5 must-have TV boxes to enjoy the best streaming platforms

The shopping team 11:33 a.m., December 21, 2022

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The editorial staff of Europe 1 did not participate in the production of this article.

Streaming is on the rise: today, watching linear TV channels is no longer really fashionable, and it is very likely that you prefer to favor SVOD platforms.

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ and many other such services are available on most connected screens.

However, not all televisions are compatible from the outset: sometimes you have to add a streaming box to the one you have to access the SVOD services that interest you.

Here are five TV boxes that are compatible with all TVs equipped with an HDMI input.

Summary

Our top 5 media gateways for streaming

Apple TV 4K box, the selective

The Apple TV 4K streaming box is a model primarily intended for people who own other Apple-branded devices.

Indeed, it is recommended if you are using an iPhone, iPad or Mac, as it offers extensive connectivity with these devices.

Once connected to your television, whatever its brand, the Apple TV 4K gives you access to an Ultra HD image and allows you to access a wide variety of online services, including Apple TV+.

The device comes with a very easy to use remote control.

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Nvidia Shield TV Pro player, for gamers

Not only does the Nvidia Shield TV Pro allow you to enjoy all streaming video services, Netflix and Disney+ in mind, but it is also optimized for video games in the cloud.

If you have an Nvidia GeForce Now account, then this is an interesting choice for you.

This model works using Android TV, which makes it compatible with a wide choice of applications.

It allows you to enjoy 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos sound if you have suitable multimedia equipment.

A remote control comes with this TV box.

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Nokia Streaming Box, the compact

The Nokia Streaming Box is a multimedia gateway that takes up very little space in your installation.

You can easily install it under your TV or inside your furniture.

This model runs using Android TV and supports 4K Ultra HD as well as HDR.

The image quality is very good when streaming.

A wide choice of entertainment applications is available to you with this TV box, which comes with a remote control with shortcuts to use Netflix, Prime Video or even YouTube.

A simple and effective proposal, suitable for everyone.

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Fire TV Stick 4K Max player, the closed

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a small box, barely bigger than a USB stick, that plugs into the back of your TV.

It is therefore very discreet.

It gives access to various entertainment applications, including the most popular such as Netflix, Prime Video, myCANAL or even Disney+.

However, the fact that it runs on FireOS and not Android TV somewhat limits the choice available.

One of the advantages of this device is the speed of connection provided by Wi-Fi 6. Its remote control is easy to use and it is compatible with Alexa.

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Chromecast box with Google TV 4K, the discreet

The Chromecast with Google TV is a very small device.

It plugs behind your screen and it is forgotten.

It provides access to the Google TV 4K interface, which is the equivalent of Android TV on Google devices.

You have access to a wide choice of entertainment applications, but also mobile games and other services.

The remote control that comes with this box includes shortcut buttons to YouTube and Netflix, as well as a microphone that allows you to use Google's voice assistant.

The image is in 4K Ultra HD on compatible TVs.

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What is the point of a TV box?

The use of a TV box has an interest in two situations: if your television is too old to have advanced connected functionalities, and if you wish to transform a computer screen into a connected television.

In the first case, using a TV box that works with Android TV can give you access to more apps than the TV can originally provide: you get a more modern interface without having to shell out a lot of money since a media gateway is always cheaper than a new television.

Two conditions must be met to install a streaming box on a screen.

First of all, it must have a free HDMI input to connect the device to.

Next, you must have a Wi-Fi connection at home to connect your box to the Internet.

If your equipment meets these two criteria, you can acquire the multimedia box of your choice now.

What is the difference between a TV box and a Google Chromecast?

The standard Google Chromecast is a device that allows you to "cast" certain apps to your TV or computer.

It requires having a smartphone on which compatible applications are installed.

The basic Google Chromecast cannot therefore be used alone: ​​its use depends on another device.

For its part, the TV box is independent.

It embeds its own operating system and its own storage space to install applications.

So you don't need to cast your videos to your media box.

We can however point out that, in the case of boxes that embed Google TV or Android TV, it is often possible to take advantage of compatibility with Chromecast.

This allows you to take advantage of a set of features within a single device, which can be very useful. 

To read also: Which video projector to choose to watch TV?

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