Kodi is the ultimate multimedia software for your living room. Kodi is available for all popular operating systems like Android, Windows and Linux. When using Kodi in your living room, you may want to use the software on dedicated hardware or box. If so, check out our ultimate guide below which lists the 5 best Kodi devices and boxes, including streaming boxes, detailed specs, and recommendations for every budget.
Fire TV Cube (3rd generation)
Processor: Quad-core 2.2 GHz + Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Storage: 16 GB | RAM: 2 GB | Operating system: Fire OS (Android) | 4K: Yes | Network: Ethernet + Wi-Fi
The third-generation Fire TV Cube (also known as Fire TV Cube 2022) is the fastest Fire TV media player ever. It’s twice as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4K. . The main processor has eight cores in total – four cores with a clock frequency of 2.2 GHz plus four separate cores clocked at 2.0 GHz.
The Cube, which is the size of a small speaker, has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal flash storage for apps and files. The 3rd generation Fire TV Cube also supports Wi-Fi 6E. The device comes with all the accessories you need: a remote control including batteries, the power adapter, an infrared receiver and even a USB Ethernet adapter for network cable connection.
Some highlights are 4K video and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Thanks to the built-in microphone, you can control the Cube without the remote control. Fire OS is based on Android and supports all popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, DAZN and more. With a few settings changes, you can also sideload Android apps with APK files.
The Fire TV Cube is undoubtedly one of the best Kodi devices. In fact, according to several benchmarks, Kodi’s performance is even better than the Nvidia Shield TV which costs twice as much.
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Nvidia Shield TV (2019)
Processor: Quad-core 1.9 GHz | Storage: 16 GB (8 GB Tube) | RAM: 3 GB | Operating system: Android Television | 4K: Yes | Network: Ethernet + Wi-Fi
To date, the Nvidia Shield TV is the fastest and most efficient Android box on the market. This of course means that the box is also one of the best Kodi devices.
The Nvidia Shield TV focuses on entertainment and gaming. Besides Kodi, all popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and DAZN are supported. If you use an Nvidia graphics card in your computer, you can also stream games from your PC to the Shield TV. Sideloading apps is also possible and recommended when you want to use apps that are not available through the official store.
The Shield TV uses a quad-core Tegra X1+ processor with clock speeds of up to 1.9 GHz. In terms of memory, the device is equipped with 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of flash storage. It supports 4K streaming, DTS-X surround sound, Dolby Atmos, and AI upscaling for better video quality.
The entertainment device is available in two different versions: the standard edition comes in tube form (comparable to a Fire TV Stick) while the “pro” version has the classic box design. The hardware specifications are almost identical, but some details are different: the Nvidia Shield TV tube has 8 GB of flash memory, and the USB ports are replaced by a Micro-SD card reader.
Both devices come with a high-quality remote control. Of course, you can also navigate Android TV using the voice control function. If you stream and play a lot of games, you may want to check out the controller Nvidia offers separately.
Overall, the Nvidia Shield TV is not only one of the best Kodi devices, but perhaps the best at all. With this TV box you benefit from top quality from the premium segment of the market.
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Fire TV 4K Max Stick
Processor: Quad-core 2 GHz | Storage: 16 GB | RAM: 2 GB | Operating system: Fire OS (Android) | 4K: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi
The most popular hardware for Kodi is undoubtedly the Amazon Fire TV Stick. This little streaming marvel is only the size of a USB stick and disappears behind your TV. Once Kodi is installed, the world of streaming is at your feet. Of course, the stick is also ideal for those who subscribe to streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix and Disney+.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the fastest streaming stick on the market. Video content in 4K/Ultra HD resolution, including HDR, plays absolutely smoothly and without stutters. Performance is made possible by a more powerful processor and more RAM. The modern quad-core processor operates at up to 2 GHz. The stick has 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of memory. The latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6E, is also supported.
Kodi and all popular streaming apps run significantly smoother and more stable than on a regular Fire TV Stick.
Amazon also offers a Fire TV Stick 4K without the Max add-on. It only has 8GB of memory and only supports the slower Wi-Fi 6.
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Raspberry Pi 5
Processor: Quad-core 2.4 GHz | Storage: optional micro SD card | RAM: up to 8 GB | Operating system: none preinstalled | 4K: Yes | Network: Ethernet + Wi-Fi
The Raspberry Pi is the world’s most popular single-board computer with endless use cases. The newest version, the Raspberry Pi 5, is equipped with significantly better hardware and faster than ever.
With a 2.4GHz quad-core processor and up to 8GB of RAM, the mini PC is capable of outputting and playing 4K videos at 60Hz. This makes the Raspberry Pi 5 one of the best Kodi devices when you have a budget or limited space in your living room. On top of that, you get fast USB 3 ports, a Gigabit networking port, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
Before using the Raspberry Pi as a media center, you need to install a specific operating system like LibreELEC (external link) which is based on Linux and only contains Kodi. The device will boot directly into your media center so you don’t have to worry about updates, driver errors, and other issues.
On Amazon, you can find several accessories like custom cases, SD cards, extra cables, heatsinks and much more. We recommend purchasing a kit with all the necessary equipment to be ready to enter the world of streaming straight away.
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Formular Z11 Pro Max Android TV Box
Processor: Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Storage: 32 GB | RAM: 4 GB | Operating system: Android 11 | 4K: Yes | Network: Ethernet + Wi-Fi
Android TV boxes are still present in the streaming device market. These cases usually come with solid hardware components and at a cheap price. The Queller Z11 Pro Max is one of the most popular devices for Kodi and video streaming in general.
The black box with a modern design is equipped with the processor dedicated to the “Realtek RTD1319C” decoder which has four high-performance cores clocked at 1.4 GHz. The Queller Z11 Pro Max has 4 GB of RAM and a storage capacity of 32 GB.
The device supports 4K video output at up to 60 frames per second with HDR10+ and all modern and common video codecs like AV1, H.265 HEVC, H.264 and many others. The box comes with an up-to-date Android 11 operating system. The Pro Max model integrates WiFi AX 2×2, Bluetooth 5, 2 USB ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a micro SD card slot as well as an IR extension on the top.
Many Android TV boxes can be difficult to manage. However, the Queller Z11 Pro Max is undoubtedly one of the best Kodi devices and boxes when you don’t want to rely on proprietary hardware.
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Why choose one of the best Kodi devices and boxes
Using the open source and free media center Kodi on your computer or phone is fun. With Kodi add-ons, you have access to an unlimited amount of streamable video content.
However, movies, TV shows, live TV and other videos look best on the large and widescreen TVs in your living room, with appropriate visual and audio quality. We recommend using a device dedicated to Kodi, for example a streaming box or mini computer.
These days, small living room and entertainment devices are affordable and have enough hardware power to produce 4K video content, multi-channel audio, and special effects. Your Kodi experience will benefit greatly from using one of the best Kodi devices on our list.