Which Android TV box to achieve high speeds?

[D2Pipes]

I have multiple x96 STB's and they are bril if you use ethernet.  The wifi is sh.t.

I believe my boxes are Chinese copies (had to change from menu in Chinese language) but I still rate them as the S905x4 processor is top notch for streaming.  In other words, Centigrade32 is spot on.

BTW: I use 3BB 1GB fibre and never had an issue.

Please remember a speed test is only an indicator.  Most speedtests provide results for a local download speed whereas you results for the intgrrnational download speed but I digress.....

[CallumWK]

4 hours ago, D2Pipes said:

I believe my boxes are Chinese copies

 

There are no Chinese copies, every Android box in the world is made in China, and that include Nvidia - Minix - Ugoos and all other premium brands.

The difference is that boxes like Tanix - X96 - H96 and all those other cheap boxes are made by many different small manufacturers.  They just purchase the blueprint and the license to use the name, and they produce the box. Of course some may use cheap components and their soldering etc may be substandard.

 

As for the S905X4, there are 3 versions B - J and K. The cheap boxes use B, that includes Mecool. Some more upgrade boxes use J and the high end boxes , Like Homatics R 4K Plus uses K. The Homatics R 4K and 4K lite use the J version.

The cheap versions of the processor do not support all video codecs, only the K version supports all codecs, but the Homatics R 4K Plus, while a high end box, has a <deleted> firmware with a lot of issues.

 

There is a Telegram group "everything about homatics" which discusses all the issues, and there are thousands of complaints in there

 

 

[YorkshireTyke]

A quick update.....

 

Firstly apologies for my earlier posts, I was in a hurry and confused kbps with GB but fortunately you understood what I meant.

 

I need 3 boxes although 1 in the bedroom I have never used yet so maybe the cheapest can go in there.

 

I bought a Mecool KM7 plus to try. Connected to 5G by wifi a speed test averages 350 kbps.

 

I don't watch Netflix or any other legal subscription services, I watch UK TV on catchup in the evenings and live EPL on a weekend. Some catchup football when midweek EPL or champions league.

 

I have trials with a few providers, mainly hit and miss and not as good as when I was with HDPrime ( at weekend I will take out 3 days subscription to see if standards have been maintained as they are superior to the ones I am trialling)

 

Most UK channels like ITV, BBC etc have options of FHD, HD, SD. I find with this mecool FHD won't play at all, doesn't even play and then buffer, so I presume limitations with the mecool unless it's the provider, so I have to watch HD.

 

I've no problems buying a more expensive box for the living room, my main viewing area, I see the Homatics ones are around 4-5k but I'm confused , Callum says the K boxes are the best but the R 4K plus has firmware issues.

 

Which box should I buy please to enable FHD programmes to play?

[YorkshireTyke]

Centigrade32, Callum WK, Raindancer

 

Can you name specific boxes please?

 

According toi the specs on the internet my Mecool k m7 plus has Amlogic S905Y4 quad core ARM Cortex A35 chipset.

 

Connectivity includes wifi 6.

 

But I'm not able to play the IPTV in full HD.

[D2Pipes]

On 2/18/2025 at 1:26 AM, YorkshireTyke said:

I bought a Mecool KM7 plus to try. Connected to 5G by wifi a speed test averages 350 kbps.

A speedtest is only an indicator but in your case I am surprised you can stream anything with only 350kbps.  You need at least 5Mb/s and preferably 20Mb/s for decent uninterupted streaming.
I have told you to try streaming via Ethernet so that is your 1st task so move the tv stm and or the router to connect your stb via an Ethernet cable.

Install IPTV Smarters on a Windows pc.  Run a speedtest and then try streaming with the pc connected via Ethernet and WiFi.

If all fails then take a free trial with:-

https://xtreamtv.live/

I use 3BB and the above source and I seldom have buffering or any other issues.

If you want to take a years sub ask them nicely if you can use the discount code VD30 and they may give you a 30% discount. 

Just say you have been recommended by a user called '2pipes' and they gave you the discount code.

If you still have buffering then I suggest you try:-

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/x96max-plus-ultra-wifi-245g-bluetooth-41-cpu-amlogic-s905x4-android-11-lan100m-smart-tv-box-i5337695098-s22686152804.html?

Go with the 64GB ROM version but please be aware the initial menu is in Chinese!

p.s. If mods delete my link for the free trial dm me.

[Cardano]

On 2/8/2025 at 7:55 PM, Sigma6 said:

I guess you are using WiFi to connect to the internet?

 

try connect an Ethernet cable directly from router to the X96 and do a speed test 

 

then you will know that the box’s WiFi chipset / antenna is of low quality. 
 

I use an Nvidia Shield, they’re expensive, but even after many years without update, are still regarded as one of, if not the top home streaming box

Yep agree Nvidia or Formuler, you get what you pay for.

