Rating of the best set-top boxes for free TV channels in 2020

Today there is a large selection of modern TVs, some of which are equipped with Smart TV functionality. This expands the overall capabilities of content from the Internet, making the old TV a smart device.

Smart TV function and Smart TV set-top boxes

With special modern experienced set-top boxes, everyone can watch Internet channels through the TV everywhere, even if he is the oldest, this can be done easily and without difficulty. With a smart TV set-top box, you can watch hundreds of channels, a world of entertainment and information opens up to a person. Now you already have access to a huge number of free services, paid channels for watching movies and programs, even on an old TV. If you buy yourself a TV set-top box, then you will not have to pay further for TV and the Internet, since all functions will consist in one product box.

If this television is free, then there will be a number of difficulties, the picture will not be clear, as in paid analogs, there is no multichannel sound, there are fewer rating channels. Standard cheap TV models can have a high-quality picture, only there is no Smart TV environment, this problem is solved easily and quickly, you just need to improve this model.

For improvement, a special Smart TV set-top box is used, which gives the ability to use the capabilities of the Network. Smart TV has an operating system, it has more technical capabilities than a TV. A person will be able to freely use the TV without fear that the device will freeze during operation.

Manufacturers began to regularly improve the set-top boxes with which entertainment is available to the TV, from games, video, mail to movies. It will take less than a minute to connect this set-top box, the interface is convenient, and there are all the required details, now all the advantages will be on your TV. The Internet on the TV looks great, you no longer need a smartphone or computer, you can get by with Android TV channels, the operating system is modern, and the connection speed is ideal.

Highlights

With this special set-top box, you can watch TV channels, online movies without a monthly fee, that is, free of charge, the product has a quality-price ratio. The form is a small block or flash drive, the block is large, but there are additional connectors of various types, and the second option does not have them or is too few.

It is required to make sure that it works with formats before buying a device, but issues of working memory will not be of great importance. To increase this memory, it is enough to connect an external hard drive, although many modules will have 4 GB, 8 GB or more memory.More attention should be paid to the package bundle, it is advisable to buy wireless remotes and keyboards for ease of use. Consider even before buying which company is the best prefix, this is indicated on the network.

Rating of the best set-top boxes for free TV channels

The best Smart-TV set-top boxes

IconBIT XDS94K

The set-top box easily supports both wired connection to networks and through the internal communication module wirelessly, which is efficient. It is better to use a wired connection, as it allows you to make the device an access point, the device is compatible with TVs of all generations and varieties. Older models can be connected to the TV via the AV connector, and the latest versions via modern connectors.

The TV and the set-top box are controlled through one remote control, the media player works with network resources, can produce content through a memory card, flash. The large number of USB ports takes the hassle out of it, and is better than arranging a keyboard with mouse, drive, and webcam.

Manufactured by IconBit, the model is flagship and the manufacturer is one of the most advanced in the world. Today the company produces TV set-top boxes with improved properties, strives to make the products convenient and effective. The device was created based on the Amlogic S905 platform, the model has become popular among analogues, the working processor is Cortex A53. The device has 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of flash memory, that is, there is a reserve of resources for the operation of multimedia applications of the Android OS.

IconBit XDS94K is a very cool player with built-in support for various "dividers", such as hardware special video processing 4K, H.265 codec - 10 bits.

Specifications:

• Product type: media player;
• Many file formats;
• Common codecs;
• MP3 and WMA audio files, others;
• There are audio-stereo and optical outputs;
• The interface is great;
• Speed ​​up to 1000 Mbps;
• There is support for AirPlay;
• The device supports memory cards;
• HTTP manager;
• IPTV functions;
• The total RAM is 1024 MB and the flash memory is up to 8192 MB;
• Flash drive.

Video review of the device:

• Compactness;
• Excellent development prospects;
• Ideal characteristics;
• Performs its work functions perfectly;
• Omnivorous;
• Minimum weight;
• The perfect device for this price;
• There are a large number of ports;
• The mouse and keyboard work fine;
• Kodi is installed.

• Slowness;
• The battery compartment at the remote works badly;
• Configuration requires both a remote control and a mouse;
• The original remote clicks the buttons loudly;
• Sometimes it freezes;
• Shoals with hard drive Samsung M3 (2Tb);
• The speed is not what the instructions say.

