longer receive updates! That’s anything below Android 5.0 (or Lollipop)!
Go for Android 6.0 or higher!
6. Network Connectivity
Lagging can be due to poor network connectivity. At least 4Mb (Or Mbps) broadband will suffice for HD streaming purposes!
Other than upgrading your internet plan to a higher speed, you can boost the signal with a dual-band router, WiFi range extender and other similar devices.
Another thing that will help, is to directly connect to your TV box to your router via an Ethernet cable!
7. Bluetooth Support
Bluetooth capability can be useful for connecting to external peripherals or transferring files. Not all TV boxes come with Bluetooth connectivity.
13 Best Android Tv Box Malaysia 2020
1. TX3 Mini 2GB+16GB Smart Android TV Box
So it occasionally fails in 4K video playback but the TX3 Mini 2GB+16GB Smart Android TV Box is still a powerful (literally) contender in this list of the best Android TV boxes in Malaysia!
Hopefully, you’re not planning to play a lot of games either. Because it only has a small range of games that it supports!
- Processor: Amlogic S905W Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
- GPU: Penta-Core Mali-450
- Memory & Storage: 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD up to 64GB)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Operating System: Android 7.1.2 Nougat (API 25)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 (x2)
- Warranty: 6 months
- Price: RM125
Pros:
- Satisfactory resolution
- Sufficient memory
- 2 USB ports
Cons:
- Not the latest Android operating system
- Poor sound quality
- Remote is frustrating to use (use one of the USB ports to add a mouse instead!)
2. T9 4GB+64GB RK3328 Android 9.0 Pie Smart Android TV Box
This is the very basic you can get. Which is fine if you just want to watch TV shows and dramas at high resolution.
It comes with 10,000 TV channels (English, local, Chinese, Korean, etc). And for that price, you’ll have to forgive it for its tendency to freeze up!
- Processor: Rockchip Quad-Core Cortex-A53 (64bit)
- GPU: Mali-450 MP2
- Memory & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
Operating - System: Andriod 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5.8GHz, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 6 months
- Price: RM145
Pros:
- Neat design
- Has USB 3.0
- New operating system version
- Supports 5GHz WiFi
Cons:
- WiFi setup is tiresome
- Remote is annoying to use (get a wireless keyboard or mouse instead!)
- Not sure if it is SIRIM approved. But the company is legally registered (Hericaine Sdn Bhd).
- Many advertisements
3. TX6 Smart Android TV Box
TX6 Smart Android TV Box takes the cake when it comes to value-for-money!
With a combination of powerful hardware, ample connectivity options and a pleasant user interface design!
It can even support up to 6K decoding!
- Processor: Alwinner H6 Quad-Core Cortex A-53 (64bit)
- GPU: Mali-T720 MP2
- Memory & Storage: 2GB / 4GB RAM, 32GB / 64GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 6 months
- Price: RM145 – 210
Pros:
- Commendable performance
- Affordable
- Comes with free apps to watch Asian movies and dramas
Cons:
- Some glitches here and there
- Netflix quality can’t get higher than 480p
- YouTube support limited to 1080p
4. Xiaomi Mi Box S 2GB+8GB Android 8.1 Oreo Smart Android TV Box
Many are satisfied with the budget-friendly Xiaomi Mi Box S 2GB+8GB Android 8.1 Oreo Smart Android TV Box! Though it’s recommended to get the air mouse together with it!
And depending where you buy it from, you can have some programs pre-installed onto it (subscription fees applicable, of course)!
- Processor: Quad-Core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz
- GPU: Mali-450 750MHz
- Memory & Storage: 2GB RAM, 8GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD up to 64GB)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
Operating - System: Android 8.1 Oreo (API 27)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 4.2, USB 2.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM235 – 245
Pros:
- Smart control (Google Assistant)
- Easy set up
- HDMI 2.0
- Supports premium audio (DTS and DOLBY Digital Plus surround sound)
- Very small
Cons:
- 4K performance is not as impressive as more expensive TV boxes
- Not so good for live TV streaming
- Awkward position of buttons on the remote control
- Just 1 USB port
5. H96Max X3 Smart Android TV Box
H96Max X3 Smart Android TV Box has astounding memory storage! That, along with the quad core processor is crucial to play 4k content!
The sound quality is decent while the Ultra High Definition will not leave you wanting in the resolution department!
- Processor: Amlogic S905X3 Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A55 (64bit)
- GPU: G31™ MP2
- Memory & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: [email protected] & 4K Ultra High Definition @ 60FPS
- Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 6 months
- Price: RM268
Pros:
- H.265 decoding
- Voice control
- Very small
- Multi-screen capability (via DLNA Airplay Miracast)
- Doesn’t get hot fast
- 3D rendering (for games)
Cons:
- Netflix resolution maximum is 480p
- Does not support Dolby TrueHD
- Infrared remote
6. Mecool KM3 4GB+64GB Android 9.0 Pie Google Certified Android TV Box
Mecool’s KM3 4GB+64GB Android 9.0 Pie Google Certified Android TV Box packs a lot of memory too.
And more importantly, you can watch YouTube videos at 4K!
If you have a gaming controller, you can play some Android games. Just not the demanding games like Asphalt 8!
- Processor: Amlogic S905X2 Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53
- GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
- Memory & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM356
Pros:
- Google Home, dedicated button for Google Assistant, Chromecast, Google Play Store, etc
- Various ports
- Bluetooth voice remote (with Google Assistant)
Cons:
- Ethernet capability limited to 100Mbps
- Netflix at 480p only
7. EVPAD 3S 2GB+16GB Android 7.0 Nougat Smart Android TV Box
Being able to read Chinese will be very convenient when you use the MCMC & SIRIM approved
EVPAD 3S 2GB+16GB Android 7.0 Nougat Smart Android TV Box.
If your display is compatible, the resolution can reach 6K. And you can watch 3D Blue-ray too!
- Processor: ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A53 (64bit)
- GPU: ARM Mali-T750
- Memory & Storage: 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 6K HD
- Operating System: Android 7.0 Nougat (API 24)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM370
Pros:
- Many different port types (e.g. USB 2.0, USB 3.0, TF card, MicroSD, IR extender, etc)
- 4 CPUs and 4 GPUs
- H.265 decoding
- Plug and play setup
- Supports Dolby AC3 and DTS surround sound
- 1000+ channels from South East Asian countries
Cons:
- Old-fashioned boxy design
8. LongTV Louie 1GB+8GB Android 7.0 Nougat Smart Android TV Box
You can use this MCMC-licensed and SIRIM-approved Android TV by LongTV that comes with 300 local and Indian channels, 100 or so games! And even a library of ~130,000 songs for karaoke too!
Don’t waste time fiddling with installation! It’s as easy as plug and play!
- Processor: Hi3798MV200 Quad-Core 2.0GHz
- GPU: n/a
- Memory & Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
Operating - System: Android 7.0 Nougat (API 24)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5.8GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x1)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM418
Pros:
- 1 USB2.0 port, 1 USB 3.0 port, 1 Ethernet port
- No additional subscription fees for those included channels, games and songs
- H.265 decoding
Cons:
- Small memory storage (but adequate RAM)
- Not the latest Android operating system
- Manual is not very detailed
9. Beelink GT King 4GB+64GB Android 9.0 Pie Smart Android TV Box
Play 4K videos and even some games (even 3D rendering) with the Beelink GT King 4GB+64GB Android 9.0 Pie Smart Android TV Box!
However, if YouTube and NetFlix are your main go-to sources when it comes to movies, then you might want to skip on this TV box!
- Processor: ARM Quad-Core Cortex-A73 (1.8GHz) + ARM Dual-Core Cortex-A53 (1.5GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G52 MP6
- Memory & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
Operating - System: Andriod 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5.8GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x2)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM469
Pros:
- Voice search
- Works with Kodi and Plex media players
- Air mouse works well
- New Android operating system
- Stable and smooth performance
- MicroSD slot for further expansion
- Easy installation
- Quality build
Cons:
- Doesn’t support 4K for Youtube, HBO Go, Hulu, Netflix HD, etc
- WiFi connectivity is poor
- Bad remote control design
10. Beelink GT King Pro Smart Android TV Box
This is the pro version of the Beelink GT King. What’s the difference besides its eye-catching exterior? Two words: audio quality.
