5 Best Android TV Box in Malaysia

The Android TV box has become more popular in Malaysia due to the challenging and slow economy, which is constantly forcing Malaysians to cut their expenses.

TV Box is a cheaper alternative to Astro TV service, which costs hundreds of ringgit per month.

Online shopping sites such as Lazada and Shopee offer many different TV boxes and Android box brands. What are the best Android TV boxes for your needs?

There are some TV boxes that come pre-installed with a lot of illegal apps and TV channels, which I would recommend avoiding them. It is illegal to stream pirated content through TV Box.

In order to find the best tv box in Malaysia, I have done extensive research and come up with a detailed TV box buying guide

What is the best TV box in Malaysia?

The best TV box in Malaysia 2022 is Mi TV Stick 4K. It is cheap, small and capable of streaming 4K video content. Getting started is frictionless and easy even for non-techies, you can turn your conventional TV into a Smart TV in no time.

Check out our full list of the top 5 best TV Boxes/Sticks in Malaysia.

1. Best Android TV Box Malaysia – Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K
2. Best Google TV Box – Google Chromecast
3. Best TV Box under RM200 – TiVo Stream 4K
4. Best 4K Android Box – Nvidia Shield TV
5. Best 4K TV Box – Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen)

1. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K

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The Mi TV Stick 4K was launched in January 2022 and comes with a significant upgrade from the original TV Stick. Now, it is capable of streaming 4K video content and supports Dolby Atmos, DTS HD as well as Dolby Vision.

Pros:

• 4K video streaming with various codec support
• Reasonably priced
• Smooth navigation
• Running on Android TV 11

Cons:

• Using micro-USB port
• No additional USB port for storage expansion
• No support for AirPlay

Mi TV Stick 4K specifications:

• Video resolution – 4K
• CPU – Quad-core Cortex-A35
• GPU – Mali-G31 MP2
• RAM – 2GB
• Storage – 8GB
• Operating System – Android TV 11
• Connectivity – WiFi 2.4/5Ghz, Bluetooth 5.2
• Support – DTS HD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision

Mi TV Stick 4k comes with a more powerful CPU and GPU than the original Mi TV Stick. With the added processing power and 2GB RAM, it now can stream 4K HDR video content and offers smooth navigation to users.

The Mi TV Stick 4K is running on Android TV 11, which is the latest Android TV version. So, users will not have to worry about compatibility or version issues for any Android TV apps. 

Another huge improvement for the Mi TV Stick 4K is its support for various codecs, including Dolby Atmos, DTS HS, and Dolby Vision. A movie lover will definitely love it and be able to enjoy an immersive movie experience.

For connectivity, the Mi TV Stick 4K supports WiFi and Bluetooth connection but no ready port for ethernet cable connection. It supports both WiFi 2.4 GHz and 5GHz as well as Bluetooth 5.2. It can connect to other Bluetooth Devices nice and smooth, eg: Bluetooth soundbar, wireless headphones, etc.

There are a few small issues with the Mi TV Stick 4K. One of them is it is still using a micro USB port for connection. And it is also lacking a USB port for storage expansion. If you intend to do so, you will need to purchase a powered OTG cable with a USB hub.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K offers an incredible internet TV experience at a very affordable price. It is a small, powerful streaming device that can be used both at home and while travelling.

2. Google Chromecast 4K (4th Gen)

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Google Chromecast with Google TV is a beautiful and minimalist TV stick that can stream 4K  HDR video content. 

Pros:

• Stream video at 4K HDR
• Support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
• Google TV operating system
• Remote support IR and HDMI-CEC
• USB-C port
• Unified Watch List

Cons:

• Slight more expensive than Mi TV Stick 4K
• Some bugs issues
• No AV1 codec support

Google Chromecast specifications:

• Video resolution – 4K
• CPU – Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
• GPU – Mali-G31 MP2
• RAM – 2GB
• Storage – 8GB
• Operating System – Google TV
• Connectivity – WiFi 2.4/5Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2
• Support – DTS HD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision

The Google Chromecast is very much like Mi TV Stick 4K except that it runs on Google TV instead of Android TV. 