Bottom line: The IconBit XDS94K product was based on the Amlogic S905 platform, it quickly became popular among other TV-boxes, the working processor is powerful, and the RAM is 1 GB. The average price of the product is 6390 rubles.

Apple TV Gen 4 32GB

Apple TV Gen 4 32GB is a modern excellent set-top box that allows you to install alternative working clients of the Web services, and this will provide a person with a large selection of multimedia content. To buy this set-top box, you must also have other mobile work special devices from this company, and you also need an Apple ID account. The remote special modern console has a microphone to receive voice commands. The device is distinguished by a productive platform, as well as support for dual-band Internet, magic Siri technologies and so on. The device can be controlled using ordinary Bluetooth and special infrared rays.

The package bundle is excellent: the device itself, remote control, cable, manual. The design is standard, it is made of black plastic, the top is flat with the company logo, there are not enough connectors here, there is only a power connector, HDMI, Ethernet, USB C. The dimensions of the fourth version are the same as the third and second, the player itself is from 2015 became 1 cm thicker, depth and width remained the same. There is no optical audio output here, which will not please the owners of multi-channel acoustics, but the remote control is new and more convenient.It does not have a joystick ring, but a touch panel has appeared, there is a volume control, a button for searching and returning to the screen, the product fits perfectly in the hand.

Specifications:

• Media player;
• TvOS system;
• Worth supporting MOV and MP4;
• MP3 audio files and others;
• Graphic files;
• HDMI 1.4 outputs;
• Interface;
• Speed ​​up to 100 Mbps;
• There is support for AirPlay;
• IPTV functions;
• Working processor Apple A8;
• Flash memory 32768 MB.

Video review of the device:

• Perfect setup, navigation and operation process;
• Large selection of applications and content;
• A wonderful remote control for the product;
• Apple music over 600 radio stations;
• Works fast;
• Picture;
• Design;
• Remote control and work is convenient;
• Functionality;
• The model is excellent overall;
• Compactness.

• The touch panel is not comfortable;
• Apple is slightly overpriced;
• Video quality is difficult to choose by hand;
• Loading some movies is difficult;
• The size has become larger, relative to the old generation of the device;
• Optics removed;
• The text is not convenient;
• You have to pay for almost all applications on the device;
• Difficulty with online TV;
• Movies come for money.

Bottom line: Apple TV Gen 4 32GB is a great device, this latest generation of the company has a wider choice of multimedia. The average price is 10,120 rubles. These products are easily suitable for cable and digital television.

Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced Edition

With this product, the TV becomes smarter than it used to be, the appearance is beautiful, it differs from other Chinese models, it is similar to European models. The device works with various network resources, provides watching movies, TV entertainment, games. Control - through a special TV remote control, the network is connected to the usual type with 802.11, and there will be no difficulties with speeds. The model is adapted for the country, today the company manufactures devices for the whole world, in the line there are many worthy products. The construction cost is reasonable at $ 90. A person who buys Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced will have many different functions for work.

The model is very similar to the Apple design, complete set: the TV box itself, a special TV remote control, a cable and a power supply unit for the product. The special cable is short and you will have to buy a longer one; the device has an accelerometer and a gyroscope, making the product an excellent joystick. The color of the construction is traditional white, most of these devices from the company have this color, while others are black. Consists of a single-chip platform for media boxes, the chip includes two cores with a frequency of 2 GHz and four cores with a frequency of 1.6 GHz.

The company became the best manufacturer of modern Smart equipment.

Specifications:

• Type: media player;
• 4K UHD;
• Android OS 5.1;
• The format is large;
• H.264 and H.265 codecs, VC1;
• Audio files;
• JPEG and GIF, BMP and PNG graphics files;
• HDMI 2.0;
• Chipsets MediaTek;
• Cooling active;
• Dimensions 100x25x100 mm.

Video review of the console:

• Stylish design;
• Powerful device;
• Reasonable price;
• Nimble, excellent hardware;
• Two-band high-speed module;
• Workmanship;
• Excellent DU;
• One of the best Chinese boxes;
• Equipment.

• Comes with hieroglyphs and requires Russian installation;
• There is no optical sound output;
• The TV box itself should be tweaked;
• Comes without optical connection;
• A lot of Chinese software;
• Android is heavily modified.

