What Xiaomi Media Player to Choose: Comparison of All 2026 Models

Choosing a media player from Xiaomi is not as easy as it seems.The brand offers several models with different capabilities: from compact to compact. TV-full-length 4K-console-holder HDR. But which one do you really want? Some users want to just watch YouTube on the big screen, others want to organize a home theater with Dolby Vision, and still others are looking for a device to play through the cloud services.

In this article, we will not only compare all the current models from the budget Mi TV Stick to the flagship Mi Box 4K Ultra, but also help you determine the criteria for choosing: you will learn what the processor affects, why the Android TV version is important, and why it is sometimes better to pay for support for Dolby Atmos.

Key criteria for choosing Xiaomi media player

Before comparing specific models, let’s figure out what to look for when buying, which will help you avoid disappointment and save money.

1. Permission and support HDR. If you have a TV with a permit 4K support HDR10+ Or Dolby Vision, take a model with the appropriate specs. HD-screen is enough Mi TV Stick - overpay for 4K But remember, even if the player supports 4K, Content must be in this resolution (Netflix, YouTube Premium, local files).

2. Performance: A weak processor is enough to watch videos, but if you plan to play Google Stadia or use the player as a mini PC (browsing, office tasks), take a model with 4 GB of RAM and a processor that is not weaker than the Amlogic S905X4.

Android TV version: Older models run Android 9, newer ones run Android 12, not only in the interface, but also in support of modern apps, such as Disney+ and HBO Max may not run on older versions.

• 📺 For TV until 2018: Full is enough HD and base sound.
• 🎮 For gamers: you need a powerful processor and support for gamepads.
• 🎬 For moviegoers: Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are required.
• 💰 For savings: Mi is suitable TV Stick, but with reservations.

4.Ports and connections. Make sure the player has the right connectors: HDMI 2.1 (for 4K@120Hz), USB 3.0 (for external drives), Ethernet (if Wi-Fi is unstable). Models without Ethernet can slow down when streaming 4K.

Comparison of all Xiaomi media players in 2026

The table below shows the current models that you can buy in official stores, and we have excluded outdated devices (for example, the Mi Box 3), because they do not support modern standards.

Mi TV Stick does not have a physical remote with a microphone for voice search – this can be critical for older users.

If you want maximum performance for gaming or heavy applications (like Kodi with large libraries), look for the Mi Box 4K Ultra. Its Amlogic S905X4 processor is 40% more powerful than the Mi Box S, and 4GB of RAM allows you to keep multiple apps in the background without hanging.

💡

For most users, the Mi Box 4K is optimal – it supports all modern video formats and has balanced characteristics.

A detailed overview of each model

Mi TV Stick: budget option for basic tasks

This is the most affordable media player from Xiaomi, which is suitable for watching YouTube, IPTV or streaming services in permission before 1080p. The device is made in the format of a “flash drive” – it can be connected directly to the HDMI-TV port without taking up a seat on the table.

Pros:

• 💰 The lowest price of all Xiaomi models.
• 🔌 Compact - does not require separate food (feeds from the USB-port).
• 📱 Google Cast Support for Telephone Broadcasting.

Cons:

• 🚫 No. 4K and HDR — The picture will be worse on modern TVs.
• 🐢 Brakes when working with heavy applications (for example, Kodi with large libraries).
• 🔊 Stereo only sound – no Dolby Digital support.

⚠️ Attention: Mi TV Stick is not suitable for TVs without USB-Port – a separate power supply will be required (5V/1The device may also overheat during prolonged use due to passive cooling.

Mi Box S (2nd Gen): The middle ground for 4K

This is the most popular choice among buyers, with 4K@60Hz and HDR10 support, which is enough for most movies and TV shows, and the Amlogic S905X2 processor handles streaming video and lightweight games (such as retro console emulators).

Key features:

• 🎥 Support VP9 and H.265 — Save traffic when viewing 4K.
• 🎮 The ability to connect a gamepad over Bluetooth (for example, from Xbox or DualShock).
• 🔊 Dolby Digital Plus is better than Mi TV Stick, but not Atmos.