Some people love Google TV’s refreshing user interface, while others complain that it is bloated. 

An important feature of Google TV is the fact that it integrates all video streaming services into one package. Users will be able to discover all recommended video content in a combined list instead of having to click into each app individually.

In terms of streaming video content, Google Chromecast can display content at up to 4K resolutions alongside supports for HDR 10, HDR 10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. But it doesn’t support the AV1 video codec which is required by YouTube to upscale low-quality videos.

The Google Chromecast is using USB-C port for connection, which is better than Mi TV Stick 4K. Although it is using a USB-C port, you will still connect it to a power outlet in order to turn it on. 

One downside of Google Chromecast is it is only using Bluetooth 4.2. It has no problem connecting to other Bluetooth Devices but it is known that Bluetooth 4.2 has a shorter working range.

Overall, Google Chromecast is a great 4K Android TV stick that comes with a stylish and minimalist design. I believe Google’s brand and product quality will appeal to many despite being more expensive than the Mi TV Stick 4K.

3. TiVo Stream 4K

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TiVo Stream 4K is a great budget alternative to Mi TV Stick 4K. 

Instead of going minimalist, it has a more functional remote control with a number pad and various additional control.

Pros:

• Stream video at 4K HDR
• Affordable
• Easy to expand storage
• TiVo Stream App
• USC-C-PD Port (Power Delivery)

Cons:

• Slightly dated hardware
• Android TV 10
• Not as powerful as Mi TV Stick 4K

TiVo Stream 4K specifications:

• Video resolution – 4K
• CPU – Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• GPU – Mali-G31
• RAM – 2GB
• Storage – 8GB
• Operating System – Google TV
• Connectivity – WiFi 2.4/5Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2
• Support – DTS HD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision

Currently, the TiVo Stream 4K is selling at RM198, only marginally cheaper than Mi TV Stick 4K which is selling at RM205. 

The TiVo Stream 4K was launched in 2020 so both its hardware and software are outdated in comparison to Mi TV Stick 4k. For example, TiVo Stream 4K is running on Android TV 10 and the CPU is slightly poorer too.

However, in terms of day-to-day usage, there’s hardly a noticeable difference between these two Android TV boxes for video playbacks. When switching between apps, there may be a small delay, but this problem occurs on both Mi TV Stick 4K and TiVo Stream 4K.

Besides that, there are more than 140+ free TV channels on the TiVo stream app, which include Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Locast and more.

TiVo Stream 4K may not be as powerful as other TV boxes, but the TiVo Stream app and its convenient remote make it stand out.

4. Nvidia Shield TV

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If you’re ready to splurge on a powerful Android TV box, you can buy the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. This powerful Android TV box streams 4K video smoothly and supports Dolby Atmos audio.

It also has an impressive Nvidia AI which can upscale HD videos to 4K.

Pros:

• AI upscaling technology
• Clean and responsive interface 
• Can serve as an Android gaming device
• Remote locator
• TV remote with backlighting
• Integrated ethernet port

Cons:

• Expensive
• Slightly dated

Nvidia Shield TV specifications:

• Video resolution – 4K
• CPU – NVIDIA Tegra X1+
• GPU – 256-core NVIDIA GPU
• RAM – 2GB
• Storage – 8GB
• Operating System – Google TV
• Connectivity – WiFi 2.4/5Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2
• Support – Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-X 

Nvidia Shield TV is a small, round, ergonomic stick. It is intended to be a discreet android tv streaming device that is hidden from sight.

On both ends of the stick are inputs and outputs. One end of the cable has a power supply and a 1GBPS LAN port, and the other end has an HDMI port & Micro SD card slot. So, you will not have to mess with the USB hub for storage expansion.

