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Stop buying cheap unbranded TV boxes! What’s the difference compared to the certified ones?

15. February 2025 6 min read 0 comments

If you regularly check our website, you’ve probably already seen various deals on stylish TV boxes with a certified operating system and decent performance—though sometimes at higher prices. On social media, under our posts, comments have started spreading about cheap AliExpress alternatives, but in our opinion, that’s really not the right path.

We also add the best TV boxes to our FB

In this article, we’ll break down the issue with these cheap models, which often don’t come from reputable manufacturers and don’t have the required system and streaming-service certifications.

Missing certifications and Netflix in low quality

TV boxes, or TV sticks, are usually an add-on for older TVs or monitors—or even simple projectors without an operating system.

The main reason to buy this kind of device is usually the user’s motivation to keep using—or even recycle—an older device, giving it smart features.

The idea is good, too—ecologically, it’s also noble. All you need is a Wi‑Fi connection, or even a mobile hotspot, and you can enjoy all your favorite apps. Well, not quite.

The vast majority of cheap “no name” makers can sell them at this price mainly because they’re missing certifications, which, of course, require extra fees during production.

That’s how you can end up with a low Widevine L3 certificate level, with protected DRM content in reduced quality (e.g., Netflix, VOYO, Prime Video only up to 480p).

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You won’t even get official Android TV / Google TV updates or security patches. Often Chromecast screen casting is also missing, as well as the ability to recommend relevant content on the home screen.

In practice, you only get what the Chinese company allows: the box itself, power, and some basic “tablet-like Android” operating software that resembles the Android TV user interface. Nothing more.

Misleading specs, low performance, and possible malware

Another equally important detail is the way specifications are presented. On the seller’s page you may read that it supports 8K resolution, but the reality might stop at 720p. The difference is what content the device can play versus what resolution it will actually display for you in the end (so-called “Downscaling”).

RAM is usually also overestimated in the specs. For example, 4 GB or 8 GB listed on the box—but in reality it’s only 2 GB or 4 GB. This issue was also covered by the well-known YouTuber Linus Tech Tips, who proved that even though the RAM inside the boxes is stated with higher capacity, in reality, when you check it via the command line, it only uses half of that capacity.

The trap can also be the internal storage. Even if it has enough capacity, it’s mainly cheap eMMC memory, with speed comparable to a basic microSD card. On top of that, the TV operating system—optimized for remote control—is replaced with a tablet version, i.e., one optimized for touch control, which is another deal-breaker.

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Linus also points out suspicious communication with Chinese servers and sending different types of data. Last year, there were even reports about millions of infected TV boxes with malware due to weak security—caused especially by missing security patches that cheap boxes either don’t have or get very late. You can read about this issue, for example, on pcmag.com.

Negative experiences—even with us in the editorial team

We’ve had similar experiences in our editorial team. Budget TV boxes built on pure Android—even though the manufacturer lists impressive specs—ended up getting stuck, running slow, and being unresponsive. Because of this, we couldn’t even finish our latest review. Recently, this specifically involved the H96 Max M9S.

We were especially disappointed with the system’s responsiveness—it was tragic. The Kodi app was also stuck, and the box even had trouble playing 4K content, even though the manufacturer states support for 8K resolution.

How to avoid disappointment when buying? Here are our recommendations

If you’ve already decided to buy a TV box or similar accessories, prefer available products from reputable manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Nokia, Homatics, or Google.

In addition, on the following link we bring you a comprehensive list of certified TV boxes and TV sticks, with which you definitely won’t go wrong. And on Android-Guide.com you can also check the technical specifications of your TV box, including the version of Android TV supported.

Before buying a TV box, you can compare the technical specifications on our site and verify the Android version.

If you don’t want to save money and get the cheapest option, there are also models on the market with a modern and latest operating system version: Android TV 14. It brings new features, but also guarantees longer software support and security updates in the future.

Reader poll

Do you have a certified streaming device at home?

84 votes

We recommend these devices

If we’ve convinced you not to buy cheap imitations of proper streaming devices, then definitely check out these TV boxes we recommend.

ChinaPlanet deal

Homatics Box R Plus 4K

Homatics Box R Plus 4K
138,06 €You save 28,99 €
109,07 €

Price history

5,56 €more expensive than the average price
Cheapest 86,98 €Most expensive 138,06 €
Are you shopping on AliExpress for the first time? See the guide!
Updated 13. 11. 2025 at 12:20
TIP15-day delivery via Aliexpress Standard Shipping

For this product, Aliexpress Standard Shipping is available with guaranteed delivery within 15 days. It’s the most reliable delivery method and, in most cases, it’s handled by a courier company. The 15-day delivery is something we actually tested.

