By using a TV Box, you can turn your traditional TV into a Smart TV. It allows you to stream online video content from YouTube, Netflix, HBO, VIU, and more.
However, you may come across articles and news claiming that TV boxes are illegal. As a matter of fact, TV boxes are legal, but installing applications that allow users to stream pirated content is illegal.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC) also warned Android box sellers not to misuse the SIRIM and MCMC labels.
Due to the fact that the approval given is only for the device, not for any additional applications installed on it.
So, which TV box shall we buy? I recommend users stick to well-known and established Android box brands with good hardware and updated Android TV OS.
Illegal TV boxes usually come with outdated Android OS/Android TV OS and fake hardware specifications. That is how they trick uninformed customers into buying them.
Certified TV Box
Below is a list of certified and legal TV boxes which you can use with peace of mind. There’s need to worry about your android box being haram or not halal.
- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K
- Xiaomi Mi Box S
- Google Chromecast with Google TV
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Nvidia Shield TV Pro
- Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen)
- Mecool KM2
- Mecool KM2 Plus
- Mecool KM6
- Mecool KM7
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Realme TV Stick 4K
- Onn Android TV 4K
Among them, below are the TV boxes that I would recommend buying. If you have doubts about which Android box is best for you, please read my guide on how to choose an Android TV box.
1. Xiaomi TV Stick 4K
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K is the most popular Android Box on the market. It is powered by a quad-core processor and comes with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. It is certified by Netflix and able to stream 4K Netflix content.
Overall, it has better specifications than Mi Box S, except for its lack of ports.
2. Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is officially certified by Google TV and Netflix. Different from many Android TV boxes in the market, the Google Chromecast runs on the latest Google TV. It has a more interesting user interface and a better recommendation engine.
3. TiVo Stream 4K
TiVo Stream 4K is coming from TiVo, an established digital video recorder brand in the U.S. The TiVo Stream 4K’s hardware is slightly dated compared to Mi TV Stick 4K. But it is cheaper and there’s not much difference in overall performance.
4. Nvidia Shield TV
Nvidia Shield TV is the most expensive and powerful TV box of them all, with a selling price of RM800. Nvidia Shield TV pro with a price tag of RM1,000 is the only TV box which is more expensive than it.
Nvidia Shield TV support 4K HDR streaming and Dolby Atmos Audio. And it has its advanced AI upscaling technology which can upscale HD content to 4K quality.
5. Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K is another expensive TV box, but it is not an Android box. It is running Apple tvOS so there’s very little customization that can be done. Regardless, it is a very stable operating system. It supports a huge range of apps and runs very smoothly.
6. Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Fire TV Stic 4K Max could be the most advanced TV Stick you can buy in Malaysia. It has similar hardware to Mi Stick 4K. Even better, it supports WiFi 6. The only setback is it is not running on Amazon Fire OS and required an Amazon account to set up, which can be troublesome for Malaysians.
Illegal/Haram (possibly) TV Box List
As I have mentioned, many TV boxes received certification from MCMC and SIRIM, but that is limited to the device.
Below is a list of (possibly illegal) TV boxes that advertise they include many TV channels, so buy it at your own risk.
- EVPad
- Long TV Box (modded to stream all channels)
- SVICloud TV Box
- Paladin TV Box
- Tanix TX6
- Tanix TX6S
FAQ
Is EVPad legal in Malaysia?
No, EVPad Android Box installed with applications that stream copyrighted video content for free is not legal in Malaysia.
Is SVICloud legal in Malaysia?
No, SVICloud Android Box installed with applications that stream copyrighted video content for free is not legal in Malaysia.
