Best set-top box Australia
Which is the best set-top box in 2024?
VIEW OFFERBest of 2024: Find the right set-top box in Australia
With a set-top box, watching TV becomes more flexible and enjoyable than ever, so it’s a popular addition to many households. However, choosing the best set-top box is easier said than done. With so many options currently available, knowing what set-top box is best for your needs is not always obvious. To help find the best set-top boxes for your home, check out the handy buying guide below. It covers all the important information you need to know and how to choose the right box for your needs.
The 10 best set-top boxes in Australia (November 2024)
The bestseller list compares set-top boxes from multiple brands
- Guide: 7-day TV Guide ensures you never miss a program.
- Recording: Record shows directly to USB, even while watching another.
- Compatibility: High-definition video & sound support, Full HD channels, AVI, DIVX files.
- Features: Look for EPG, PVR, and Timeshift for enhanced viewing flexibility.
- Connectivity: Check for USB2.0 playback to connect external storage devices.
- Compatibility: Ensure support for DVB-T2 H.265 FHD 1080p for optimal viewing.
- Tuner: Supports DVB-T2 and DVB-C for Freeview HD TV and FM radio.
- Recording: USB port enables live TV and movie recording with USB PVR support.
- Connectivity: Built-in WiFi for internet streaming and OTA firmware upgrades.
- Connectivity: Dual band Wifi for reliable and fast connection.
- Memory: 64GB ROM allows ample space to install applications.
- Performance: Powerful Amlogic S905X4 CPU ensures smooth operations.
- Cost: No monthly fees to pay.
- Functionality: Work with Free-To-Air broadcast HDTV Channels & Digital Radio.
- Quality: Full HD 1080P and HEVC H.265 10bit Video Decode.
- Quality: Supports 4K*2K up to 60fps with AV1/H.265 for superior video quality.
- Performance: Android 12.1 OS ensures smooth, efficient use and user-friendly operation.
- Connectivity: IEEE 802.11 2.4G/5G Wi-Fi and 1000M Ethernet for stable fast internet access.
- Convenience: Easy HD connection and stable Wi-Fi for seamless viewing.
- Performance: Android 10.0 with Allwinner H313 Quad Core chipset ensures smooth operation.
- Content: 300+ free Arabic channels, 120+ VIP channels available.
- Features: Supports apps, 4K, and voice control.
- Performance: Smooth streaming and quick response times.
- Compatibility: Fits seamlessly with your TV and internet connection.
Affiliate link: We are a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. If you buy a product through this link we might earn a small commission from Amazon at no extra charge for you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Read the definitive set-top box buying guide
- View the set-top box picks and see how they rank in the top list
set-top box buying guide
Do you want to buy a good set-top box? This is all you need to know.
A short explanation: What are set-top boxes?
A set-top box is a device that commonly connects to a flat screen television and is used to receive broadcast signals. This might include a digital TV signal, cable television package, or streaming service. While they were traditionally quite basic, modern set-top boxes come with a range of features, such as the ability to record television onto a hard drive and watching in 4K resolution.
What are the benefits of good set-top boxes?
Even the best set-top box is affordable, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to access online streaming content without the high cost. Most people have older televisions that aren’t smart, so by connecting this device to the TV you can access a wide range of smart functions and apps, such as Netflix, Amazon Video, and YouTube. The best set-top boxes are very affordable and easy to use. Plus, they give you access to an almost endless selection of entertainment, including the latest movies and TV shows.
How to choose the best set-top box in 2024?
It is not difficult to find a good set-top box as there are so many fantastic options to choose from. However, this does mean it is easy to find a poor-quality device or knockoff. Be sure to consider some of the following factors to help you find the best set-top box:
- Operating System: The operating system of a set-top box is one of the most important things to consider. Much like a computer or smartphone, the OS of a set-top box features a graphical user interface that allows people to interact with a device. It is always a good idea to find out the user interface of the set-top box as you will be using it to access different things on the device. For example, people that want to use the set-top box to stream movies from their computer will want a familiar OS like Windows, whereas those that are looking for a dedicated media player should consider interfaces that are geared towards this, such as the popular Kodi.
- Size: The best set-top boxes tend to be the smallest, as it is the size of a device that will determine how portable it is. This will not be much of an issue for people only using the set-top box at home, but if you are looking to take and use it at other places (e.g. plug into a TV at a holiday home, use with a portable device like a projector) be sure to get a small-sized set-top box.
- Connections: Set-top boxes come with various connection types, so be sure that any of your other devices are compatible. For example, the best set-top boxes tend to have a HDMI connection, which is a must for anyone that wants to connect to a modern television. Other connection types include DVI, USB, VGA, composite, and component, so make sure you get a device that can connect to your TV or home theater.
Which types of set-top boxes are available to buy in Australia?
There are so many kinds of set-top boxes with a wide array of features. Their capabilities and limitations determine how they are used. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Television-based set-top boxes: These set-top boxes come with all the features and connections required to connect to an older television to render it capable of playing content from the internet. This makes them ideal for older televisions that are not internet-enabled, allowing for easy access to IPTV, online video streaming, and apps.
- Hybrid set-top boxes: For modern televisions that are not just used for watching live television, hybrid set-top boxes are the best option. They support the older style of live television through DVBT and DVBT-2, while also supporting online services, making them great for catch up TV. A great example of a set-top box is Viasat, which allows for both live and online television.
- Webgateways: The best set-top box for internet television, wegateways allow for live television as well as IPTV and a range of online services. It has the capacity for live television and other functionality, making it more of an all-in-one home entertainment system.