Choosing a set-top box from Xiaomi is not as easy as it seems. Even in 2026, the brand’s range includes both budget sticks for basic tasks and powerful ones. 4K-Boxes with support for Dolby Vision and Google TV. But how do you make a mistake with your purchase? Because the model depends not only on the quality of the picture, but also on the speed of the interface, the availability of applications and even the ability to connect game controllers.
In this guide, we will analyze all the current Xiaomi TV set-top boxes - from the compact Mi TV Stick to the flagship Mi Box 4K Ultra, compare them on key parameters: processor, format support, remote controls and even firmware nuances. And also answer the main question: should you overpay for the top model or budget option is enough to watch YouTube and Netflix?
Key criteria for choosing Xiaomi TV set-top boxes
Before you compare specific models, define the basic requirements for the device.
- 📺 Screen resolution: If you have a TV with support 4K@60Hz, Take a model with HDMI 2.1 (Like the Mi Box. 4K Ultra. For Full. HD That's enough. TV Stick 4K.
- 🎮 Games and Emulators: Retro games or Cloud Gaming (such as Xbox Cloud) require a powerful processor (from Amlogic) S905X4 higher).
- 🔊 Sound: Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Budget models are limited to Dolby Digital+.
- 🛠️ Firmware and updates: Android consoles TV 12+ (For example, Mi Box S 3rd Gen) gets updates longer than Android 9 devices.
Pay attention to the type of connection: if the TV has few ports, choose the console with the USB-C for food (like Mi). TV Stick -- it's only gonna take one. HDMI-But to connect an external hard drive or keyboard, you'll need a full-size connector. USB-A.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi consoles with AV-The output (e.g. the old Mi Box 3 models) does not support modern audio and video formats, and is only valid for very old TVs without the need to buy them. HDMI.
Comparison of all Xiaomi TV set-top boxes in 2026
The table below shows current models that you can buy new from official sellers, and we have excluded outdated devices (for example, Mi Box 3 or erste Generation Mi TV Stick), since their firmware has not been updated for a long time, and the performance does not pull modern applications.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Max, permission. | Support for HDR | OS | Price (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Stick 4K | Amlogic S905Y4 | 2/8 GB | 4K@60Hz | HDR10, HLG | Android TV 11 | 3 500 ₽ |
| Mi Box S 3rd Gen | Amlogic S905X3 | 2/16 GB | 4K@60Hz | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Android TV 12 | 5 200 ₽ |
| Mi Box 4K Ultra | Amlogic S905X4 | 4/32GB | 4K@60Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Google TV 12 | 7 800 ₽ |
| Xiaomi TV Box Pro | Rockchip RK3566 | 4/64 GB | 8K@30Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Android TV 13 | 12 000 ₽ |
Only the Mi Box 4K Ultra and Xiaomi TV Box Pro support decoding AV1, a new video compression format that YouTube and Netflix use to stream 4K. This means that on budget models, the picture can “slow down” at high bitrate.
The Mi TV Stick 4K and Mi Box S 2nd Gen
If you only need a console for watching videos (YouTube, Kinopoisk, IPTV) and basic games (such as Among Us or Stumble Guys), Xiaomi’s budget options will do “excellent.”
- 💰 Price: 2 times cheaper than flagships (from 3000 to 5 000) ₽).
- 🔌 Compact: Mi TV Stick can be hidden behind the TV, it connects directly to the TV. HDMI-port.
- 🎛️ Voice-controlled remote: The complete console comes with a Google Assistant button (works even on Mi). TV Stick 4K).
However, there are serious limitations:
- ❌ No support for Dolby Vision (only) HDR10), What is critical for films in high dynamic range.
- ❌ Only 2 GB of RAM – when multitasking (for example, YouTube) + Telegram) begins to slow down.
- ❌ No Ethernet port – only Wi-Fi 5 (up to 433 Mbps), which may not be enough for the Internet to run on the Internet. 4K HDR net.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV Stick 4K It is impossible to install Kodi with hardware decoding - the application works only in software mode, which is why 4K HDR-content is reproduced with jerks.
Make sure the TV is supported HDMI-CEC (single-control)|
Check the speed of the Wi-Fi router (for 4K you need 5 GHz with a speed of 300 Mbit / s) |
Download the test 4K-YouTube video and check the smoothness of playback|
View reviews of a specific revision (e.g. Mi TV Stick 4K 2023 vs 2022)
-->
The flagship consoles: Mi Box 4K Ultra and Xiaomi TV Box Pro
If you plan to use the console as a media center (with an external hard drive, game controllers or streaming in 4K AV1), it is worth considering the top models.