Bottom line: A modern convenient device that has expanded the general capabilities of the TV, thanks to the design of the TV, it works in a network with different services. The average price is 4000 rubles.

Google Chromecast 2015 for smartphone and TV

The modern and well-known company Google has been trying for a long time to make its devices with a large screen and since 2015 has been making Chromecast, which has become more powerful than its older brother and older models. The company did not fundamentally change the appearance of the product, this version turned out to be similar to its predecessor, it is supplied in the usual configuration.

The kit consists of the device itself and a power supply unit, a cable, placed in a special white cardboard box, this set is minimal, there is not even an instruction there.The device looks like a small disc with a diameter of 5 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm, there is a meek 11 cm cable with a connector, the top of the case is made of glossy black plastic, the side is made of gray plastic.

The connector has a special magnet, so if you need to take a device with you, it can be easily glued to the player, the side edge has a micro-USB port, a reset button, and there is no standard operation button. The solution will be more profitable and convenient than connecting the most ordinary player to the TV, when compared with HDMI. Chip - Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 is more efficient. There is a dual-core conventional processor, RAM - 512 MB, the size of the storage has decreased to 256 MB, the player is silent, and the case will heat up less because of work. Can be used for smartphone and mobile mirroring on TV, in order to increase the scope of use, you need to buy extensions for the desktop browser.

Specifications:

• Device type: media player;
• Management is installed;
• Android / iOS 1080p Standard codecs;
• All audio files are there;
• Wi-Fi 802.11ac interface;
• IPTV functions;
• Internet radio.

• Compactness;
• Powered by standard TV power;
• The idea is perfect;
• Works as advertised;
• The content is transmitted perfectly;
• There are no freezes;
• TV quality;
• Works fast;
• Ease of product customization.

• A number of chips work poorly;
• It gets very hot;
• Works only from an external application, this is a weak point;
• The formats from the phone are still not taken;
• Little software;
• This product takes a long time to set up for work;
• Only works with chrome.

Bottom line: An excellent piece, but it is difficult to compare it with others, since there are not so many possibilities, the model wins in price, as well as multi-platform. Google Chromecast 2015 costs 2,700 rubles today.

Video review of the second version from Chromecast:

X92

Amlogic has pointed out to the world the new S912 processor, which targets all kinds of multimedia players. Android manufacturers are interested in this working resistant processor, their products are revealed to the maximum thanks to this new chip. The modern special TV box, where the S912 is used, is the model referred to as the X92, which does not stand out for its design. The dimensions are typical for a TV box, the display is small and displays all informational data, there are many ports for operating the devices. The chip is 8-core Cortex-A53 and operates at a frequency of 2 GHz, updated by the graphics core and now the device can handle all games.

There are four product options to choose from, from 2 + 16GB to 3 + 32GB, and are peppered with wireless interfaces and Wi-Fi so you can easily watch all the TV shows and movies. Such a set-top box can easily reproduce all formats up to 4K, formats, many applications are supported, it works with Android 6.0. It is a fashionable clear attachment, working performance is excellent, it is possible to connect additional different devices. The cost of this device depends on the set and the amount of working memory, and a keyboard is also purchased for additional money, it works via Wi-Fi.

Specifications:

• Android 6.0.1 system;
• There is support for 4K UHD;
• All interfaces;
• RAM is 2-3 GB;
• ROM is equal here 16-32 GB;
• There is an 8-core processor;
• Graphic arts;
• Year of manufacture 2016;
• 1000 Mbps network;
• SPDIF sound;
• Standard operating principle.

Video review of the console:

• Design;
• Functionality;
• A working processor anywhere;
• There is a good mouse;
• Iron;
• Works with many formats;
• There are all applications for movies;
• Built-in clock is installed.

• At the top cover, the inscription glows constantly and interferes;
• To stop working, open the case;
• The body is glossy and works like a dust collector.

Bottom line: The device works with the latest version of Android, the main difference is the built-in special card, four ports and an 8-core processor, works with all formats. The average price of the product is 3400 rubles.

MXQ Pro 4K

MXQ Pro is made in the form of a rectangular standard simple box, the body is made of black plastic, at the ends there are three outputs, a connector for charging.It can perfectly and easily support a range of media content resolutions up to 4K, RAM - 1 GB and this limits the capabilities of the device.