The main drawback is only 2 GB of RAM, which can cause slowdowns when multiple applications are running simultaneously, and there is no Ethernet port, which can be a problem with weak Wi-Fi.

💡

If you have an HDMI-CEC TV, the Mi Box S can be controlled from a remote control, eliminating the need to use two remotes.

Mi Box 4K and Mi Box 4K Ultra: for moviegoers and gamers

These two models are different from previous Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, which is critical for watching movies in high quality. Mi Box 4K Ultra also supports 4K@120Hz, which is important for gamers using cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW.

What is Ultra better than normal 4K?

• 🖥️ 4 GB of RAM vs 2 GB – less brakes when multitasking.
• 💾 32GB of storage vs 16GB – more space for apps and cache.
• 🎮 Support HDMI 2.1 - Important for high-resolution games.

Both models have an Ethernet port, which guarantees stable streaming without stuttering.However, the Mi Box 4K Ultra costs almost twice as much as the Mi Box S, so overpaying only makes sense if you really need Dolby Vision or games.

⚠️ Note: Some users complain about Dolby Vision playback bugs in the Netflix app on the Mi Box 4K. The problem is solved by updating the firmware or resetting the settings.

Which Xiaomi Media Player to Choose for Your Tasks?

To avoid making a mistake, answer three questions:

1. What is the resolution of your TV? ✅ Full HD (1080p) → Mi TV Stick or Mi Box S. ✅ 4K HDR → Mi Box 4K Mi Box 4K Ultra.
2. Do you need a Dolby? Vision/Atmos? ✅ Yes. → Only the Mi Box 4K or Ultra. ❌ No. → You can save money on the Mi Box S.
3. Will you play or use heavy apps? ✅ Yes. → Mi Box 4K Ultra (4GB of RAM). ❌ No. → Mi Box S or Mi Box 4K.

If you are still in doubt, please use our checklist:

I have a TV with a permit. 4K Support for Dolby Vision|I need a stable Ethernet for streaming video|I plan to play cloud games (Stadia, Xbox Cloud)|I'm interested in voice search and remote control.|I want to save money and I'll have enough. HD-->

For most users, the best choice will be the Mi Box 4K. It supports all modern video formats, has sufficient performance for most tasks and does not overheat due to active cooling. Mi Box 4K Ultra should only be taken if you are critical 120 Hz or 4 GB of RAM for games.

Common mistakes in buying and how to avoid them

Many users are disappointed not because the device is bad, but because they chose the wrong model in the first place.

1. Buying Mi TV Stick for a 4K-The device cannot physically display the picture in the 4K, So you're not using the full potential of the screen. Solution: Take at least the Mi Box S.

Another common problem is TV incompatibility, for example, some Samsung or LG models may not display Android TV interface correctly due to the way HDR is handled. Check the reviews about compatibility with your TV model before buying.

How to set up Xiaomi Media Player after purchase?

Even the most advanced media player will not work effectively if it is not configured. Here are the basic steps to optimize:

1. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Device → Update your system and install the latest updates. This will fix bugs and add new features.
2. If your TV or receiver supports Dolby Atmos, select the appropriate mode in Settings → Sound → Sound Format.
3. Optimize your video. In Settings → Display and Sound → Resolution, set the maximum supported by your TV. If the picture is “soapy”, try turning off HDR (sometimes TVs do not handle it well).
4. Install the necessary applications. For IPTV, we recommend TiviMate or OTT Player, for local files - Kodi or VLC.
5. Connect the gamepad (if necessary). Any Bluetooth gamepad (e.g. Xbox Controller or 8BitDo) will suit for games via Stadia or emulators.

If you use Kodi to view local files, remember to enable hardware acceleration in the player settings (Settings → Player → Video → Allow hardware acceleration (AMCodecs)).

💡

To speed up the Mi Box, turn off automatic application updates to Settings → Apps → Auto Update and manually update only the programs you need.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi media players