Furthermore, the remote control can double as an air mouse. And supports voice control! Also, who wouldn’t like an extra USB 3.0 port?
- Processor: Amlogic S922X-H Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A73 + Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A53
- GPU: Hexa-Core ARM Mali-G52 MP6
- Memory & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD, USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5.8GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0 (x1), USB 3.0 (x2)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM628
Pros:
- High-Fidelity Lossless Music
- 4K performance with few instances of lag
- DTS Listen Surround and Dolby Audio support
- 4K on YouTube (via Android TV)
- 3D rendering game compatibility
- HDMI 2.1 port
- Few bloatware (i.e. unnecessary pre-installed apps)
Cons:
- No HD for Netflix, Amazon Video or Hulu
- No playback control buttons (e.g. play/pause, rewind, stop, etc)
- NVIDIA Shield TV still better for gaming (i.e. more powerful GPU)
11. MINIX NEO U22-XJ Smart Android TV Box
Netflix aside, the MINIX NEO U22-XJ Smart Android TV Box delivers in video playback and audio (Dolby Audio). Which Disney + users will appreciate!
The Gigabit Ethernet port will ensure fast and stable Internet connection to the TV box. And that GPU is powerful enough for games like PUGB.
- Processor: Amlogic S922X-J Hexa-Core processor with Quad-Core Cortex-A73 + Dual Core Cortex-A53 (64bit)
- GPU: ARM Mali-G52 MP4
- Memory & Storage: 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM (Expandable via MicroSD or External HDD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C (x1), USB 3.0 (x3)
- Warranty: n/a
- Price: RM790
Pros:
- Regular updates
- 3 USB 3.0 ports!
- External antenna to improve signal range
Cons:
- No warranty
- Netflix up to 540p only
- NVIDIA Shield TV still better for gaming (i.e. more powerful GPU)
12. NVIDIA Shield TV 2GB+8GB Android 9.0 Pie Smart Android TV Box
Like to have the best of both worlds?
It’s expensive but the NVIDIA Shield TV 2GB+8GB Android 9.0 Pie Smart Android TV Box will delight gamers with its performance in single player and co-op games!
And it’s not bad for streaming movies either!
- Processor: NVIDIA® Tegra® X1+
- GPU: 256-core NVIDIA
- Memory & Storage: 2GB RAM, 8GB ROM (Expandable via microSD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
Operating - System: Android 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
- Warranty: 3 months
- Price: RM999
Pros:
- Built-in voice control compatible with Google Home & Amazon Echo
- Fast performance (UHD rendering too)
- User-friendly home screen
- MicroSD card slot
- Supports Dolby Vision
- Great remote design (with backlight)
- Unique tube design that fits spaces better
Cons:
- No USB port
- Limited app access
- Best with routers for outputs of 100 to 1,000 Mbps
- Not as good as game streaming (go for the NVIDIA Shield Pro instead)
13. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro 3GB+16GB Android 9.0 Pie Smart Android TV Box
Other than looking wholly different (follows the 2017 model), the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro has twice the memory storage (ROM) of the NVIDIA Shield TV. And 1G more RAM!
Both share the same operating system, processor and GPU. However, in place of the MicroSD slot, there are 2 USB 3.0 ports.
- Processor: NVIDIA® Tegra® X1+
- GPU: 256-core NVIDIA
- Memory & Storage: 3GB RAM, 16GB ROM (Expandable via USB Flash or HD)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Operating System: Andriod 9.0 Pie (API 28)
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4+5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.0 (x2)
- Warranty: 3 months
- Price: RM1,599
Pros:
- Built-in voice control compatible with Google Home & Amazon Echo
- NVIDIA Share (Game capture and broadcast)
- Dolby Vision and HDR10 support
- 2 USB 3.0 ports
- Supports Samsumg SmartThings
- Can function as a Plex server
Cons:
- Performance improvement is not significantly better than the NVIDIA Shield TV
- No IR receiver
- No HDR support for Youtube
- Expensive
Conclusion
Upgrade your old TV without having to splurge for a brand new smart TV! Android TV boxes can be very affordable! You just need great home WiFi and a fairly high-resolution screen!
Expensive Android TV boxes come with in-built memory storage and the fastest processors on the market. So unless you intend to play the latest games, you can get away with a mid-range TV box!
