Kastoo
A TV box turns any TV with HDMI into a modern smart TV and is the simplest way to get a good IPTV player even if your TV is old. In 2026, the safest choice is a device with Google TV from a well-known brand. Here is which ones are worth it and which to avoid.
Our recommendations
- Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd generation): Google TV, 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Wi-Fi 6. The best value for money.
- Google TV Streamer 4K: Google’s own device: 4K with Dolby Vision, a network port and a remote with a find-my-remote button.
- NVIDIA Shield TV Pro: the most powerful: Android TV, 4K with Dolby Vision and AI upscaling. For those who want the best.
Quick comparison
| Device | System | Network port | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd gen) | Google TV | No (Wi-Fi 6) | Most people: good price and 4K with Dolby Vision |
| Google TV Streamer | Google TV | Yes | Those who want Google’s own device and a wired connection |
| NVIDIA Shield TV Pro | Android TV | Yes | Those who want maximum power and upscaling |
| Fire TV with Fire OS | Fire OS (Android-based) | Depends on the model | Amazon users; beware of models with Vega OS |
What to check before buying
- Operating system: Google TV or Android TV certified by Google. They have Google Play, security updates and apps from the big platforms.
- Memory: at least 2 GB of RAM; with 4 GB, large guides run more smoothly.
- Connection: Wi-Fi 6 or, better still, a network port. We explain it in how to connect your TV to the internet.
- Formats: 4K, HDR10 and, if your TV supports it, Dolby Vision.
- Installing apps: it should let you install apps from outside the store if your player isn’t in it.
The ones to avoid
And if you are thinking about a Fire TV, check the model: some of the newest ones (Stick 4K Select, 3rd-gen Stick 4K and 2nd-gen Stick HD) run Vega OS, which does not let you install apps from outside Amazon’s store. See the list in Fire TV with Vega OS.
What about Chromecast?
Google stopped making the Chromecast with Google TV in 2024 and replaced it with the Google TV Streamer. If you find a Chromecast with Google TV at a good price it is still a good device, but it is no longer the future-proof buy.
How to install the player
On a device with Google TV or Android TV, Kastoo installs with the Downloader app in a couple of minutes. Here is the step-by-step guide: how to install Kastoo on Android TV and Google TV.
Frequently asked questions
TV box or the TV’s own app?
If your TV is from 2018 or earlier, or it is slow, a TV box with Google TV will be faster and have more apps. If it is recent and your player is in its store, you need nothing else.
How much memory do I need?
It works well with 2 GB of RAM; with 4 GB, large guides and channel changes are smoother.
What is the difference between Android TV and Google TV?
Google TV is the modern interface that runs on top of Android TV. We explain it in Android TV vs Google TV.
Will any Android TV box do?
Better one certified by Google from a well-known brand. Cheap generic ones usually run old Android versions, get no updates and sometimes carry malware.
Free for 15 days with all features, no card needed. One licence covers 3 devices.
Kastoo is just a player: it does not sell, host or include lists, channels, movies or subscriptions. The screenshots use a demo list with openly licensed content.