You don’t have to spend a ton of money on an Android TV box. No, I am not proposing a compromise over here. In today’s age and time, it’s quite possible to get a high-quality product without the high price tag. What if I told you that you could get an Android box for less than what you might occasionally spend on a burger joint?
Now, you might think that the odds are against you. Not really. Below is the list of top 5 Android boxes that are sold for less than fifty bucks.
What is an Android TV Box?
For those who are new to the entire Android box saga, here’s a short intro for you. An Android TV box is a tiny set-top box that allows one to stream content to the TV via Internet. As you might have already guessed, it runs on the Android operating system.
Most of them have the capability of streaming HD and even 4K videos at a stunning resolution and audio quality. Depending on the technical specifications and installed apps, one can have access to hundreds and thousands of free movies, games, music, news channels, and other entertaining content.
Basically, it explodes past the boundaries of a conventional TV to offer you all your favorite content at your fingertips. My honorable mentions below:
1. Cosycost Transpeed 6k Ultra HD
Cosycost Transpeed 6k Ultra HD Pros
- Runs with the latest Android 10.0 OS
- Can support Support 4K/6K Ultra HD up to 60fps
Cons
- Overheats easily
- Has trouble connecting to Ethernet
Product Details
Cosycost Transpeed Android TV box offers a lot of sources for TV shows, movies, games, music, and other entertaining stuff under one simple-to-use platform. It’s a nuclear solution to dive into the world of media streaming from sources all over the world without being heavy on one’s wallet. Yes, one can enjoy all kinds of entertaining shows, games, music with no monthly bills.
Under the compact body, it includes a powerful 64-bit Quad-Core Cortex-A53 processor and Mali-T720 GPU. It comes with 4GB RAM and 32GB internal storage, which are considered above the standard specs considering the price. Impressively, it runs with the latest Android 10.0 OS, making it a great choice to experience the utmost performance and usability a low-cost Android TV box could ever give.
Transpeed in Use
I was pleasantly surprised when I first booted up this Android box. The interface is clean and the box was quite responsive overall. I could tell how its 4GB RAM and 32GB storage was more than enough to support 4k / 6k resolution effortlessly.
I was able to enjoy 4k and even 6k Ultra HD content, play big games, and perform huge movie downloads with no lag at all. Additionally, the Transpeed includes a lot of ports .
The interface of the Transpeed is pretty user-friendly. It boots up in a few seconds, and it doesn’t take too long to get a good grip on all the features that the product has to offer. Although it comes with remote control, I found it hard to navigate on some apps. Thankfully, it also comes with a touchpad keyboard for additional control.
Pros
It’s probably one of the cheapest Android boxes out there that actually works well. The unit by itself is ultra-light and small in size. In fact, it’s one of the smallest units I have encountered so far. Believe it or not, the unit will easily fit into one’s palms. Don’t let the small size fool you. It also supports 4k / 6k resolution effortlessly. More than that, it provides a stable and smooth experience that enables you to load movies, pictures, and games without any buffer.
Cons
At first, I thought the remote was defective since I wasn’t able to navigate on some apps like Netflix. However, it turned out to be a common issue for most boxes that runs on Android TV 10.0. Its touchpad keyboard may have eased the remote’s limitation but over time, typing characters on the tiny board got me stressed out. I recommend getting a good wireless keyboard to get a buffer from stress.
This device boasts 2.4G/5G Dual WiFi and Ethernet(100Mbps) yet unfortunately, it does not stay connected to Ethernet or WiFi long enough to be useful.
Final Words
All things considered, the Cosycost Transpeed performs great for something that costs less than fifty bucks. Aside from its affordable pricing, its high specs draw the most interest. That being said, it dazzles users not only with its low price but its high-quality output as well. This isn’t to say that it has a mountain list of features. However, it does its intended job. Given the affordable price point for this Android TV box, you are sure to get more than what you pay for it.
2. Cosycost Magcubic 8k Ultra HD
A95X TV Box Pros
- Handles streaming really well
- Has a powerful processor
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Mediocre Bluetooth performance
Product Details
The Magcubic is another Android TV box by Cosycost. But unlike the Transpeed TV Box, this device has a better processor and is capable of playing videos up to 8k resolution with no stuttering or buffering. It’s equipped with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Ethernet. It also runs with the latest Android 10.0 and supports H.265 (HEVC), which makes it run faster than other low-end units out there. It contributes to the performance of the box. As a result, users can enjoy better speed.
It is also possible to enjoy 3D movies at your private home theater with the Magcubic as long as your TV supports a 3D video format.
Magcubic TV Box in Use
It starts very quickly. I was taken to the home screen within seconds. The home screen is very colorful, and it features some useful applications including Google Play Store to give you instant access to hundreds and thousands of free games and apps. The icons are fully customizable as well.