The Nvidia Shield TV distinguish itself from the rest of the competition with its AI upscaling technology. It can upscale 720p or 1080p video to 4K quality so that users can fully utilize the potential of their 4K TV.

Using Nvidia’s AI upscaling, HD video is made sharper, more refined, and less blurry than it was before. But, it does not support AI upscale for 60 fps video.

The experience of switching between apps and closing and opening apps is buttery smooth and almost instantaneous, making watching TV shows with it a delight. Apple TV 4K is the only streaming device that offers a comparable experience.

In terms of video format compatibility, the Nvidia Shield TV is 4K HDR-compatible. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 content. Audiophiles will appreciate its support of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-X. 

As of right now, there is no competitor on the Android box market that supports such a wide range of video and audio formats except the Amazon Fire TV Cube 4K (which isn’t so user-friendly in Malaysia).

The only complaint I have with this device it is a 3 years old product as of 2022. And its price is really expensive. It may not be good for most people to spend RM800 on a dated TV stick.

For those who have the budget, Nvidia Shield TV is definitely the best Android TV Box that offers the best experience in terms of video playback, user experience and picture quality.

5. Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen)

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Strictly speaking, Apple TV is a TV box but not an Android Box. So, it lacks customization and the capability to sideload apps like Android Box. 

With its A12 Bionic Chip, Apple TV 4K is one of the most powerful TV boxes on the market.

Pros:

• Better UI than Android TV
• Works well with Apple Airplay, Apple Photos, Apple Music
• Apple TV app is more optimized and polished
• Rechargeable remote control
• A12 Bionic Chip
• Support WiFi 6
• HDMI 2.1

Cons:

• No AI upscaling 
• No customization like Android TV
• No HDMI cable included
• Expensive

Apple TV 4K specifications:

• Video resolution – 4K
• SoC – Apple Bionic A12
• RAM – 2GB
• Storage – 8GB
• Operating System – Google TV
• Connectivity – WiFi 2.4/5Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2
• Support – Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-X 

The Apple TV 4K’s fluid user interface outshines any Android TV Box available on the market. Navigation is buttery smooth with no lag and feels premium.

Apple tvOS provides centralized video recommendations from multiple apps, something Google TV and TiVo Stream App are following.

All video streaming apps on Apple TV 4K work flawlessly. In some cases, certain programs on services like Disney+ or Hulu do not stream in 4K on Android TV, but never have such a problem on Apple TV.

If you own an Apple HomePod, the Apple TV 4K also serves as a hub for HomeKit Accessories. It has a “Thread” feature that provides a stable and speedy response time between Apple Smart Devices.

As Apple TV 4K supports WiFi 6, it is future-proof and has a very good WiFi connection.

Besides that, Apple TV 4K comes with a unique Siri remote. The Siri Remote has built-in batteries and it is rechargeable through a Lightning connector. And it supports gesture control.

Apple TV 4K is built to a high standard and feels premium. It is ideal for Apple fans and those who enjoy the Apple ecosystem.

Other TV Boxes I Like

Mecool KM2/KM2 Plus review

Mecool KM 2 is an Android box released in 2021 that is Netflix 4K-certified. It runs the latest Android TV 10 operating system. In order to stream Netflix 4K, manufacturers must pay a  licensing fee to Netflix. That is why many Android boxes can’t stream Netflix in 4K.

Its hardware is slightly more powerful than the Mi Box. It is equipped with the Amlogic S905X2 SoC, 2GB of DDR4, and 8GB of internal storage. 

In case you prefer to have more I/O ports, the MECOOL KM2 provides two USB ports, an SD card slot, an Ethernet port, and SPDIF optical output.

The latest model Mecool KM2 Plus is just launched in 2022, running on Android TV 11, and has a more extensive internal storage of 16GB too. And it is highly recommended by a member of the Lowyat forum as the best android box for Astro Go.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is an appealing and interesting TV stick. It is priced similarly to the Mi TV Stick 4K and has similar specifications.