Is the best and most recent working generation MXQ, easily handle movies, online TV. 4-core processor with a frequency of 1.5 GB, the image quality is perfect, the OS is of a modern type. Differs in speed of work, there is analog general AV, it can be connected to old TV and other equipment of this type, which is very effective.

The TV box comes in a special black box, where there is a smart box itself, a 2A power supply, a meter cord and cable, as well as a remote control, instructions, and a cable for construction equipment is also reported.

It works great, only there is one drawback, the cursor moves slowly here when using the usual remote control arrows, so it would be better to buy yourself another mouse for work. The top and bottom are coated with Soft Touch, the back is the power connector, and the right is a slot for expanding the device's memory. It works perfectly, does not get warm, easily reads video and game formats, does not slow down and has excellent graphics, there are only very few complaints, you can easily connect additional elements of the device there.

Specifications:

• All audio files are there;
• Standard graphic files;
• Many outputs required;
• Product type: media player;
• There is support for 4K UHD;
• All file formats;
• The interfaces are standard;
• There is support for memory cards for work;
• IPTV functions;
• Flash memory 8192 MB;
• Dimensions 118x25x118;
• RAM 1 GB.

More details about the console - in the video:

• Excellent performance;
• Compactness;
• Multimedia;
• All connectors are available;
• Interface;
• Works stably;
• Fast device;
• Quality;
• Installing applications is easy;
• Convenient remote control with buttons;
• Cooling;
• Equipment.

• Online sometimes crashes;
• Not suitable for surfing;
• The speed is not what we would like;
• The LED is too bright;
• Sometimes does not work with LG TV;
• There is no BT support;
• The working software hasn't been updated here for over a year;
• Heavy games don't go;
• VP9 codec for playback is weak.

Bottom line: The MXQ Pro device is the last working generation of the MXQ Pro TV box. The average price is 3,500 rubles.

Best TV Boxes, DVB-T2 Standard

BBK SMP123HDT2

The BBK SMP123HDT2 is a digital terrestrial television receiver from Chinese electronics manufacturer BBK Electronics LTD. Serves for clear reception of T2 channels, suitable for the Ukrainian network of terrestrial digital TV, if the antenna is chosen correctly and the signal level is excellent, then it receives many channels. The number of channels here depends on the region. The product is distinguished by such qualities as reliability, ease of use, omnivorousness and others. The price is affordable and easily accepts DVB-T as well as DVB-T2, where it does general compression, can connect to TVs via analog RCA or digital HDMI cables.

The receiver is designed to work with digital television and broadcasting of a standard range, that is, the antennas here must be special, the distance to the TV tower in the city matters. The receiver is special, the body is made of black plastic, the set, in addition to the receiver, also consists of a control panel and a cable for connection. In addition to the functions of a media player, you can also watch television, photos and videos with high resolution, you can record TV shows, there is a timer recording. The picture quality is perfect, the product is easy to operate, there is a built-in media player, it has an advantageous quality-price ratio. The most relevant and popular models of this company are cheap today, you can buy it online without difficulty, and BBK is one of the best.

Specifications:

• Terrestrial receiver;
• Manufactured by BBK;
• There is an Ali M3812 processor;
• The operating system is standard, and the software is of the usual type;
• DVB-T2 standard;
• There is image compression;
• Teletext;
• Timer for recording;
• Video capture is missing;
• Work power 8 W;
• Works with digital TV.

An overview of the set-top box - in the video:

• The device is easy to use;
• The image is of high quality;
• Sensitivity;
• The price is reasonable;
• Special plastic case;
• Quality of work;
• Works without comment;
• Easy to install;
• Ideal for giving.

• The overall antenna output is weak;
• Weak in front of expensive receivers;
• The signal can sometimes drop out;
• The box supports few audio codecs;
• The buttons are too small;
• NEA sound is not reproduced;
• Difficulty connecting to the monitor;
• There are complaints that it works no more than 6 months.

Bottom line: The product is designed to receive terrestrial digital channels DVB-T2 / T is compatible with television signals, there is a schedule of electronic type channels. The average price is 900 rubles.