I found the launcher to be quick, well-organized, and highly functional. Better yet, gaming on this box proved to be a very enjoyable experience for me. It was able to handle all the latest games I threw at it with no issues or frame drops whatsoever. The Wi-Fi connection is very good. It worked very well even when I was using a shared Wi-Fi connection at a hotel.
Pros
There’s good news for all the Kodi fans out there. This unit works well with Kodi. Netflix runs smoothly as well with high-quality pictures. Moreover, the device itself looks small and smart. Quite a few updates kicked off automatically without me even raising a finger. If your Internet speed is good, the sound won’t get lost, the connectivity won’t drop, and there would be no lags or buffering. The box is quick, responsive, useful, and built to last and serve.
Cons
The box features few holes on the back to prevent overheating. However, it does heat up quite a bit if you use it at a stretch from morning to dusk. Moreover, the remote needs a bit of an upgrade to improve for a better user experience.
Final Words
Overall, it’s a nice home product to enjoy limitless entertainment at one’s fingertips. The positives clearly outweigh the negatives. It does a great job of giving one Android Box experience on a TV without costing an arm and a leg. So, it’s a good candidate to bring into your home. It’s bound to be a great entertainment source for you and your family members.
3. Leelbox Q2 mini
Product Details
The M8S is an Android TV box armed with Cortex A7/Quad Core CPU and Penta Core GPU. Its features include integrated WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Android 6 OS, 2GB RAM, and 8GB EMMC Flash. Moreover, it has Kodi pre-installed and is 4k compatible as well. Basically, it arrives with a configuration that will handle streaming without any issues.
It’s completely capable of playing high-resolution videos without the lag, buffering, or choppiness, which can put users at their wit’s end. So, the company didn’t cut corners to come up with a low priced product.
Leelbox Q2 mini in Use
It was easy to get this unit running. Unlike other inferior products, this box didn’t cause me a migraine-sized headache. It booted up in a flash, and the set-up was quick as well. I did experience a little bit of lag while scrolling through the different menu options. However, it’s not so much that it would ruin your experience.
With these Android boxes, the remote is always a big deal for me. Fortunately, the Leelbox Q2 mini unit comes with a remote that responds well to presses. It has a good feel to it, and it lets me navigate the Android box pretty quickly.
I have watched a ton of media content on this unit with hardly any freezing or buffering. The Wi-Fi performance was good as well, despite only offering 2.4 GHz connectivity. The output has always been of high-quality. Basically, both the connection and streaming speed were up to the mark as long as my Internet connection didn’t act crazy. It never backed out from offering high definition playback and stunning sound.
Overall, this Android box performed better than my expectations, given its low price.
Pros
The homepage features some pre-installed apps. Since a good Android box is all about making it yours, it can be fully customized with whatever apps you need. This unit is no different. It offers you complete control of your device. It also has a novel feature to it. It displays the current time on the front side of the device in big blue characters. While this may not add a ton of value to your multimedia experience, it does provide a polished look to the unit.
Furthermore, the product carries a 12-month warranty to solve all your after-sales issues.
Cons
Although this Android TV box is about as good as it gets for under 50 USD, I would have loved to see dual band wifi on the Q2 mini. While I haven´t experience any issues streaming from my favorite IPTV providers, the 2.4 GHz tends to get crowded. Having the option to switch to the faster 5 GHz band would be a plus.
Final Words
Given its great usability, functions, and quality, you will get much more than what you pay for it. Therefore, this product makes it on my list of budget Android TV boxes. It’s not only capable of serving you well, but it will also last you for a long time thanks to the upgraded 2GB RAM.
4. MXQ Pro 4k
Product Details
MXQ Pro 4k comes with the ability to play 4K videos without any buffering. It draws its power from the Amlogic S905X Quad-Core and Penta-Core Mali-450 GPU. It also comes with 8GB internal storage space and 1 GB RAM. Moreover, the unit has a stable Wi-Fi signal. As such, it supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Furthermore, the device has HDMI output for brilliant picture effect. Also, this Android box supports various languages. The box itself is made from high-quality plastic that won’t break with one or more falls. It’s built to perform and last.
MXQ Pro in Use
The operating system used on this device is Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The box worked well, and it came preloaded with quite a few popular apps. I simply had to connect it to my TV to watch LIVE TV and other stuff. If you have used an Android phone before, you should have zero problems navigating your way around this unit. Even when I streamed content for hours, it didn’t freeze or overheat. Better yet, the Kodi program helped me cut the cable cord.
I have also used Youtube and Netflix quite a lot without running into any problems. The good news is that there is absolutely no limit to viewing pleasures on the interface. It always had more options for watching LIVE sports, TV shows, and international channels, than what I could handle. I had a blast playing games and listening to music as well. Fortunately, it has worked on most occasions without crashing. Keep in mind that it does lack a bit of stability when compared to other high-end units.
