Rating of the best set-top boxes for free TV channels in 2022

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

Smart TV function and Smart TV set-top boxes

With special modern experimental set-top boxes, every person will be able to watch Internet channels everywhere through a TV, 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 there is already access to a huge number of free services, paid channels for watching movies and shows, even on an old TV. If you buy a TV set-top box for yourself, you will not have to pay for TV and Internet, since all functions will be included in one product box.

If this television is free, then there will be a number of difficulties, the picture will not be clear, like paid counterparts, there is no multi-channel sound, there are fewer rating channels. Standard cheap TV models can have a high-quality image, 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, has a greater technical ability 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, videos, mail to movies. It takes 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 perfect.

Basic moments

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

It is required to make sure that it works with formats even before buying a device, but working memory issues 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 even more memory. More attention should be paid to the packaging, it is advisable to buy wireless remotes and keyboards for ease of use. Consider even before buying which company the prefix is ​​\u200b\u200bbetter, this is indicated on the network.

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

Best Smart TVs

IconBIT XDS94K

The set-top box easily supports both a wired connection to networks and through an internal communication module without wires, which is effective. It is better to use a wired connection, as it allows you to make the device an access point, a device compatible with TVs of all generations and varieties. Older models can be connected to the TV through the AV connector, and the latest versions through modern connectors.

The TV and set-top box are controlled through one remote control, the media player works with network resources, it can produce content through a memory card, flash. A large number of USB connectors eliminates the hassle, and it's better than organizing a keyboard with a mouse, a drive and a webcam.

Manufactured by IconBit, the model is the flagship, and the manufacturer is one of the most advanced in the world.Today, the company produces models of set-top boxes with improved properties, strives to make products convenient and efficient. 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 resource for the operation of multimedia applications of the Android OS.

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

Characteristics:

• Item type: media player;
• Many file formats;
• Codecs are common;
• 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;
• RAM total memory is 1024 MB and flash memory 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;
• Perfect device for this price;
• There are a large number of ports;
• Mouse and keyboard work fine;
• Kodi installed.

• slowness;
• The battery compartment at the remote works terribly;
• Both a remote and a mouse are required for setup;
• The original remote clicks loudly;
• Sometimes there is a freeze;
• Jambs with hard drive Samsung M3 (2Tb);
• The speed is not as stated in the instructions.

Conclusion: The IconBit XDS94K 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 Gen4 32GB

Apple TV Gen 4 32GB is a modern excellent set-top box that allows you to install alternative network service clients, 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 panel has a microphone in order 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 operation of the device can be controlled using conventional Bluetooth and special IR rays.

The complete set 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 a sample of 2015 became thicker by 1 cm, the 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, 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 lies perfectly in the hand.

Characteristics:

• media player;
• tvOS system;
• Worth supporting MOV and MP4;
• MP3 audio files and others;
• Graphic files;
• Outputs HDMI 1.4;
• 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;
• Wonderful remote control for the product;
• Apple music over 600 radio stations;
• Works fast;
• Image;
• Design;
• remote control and operation is convenient;
• Functionality;
• The model is great overall;
• Compactness.

• The touch panel is not convenient;
• Apple is slightly overpriced;
• Video quality is difficult to select by hand;
• Some films are difficult to download;
• The size has become larger relative to the old generation of the device;
• Removed optics;
• The text is not convenient;
• You need to pay for almost all applications of the device;
• Difficulties with online TV;
• Movies go for money.

Bottom line: The Apple TV Gen 4 32GB is a great device, the latest generation from the company, with more media choices. The average price is 10120 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 was, the appearance is beautiful, different from other Chinese models, similar to European models. The device works with various network resources, watching movies, television entertainment, games is provided. Management - through a special TV remote control, the network has a connection of 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, there are many worthy products in the line. The cost of construction is reasonable - $ 90. A person who buys Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced will have many different functions to work with.

The model is very similar to the design of Apple, the package includes: the set-top box itself, a special TV remote control, a cable and a power supply unit for the product.A 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 design color is traditional white, most of the company's similar devices have this color, while others are black. It consists of a single-chip platform for media boxes, the chip contains two cores with a frequency of 2 GHz and four with a frequency of 1.6 GHz.

The company has become the best manufacturer of modern smart equipment.

