Hello All,
I am new to this so need some suggestion. I am in the market for a new TV. I was initially thinking of getting one with Android TV OS thinking I could install apps but reading thru the forum I realised its a bad idea. So now I am thinking of getting either a Fire Cube or the new Chromecast. I know it has been suggested that the Shield is the best option but don't want to spend so much. I have a 500 Mbps connection so I am assuming speed wont be an issue (?).
I was recently in your boat. I'm no expert so take my advice with a pinch of salt. I got the chromecast 2020 with built in android tv, no complaints at all and it streams perfectly. If you're looking for something to do a bit more than streaming then the shield or something more high end might be better.
But if you just want to watch movies or sports etc with no hassle then chromecast is ideal and much cheaper.
I also forgot to say that my IPTV service has a big VOD Library and it has a catch-up section so there's really no need for me to record anything..
Another vote for the new Chromecast with Google TV (not the ultra). I got all three (shield, chromecast and firestick 4k). While the Shield is the best due to it's power, I prefer the chromecast over the firestick. The new google tv (rebranded aondroid TV) is pretty slick and it's easy to expand storage and add wire networking with the addition of a USB C hub.
Just can't understand the beef with cube or stix. Dream to set up and operate, no gliches (so far) n lots of support.
And if it all goes way tomorrow you're out less than $50.
Only issue with the Cube, is that most app logos won’t show after being installed. The name will show but it’ll just be a greyed out box. You’ll need a launcher to view them.
Both would be good for your needs so I would just go for the cheaper device. Connection wise, both would be as good.
Between the Cube and the new Chromecast and depending on prices where you live the Cube is the easy choice. Here in the UK the CC is £59 while the Cube is currently on sale for £69, the difference in performance between the two is much larger than the £10 price difference.
The Cube is essentially Shield level performance for most things apart from gaming at a fraction of the price.
The only thing the CC has over the Cube is a bit less sideloading of apps due to the Android TV play store.
I have a 4k firestick and I have no complaints whatsoever it’s a great device you can do a whole lot with it... I mainly use it for my IPTV service and apps that I have sideload like Cinema HD CyberFlix TV and so many more... so what I’m saying is that the device itself has plenty of power to do whatever you need to do and the fact that you can get the fire stick 4K right now for $29.99 from Amazon or the Fire Cube for $79.99 you really cant beat it....