Media players are compact external devices that connect to TVs, which can significantly expand their functionality. Modern set-top boxes are not only able to broadcast content from the Internet or other device directly to the big screen, but also have their own operating system and a large number of built-in useful services for faster and more convenient search for suitable content.
Some media centers can combine the functions of a game console and even the ability to integrate into a smart home system, which allows you to use one compact device to solve several tasks at once.
We have compiled a list of the best media players based on expert opinions and feedback from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the world market for equipment, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:
Budget / Inexpensive
- HARPER
- Invin
- Xiaomi
Middle price category
- Dune
- Invin
Dear / Premium
- Apple
- NVIDIA
- Dune
1 | Apple TV 4K 32GB | 13,190 p. |
2 | NVIDIA SHIELD | 19 360 p. |
3 | Apple TV Gen 4 32GB | 10,000 RUB |
4 | Google Chromecast 2015 | 3,090 p. |
5 | Rombica Smart Box 4K | 3,990 p. |
6 | Apple TV 4K 64GB | 14 690 p. |
7 | Xiaomi Mi Box S | 4 590 p. |
8 | Invin W6 2Gb / 16Gb | 4 300 RUB |
9 | Invin X92 32Gb | 5 800 RUB |
10 | Google Chromecast 2018 | 3 390 p. |
11 | Dune HD Max 4K | 49,990 p. |
12 | HARPER ABX-110 | 2 190 p. |
On Android
The main advantages
- 4K UHD video support ensures superb picture quality with high definition and true-to-life color
- "Smart" voice control will allow you to find the desired movie or program by its direct title and provides a search by individual user parameters
- Thanks to the new ultra-fast Tegra X1 processor, the media player works with any streaming video without delay
- For modern games on the console, you can use the remote control as a controller or an external plug-in joystick
- The ability to integrate into the "smart home" system will allow using voice commands to control not only the connected multimedia devices, but also the lighting level, video intercom, door locks or garage doors
The main advantages
- Powerful quad-core processor allows you to watch any content online and quickly download videos from the Internet
- Built-in popular online services (social networks, cinemas) provide access to an extensive media library with content for every taste
- Easy media player control from any Android smartphone
- The ability to install any applications from Google Play
- Support for multi-channel audio and video in 4K Ultra format turns the set-top box into a full-fledged online home theater
- Data can be downloaded from popular resources from the Internet or through cloud storage services
- The built-in media player is ideally adapted to control content from the classic remote control
The main advantages
- The media player supports all video and audio formats, including uncompressed, providing high quality media content
- To connect to the Internet, you can use a wired channel through the RJ-45 connector or wireless - through Wi-Fi
- Supports modern and outdated file systems, allowing you to connect to the set-top box any external storage for playing movies, clips, music, photos
- The maximum output video resolution is 3840 × 2160 (4K), predetermining the high quality of the picture when connected to a TV of any diagonal
- The power supply is external, which made it possible to exclude additional heating of the main components inside the case, as well as to organize quiet passive cooling
The main advantages
- Over-the-air and wired connection interfaces demonstrate high speed indicators, allowing you to get rid of traffic restrictions and possible lags when watching high-quality video (4K, Blue-Ray)
- Support for memory stick and USB drives allows you to enjoy content offline without internet connection
- It is possible to customize the software and even the operating system, allowing you to turn the set-top box into a mini PC with more extensive functionality
- When connected via HDMI digital output, the video resolution can be up to 4K, ensuring compatibility with all TVs
- The manufacturer provides 32 GB of internal memory, allowing you to store personal information (photos, documents, music)
OS: TvOs
The main advantages
- Brighter, clearer picture with natural color reproduction with 4K HDR video support
- With access to a large media library, the user can easily find their favorite shows, concerts, entertainment shows or films for home viewing
- New remote with Touch surface lets you control your media player, adjust the volume on your TV, or find content with just one touch
- The ability to connect game controllers, headphones or other external devices significantly expands the functionality of the console
- The new ultra-fast A10X processor allows you to work with any demanding applications and modern games
The main advantages
- Ultra-clear picture with natural color reproduction thanks to support for 4K HDR format
- Using the powerful A10X processor, you can enjoy high quality streaming video without delay and play modern games
- The new touchpad remote lets you control your Apple TV and your TV with one swipe. It does not need to be pointed towards the device thanks to the Bluetooth connection
- The ability to view your videos and photos from the cloud storage on a large TV screen
- Large amount of internal memory allows you not to think about the size of downloaded files and applications
Resolution: Full HD
The main advantages
- The ability to view video files in Full HD quality
- The AirPlay function allows you to broadcast content from any device running IOS through the set-top box to the TV screen
- New remote control with touchpad that can also be used as a controller for some games
- Access to the App Store will allow you to download a large selection of compatible free and paid apps
- Simple, intuitive menu similar to other Apple devices
- Built-in services from HBO and Netflix allow you to access a huge media library with video content for all tastes
- Setting up the set-top box is carried out in two ways - manually or by entering Apple ID
The main advantages
- The portable media center takes up minimal space and can be installed directly behind the TV
- For synchronization with external signal sources, dual-band Wi-Fi is provided, which provides unlimited traffic flow
- The set-top box is capable of transmitting a real-time data stream from any external device (smartphone, iPhone, laptop) via the Google Chrome browser
- In standby mode, the set-top box turns the TV into an interactive photo frame by scrolling through different pictures from the Google library
- The media player supports remote control of voice commands without using remotes and other third-party devices
The main advantages
- The pre-installed Android 7.1 OS provides support for all modern programs and fast synchronization with any modern TVs
- The presence of an Ethernet port allows you to organize stable access to online services and media servers for viewing content in high quality without lags
- Passive cooling predetermines the complete absence of noise during operation
- For power supply, you can use a standard power supply unit or another one with parameters 5V 2A
- Remote control provided, as well as support for smartphone control via IR channel
- The built-in browser allows you to open any resources to view content. Additionally pre-installed YouTube
Smartphone control
The main advantages
- Simple and convenient connection of the set-top box to a TV or monitor via HDMI input
- The ability to stream content from YouTube or directly from the Chrome browser through certain apps
- Fully compatible with mobile devices running Android 4.1+, IOS 8+, as well as with popular operating systems installed on home personal computers and laptops
- Support for high-quality FULL HD video content. Powerful processor provides smooth and uniform picture
- The set-top box can be powered through a standard AC adapter or when connected via a USB connector, which will free up an outlet
- Fast automatic media player setup and intuitive controls
The main advantages
- New Android TV 8.1 operating system optimized for remote control and 4K TV screen
- Thanks to the support of Bluetooth wireless communication, it is easy to connect a joystick, mouse, speakers, headphones and other gadgets to the set-top box
- It is especially convenient to control the media player using voice commands. You can call Google Assistant with one press of a special button on the remote
- If the internal memory is no longer enough for storing movies, photos and games, then it can be easily expanded by connecting an additional drive via the USB interface
- Built-in Broadcom controller with dual-band Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly play high-quality, high-bitrate video content
The main advantages
- An expanded set of interfaces for connecting devices, displaying information, control predetermines the use of a set-top box for professional purposes to create a media server
- Provides for the installation of a standard HDD for storing the content base and remote access to it over the local network
- The presence of composite and digital video outputs allows you to connect modern and outdated TVs to the media player
- High resolution 4K complements HDR support for rich, rich contrast
- The set includes two remote controls with different connection / control technologies and capabilities