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NVIDIA Shield Voice Control Streaming Media Player Android Device

Last updated: June 1, 2023


This Android streaming device is the biggest, fastest and most capable option that exists today. This pick can play 4K HDR movies with ease and can also act as a Plex server or KODI box. It can even be shipped with a native video game controller, eliminating the need for a special gaming console. It comes with a remote control that is easy to use. Its user interface makes most consumers feel very comfortable with operating the product.

NVIDIA Shield Voice Control Streaming Media Player Android Device
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We looked at the top Android Streaming Devices and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Android Streaming Device you should buy.

NVIDIA Shield TV | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player

NVIDIA Shield TV | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player
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$129.99

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This Android streaming device is designed to work with Alexa.

In our analysis of 57 expert reviews, the NVIDIA Shield Voice Control Streaming Media Player Android Device placed 3rd when we looked at the top 8 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Transform your TV experience with NVIDIA SHIELD TV. Enjoy Netflix, Prime Video, and Vudu in stunning 4K HDR. Cut the cord and ditch your cable box with apps like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue. Cast your favorite apps to your TV with Chromecast 4K built-in. Run Plex Media Server and transcode your content to any device. Use the built in Google Assistant to see results on your TV: control playback on your favorite shows, share your photos, see your Nest cam, display your calendar, and check the traffic, also play the latest songs, dim the lights, and so much more, all with your voice.. It’s more than TV. It’s your entire living room—smarter and more connected. Always updated, never duplicated, level up to SHIELD TV and never look back. Power – 40 W power adapter (5-10 W typical consumption)

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Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Speed is unrivaled by most streaming boxes.
- TechHive
There's lots to love about the latest Nvidia Shield, including its 40% reduction in size, full Google Assistant integration, Amazon Instant Video for the first time on Android TV and a hell of a lot more.
- Tech Radar
For me, it’s the improvements to the controller’s microphone that are key. Nvidia has tweaked the mic so it can pick up voices from a wider field. This may sound small fry, but it’s necessary for one of the Shield TV’s best new features: Google Assistant.
- Trusted Reviews
Most of my SHIELD usage consists of watching video, and this is where the device shines. It has supported 4K since launch, and NVIDIA added HDR in an update. The SHIELD is a great media streamer—the 4K HDR output looks incredible, and controlling playback with a remote is preferable to using a phone.
- Android Police
The media experience ridiculously high-powered hardware provides is top-notch, too. Shield TV supports 4K and high-dynamic range (HDR) visuals. You can use it as a Plex server, a Kodi box, and a DVR for over-the-air TV.
- PC World
First, it's powerful. Really powerful. There is a lot of graphics power in this little box. So alongside all the Android TV awesomeness — including just about every streaming app you could think of — you get a whole lot of games.
- Cord Cutters
4K ultra HD. Controlled via voice command to Alexa or Google Home. Works with all popular apps.
- BestReviews
If your top priority is playing content from your personal media library, the powerful Nvidia Shield TV offers the best local file support. Its Android TV OS supports all the most popular apps (with 4K and HDR10 support), but more important, it can play content from hard drives and flash drives either locally (via USB) or over a network using apps like VLC or from a Plex server.
- New York Times Wirecutter
Better gaming platform than any other streaming media player
- Gear Gadgets and Gizmos
Nvidia has promoted a number of Shield-optimized Android games made to show off the graphics power of the Tegra X1 chip, and they’re definitely a cut above what you normally find in the Play Store.
- ING Middle East
Streaming game options work very well.
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The NVIDIA SHIELD has all the functions and features that make it worth buying. You can also stream your favorite games and enjoy your free time.
- Much Needed
It is small and lightweight and yet it can do so much.
- Best Brand Reviews
Can be controlled with both Google Home and Amazon Echo devices
- Le Reviewest
And the latency is amazing – we saw a live demo of this feature and the lag was virtually non-existent.
- TechGuide
The Shield user interface is one of the slickest I’ve seen. Google’s official Android TV interface runs on top of Android 8.0 Oreo – the only device on this list to use the latest version of Android.
- Android PC Review

What reviewers didn't like

Android TV is still behind on TV guide features and app support
- TechHive
Controller isn’t console-quality
- Tech Radar
Smart home function aren't available yet.
- Trusted Reviews
I appreciate that NVIDIA is trying to keep the cost of the SHIELD down, but it'd be nice if it came with a few more accessories
- Android Police
If there's one big gripe here it's that the software on Shield TV has lagged behind what you're used to on the Android phone side of things.
- Cord Cutters
Pricey. Some issues with lag, and may not be as user friendly.
- BestReviews
Disappointingly, in April 2019 Google initiated a sponsored ad program that now runs on devices running Android TV. For now it’s running as a “pilot program,” but users report that even when they’ve gone into the settings to disable the ads they don’t stay disabled.
- New York Times Wirecutter
Voice search doesn’t work on Netflix
- Gear Gadgets and Gizmos
It’s expensive and Assistant is wonky.
- ING Middle East
Relatively expensive.
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Some have had issues with the remote.
- Best Brand Reviews
Quite expensive
- Le Reviewest
Our only gripe was the sensitivity of the gaming controller which we had to adjust in the settings of each game.
- TechGuide
Not much now that Amazon Prime Video has joined the party. It’s worth noting that while it has 5.1 and 7.1 audio passthrough, there are some issues getting HD audio passthrough to work within Kodi at the time of this writing. Other services do not have this issue.
- Android PC Review

Android Streaming Device Rankings

Amazon Fire TV Recast DVR

1. Amazon Fire TV Recast DVR
Xiaomi Compact Portable Android Streaming Device

2. Xiaomi Compact Portable Android Streaming Device
NVIDIA Shield Voice Control Streaming Media Player Android Device

3. NVIDIA Shield Voice Control Streaming Media Player Android Device
TiVo HDMI Wi-Fi Android Streaming Device

4. TiVo HDMI Wi-Fi Android Streaming Device
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Media Player

5. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Media Player
Matricom G-Box Q² Android TV Streaming Media Mini PC

6. Matricom G-Box Q² Android TV Streaming Media Mini PC
MINIX NEO 4K Android TV Box

7. MINIX NEO 4K Android TV Box
Pendoo Android X8 Mini Smart TV Box

8. Pendoo Android X8 Mini Smart TV Box
View our Android Streaming Device buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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