When you order from a Chinese warehouse, AliExpress adds a customs duty charge of approximately 3,70 € per order to your cart. When you receive the shipment, you won’t have to pay anything extra.

Track this product’s price

As soon as we post a new coupon, we’ll send you an email. You can unsubscribe from tracking anytime.

Are you shopping on AliExpress for the first time?

The process is via the AliExpress mobile app, where most people shop. There are two key things: don’t use Buy now and enter the coupon only in the order summary, in the field Promo code. After you click Pay now, you won’t be able to add it.

  1. Copy the code and click Use discountIn our article, copy the coupon and click the button GET DISCOUNT. The link will take you directly to the product in the AliExpress app.
  2. Use Add to cart instead of Buy nowOn the product card, scroll down and tap Add to cart. Don’t use the Buy now button—you’ll skip the cart, and later you won’t have anywhere to enter the coupon. Before that, double-check the variant: the color, the version, and whether it ships from an EU warehouse.
  3. Through the cart, go to CheckoutA pop-up will appear: Added to cart! — tap Check it out in it. If it disappeared, open the cart with the icon at the bottom right. In the cart, check the product and quantity, then click the red Checkout. Only the items marked with the red ring will be applied.
  4. Enter your address and card, then look for Promo codeIn the order summary, first fill in the delivery address and payment card at the top. Below them there’s a line Promo code — expand it with the arrow on the right.
    Riadok Promo code v zhrnutí objednávky v aplikácii AliExpress
    Look for this line under the address and payment method.
  5. Paste the code and confirm ApplyIn the field Promo code paste the copied code and click the black Apply. The code is case-sensitive and must not contain spaces.
    Políčko Promo code s kódom a tlačidlom Apply v aplikácii AliExpress
    Paste the code into the field and confirm with the Apply button.
  6. Check the savings and payIn the Summary expand the line Saved — you’ll see the applied coupon there as AliExpress coupons/codes. Only when Total is really lower, click Pay now.
    Riadok Saved s uplatneným kupónom a znížený Total v aplikácii AliExpress
    The applied coupon will appear in the Saved line and will reduce the Total.
Apply the discount already at the order summary. After you click Pay now, you can no longer add a coupon. If Apply shows an error, the code has either expired, doesn’t apply to your items, or the order doesn’t meet the minimum amount.
The Store Coupon also goes in the same field. — a coupon from the seller itself, which isn’t always available and changes from day to day. AliExpress coupons can’t be combined, so try both and go with the one that gives you more. Coins are added automatically.
ChinaPlanet deal

Mecool KM2 Plus Deluxe

Mecool KM2 Plus Deluxe
90,80 €You save 15,00 €
75,80 €

Price history

20,16 €cheaper than the average price
Cheapest 75,80 €Most expensive 113,48 €
Are you shopping on AliExpress for the first time? See the guide!
More coupons
126,76 €89,07 €
BF8915
Use
126,76 €111,00 €
No couponUse
Updated 28. 11. 2025 at 12:43
TIP15-day delivery via Aliexpress Standard Shipping

For this product, Aliexpress Standard Shipping is available with guaranteed delivery within 15 days. It’s the most reliable delivery method and, in most cases, it’s handled by a courier company. The 15-day delivery is something we actually tested.

When you order from a Chinese warehouse, AliExpress adds a customs duty charge of approximately 3,70 € per order to your cart. When you receive the shipment, you won’t have to pay anything extra.

Track this product’s price

As soon as we post a new coupon, we’ll send you an email. You can unsubscribe from tracking anytime.

Are you shopping on AliExpress for the first time?

The process is via the AliExpress mobile app, where most people shop. There are two key things: don’t use Buy now and enter the coupon only in the order summary, in the field Promo code. After you click Pay now, you won’t be able to add it.