[YorkshireTyke]

4 hours ago, D2Pipes said:

A speedtest is only an indicator but in your case I am surprised you can stream anything with only 350kbps.  You need at least 5Mb/s and preferably 20Mb/s for decent uninterupted streaming.
I have told you to try streaming via Ethernet so that is your 1st task so move the tv stm and or the router to connect your stb via an Ethernet cable.

Install IPTV Smarters on a Windows pc.  Run a speedtest and then try streaming with the pc connected via Ethernet and WiFi.

If all fails then take a free trial with:-

https://xtreamtv.live/

I use 3BB and the above source and I seldom have buffering or any other issues.

If you want to take a years sub ask them nicely if you can use the discount code VD30 and they may give you a 30% discount. 

Just say you have been recommended by a user called '2pipes' and they gave you the discount code.

If you still have buffering then I suggest you try:-

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/x96max-plus-ultra-wifi-245g-bluetooth-41-cpu-amlogic-s905x4-android-11-lan100m-smart-tv-box-i5337695098-s22686152804.html?

Go with the 64GB ROM version but please be aware the initial menu is in Chinese!

p.s. If mods delete my link for the free trial dm me.

 

Unfortunately I cannot connect via Lan, the distance is too far.

 

Is it my tech terms getting it wrong again ? I'm getting 350 Mbps (just checked) and as I use to stream using a Minix box someone else has mentioned using Kodi 10 years ago when the internet supplied was only about 20, not the 500 I'm getting now so 350 should be ample?

 

The X96 box seems cheap, similar price to the 3 I'm using, one is H96 Max but just googled it and it's not the S905 processor.

 

Edit : just checked the box that my android box I use outside came in and that's X96 S905x4 processor........

[CallumWK]

On 2/18/2025 at 8:26 AM, YorkshireTyke said:

Most UK channels like ITV, BBC etc have options of FHD, HD, SD. I find with this mecool FHD won't play at all, doesn't even play and then buffer, so I presume limitations with the mecool unless it's the provider, so I have to watch HD.

 

Nothing to do with the device.

350 Mbps is to a server near where you live, and over a multi thread connection similar to a torrent or download manager, because that is what those speed tests use.

And then, where you get 350 Mbps, on your laptop near the router? A speed test has to be done on the streaming device, and nowhere else. I very much doubt that you get that speed on your Android box.

 

IPTV servers are at the other side of the planet, and you only get a single connection, not multi threads.

 

The only credible test is testmy.net, and you have to select UK at the top of the page, because by default it will open to an Asian country.

And that again is just an indication of what your real international speed is, because the IPTV servers will not be in the UK either, but most likely in some East European country.

 

And BTW, a wireless connection is always unstable.

 

Wi-Fi vs Ethernet: Interference and reliability

An Ethernet connection experiences less interference and is more reliable than Wi-Fi. Things like your home’s layout, your modem, your neighbours’ networks, and the number of connected devices will interfere with wireless connections. This can result in a number of issues, including:

• Sometimes your devices will lose signal completely.
• Higher latency. Interference can increase latency.
• Slow speeds. Interference can also slow down speeds drastically.

[lamyai3]

2 hours ago, YorkshireTyke said:

The X96 box seems cheap, similar price to the 3 I'm using, one is H96 Max but just googled it and it's not the S905 processor.

Had an X96 mini for a few years (2gb/16gb), cheap and cheerful at around $20 but it does feel a bit basic. The performance actually improved significantly after a year or two when I did a kodi upgrade.

 

Works OK, albeit with poor ventilation and a tendency to overheat. 

[Cardano]

One also needs to bear-in-mind that your IPTV provider is uploading via ISP's and most certainly through VPNs. Many times reception issues can be at your providers end.

[BenCrew]

My android box is redundant these days. Have a good Samsung tablet, subscribed to an IPTV, and use SmartView to cast to TV. Quality!

[Centigrade32]

On 2/18/2025 at 1:26 AM, YorkshireTyke said:

I bought a Mecool KM7 plus to try.

 

 

Did you buy with 2GB RAM or the 4GB RAM?

[Centigrade32]

13 hours ago, YorkshireTyke said:

just checked the box that my android box I use outside came in and that's X96 S905x4 processor........

 

Does that one stream the channels that you want in FHD?

[YorkshireTyke]

31 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

Does that one stream the channels that you want in FHD?

 

No, that one only shows 60-70 kbs and a lot of stuff won't play

[YorkshireTyke]

48 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

 

Did you buy with 2GB RAM or the 4GB RAM?

 

It was only available with 2GB, all my other boxes are 4GB. I deleted unwanted apps like Netflix.

[Centigrade32]

5 minutes ago, YorkshireTyke said:

 

No, that one only shows 60-70 kbs and a lot of stuff won't play

 

Are you back to kbs again?

[Centigrade32]

3 minutes ago, YorkshireTyke said:

 

It was only available with 2GB, all my other boxes are 4GB. I deleted unwanted apps like Netflix.

 

Doesn't seem like a sensible purchase, knowing your other boxes had 4GB with a superior processor.

 

21 hours ago, YorkshireTyke said:

Connectivity includes wifi 6.

No, it doesn't.

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, BenCrew said:

My android box is redundant these days. Have a good Samsung tablet, subscribed to an IPTV, and use SmartView to cast to TV. Quality!

I do the same with a phone but watch out many people here are phone phobes and only want a box

[Centigrade32]

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

I do the same with a phone but watch out many people here are phone phobes and only want a box

 

Or maybe you can just find another thread to discuss your good fortune. Here the topic is about Android boxes.

No need for you to reply to me unless you have some advice for the OP as to which Android box he can try. 

 

[YorkshireTyke]

15 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

Doesn't seem like a sensible purchase, knowing your other boxes had 4GB with a superior processor.

 

No, it doesn't.

 

But as it's the only app I run so 2 GB should be enough .

 

The spec on the internet says it does ?

[Centigrade32]

21 hours ago, YorkshireTyke said:

Centigrade32, Callum WK, Raindancer

 

Can you name specific boxes please?

 

According toi the specs on the internet my Mecool k m7 plus has Amlogic S905Y4 quad core ARM Cortex A35 chipset.

 

Connectivity includes wifi 6.

 

But I'm not able to play the IPTV in full HD.

 

Reluctant to recommend more expensive boxes before eliminating any other possible bottlenecks. Your loose grip on specifications doesn't help.

 

You state that Ethernet connection is not possible, but you should really test it that way firstly, before connecting wirelessly. That way we can eliminate wireless interference from the picture.

[Centigrade32]

1 minute ago, YorkshireTyke said:

 

But as it's the only app I run so 2 GB should be enough .

 

The spec on the internet says it does ?

 

So is it enough?

[YorkshireTyke]

3 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

So is it enough?

 

I presume so

[MadAtMatrix]

Nothing tops the Nvidia Shield TV box. My 2015 with 2Gb of RAM still blows any other boxes I have seen out of the water. Once a year I open it up, clean the fan and put new thermal paste on the processor. And they just pushed out a new update to it last week. 10 years of support so far from the world's highest value chip company. 

I've just ordered a 2019 now for a second bedroom. 

 

[gargamon]

What speed does your laptop get when it's located where the TV box is? It could be too far from the router there. Not an issue for most here because of the typical studio condo doesn't have a problem. I needed a mesh router to extend the range.

[YorkshireTyke]

16 minutes ago, gargamon said:

What speed does your laptop get when it's located where the TV box is? It could be too far from the router there. Not an issue for most here because of the typical studio condo doesn't have a problem. I needed a mesh router to extend the range.

 

I'm in a house and the laptop is on the coffee table in front of the TV so only a couple of paces from the box. laptop 500+

[YorkshireTyke]

26 minutes ago, MadAtMatrix said:

Nothing tops the Nvidia Shield TV box. My 2015 with 2Gb of RAM still blows any other boxes I have seen out of the water. Once a year I open it up, clean the fan and put new thermal paste on the processor. And they just pushed out a new update to it last week. 10 years of support so far from the world's highest value chip company. 

I've just ordered a 2019 now for a second bedroom. 

 

 

Where do you buy in Thailand please?

[Centigrade32]

26 minutes ago, YorkshireTyke said:

 

Where do you buy in Thailand please?

 

If you are just looking for an upgrade and are not willing to test your current systems, then you can look at the Ugoos AM8 with 8GB of RAM: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005965681890.html

 

 

[MadAtMatrix]

6 minutes ago, YorkshireTyke said:

 

Where do you buy in Thailand please?

Lazada and Shopee has them, but they are way overpriced and many sellers are from China. 

They are "expensive" but when you consider that I bought my original one for 136 USD in 2015, it has cost me ~14 USD / year. 

I cannot find any of them shipping direct from USA on Amazon, but you can use a freight forwarder like myus.com to send it to you. I used myus.com to send me the updated Amazon Blink camera module recently and was pleased with their service. 

 

My new one if being brought over with a friend that is arriving in April. 

I can see one listed at 216 UK Pounds on Amazon UK (not sold by Nvidia), and one at 197 USD on Amazon USA (sold by Nvidia). I would say that buying the US one and having it forwarded to you is the better bet, as you have bought it from the manufacturer. 

Buy the Shield TV Pro, not the Shield TV (looks like a tube, it doesn;t have USB ports, and has less RAM and only 8GB memory. 





 

[Raindancer]

23 hours ago, YorkshireTyke said:

Centigrade32, Callum WK, Raindancer

 

Can you name specific boxes please?

 

According toi the specs on the internet my Mecool k m7 plus has Amlogic S905Y4 quad core ARM Cortex A35 chipset.

 

Connectivity includes wifi 6.

 

But I'm not able to play the IPTV in full HD.

PM sent.