Characteristics:

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

Video review of the console:

• Stylish design;
• Powerful device;
• Reasonable price;
• Nimble, excellent iron;
• Two-band high-speed module;
• Manufacturing quality;
• Excellent remote control;
• One of the best Chinese boxes;
• Equipment.

• Comes with hieroglyphs and requires the installation of Russian;
• There is no optical audio output;
• The TV box itself should be brought to mind;
• Comes without optical connection;
• Lots of Chinese software;
• Android has changed a lot.

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

Google Chromecast 2015 for smartphone and TV

The modern and well-known company Google has long been trying to make friends with its devices with a large screen and since 2015 has been manufacturing Chromecast, which has become more powerful than its older brother and older models.The company has not radically changed the appearance of the product, this version turned out to be similar to its predecessor, it comes as standard.

The kit consists of the device itself and a power supply unit, a cable, it is placed in a special white cardboard box, this set is minimal, there is not even an instruction. The device looks like a small disk with a diameter of 5 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm, there is a short 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 face has a micro-USB port, a reset button, there is no standard work button. The solution will be more profitable and convenient than when 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 storage size has decreased to 256 MB, the player is silent, and the case will heat up less due to work. It can be used for a smartphone and mirroring a mobile on a TV, in order to increase the scope of use, you need to buy extensions for a desktop browser.

Characteristics:

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

• Compactness;
• Runs on standard TV power supply;
• The idea is perfect;
• Works as stated;
• Content is transferred perfectly;
• There are no hangups;
• TV quality;
• Works fast;
• Ease of product setup.

• A number of chips work poorly;
• Gets hot;
• Works only from an external application, this is a weak side;
• Formats are not taken from the phone yet;
• Little software;
• This product takes a long time to set up for work;
• Only works with chrome.

Bottom line: It's a great thing, but it's difficult to compare it with others, since there are not so many opportunities, the model wins in price, as well as multiplatform. Google Chromecast 2015 costs 2700 rubles today.

Video review of the second version from Chromecast:

X92

Amlogic has shown the world the new S912 processor, which is aimed at various types of multimedia players. This working stable processor is of interest to Android manufacturers, their products are revealed to the maximum thanks to this new chip. A modern special set-top box for TV, where the S912 is used, has become a model referred to as the X92, which does not stand out in design. The dimensions are typical for a TV box, the display is small and displays all the information, there are many ports for the operation of devices. The chip is 8-core Cortex-A53 and operates at a frequency of 2 GHz, updated with a graphics core and now the device can handle all games.

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

Characteristics:

• Android 6.0.1 system;
• There is support for 4K UHD;
• All interfaces;
• RAM is 2-3 GB;
• ROM is equal to 16-32 GB here;
• It costs an 8-core processor;
• Graphic arts;
• Year of manufacture 2016;
• Network 1000 Mbit;
• Sound SPDIF;
• standard operating principle.

Video review of the console:

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

• At the top cover, the inscription glows constantly and interferes;
• To stop working, open the case;
• The case is glossy, 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, it 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, there are three outputs at the ends, a charging connector. It can perfectly and easily support a range of media content resolutions up to 4K, RAM is 1 GB and this limits the capabilities of the device.

It is the best and latest working generation of MXQ, can easily handle movies, online TV. 4-core processor with a frequency of 1.5 GB, the image quality is perfect, the OS is installed modern type. It features fast operation, there are analog common AV, can be connected to old TVs and other equipment of this type, which is very effective.

The TV box comes in a special black type box, where there is a smart box itself, a 2A power supply, a meter cord and a 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 here slowly when using the normal arrows of the remote control, so it would be better to buy yourself another mouse for work. The upper and lower parts are coated with Soft Touch, the power connector is located on the back, and on the right there is a slot for expanding the device's memory. It works fine, it doesn’t heat up, it easily reads video and game formats, it doesn’t slow down and it has excellent graphics, there are complaints only from very few, you can easily connect additional elements of the device there.

Characteristics:

• There are all audio files;
• Graphic files are standard;
• Many required exits;
• Item type: media player;
• There is support for 4K UHD;
• All file formats;
• Interfaces are standard;
• There is support for memory cards for work;
• IPTV functions;
• Flash memory 8192 MB;
• Dimensions 118x25x118;
• RAM 1 GB.