- 🚀 Performance: 4 cores Cortex-A73 (Mi Box 4K Ultra) easily pull emulators PS2 or GameCube.
- 🎬 Support for formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AV1, VP9 Profile 2 is all you need for modern content.
- 🖥️ Google TV: In the Mi Box 4K Ultra installed Google shell TV (not Android TV), Offers personalized recommendations and easy content search.
- 🔌 Connectors: Full-size USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet (in Xiaomi) TV Box Pro – everything to connect the peripherals.
But there are pitfalls:
- 💸 Price: Xiaomi TV Box Pro is almost worth it. NVIDIA Shield, but inferior to it in the ecosystem of games.
- 🔄 Updates: Despite Android 13, Xiaomi doesn’t guarantee long-term support – like the Mi Box S 1st Gen stopped receiving updates after 3 years.
- 🎮 Games: Power is enough for emulators, but for GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming it is better to take NVIDIA Shield.
💡
If you buy the Mi Box 4K Ultra for gaming, buy the Xiaomi Game Controller right away – it connects via Bluetooth and has a low input lag (about 10 ms).
Which Xiaomi TV set-top box to choose in 2026?
To avoid making a mistake, answer 3 questions:
- If you have a full HD TV, you'll have enough Mi TV Stick 4K. If you have 4K HDR, you'll have a Mi Box S 3rd Gen or higher. If you're 8K or you're planning to buy one, you'll only have a Xiaomi TV Box Pro.
- What tasks will the console perform? Video only (YouTube, Netflix, IPTV) → budget model. Games, emulators, external hard drive → Mi Box 4K Ultra. Home theater with Dolby Atmos → Xiaomi TV Box Pro.
What's your Internet?
- Wi-Fi up to 100 Mbps → Mi TV Stick 4K (but 4K will be buffered).
- Wi-Fi 5 (300+ Mbit/s) or wired Internet → model.
Our recommendations:
- 🥇 Best Price/Quality Balance: Mi Box S 3rd Gen is powerful enough for most tasks, but don’t overpay for unnecessary features.
- 💰 Budget option: Mi TV Stick 4K — No games and Dolby Vision.
- 🎮 For gamers and movie-philes: Mi Box 4K Ultra is the best choice among Xiaomi, but if budget allows, consider it. NVIDIA Shield.
💡
If you’re taking an IPTV set-top box, check for Stalker Middleware support – not all Xiaomi models work properly with popular providers (like Wink or Megogo).
Frequent problems and how to avoid them
Even the most reliable Xiaomi consoles can throw up surprises, here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:
- 🔄 The console brakes: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services. disable auto-run of unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Autostart. If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The device → Reset).
- 📶 Poor Wi-Fi quality: Switch to 5GHz in router settings. Use a USB-Ethernet adapter (e.g. Xiaomi) USB-C to Ethernet) for wired connection. Reduce the distance between the console and the router - walls and furniture greatly weaken the signal.
- 🔊 No sound through HDMI: Check the sound settings in Settings → Display and sound → Digital sound (HDMI) — must be selected by Auto or PCM. Update your TV firmware – sometimes compatibility issues HDMI-CEC.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi consoles with Android TV 9 (e.g. old Mi Box S revisions) can't be installed on Netflix 4K Due to Widevine's limitations L1. Check the OS version before buying!
How to check the version of Widevine on the console?
Xiaomi’s Alternatives: When to Stand in the Way of Other Brands
Xiaomi consoles are a great choice for most users, but in some cases it’s better to consider alternatives:
- 🎮 For gamers: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (GeForce Now, GameStream, Powerful Tegra Processor) X1+).
- 🍎 For the Apple ecosystem: Apple TV 4K (Best integration with iPhone, AirPlay 2, Dolby Atmos).
- 📦 For the media library: Zidoo Z9X (two-way SATA-Hard disk port, support for Jellyfin).
- 💻 For PC emulation: Mini PC on Windows 11 (e.g. Minisforum) UM690) — If you need Office, Photoshop or Steam.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also worth looking at if you’re actively using Prime Video – it’s better optimized for Amazon services, but worse supported by Google Play.
💡
If you need a YouTube Premium and Google Stadia, Xiaomi is one of the best options thanks to the full support of Google services. Competitors (like Fire TV) often have restrictions.