Nov 2019 - best good value media streamer for youtube / Netflix

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Nov 2019 - best good value media streamer for youtube / Netflix

timmmay

16529 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#260036 7-Nov-2019 18:55

Our Roku Stick has fairly poor wireless, it keeps dropping, not helped by the fairly busy spectrum and extremely powerful WiFi next door. I need something with Ethernet to replace it. What's something that's decent without being super expensive that can stream youtube and netflix?

Things that come to mind:

Mi Box (you need a USB Ethernet adapter)
nVidia Shield (don't really want to spend that)
Roku Ultra (or similar)
NOT Chromecast - it doesn't suit us
NOT Apple TV - don't like Apple ecosystem / price

BIG bonus points if it can stream BBC with a suitable unblocker. The US Roku models can't, only the models sold in the UK, and they're at least twice the price of the USA models. We don't watch sport at all.

We have an R.Pi running Kodi for watching stuff on the LAN. That works great, but I don't want to mess with that to try to add youtube / netflix, I want something plug and play.

Update - I ended up buying an Xiaomi Mi Box S. It's pretty nice, easy to use, and works well :)

1 | 2 | 3

16853 posts

Uber Geek

#2349666 7-Nov-2019 19:00

Is there an ethernet version of the chromecast or an adapter?

cebo

60 posts

Master Geek

#2349668 7-Nov-2019 19:16

In my experience it's not where the Roku come from but where the account is based that decides what the Roku will play. I have a Premiere+ from the US that happily streams BBC. You reset the device and put in the UK based account details. Nvidia Shield will also play BBC no problems - there is a version "hidden" on the device or it can be sideloaded. With Shield you can set up Play store accounts for different regions and have them all on the device, and switch between stores to download the apps you want, which are then all available on the home screen. So you get Apps for all regions. Plus sideload apps like Spark Sport if you want. I have one of the new ones on the way from Amazon. Apparently the AI up-scale is good.

gbwelly

949 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#2349723 7-Nov-2019 19:43

The Nvidia Shield will hide the BBC app if you so much as fart near it and it smells slightly like it might contain watties tomato sauce, you need to repackage the built in app with slight modification so it doesn't remove it.
That said it would still be my number 1 pick. The Shield has built in Ethernet and will get you Kodi, Plex, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, iPlayer in a 1 stop shop. I would suggest using 'Smart YouTube TV' over the native YouTube as it's far superior. The Mi Box is great but won't tick the iPlayer box.

Handle9

4753 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2349728 7-Nov-2019 19:51

If you're going to spend Shield level money take a good look at the Apple TV. It's cheaper than the shield and you don't have to modify apks etc. To use apps from different regions you just create an account for each region. I have apps from NZ, AU, UK, US and Germany running on mine seamlessly.

People either love or hate the remote YMMV.

For a cheaper option Mi Box with a USB to ethernet dongle. It's pretty reliable and works ok. I have one just for Kodi and am reasonably satisfied.

ANglEAUT

1237 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2349758 7-Nov-2019 20:21

timmmay:

... BIG bonus points if it can stream BBC with a suitable unblocker. ...

Does that exclude Apple TV as well?

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

timmmay

16529 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#2349775 7-Nov-2019 20:50

I don't much want an Apple product, and the Shield at US$200 is more than I want to spend. So I'm probably looking at a Mi Box or a Roku.

When I looked into BBC on Roku I found something that said the app was locked to specific devices - can't remember if that was online or on the Roku it told me. Maybe the more expensive do it better. Not a deal breaker if it doesn't do it, just a bonus if it does.

Kiwifruta

1264 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2349784 7-Nov-2019 21:06

mattwnz:
Is there an ethernet version of the chromecast or an adapter?

Yes, the Chromecast Ultra.

Kiwifruta

1264 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2349785 7-Nov-2019 21:09

I have a Mi Box S, 2nd gen Chromecast and Fire TV 1st gen.
They all run HD Netflix and YouTube fine on WiFi. Also had a 1st gen Chromecast that worked fine too.
Really depends on whether you have a good WiFi network. My preference is to wire everything though.

I don’t have a 4K telly so cannot comment on the 4K side of things.

Gurezaemon

406 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2349786 7-Nov-2019 21:13

A Mi Box with an Ethernet adapter similar to this one (I have one, works fine) sounds like it would would do the trick.

Kiwifruta

1264 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2349787 7-Nov-2019 21:15

If you just want Netflix and YouTube and don’t want a Chromecast then a Fire TV stick global version would suit your needs.

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Stick-Basic-International-Version/dp/B01ETRGE7M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=fire+tv+stick+4k&qid=1573114503&sprefix=fire+tv+&sr=8-1

Kiwifruta

1264 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2349791 7-Nov-2019 21:20

Gurezaemon:
A Mi Box with an Ethernet adapter similar to this one (I have one, works fine) sounds like it would would do the trick.

I bought one of these, just the USB 2 version. It works really well.

timmmay

16529 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#2349794 7-Nov-2019 21:26

Kiwifruta: I have a Mi Box S, 2nd gen Chromecast and Fire TV 1st gen.
They all run HD Netflix and YouTube fine on WiFi. Also had a 1st gen Chromecast that worked fine too.
Really depends on whether you have a good WiFi network. My preference is to wire everything though.

I don’t have a 4K telly so cannot comment on the 4K side of things.

Mi Box S works ok then? We only have 1080p TV. I've read most people are happy with it, but some find it buggy / slow.

I've read the WiFi is pretty good, but I'd get the USB Ethernet as where it's positioned the WiFi isn't great.

Gurezaemon:

A Mi Box with an Ethernet adapter similar to this one (I have one, works fine) sounds like it would would do the trick.

I found a list of ones that work, thanks :)

Kiwifruta: If you just want Netflix and YouTube and don’t want a Chromecast then a Fire TV stick global version would suit your needs.

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Stick-Basic-International-Version/dp/B01ETRGE7M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=fire+tv+stick+4k&qid=1573114503&sprefix=fire+tv+&sr=8-1

I already have the Roku version, WiFi isn't working great, so I need something with Ethernet thanks.

Talkiet

4481 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2349795 7-Nov-2019 21:26

Wait a little while for all the SHield fanboys to sell their old models on the 2nd hand market as they all get new ones :-) That will help with the budget and the 2017 model is still extremely capable.

Cheers - N

(And yes I'm one of those getting a new one - Just can't decide if I want the big or small one)

Please note all comments are the product of my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

timmmay

16529 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#2349799 7-Nov-2019 21:29

Shield does look like the premium product in this space. Not sure we want to spend that to let me toddler watch cartoons for about 30 minutes a day!

Mi Box S looks like a good option, only thing that's stopping me going to get it are quite a few reviews saying it's buggy / slow - though most say it's fine.

timmmay

16529 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#2349807 7-Nov-2019 21:38

Based on the comments here, and this thread, I think the Mi Box S for $130 from PBTech is probably a go. I'll try it out and get the UGreen Ethernet Adapter if WiFi isn't reliable.

Thanks for all the help all :) I've ordered it from PBTech as I can't be bothered with the Ali Express gamble / Amazon wait for a small saving and hassle with power.

1 | 2 | 3