Model iconBIT MovieHD T2

The iconBIT MovieHD T2 is a set-top box of the iconBIT company, the model has a large size relative to the old design. The device is notable for its convenient dimensions, the design is stylish, it can be placed without there at the TV, only so that the socket is close, since the cable length is less than a meter. In front there is a darkened cheap panel, where there are no standard buttons, there is an indicator, an IR control device and a connector, and the rest of the surfaces are made of metal, there are holes for cooling the product. The rear panel model has the required interfaces, composite and component outputs, as well as coaxial SPDIF, connectors and an antenna input of the device.

A modern Full HD 1080p media player device reproduces all codecs on every type of TV and plasma panel through the interface. Providing image quality and sound purity, which is provided by A / V converters, there is a full range of interfaces. All formats can be used, there is upscaling, that is, scaling to resolution, there are sound decors, slideshows. This product has convenient minimum dimensions, the quality of work is ideal, there are many formats.

Specifications:

• Product type: multimedia player;
• Memory capacity without HDD;
• Memory type via external devices;
• Many audio and graphics formats;
• Resolution up to 1080p;
• Cooling holes;
• Built-in TV box;
• Dimensions 220x43x163 mm;
• Built-in block;
• USB 2.0 Type A.

• This set-top box has better capabilities than a number of others;
• Two receivers;
• You can record on a USB flash drive and watch video files from it;
• Omnivorous player;
• There is support for almost all formats;
• The playback quality is excellent;
• Antenna recording;
• Excellent performance;
• You can watch movies through external devices;
• Sensitivity.

• May get warm while working;
• BP is weak;
• Winchesters can work only through external power supply;
• If the video is 4: 3, then there will be difficulties;
• Not all channels can be tweaked here yet;
• Few connectors.

Bottom line: The modern construction from the MovieHD line is one of the most affordable quality models. The average price of the product is 3100 rubles.

Modern devices

Today in the world there is a rapid growth of technologies, and more and more modern gadgets with small dimensions and a set of a large number of functions appear on the market. The shape and size of the gadgets have become so small that they fit in the palm of your hand, such devices are called Smart TV Boxes. It works on Android, modern models can have four or eight cores, it has a variety of interface, which depends on the manufacturer. Android tv box is controlled by a special remote control with a gyroscope, you can also connect a mouse, wireless keyboard to this set-top box. You can control special applications via a smartphone, such mini-set-top boxes can already turn an old TV into a chic center with great abilities.

There are many interesting consoles in CS918, where 5 desktops that can be flipped, controlled via Android, has many functions. You can duplicate your desktop from all your portable devices and even your smartphone, and this is not the best model yet.

The more expensive products will support 4K video, the working processors are more powerful, the Android version 6 or 7 works, the better chips are. The devices already use a special airplane, and not old mice, working common modern applications began to launch even faster, the channel list is pre-installed. Today, the Play Market is also being installed, with which you can make applications for entertainment and work, most of which are free.

Tips

To buy a media player for yourself, you should take into account many factors: the type of media, the format of the materials, screen compatibility and additional features, including network ones.

Such a smart should work with carriers, and there are models with different capabilities, and if you need to view photos from a camera, then it is better to buy a device with a cartridge with a card format. If viewing discs is still important for a person, then a model with CD / DVD / Blu-ray is suitable, and if the owner wants to store all data in one place, then a media center with a built-in hard drive is required.

You should take into account video formats, audio formats, in addition, devices must be able to select sound decoders, have support for HD, 3D and others.

There must be a correspondence of the outputs of the media center with the inputs of the TV, as well as with the audio system. A number of media centers have interesting networking capabilities; if DLNA is supported, the device becomes an element of a multimedia home network.

There is another NAS function that will turn an ordinary media center into a large network storage, there are different possibilities of accessing the Internet, which should be taken into account for personal requirements. If the product will be used for TV transmission over the Internet, then it is better to buy a model with IPTV or online TV, and BitTorrent support is required to download content.

You can also buy your own models. where there are clients of photo services and video services, as well as new social networks, browsers, it is better to buy with a module for connecting to the network.

Can buy standard smart or dvb t2 device. Even if the model is from China, the product will work fine too. Aliexpress has collected a lot of goods from various manufacturers.

Taking into account the basic criteria and understanding the further use of the device contribute to the correct choice of a set-top box for TV.