What Dongle for Xiaomi is better to buy in 2026: comparison Mi TV Stick, Mi Box and analogues

Turning a TV into a smart entertainment center is now easy enough to plug a dongle in for Xiaomi. 4K HDR, We're going to run apps from Google Play, control voice through Google Assistant, and even play games with a gamepad. But which dongle to choose among dozens of models?-5 The best options for different tasks: from budget solutions to flagship boxes with support for Dolby Vision.

The main problem in choosing is misunderstanding than Mi. TV Stick 4K It is different from the Mi Box S, and even more so from Android devices. TV We analyzed the technical specifications, user reviews and test results to create an honest rating. Particular attention was paid to compatibility with the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, synchronization with the Mi Home smart home) and support for Russian services (Kinopoisk, Wink, MTS TV).

If you want to save money, but get a stable job – read about Mi TV Stick.We need maximum performance for games and 4K? Then look closely. NVIDIA Shield TV Mi Box 4S And for those who appreciate minimalism, we will tell about wireless solutions based on Miracast and AirPlay.

What is a Dongle for Xiaomi and why is it needed?

Dongle (from English: dongle) is a miniature device connected to the HDMI-The port of the TV that turns it into a full-fledged Smart TV. In the case of Xiaomi, we are talking about two types of devices:

• 📺 Media players on Android TV (Mi Box, Mi TV Stick) – full-fledged consoles with its own processor, memory and OS that support the installation of applications.
• 🔄 Wireless adapters (Miracast, Wi-Fi Display) – transmit an image from a phone or laptop to a screen without wires.

The main tasks that the Dongle solves:

• 🎬 Watching movies and TV series in 4K HDR via Netflix, YouTube, Movie Search HD.
• 🎮 Gamepad games (including cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce) NOW).
• 🔊 Connect to Mi Home Smart Home to Control Lighting, Cameras and Other Xiaomi Devices.
• 📱 Duplicating the screen of a smartphone (for example, for presentations or streams).

Key difference between Xiaomi Dongles and competitors (for example, Amazon Fire Stick or Apple) TV) — deep integration with the brand ecosystem. TV Stick automatically syncs with Xiaomi account, allowing you to control the TV through the Mi Remote app or voice through Alice (in Russian firmware).

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi dongles are officially shipped to Russia. Global firmware devices (e.g. Mi Box S for Europe) may not support Russian on the menu or have restrictions on installing local applications (such as Tricolor TV).

TOP-5 The best Dongle for Xiaomi in the 2026 year

We selected the top 5 devices based on price, performance and user feedback, and the table below provides key features for quick comparison:

Now we will analyze each device in more detail so that you can choose the best option for your tasks.

1. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K — Best Price/Quality Balance

Mi TV Stick 4K — This is an updated version of the popular Dongle that has received support. 4K@60 Hz, Dolby Vision and an improved processor, the main advantage is compactness: the device weighs only a few pounds. 28 gram and hide behind the TV, without spoiling the interior.

Key advantages:

• 🎯 Support for all popular streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+, Cinema search HD, Wink? 4K.
• 🎤 Built-in Google Assistant with support for Russian (in global firmware).
• 🕹️ The ability to connect a gamepad over Bluetooth for games (for example, via Xbox Cloud Gaming).
• 🔋 Low power consumption – you can keep it on permanently.

Cons:

• ❌ No Ethernet port – only Wi-Fi (can slow down when signal is weak).
• ❌ 8GB of memory runs out quickly if you install many applications.

⚠️ In Russian stores often sell Mi TV Stick with Chinese firmware, where there is no Google Play and Russian language. Before buying, check the firmware version (you need a global or a global version). EEA Europe).

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If you want maximum performance in a compact case, pay attention to the Mi. TV Stick 4K Max – It is equipped with an Amlogic processor S905Y4 supportive AV1 for more efficient video compression.

2. Xiaomi Mi Box 4S Pro – flagship for cinema and games

Mi Box 4S The Pro is a full-fledged console, not just a dongle. It's equipped with a more powerful Amlogic processor. S905X3, 16GB of memory and support for Dolby Audio, making it perfect for the world:

• 🎮 Games through cloud services (GeForce) NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming).
• 🎥 Watching movies in 4K HDR with a high bitrate (no stuttering, as on weak dongles).
• 📦 Installation of a large number of applications (including emulators and IP-TV).

Differences from Mi TV Stick 4K:

• ✅ Ethernet port for a stable internet (important for online gaming).
• ✅ More powerful processor – does not slow down when multitasking.
• ✅ Support DTS-HD Dolby Atmos (Important for Home Theaters).

Among the disadvantages is a higher price (by 1,500–2,000). ₽ more expensive than the Mi TV Stick) and large dimensions (you can not hide behind the TV).

3. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro - a premium option for gamers

If the budget is not limited, NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the best dongle for Xiaomi ecosystem (even though it’s not a Xiaomi device?

Advantages:

• 🖥️ Support NVIDIA GameStream – You can stream games from PC to TV.

Cons:

• ❌ Price 2-3 times higher than the Mi Box.

This device is worth buying only if you:

• 🎮 You are seriously interested in playing on TV.
• 💾 You need a lot of memory for applications.
• 🔧 You want maximum stability and long-term support for updates.

4. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (1080p) — Budgetary option for Full HD

If you don't need to. 4K And it's full enough. HD, Mi TV Stick first version is a great choice for 2,300-2,800 ₽. He'll be fine:

• 📺 Viewing TV series and films in 1080p (YouTube, Kinopoisk, MTS TV).
• 🎵 Listening to music through Spotify or Yandex Music.
• 📱 Duplicate the screen of the smartphone (Miracast).

Limitations:

• ❌ No support. 4K Dolby Vision and.
• ❌ Just 1 GB of RAM – Can Brake When Multitasking.
• ❌ No Ethernet port (Wi-Fi only).

This device should be taken if:

• 💰 Budget is limited.
• 📺 You have a full-resolution TV. HD (1920×1080).
• 🎯 You only need basic functions (YouTube, IP-TV, screen-duplication).

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If you have a TV with a permit 4K, But the budget is limited - it is better to pay 1,000-1500 ₽ And take Mi. TV Stick 4K. The difference in price will pay off with support HDR smoother.

5. Google Chromecast 4K — streaming

Google Chromecast 4K It is not a Xiaomi device, but it integrates perfectly with the ecosystem thanks to support for Google Assistant and Google Home. Its main difference is the lack of a remote and menu: it is controlled from a smartphone.

Pros:

• 🔄 Google Cast support – you can stream the screen from any device (Android, iOS, PC).
• 🎥 4K HDR Supported by Dolby Vision.

Cons:

• ❌ No own interface – without a smartphone, the device is useless.
• ❌ No remote control (you will have to buy separately or control your voice).
• ❌ Limited support for local services (e.g. Tricolor TV may not work).

This device will work if:

• 📱 You are used to managing the technology from a smartphone.
• 🔄 You need maximum simplicity (no menu, no settings - only streaming).
• 💡 You already have a Google Nest or Xiaomi Smart Speaker smart speaker for voice control.

Which Dongle for Xiaomi is better to choose: comparison by task

To facilitate the choice, we have made recommendations based on specific use cases:

If you are still in doubt, answer the questions:

• 📺 What's the resolution of your TV? 4K — Take Mi. TV Stick 4K Mi Box 4S Pro. If Full. HD — budget-friendly Mi TV Stick.
• 🎮 Do you need games? For cloud gaming, Mi Box is good. 4S Pro, for serious games, only NVIDIA Shield TV Pro.
• 💰 What's the budget? ₽ — Mi TV Stick (1080p). Up to 6,000. ₽ — Mi TV Stick 4K Mi Box 4S Pro. No restrictions — NVIDIA Shield TV Pro.

How to connect Xiaomi dongle to the TV: step-by-step instructions

Connecting the Xiaomi dongle takes no more than 5 minutes.

Put the dongle in HDMI-television-port

Connect power through USB (Use the original adapter!)

Pick the right one. HDMI-TV-input

Connect to Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you have a port)

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After the physical connection:

1. Turn on the TV and select the source of the signal (HDMI1, HDMI2 etc.).
2. Wait for the system to boot (the first start can take 2-3 minutes).
3. Select a language (if you have Russian) and connect to Wi-Fi.
4. Sign in to your Google account (to access the Play Market) or Xiaomi (to sync with the ecosystem).
5. Update the firmware: go to Settings → About the device → Updating the system.

If the dongle is not activated:

• 🔌 Check the power – some dongles require a connection to the outlet (lack of power from the power supply) USB television).
• 🔄 Restart the TV and dongle (turn off power for 30 seconds).
• 📡 Check if your TV supports you. HDMI-CEC (automatic switching).

⚠️ Note: If you have connected Mi TV Stick TV can't see the device, try using it. HDMI-Some Dongle models don't make good contact with deep HDMI-port.

Frequent Dongle Problems with Xiaomi and How to Solve Them

Even the best Xiaomi dongles can malfunction, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.Dongle brakes or freezes

Reasons:

• 🐢 Weak processor (relevant to Mi) TV Stick 1080p multitasking).
• 📶 Low speed Wi-Fi (for example, for the 4K You need a 5 GHz channel or wired connection).
• 🗑️ Completed memory (less than 1 GB of free space).

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reset the dongle (turn off power for 1 minute).
• 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 📡 Connect to your router via 5GHz or use an Ethernet adapter (for the Mi Box) 4S Pro).

2.No sound through HDMI

A common problem when connecting to old TVs.

• 🔊 Sound settings on the dongle: Settings → Sound. → Sound format (select the following): PCM auto).
• 🔌 Cable HDMI (Sometimes it helps to replace the high-speed HDMI supportive ARC).
• 📺 TV settings: Turn off the digital output (SPDIF), if it's activated.

3. The remote is not working.

If the Remote does not respond:

• 🔋 Replace batteries (even if they are new – sometimes marriages are common).
• 📱 Use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone as a replacement.
• 🔄 Reconnect the remote: pinch the Home + Back to 5 seconds.
• 📡 Check if other IR devices interfere (e.g. air conditioning).

4. Apps are not installed from Google Play

If Google Play is making a mistake:

• 🌍 Check the account region (should match the Dongla firmware region).
• 🔄 Clear the data of Google Play Services: Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Clear the data.
• 📥 Install. APK manually (download from a trusted source like APKMirror).

⚠️ Note: Google Play is not available on Chinese firmware dongles by default. To install it, you need to flash the device to the global version (instructions are available on the forum). 4PDA).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions