Is Android TV worth it?

As of 2023, Google is reports that there are 150 million active Android TVs out there in the wild. This is up from 110 million, so Google has a lot to be happy about. Manufacturers like Samsung, Hisense, TCL and Sony include Android TV technology in their smart TVs for users to access the wide swath of streaming services and apps without needing another box. Let’s take a look at whether Android TV is worth it.

Android TV history

Android TV first was released in 2014 as Google TV, which was initially sold as a Logitech manufactured, stand alone box that came with a pretty handy keyboard controller. It supported many things that most smart TVs support today, like being able to run Android apps, pairing Bluetooth devices, and Chromecast capabilities. Roku was the biggest player in this sphere, but their growth has stalled. As of 2022, Roku sits at 70 million users.

Now that the smart TV is the norm, the need for a standalone box has diminished, but for some more advanced users, it might not be a bad idea.

Related: Why you shouldn’t buy an 8K TV in 2023

What can Android TV do?

Android TV places emphasis on making it easy for users to discover the content they can enjoy on their TV. This can be achieved through one’s subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, or by accessing personal media collections via media center software such as Plex. These apps are tailor made for the Android TV and can provide higher quality video output.

Additionally, Android TV comes with the Google Assistant embedded in every version, enabling users to have voice control over their TV content and smart home products. The inclusion of Google’s Chromecast technology also allows for video casting and screen sharing from compatible smartphones, browsers, and apps.

Additionally, many Android TV devices support using your smartphone as a remote control. This can be done by downloading the Android TV remote control app from the Google Play Store and pairing it with your Android TV device. With the app, you can use your phone’s touch screen to navigate the interface and type on-screen keyboards. Some Android TV devices also support using voice commands through the app, which can be a convenient alternative to using the physical remote control.

So what are your options?

For most users, the built in versions of Android TV on the smart TV should be sufficient. As mentioned previously, if you’re interested in things like Plex or game streaming, using a stand alone device might be a worthwhile investment. One device that has been out for a few years and still is able to keep up is the The NVIDIA Shield TV.

The first NVIDIA Shield TV was released back in 2015, and it has undergone a few different updates and iterations since then. The version that was released in 2019 was actually a minor refresh of the previous model, with a few small hardware upgrades and some software tweaks. However, you’re definitely right that the NVIDIA Shield TV is still considered one of the top Android TV devices on the market, thanks to its powerful specs and support for advanced features like cloud gaming.

Affliate link: NVIDIA Shield TV

The NVIDIA Shield TV’s design is not only compact and unique, but it’s also built to be functional. Its remote control, for example, has a minimalist design with just a few buttons, making it easy to use even for those who are not tech-savvy. It also has a built-in microphone that lets you control the device with your voice, as well as dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Overall, the NVIDIA Shield TV offers a premium Android TV experience with a powerful processor, 4K HDR support, and access to a wide range of apps and games. Its compact size and unique design make it a great addition to any home entertainment setup.

The bottom line on Android TV

If you’re not an Apple ecosystem user, then the Android TV is one of the best options on the market as of 2023. The breadth of apps being released by major providers is significant and the experiences are well-made. From video, gaming, news and the Google Assistant, Android TV is a great addition to any home theater. That said, if you intend to do anything that requires a little more “oomph” than the standard user, I would recommend looking at something like the NVIDIA Shield TV.