Slow Streams or Buffering?
Are your streams loading too slow? Getting constant buffering? Not able to stream at full resolution? Check out these tips to improve your streaming experience:
- Use a modern Router that has advanced features like QoS to prioritize video content. Check out our recommended Routers for Streaming.
- If you are using a Wifi connection, be sure to check out our 9 easy steps to improve your Wifi for Streaming.
- Some Internet Service Providers throttle video streaming traffic without telling their customers. A VPN encrypts all your traffic and circumvents throttling, blocking and geographical restrictions.
Pros
It’s pre-programmed with quite a few add-ons allowing one to pretty much plug and play. Also, it features a LED light on the top to let you know if the device is still on. The inclusion of 8GB NAND FLASH is a great bonus too. It allows one to install desired apps and store them much faster. Also, it supports SD card for expandable memory. Such thoughtful inclusions definitely worked in favor of the product.
It has received lots of positive reviews from previous users. One of the main factors for listing the MXQ Pro in our roundup of the best cheap Android TV boxes under $50 is the price. You do get a lot of bang for your buck with the MXQ Pro.
Cons
The stock remote that comes with the package isn’t the best. In fact, there were times when it failed to communicate with the media player. Basically, the remote is a waste of money. So, I had to get a wireless keyboard for myself. The 1GB RAM is a bit of a letdown too considering the fact that the majority of the streaming players out there come with 2GB RAM. This isn’t to say that you would expect major slow-down, but keep in mind that you are not getting the greatest specs.
Also, you can customize the thing to your liking but expect some minor challenges along the way. Don’t expect it to be a breeze like other expensive Android boxes. Some amount of ongoing work would be required for smooth operation. As long as you come to terms with this fact, you won’t be disappointed with this Android box. Another thing worth mentioning over here is that it lacks Bluetooth support.
Final Words
Everything considered, it’s a wonder for its price point. It’s as close as you can get to a real computer for less than 50 bucks. It’s as good for everyday streaming as the other expensive models out there. Truthfully speaking, the product manufacturers could easily get away with charging twice for this unit. Fortunately, it’s available at a bargain price now.
5. Leelbox Q1 Android TV Box
Product Details
This affordable Android TV box offers users endless hours of entertainment under one platform. It’s powered by S905 Cortex A53, so it’s powerful enough for most users. It plays 4k videos. One can surf the net, listen to music, play games, and watch TV on the go.
It features 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. It’s a not a lot, but pretty adequate. Moreover, the storage space can be expanded with an external memory card. The device works with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection.
It has Android 6.0 installed, so you will get all the Android benefits by default. Furthermore, the home screen is simple and easy to maneuver.
Leelbox Q1 in Use
I am definitely not a stranger to Android boxes. So, I can tell that the video quality is very clear. This unit had my back covered most of the times. It streams Netflix and Kodi wonderfully. However, there were instances when the video was not smooth, where the box could not decode the software needed for streaming certain video formats. That being said, these instances were pretty rare.
On the bright side, it was surprising to see the volume of stuff it’s already loaded with. Upon plugging in, I was literally streaming content within minutes. I also found the interface rather simple and easy to use. I could tell that this unit can beat a fleet of other expensive models out there. This bad boy has given me countless hours of entertainment in high definition.
Pros
The build quality of this model is pretty good. It does not overheat, and the images are crystal clear. Also, the unit updates on its own. As such, it comes pre-loaded with lots of stuff. However, you can remove what you don’t like and reload your desired applications from scratch. The customization is a breeze on the product’s interface.
This Android box has a 12-month warranty. That’s pretty awesome given the low price for this unit.
Cons
The RAM is 1GB only. Most of my Android boxes have at least 2B RAM. The cache fills up pretty fast, so I had to delete them quite often to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment for long hours. It’s not really an ‘Oh Shit’ drawback, but worth highlighting over here.
Also, I am not a fan of the overall design of the box. While not a major factor and certainly nothing that will impact streaming performance, I do believe that a device that sits prominently under your TV should be visually pleasing.
Final Words
For the price point, it’s an amazing little Android box. It’s as cheap as it can get, yet it arrives with a host of features. It’s ideal for those who are looking for a fully functional Android box under $50 without any ‘extras.’ Personally speaking, it offers the best bang for your buck. It’s one heck of a deal. You won’t regret getting this little device.
Conclusion
Believe it or not, shortlisting these Android boxes from a fleet of other products proved to be a task from hell. Fortunately, I was able to separate the top five from the rest and save you from the treacherous waters of trial and error. So, you will no longer have to be a slave of high-priced products.
You can actually bite the bullet over here by stealing my recommendations outlined above and find buffer from all the stress associated with researching low priced products from scratch. So, go ahead and give one of these Android boxes a shot. It will surely save you both time and money.
Last update on 2024-12-19 at 01:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
