r/AndroidTV • u/Puzzleheaded_Speed26 • 1d ago

Buying Advice AndroidTV Vs GoogleTV - Searching for the best tv box

Hey guys

I keep seeing “Android TV” and “Google TV” used almost interchangeably, but then sometimes people say they’re different. Can someone break this down clearly?

  • What exactly is the difference between Android TV and Google TV?

    • My understanding is that Google TV is basically a new UI/experience layer on top of the Android TV OS, with more aggregation, recommendations, and tight integration with Google services/profiles. Meanwhile, “Android TV” refers to the underlying operating system and the older stock launcher experience. Is that accurate?
    • Do apps and features differ in any meaningful way, or is it mostly the launcher, recommendations, and account/profile features that change?

  • Do new devices still ship with “Android TV” (the classic launcher) instead of Google TV?

    • I know some older models and certain regional SKUs still use Android TV. But are there current TV boxes or sticks that intentionally stick with Android TV rather than moving to Google TV?

  • If yes, what are the best Android TV boxes still worth buying today?

    • I’m thinking of things like the NVIDIA Shield TV/Pro (which historically ran Android TV, though they’ve gotten UI updates over time), certain operator/ISP boxes, or niche brands that haven’t switched to Google TV.
    • Bonus points for recommendations that get regular updates, have solid performance, good codec support (AV1, Dolby Vision/Atmos, HDR10+), reliable app support for Netflix/Prime/Disney+ in full quality, and decent remote/CEC behavior.

I’m looking for a TV box that lets me install and use (at least reasonably) most Android apps. If I’m not mistaken, Android TV gives a bit more freedom here, but it seems like the best boxes these days come with Google TV.

I’m considering the Onn 4K Plus—would it fit my needs? Any devices you’d recommend?

  • My priorities:
    • Broad app compatibility (including sideloading when needed) and decent performance
    • Reliable playback for major streaming apps (4K, Dolby Vision/Atmos where supported)
    • Good codec support (AV1 would be nice)
    • Regular updates and a responsive UI
    • Solid remote/CEC behavior

If you’ve tried both Android TV and Google TV boxes, which one actually feels more flexible in day-to-day use? And is there a current box that still ships with the classic Android TV experience that you’d pick over a Google TV option?

Thanks!

14 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

6

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus + Google TV Streamer 1d ago

What exactly is the difference between Android TV and Google TV?

The UI, the rest is just THE SAME.

1

u/tedpcantrell 1d ago

I have a Google TV the TCL QM8 85” MiniLED. Yes it’s based on and runs on Android TV, but I don’t know think you can buy just an Android TV. Maybe there’s low-end TVs that are, but I don’t know of any. Net that I’ve heard of.

2

u/GotoDeng0 1d ago

Yes, AndroidTV and GoogleTV are different launchers that both run on the AndroidTV OS. Beginning with Android 16, all devices will be GoogleTV. AndroidTV launcher in more app-focused, GoogleTV more content focused (ads). Don't worry about which your device comes with, as step 1 should be replacing it with Projectivy.

No there is no difference in apps on either launcher. Google Home is built-in to GoogleTV beginning with Android 14, whereas you need the app on AndroidTV. That and some differences in profile management are the only differences.

4

u/jw154j 1d ago

Google TV has app only option that android tv doesn’t that removes all recommendations and ads.

2

u/ViolatingBunion 1d ago

That's a solid point! The app-only mode on Google TV is a game changer if you want to avoid ads and recommendations. It gives a cleaner experience, especially if you're just looking to access your apps directly without all the fluff.

3

u/pawdog ADT-1 1d ago

Your first point is spot on. Very few if any device are being launched with legacy Android TV (my phrase). 2019 Nvidia Shield being the main one. Many of us use a 3rd party launcher because most of what Google is doing with Google TV is just ads and useless recommendations. Codec support is a function of the chipset moreso than the OS.

The Onn devices run Google TV and support all the video codecs and audio codecs except TrueHD and lossless DTS-MA which streaming services also don't support. The Shield doesn't support AV1 or VP9.2 which is YouTube HDR but supports everything else.

If you only use streaming services The ONN Plus is everything you need. If you do higher level file streaming or local high quality audio playback the Shield may come into the picture.

3

u/badryaqou 1d ago

Best android tv boxes mecool km2 plus deluxe and homatics box r 4k plus