Details about the prefix - in the video:

• Excellent performance;
• Compactness;
• Multimedia;
• There are all connectors;
• Interface;
• Works stably;
• Fast device;
• Quality;
• Application installation is easy;
• Convenient remote control with buttons;
• Cooling;
• Equipment.

• Online sometimes crashes;
• Surfing does not go;
• The speed is not what we would like;
• The LED is too bright;
• Sometimes does not work with LG TV;
• No BT support;
• The working software has not been updated here for over a year;
• Heavy games do not go;
• The VP9 codec for playback works poorly.

Bottom line: The MXQ Pro device is the latest working generation of the MXQ Pro set-top box. The average price is 3500 rubles.

The best TV boxes, DVB-T2 standard

BBK SMP123HDT2

BBK SMP123HDT2 is a digital terrestrial TV 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 operation, omnivorousness and others. The price is affordable and accepts easily 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 standard range broadcasting, 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 ordinary black plastic, the kit consists, in addition to the receiver, of a control panel and a connection cable. In addition to the functions of the media player, you can also watch TV, 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, and it has an excellent 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.

Characteristics:

• terrestrial receiver;
• Manufacturer 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;
• No video capture;
• Work power 8 W;
• Works with digital TV.

Overview of the console - in the video:

• The device is easy to use;
• Image quality;
• Sensitivity;
• The price is reasonable;
• Housing made of special plastic;
• 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 may occasionally drop out;
• The box supports few audio codecs;
• The buttons are too small;
• The sound of the NEA 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 DVB-T2 / T channels, it is compatible with television signals, there is an electronic type channel schedule. The average price is exactly 900 rubles.

Model iconBIT MovieHD T2

The iconBIT MovieHD T2 product is an iconBIT set-top box, the model is large compared to the old design. The device has a convenient size, the design is stylish, you can place it on the TV without it, only so that the socket is close, since the cable length is less than a meter. The front 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 the device's antenna input.

A modern Full HD 1080p media player device plays all codecs on every type of TV and plasma panel through the interface. Provides image quality and sound clarity, which is provided by A / V converters, there is a whole range of interfaces. All formats can be used, there is upscaling, that is, scaling to resolution, there are sound decors, slide shows. This product has a convenient minimum size, the quality of work is perfect, there are many formats.

Characteristics:

• Item Type: Multimedia Player;
• Memory capacity without HDD;
• Memory type via external devices;
• Many audio and graphics formats;
• Resolution up to 1080p;
• Holes for cooling;
• Built-in TV block;
• Dimensions 220x43x163 mm;
• The block is built-in;
• USB 2.0 Type A interface.

• 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.

• Can get warm during operation;
• PSU is weak;
• Winchesters can only work through external power;
• If the video is 4:3, then there will be difficulties;
• Not all channels can be tuned here yet;
• Few connectors.

Bottom line: 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, the world is experiencing a rapid growth in technology, and more and more modern gadgets with small sizes and a set of a large number of functions appear on the market. The shape and size of gadgets have become so small that they can fit in the palm of your hand, such devices are called Smart TV Boxes. It runs on Android, modern models can have four or eight cores, it is distinguished by 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 your 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 through Android, have many functions. You can duplicate the desktop from all portable devices and even from a smartphone, and this is not the best model yet.

More expensive products will support 4K video, the working processors there are more powerful, Android version 6 or 7 runs, and better chips are used. The devices already use a special air gun, and not old mice, working common modern applications began to run even faster, the list of channels is preinstalled. 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 consider 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 media, and there are models with different capabilities, and if you need to view photos from the camera, then it is better to buy a device with a cartridge with a card format. If viewing discs is still important to a person, then a model with CD / DVD / Blu-ray is suitable, and if the owner wants to store all the data in one place, then a media center with a built-in hard drive is required.

Video formats, audio formats should be taken into account, in addition, devices should be able to select audio decoders, have support for HD, 3D and other capabilities.

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

There is another function of NAS that will turn an ordinary media center into a large network storage, there are different options for accessing the Internet, which should be taken into account according to 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 social new networks, browsers, it is better to buy with a module for connecting to the network.

You can buy a standard smart or dvb t2 device. Even if the model is from China, the product will also work perfectly. Aliexpress has a lot of products from various manufacturers.

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