Finding the Best Kodi Android Box to Buy Right Now

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Last Updated on April 10, 2019 by Husain Parvez

Looking to update your home entertainment system with the best Kodi Android box that’s available in the market right now? We’re here to explain why you need an Android streaming box that can run Kodi media player on it, along with a list of offerings for you to choose from.

For the 90s kids out there, the earliest memories of the good old days still remain those Sundays when we woke up early to catch a run of our favorite cartoons shows on TV. We’ve come a long way from the days of cable TV, thanks to streaming services that are cutting the cord and bringing entertainment seamlessly into the 21^st century. Even before streaming services became the norm for modern entertainment, the community came together to bring a multi-platform media streamer, which we now know as Kodi.

Back when Kodi was first introduced, it was developed to become a media player for the original Xbox and was hence named XBMC. Over the years, the open-source nature of this media platform has garnered attention from Windows, Mac, and even Android OS users. Since Android OS has also been equipped to become the go-to software platform for smart TVs, the implementation of a Kodi Android Box is a match made in heaven, combining the power of two massively popular open-source software platforms to unleash entertainment.

Why do you need a Kodi Android Box?

Most of the popular streaming services out there like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime Video support Google Cast right out of the box. Under such circumstances, how do you justify the need to get yourself an additional piece of technology that is designed specially to run Kodi media center? Here’s why the Kodi Android Box market is steaming with devices and all the reasons why the purchase is worth it:

All-in-one media platform

When it comes to multi-platform support, the Kodi media player is second to none, covering Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi. This makes it easier for you to interconnect your Kodi Android TV Box with external devices and share content and media wirelessly across the network.

Kodi is a set top box replacement

Missing out on your favorite TV shows and movies because your cable operator does not offer the ability to pause or record live TV? If you’ve ever wanted the TiVo style functionality on your cable set top box, but want the ability to stream and record live TV, then Kodi is the modern replacement you need.

Big screen viewing

Any device that is able to run as a Kodi Android Box, automatically turns your HDTV into a Smart TV, bringing a sea of features with it. From giving you the ability to cast media content from your phone to the big screen, to enjoying apps and games that are specifically designed for Android TV, you get a lot more than just the Kodi media player.

Kodi Add-ons

While the mainframe structure of Kodi media center is robust and easy to move across, it is the collection of features through Kodi add-ons that make it viable. From allowing you to stream online radio for free, to scheduling and recording your favorite TV shows and movies from the Kodi media player itself, you can find a Kodi add-on to do anything and everything you need.

Buying Guide for the Best Kodi Android Box

There are plenty of official Android TV style devices out there which can be the ideal devices for you to run Kodi on the big screen. However, with a long list of Kodi Android Box devices available online, choosing the right one for you can be quite the hassle. We’ve sieved through the marketplace to list some of the best ones out there that vary over features and price point, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

The latest iteration of the home entertainment device from Amazon has been upgraded to support Quad-HD 4K content. Offering its very own version of Android through Fire OS, installing Kodi on Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K may not be straightforward, but it is worth the few minutes it takes to set everything up.

Specs:

Size – 108 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Processor – Quad-core 1.7 GHz
RAM – 2GB
Storage – 8GB
Operating System – Fire OS (Android 5.0 Lollipop variant)
4K Support – Yes

NVIDIA SHIELD TV

The flagship Android TV device from Google may not be the cheapest Android Kodi Box out there, but it certainly is the best. Packed with top of the line hardware, all of the latest software updates straight from Google, gaming-ready hardware and intuitive controls are what make the NVIDIA SHIELD TV the perfect Android gaming console/entertainment center.

Specs:

Size – 8.3 x 7.9 x 4.1 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, USB
Processor – NVIDIA Tegra X1
RAM – 3GB
Storage – 16GB (Expandable up to 500GB)
Operating System – Android 9 Pie
4K Support – Yes

Xiaomi Mi Box

If you’re looking for a Kodi Android Box that offers a streamlined user interface but without a hefty price tag, then the Xiaomi Mi Box is the one for you. Supporting 4K streaming right out of the box, you get voice control, solid hardware, along with all of the Android TV features such as Google Cast, Google Play Apps and more to keep you entertained.