  1. Copy the code and click Use discountIn our article, copy the coupon and click the button GET DISCOUNT. The link will take you directly to the product in the AliExpress app.
  2. Use Add to cart instead of Buy nowOn the product card, scroll down and tap Add to cart. Don’t use the Buy now button—you’ll skip the cart, and later you won’t have anywhere to enter the coupon. Before that, double-check the variant: the color, the version, and whether it ships from an EU warehouse.
  3. Through the cart, go to CheckoutA pop-up will appear: Added to cart! — tap Check it out in it. If it disappeared, open the cart with the icon at the bottom right. In the cart, check the product and quantity, then click the red Checkout. Only the items marked with the red ring will be applied.
  4. Enter your address and card, then look for Promo codeIn the order summary, first fill in the delivery address and payment card at the top. Below them there’s a line Promo code — expand it with the arrow on the right.
    Riadok Promo code v zhrnutí objednávky v aplikácii AliExpress
    Look for this line under the address and payment method.
  5. Paste the code and confirm ApplyIn the field Promo code paste the copied code and click the black Apply. The code is case-sensitive and must not contain spaces.
    Políčko Promo code s kódom a tlačidlom Apply v aplikácii AliExpress
    Paste the code into the field and confirm with the Apply button.
  6. Check the savings and payIn the Summary expand the line Saved — you’ll see the applied coupon there as AliExpress coupons/codes. Only when Total is really lower, click Pay now.
    Riadok Saved s uplatneným kupónom a znížený Total v aplikácii AliExpress
    The applied coupon will appear in the Saved line and will reduce the Total.
Apply the discount already at the order summary. After you click Pay now, you can no longer add a coupon. If Apply shows an error, the code has either expired, doesn’t apply to your items, or the order doesn’t meet the minimum amount.
The Store Coupon also goes in the same field. — a coupon from the seller itself, which isn’t always available and changes from day to day. AliExpress coupons can’t be combined, so try both and go with the one that gives you more. Coins are added automatically.
Payment on DHgate: The platform has finally launched safe and reliable Google Pay payments! So now you don’t need to use Revolut / Wise cards for payment, and you can pay directly in EUR. We’d also like to remind you that orders from DHgate come with our VIP support, which you get after downloading our extension for the Chrome browser on desktop only (when shopping on a smartphone, you can use the DHgate app).
ChinaPlanet deal

Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 2th generation

Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 2. generácie
72,80 €You save 30,85 €
41,95 €
CouponDHGATDEALMAR8

Price history

5,96 €cheaper than the average price
Cheapest 41,75 €Most expensive 72,80 €
Are you shopping on DHGate for the first time? See the guide!
Updated 5. 11. 2025 at 14:25
TIPExpress delivery from a German warehouse without customs duty and VAT.

This product will be delivered express from the local German warehouse. Shipping from Germany usually takes 7-10 days, and the delivery is handled by a courier. When it arrives, you won’t pay any additional fees—no customs duty or VAT.

Track this product’s price

As soon as we post a new coupon, we’ll send you an email. You can unsubscribe from tracking anytime.

Are you shopping on DHGate for the first time?

The procedure is from the DHgate mobile app. The Buy Now button takes you straight from the product to checkout, and the coupon field is all the way at the end of the page — that’s exactly why most people overlook it and pay the full price.

  1. Log in and click Redeem discountOn DHgate, create an account or log in; you can also use Google or Facebook. Then copy the coupon from our article and click the REDEEM DISCOUNT button — it will open exactly the product the code applies to.
  2. On the product page, tap Buy NowDHgate takes you straight from the product to the Place Order checkout and skips the cart. So before clicking, make sure you’ve checked the variant — color, storage, and version.
  3. Fill in the address without diacritics and choose paymentAt the top of checkout, enter the delivery address; write the name, street and city without accents, otherwise the shipment may get stuck with the carrier. Then tap Select Payment Method. Also note the Ship from detail — goods from an EU warehouse usually arrive within days and do not go through customs clearance.
  4. Scroll all the way down to the Coupon code lineThe coupon field is at the very end of the page, below the offer Buy It Together. Look for the line Coupon code with the text Enter code here and tap it.
    Riadok Coupon code s textom Enter code here v pokladni aplikácie DHgate
    You’ll find the Coupon code line only below the summary, above Order Total.
  5. Paste the code and confirm ApplyA pop-up window will open Use Promo Code. Paste the copied code into it and tap the yellow one Apply. Enter the code exactly, including uppercase letters, and without spaces.
    Okno Use Promo Code so zadaným kupónom a tlačidlom Apply v aplikácii DHgate
    . Paste the code into the Use Promo Code window and confirm with the Apply button.
  6. Check the discount and payYou’ll see the applied coupon in the line Saved — once you click it, it will show up as DH Coupon. Only when Order Total really lower, go Confirm to pay.
    Rozbalený riadok Saved s položkou DH Coupon v pokladni DHgate
    After clicking the Saved line, you’ll see the applied coupon as DH Coupon.
You only have about half an hour to pay. On the Confirm to pay button there’s a countdown — when it runs out, the order gets canceled and you have to create it again. That’s why enter the coupon before you start paying.
DHgate sometimes adds a discount automatically. The Saved line may be filled in even before you enter any code. After you press Apply, compare the Order Total — if it didn’t go down, the code either wasn’t applied or it’s weaker than the discount DHgate added automatically.
Our extra service with VIP support — we’ll handle the order on DHgate for you and ship it straight to your address.

