Android TV boxes

beenz: So now the question for me is Apple tv or an Android box.
I am now confused even more ☹

Make a list of the services you want to use, and your budget. From there you can figure out what to buy. There is no perfect device, in my experience you need a couple of devices to fully cover the spectrum.

I'll give you my opinion / experience. I've had / do have Apple TV, Mi box S, Fire TV, Roku and have played a bit with the Smart VU.

If you have $299-$400, want things to be relatively easy and don't need Kodi get an Apple TV. Check the remote will work ok for you. IMO it's the most robust device to use with DNS redirection services as it doesn't have baked in google dns.

You can not side load apps but if an app is available in any global app store it is possible to load it alongside New Zealand apps.

All below run Kodi so give you a fair bit more flexibility. There is also a fair bit of hassle finding supported apps and you may have to do work arounds.

If you have $330 - $400 and must have Android TV get an Nvidia Shield. It is by far the best Android TV device. Check the remote will work ok for you.

If you have $130 and don't need Freeview get a Mi Box S (you can watch Freeview channels using Kodi but it needs a bit more work).

If you have $130 and need a Freeview app get a Smart VU

If you have $140, don't want international apps, want to record live TV and are happy with the supported apps get a Vodafone TV

If you are in the Amazon ecosystem get a Fire Stick. If you just want ITV and iPlayer this may also be a pretty good option but there won't be a fair few international apps available.

If you want a cool device but hate yourself get a Roku. There are no apps for NZ. (not sure about Kodi on this one either)

If you hate yourself and your family buy a cheap Chinese Android box that doesn't run android TV. They run all possible Android apps and have a horrible UX as you are running phone apps on a TV. Everyone will hate you.

Regardless of what you choose there will be a certain amount of mucking around to get international streaming working and likely some maintenance involved.

beenz

Handle9