Tips from China: Android TV boxes from Aliexpress for a steal. Are they worth it, or is it a total trap?

In the next installment of Tips from China, we’ll look at a segment where savings go to extremes. Android TV boxes for 460 to 680 crowns promise to turn an old TV into a smart device. The problem? For this money, you get 2018 hardware packaged in a new box. Let’s see if it makes any sense at all, or if it’s better to opt for a proven brand.

Why buy a cheap TV box at all?

If you have an old Full HD TV at home without Smart features that works well, a TV box for 500 CZK is cheaper than a new TV. Alternatives? Among the most interesting are the Xiaomi TV Box 3rd Gen for 1600 CZK, which receives updates and has an incomparably more powerful processor, or perhaps the cheaper Xiaomi TV Stick 4K.

Chinese TV boxes have one advantage – they are new, come with a warranty, and officially run on Android. Disadvantage? Weak hardware, questionable build quality, and absolutely zero software support. If Netflix and Disney+ only work sometimes for you, you don’t mind a lagging menu, and you don’t need updates, you can continue reading. Otherwise, I would recommend the alternatives mentioned above, or perhaps a Google TV Streamer.

H96 Max – cheapest for 504 CZK

The H96 Max with an Amlogic S905L3 processor is a typical representative of the “enough for YouTube” category. Android 14 sounds nice, but it’s a slightly modified version of Android TV that the manufacturer will never update.

Reviews are enthusiastic – “Netflix works, Magic TV, easy installation”. Reality? One user writes that Netflix and Disney+ don’t work, but can be installed if you know how. That’s like an advertisement for a car where you have to add the wheels yourself. They probably mean sideloading a specific app version, but you need at least basic experience for that.

Specifications promise 2 GB RAM and 8/16 GB storage, which is the minimum for smooth Android operation. Dual-band WiFi (2.4 + 5 GHz) is a pleasant surprise, but remember that WiFi 5 from 2018 is now an outdated technology. Bluetooth works, but pairing with wireless headphones is often a lottery.

Verdict: The cheapest entry into the world of TV boxes. Sufficient for YouTube and local video playback, but for Netflix and official applications, it’s better to get a certified box.

Price: 504 CZK

MX10 – best-selling for 462 CZK

If you want the absolute cheapest option, the MX10 with an Allwinner H313 processor is your choice. 1 GB RAM and 8 GB storage is on the edge of usability – the system takes up 4-5 GB, and the rest will quickly be filled with applications.

An interesting note from reviews: one user found that the box actually has 4 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, not 1+8 GB as stated by the manufacturer. That sounds great, but it’s not standard – you might get exactly what’s written, and then you’ll be disappointed.

Reviews praise easy installation and fast delivery. However, no one addresses that the Allwinner H313 is a processor from 2020, which was already weak back then. It can technically handle 4K playback, but expect occasional stuttering and screen tearing.

Verdict: The absolute minimum for converting an old TV into a “smart” one. Don’t expect miracles; assume you’ll replace it with something better in a year.

Price: 462 CZK

Transpeed – “8K support” for 598 CZK

The Transpeed with an Allwinner H618 processor promises 8K and 4K support, which sounds impressive. Reality? The processor can theoretically decode 8K, but actual 8K video playback on this hardware is science fiction.

Android 12 is slightly newer than the competition, but without manufacturer support, it will still quickly become outdated. Dual WiFi and Bluetooth are standard, but the quality of the WiFi module is often a weakness – 5 meters from the router and the signal drops by half.

The offer of 32 GB or 64 GB storage is interesting – finally, space to install applications without constant deletion. However, at 600 CZK with 64 GB, it starts to get close to a proven option that has official support and certified applications.

Verdict: Best price/performance ratio among those tested, but still a compromise.

Price: 598 CZK

What to watch out for?

The biggest trap is false specifications. Manufacturers state “4K Ultra HD”, but don’t say that it’s only an output via HDMI, not real smooth 4K content playback. 2 GB RAM sounds usable, but the system takes up 1.2 GB, and the rest is quickly filled by background applications.

Second problem – Netflix and Disney+ officially don’t work. None of these boxes have Netflix certification, so you have to settle for an APK version or modified applications that will stop working after the first update.

Third nightmare – the remote control. Cheap IR remotes require direct line of sight; a single piece of furniture between the TV box and the remote means non-functional buttons. Bluetooth remotes work better, but the battery lasts a maximum of one month.

Conclusion: Is a cheap TV box worth it?

Cheap Android TV boxes for 460-600 CZK only make sense in very specific cases. If you have an old TV, only want YouTube and local video playback, and don’t want to invest in a Chromecast, you can try it. But be prepared for compromises.

Do you have experience with cheap TV boxes from China? Or did you end up buying a Chromecast?