If you’re not experienced with shopping on DHgate, your payment won’t go through, or the coupon just isn’t working, we offer our readers and customers a service where we place the order directly to your address. You send us the money by bank transfer, and we’ll order the product straight to you. That way, you don’t have to worry about failed payments or coupon issues, and you can be sure the whole order will go 100 % smoothly. Plus, you automatically get our VIP support — we handle any shipment issues for you and help with claims too. The fee for this service is €15 on top of the product price. You can contact us by email at info(@)chinaplanet.sk or on Messenger, where we’re active all the time.

ChinaPlanet deal

Xiaomi TV Stick 4K

Xiaomi TV Stick 4K
49,90 €You save 11,43 €
38,47 €
CouponDHGATDEALMAR8

Price history

1,94 €cheaper than the average price
Cheapest 36,17 €Most expensive 49,90 €
Are you shopping on DHGate for the first time? See the guide!
Updated 5. 11. 2025 at 14:21
TIPExpress delivery from a German warehouse without customs duty and VAT.

This product will be delivered express from the local German warehouse. Shipping from Germany usually takes 7-10 days, and the delivery is handled by a courier. When it arrives, you won’t pay any additional fees—no customs duty or VAT.

Track this product’s price

As soon as we post a new coupon, we’ll send you an email. You can unsubscribe from tracking anytime.

Are you shopping on DHGate for the first time?

The procedure is from the DHgate mobile app. The Buy Now button takes you straight from the product to checkout, and the coupon field is all the way at the end of the page — that’s exactly why most people overlook it and pay the full price.

  1. Log in and click Redeem discountOn DHgate, create an account or log in; you can also use Google or Facebook. Then copy the coupon from our article and click the REDEEM DISCOUNT button — it will open exactly the product the code applies to.
  2. On the product page, tap Buy NowDHgate takes you straight from the product to the Place Order checkout and skips the cart. So before clicking, make sure you’ve checked the variant — color, storage, and version.
  3. Fill in the address without diacritics and choose paymentAt the top of checkout, enter the delivery address; write the name, street and city without accents, otherwise the shipment may get stuck with the carrier. Then tap Select Payment Method. Also note the Ship from detail — goods from an EU warehouse usually arrive within days and do not go through customs clearance.
  4. Scroll all the way down to the Coupon code lineThe coupon field is at the very end of the page, below the offer Buy It Together. Look for the line Coupon code with the text Enter code here and tap it.
    Riadok Coupon code s textom Enter code here v pokladni aplikácie DHgate
    You’ll find the Coupon code line only below the summary, above Order Total.
  5. Paste the code and confirm ApplyA pop-up window will open Use Promo Code. Paste the copied code into it and tap the yellow one Apply. Enter the code exactly, including uppercase letters, and without spaces.
    Okno Use Promo Code so zadaným kupónom a tlačidlom Apply v aplikácii DHgate
    . Paste the code into the Use Promo Code window and confirm with the Apply button.
  6. Check the discount and payYou’ll see the applied coupon in the line Saved — once you click it, it will show up as DH Coupon. Only when Order Total really lower, go Confirm to pay.
    Rozbalený riadok Saved s položkou DH Coupon v pokladni DHgate
    After clicking the Saved line, you’ll see the applied coupon as DH Coupon.
You only have about half an hour to pay. On the Confirm to pay button there’s a countdown — when it runs out, the order gets canceled and you have to create it again. That’s why enter the coupon before you start paying.
DHgate sometimes adds a discount automatically. The Saved line may be filled in even before you enter any code. After you press Apply, compare the Order Total — if it didn’t go down, the code either wasn’t applied or it’s weaker than the discount DHgate added automatically.

We also recommend the Nokia Streaming Box 8010, but right now it’s a pre-order of limited stock, because Nokia didn’t renew the license with the manufacturer. There’s also no information about any successor, so we probably won’t see another streaming device from this brand for a long time.

ChinaPlanet deal

Nokia Streaming Box 8010 (pre-order)

SK sklad
Nokia Streaming Box 8010 (dopredaj)
SK sklad
169,90 €
No coupon

Price history

23,45 €more expensive than the average price
Cheapest 123,00 €Most expensive 169,90 €
Is it your first time buying through Heureka? See the guide!
Updated 15. 2. 2025 at 13:32
TIPExpress delivery from the Slovak warehouse within 1 - 3 business days.

This product will be delivered to you express from a local Slovak warehouse. Delivery usually takes 1-3 business days, and it’s handled by a courier. The price is final.

Track this product’s price

As soon as we post a new coupon, we’ll send you an email. You can unsubscribe from tracking anytime.

Is it your first time buying through Heureka?

Soon we’ll add a complete user manual.



What’s the difference between Android TV and Google TV?

If you’re getting into the world of Android TV for the first time, you might be interested in our next guide, where we explain what the difference is between Android TV and Google TV systems. A lot of people still don’t know that!

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