It can stream 4K video playback with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos.

The main differences between Fire TV Stick 4K and Mi TV Stick 4K are the WiFi 6 support and operating system.

The Fire TV Stick 4K has a slightly better SoC which supports a WiFi 6 connection. But it is running on Fire OS which is filled with more advertisements and bloated. To set up the TV Stick, you need an Amazon account.

If you’re fine with Fire OS, then I will recommend getting Fire TV Stick 4K max instead of Google Chromecast or TiVo Stream 4K.

The Competition

Mi TV Stick review

Xiaomi’s Mi TV stick is highly portable and supports streaming in 1080p, as well as Chromecast-supported. Its hardware is quite poor with only 1GB of RAM memory.

There were many complaints that the performance of the Mi TV Stick was sluggish and suffered from overheating issues.

Hence, it is not recommended to buy the Mi TV Stick HD/1080P version.

Realme Stick 4K Review

Realme Stick 4K is a TV stick that runs on Android TV 11 and is capable of streaming 4K HDR video. It sports similar hardware to Mi TV Stick 4K.

Its biggest drawback is the lack of support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Regardless, the Realme Stick 4K is still a good TV stick that suits those with a smaller budgets. 

Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd-Gen) review

The Amazon Fire TV cube is great, powerful, and supports Netflix in 4K. There have been many positive reviews internationally. The device also includes Alexa, which the TV box can serve as a simple automation smart hub.

In Malaysia, however, I wouldn’t recommend getting an Amazon Fire TV Cube due to the lack of local support.

Long TV review

For its price of RM399, LongTV hardware is poor and an outdated smart TV box. Many third-party sellers preload this device with illegal apps that stream pirated content.

While I don’t recommend purchasing one of these, I know there are many users who like TV boxes with pre-installed apps.

Tanix 6S Review

Previously, Tanix 6S was recommended. But I have decided to take it out because apparently, it is pre-installed with many questionable apps. 

Furthermore, Mi TV Stick 4K comes at an attractive price. There’s really no need to spend RM200 on a lower-grade TV box like Tanix 6S.

Beelink GT King Pro review

Beelink GT King Pro is a very powerful Android box that has all the bells and whistles. Featuring AMlogic S922X, Mali-G52MP6 GPU, 4GB RAM, and 64GB internal storage. 

In terms of performance benchmark, few android boxes can compete with it.

The device does not run on Android TV OS and costs a lot. The Beelink Android box is designed for hobbyist users who want to customize it to their heart’s content.

EVpads TV Box review

EVpad is promoted as the TV Box that you need to only pay once and enjoy lifetime access to various video streaming services. It is illegal to use this type of TV box, and customers may be penalized if found using it.

Nowadays there are many models like EVPAD 6P, EVAPAD 5X, EVPAD 5S and more. You can see that the sellers are bundling them up with all kinds of free gifts to try to sell them. 

In most cases, it’s a bad sign, and it can mean that the seller is desperate to get rid of them as soon as possible. Strictly avoid buying EVPAD TV Box.

SVICloud 8P Review

SVICloud 8P is another fraud TV box that overclaims its product specifications. It has nonsense specifications like 6K and 8K video resolution streaming. Moreover, it claims to support WiFi 5.8Ghz, which does not exist.

Again, it claims to come with thousands of movies and many free on-demand channels. Be careful not to fall into their traps.

Don’t buy any SVICloud TV Box!

TV Box FAQ

Conclusion

I firmly believe that in order to have a satisfying IPTV experience, a subscription to a video streaming service is absolutely necessary. 

You can choose from Viu, DimSum, Netflix, iflix, Disney+ and so on, depending on your preferences. Viu is for those who like Korean drama. DimSum for Asian dramas. And Netflix for the newest western video content as well as Netflix original series.

To ensure a smooth viewing experience, you also need a fast broadband plan and a good WiFi router.

If the TV box is too much hassle, you should directly check out the best smart TV in Malaysia.