Specs:

Size – 6.7 x 5 x 2 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB
Processor – Quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz
RAM – 2GB
Storage – 8GB
Operating System – Android 6.0 Marshmallow
4K Support – Yes

MECOOL KM9

A relatively new entry to the world of Android TV Box devices, the MECOOL KM9 is quickly becoming a favorite among its users for the robust specs it offers. Running the latest version of Android OS along with hardware connectivity and apps support across the platform, you even get the ability to hook up more storage or other hardware through the 2x USB ports that are fitted on the MECOOL KM9.

Specs:

Size – 7.6 x 4.6 x 2.7 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet, USB
Processor – S905X2 Quad core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
RAM – 4GB
Storage – 32GB
Operating System – Android 9 Pie
4K Support – Yes

Matricom G-Box Q2

One of the most popular names in OEM Kodi Android Box devices that you can find in the market, the Matricom G-Box Q2 is 25% more powerful than its predecessor. Offering all-round connectivity to get maximum streaming speeds, you don’t get a remote included with the device, but thanks to the USB and wireless support, you can hook up a remote or physical mouse and keyboard for easy controls.

Specs:

Size – 4 x 4 x 1.5 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet, USB
Processor – Amlogic Quad Core S812 CPU
RAM – 2GB
Storage – 16GB
Operating System – Android 5.0 Lollipop
4K Support – Yes

Buy Matricom G-Box Q2

EVANPO T9

Offering you all of the features of Android Oreo, the EVANPO T9 comes equipped with enough firepower to run Kodi seamlessly on your TV. What makes the lower price point of this Android TV Box even more enticing is the wireless Bluetooth touch remote that is included in the box, making the fluidic to navigate across the user interface.

Specs:

Size – 8.6 x 6.2 x 3.6 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet, USB
Processor – RK3328 Quad-Core 64bit Cortex-A53
RAM – 4GB
Storage – 32GB
Operating System – Android 8.1 Oreo
4K Support – Yes

Buy EVANPO T9

Leelbox Q4 S

The highly affordable Leelbox Q4 S comes with the hardware that could match the most expensive Android TV devices on the market. Supporting HD and Ultra HD content right out of the box at 60FPS, you get wireless connectivity support along with a basic remote control that does the job of simplifying the navigation for you.

Specs:

Size – 3.94 x 3.94 x 0.67 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet, USB
Processor – RK3328 Quad-Core Cortex A53 64bit
RAM – 4GB
Storage – 32GB
Operating System – Android 8.1 Oreo
4K Support – Yes

Pendoo TX3 Mini

If you’re out looking for a cheap Android TV Box that has enough support from the customers through positive reviews, then the TX3 Mini is the one to choose. The basic hardware will not blow you away, but it is more than efficient in not just handling the entire Kodi media center platform, but plenty of other apps and games as well.

Specs:

Size – 4.1 x 4.1 x 0.59 in
Supported Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet, USB
Processor – Amlogic Quad Core Cortex A53 2.0GHz
RAM – 2GB
Storage – 16GB
Operating System – Android 6.0 Marshmallow
4K Support – Yes

Final Words

The sheer simplicity of the way Kodi media center works is what has helped it gain widespread support across a user base of millions. Adding the goodness of Kodi to the versatility of Android OS just makes it all better, allowing you to enjoy big screen entertainment like never before. We’ve handpicked the most highly rated and power-packed Kodi Android Box devices that you can find out there. Breaking them all down based on the features and the price point on which they are offered, you can make a smart and informed purchase to bring your home entertainment system to the modern standard.

Author
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Husain Parvez

Editor at Whytheluckystiff

Sharing a love-hate relationship with Biotechnology in Uni, Husain moved on to his true calling of becoming a tech geek. While briefly being persuaded by the Apple clan, he made it back to Team Android, and has been a loyal comrade since, with a keen interest in IoT, Entertainment Tech, and Gaming.

Finding the Best Kodi Android Box to Buy Right Now