Overview

The BL Z Plus Android TV Box 12.0 (4GB/64GB) is a budget-friendly streaming device that arrived in early 2024, aimed at cord-cutters who want a practical, no-fuss way to bring smart TV capabilities to any screen. BL isn't a well-known brand — it competes in a crowded space alongside names like Tanix and X96 — but it ships as a complete kit: remote, mini wireless keyboard, HDMI cable, and power adapter all included. The Allwinner H618 chip paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage puts it squarely in the capable entry-level tier, good enough for daily streaming tasks without asking much of your wallet.

Features & Benefits

Running Android 12.0 gives this streaming box access to the Google Play Store, meaning popular apps like YouTube and Kodi install without workarounds. One genuine highlight is Wi-Fi 6 support — a real step up from what most sub-$50 boxes offer, delivering faster throughput and better handling in busy home networks. Bluetooth 5.0 makes pairing a wireless controller or headphones painless. Storage can be extended with a microSD card or an external hard drive, which is useful if you store local media. Screen mirroring works via Miracast and AirPlay for easy phone casting. The 6K resolution claim, though, is mostly marketing — true 6K content barely exists in consumer streaming today.

Best For

This Android TV box is a reasonable pick for anyone with an older TV they want to bring into the streaming age without spending much. If your home already runs a Wi-Fi 6 router, you will notice the difference compared to older budget boxes. It also suits buyers who enjoy tinkering — sideloading apps, tweaking settings, or installing a custom launcher — and the included keyboard genuinely helps there. That said, it is not the right fit for serious gamers or anyone who needs Dolby Vision or Atmos support. If your main goal is reliable, hands-off Netflix playback, a Roku or Fire Stick is probably a better match.

User Feedback

The BL Z Plus sits at a 3.7-star average — not great, not terrible, and honestly about what you would expect from a budget box with a few rough edges. Buyers leaving positive reviews consistently highlight how easy setup is and how much value the full accessory kit adds at this price. Critics raise real concerns though: several DRM-protected streaming services reportedly fail or behave inconsistently, and the interface can feel sluggish when multiple apps are open. The bundled keyboard draws mixed comments — functional, but it feels cheap. A handful of buyers also flag slow support responses from BL when something goes wrong, which is worth factoring in before purchasing.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 6 dual-band support is rare at this price point and delivers noticeably more stable streaming.
  • Ships with a complete accessory kit — remote, keyboard, HDMI cable, and power adapter all included.
  • Android 12.0 opens up the full Google Play Store, not a stripped-down app library.
  • Generous internal storage leaves real room for apps and local media without constant management.
  • Expandable via microSD or external hard drive, which is useful for local media collections.
  • Bluetooth 5.0 pairs reliably with wireless headphones and controllers for late-night or couch-gaming use.
  • Screen mirroring covers both Android and iOS devices through Miracast and AirPlay support.
  • OTA update support means firmware improvements can arrive without manual flashing.
  • Compact and discreet form factor fits easily in any TV cabinet or behind a display.

Cons

  • DRM-protected apps like Netflix do not deliver full HD quality due to missing Widevine L1 certification.
  • UI responsiveness drops noticeably when multiple apps are running simultaneously.
  • The 6K resolution claim is a marketing figure — no mainstream streaming service actually offers 6K content.
  • Bundled keyboard feels flimsy and has a shorter wireless range than expected for regular use.
  • After-sales support from BL is slow and inconsistent, a real risk if hardware issues arise.
  • The 100Mbps Ethernet port bottlenecks wired connections in gigabit home networks.
  • Software update frequency is low, and the stock launcher has not improved meaningfully since launch.
  • Brand credibility is unproven compared to established names, making long-term reliability harder to gauge.

Ratings

The BL Z Plus Android TV Box 12.0 (4GB/64GB) has been scored by our AI system after analyzing verified buyer reviews from global markets, with spam, incentivized, and bot-generated feedback actively filtered out. The scores below reflect a realistic picture of where this streaming box genuinely delivers and where real buyers have run into frustration. Both the wins and the weak spots are represented — nothing is glossed over.

Value for Money
78%
22%
For buyers on a tight budget, the sheer amount of hardware and accessories in the box feels punching above its price bracket. Getting a Wi-Fi 6-capable device with a keyboard, remote, and HDMI cable bundled together at this tier is something most competing boxes do not offer out of the box.
The value perception drops for users who expected a truly plug-and-play experience and ran into app compatibility issues early on. If you end up needing workarounds for basic streaming services, the budget savings start to feel less compelling.
Setup & Ease of Use
81%
19%
A consistent theme in positive reviews is how quickly the box gets running — plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, sign into Google, and most apps are ready within minutes. The included mini keyboard makes the initial setup noticeably less frustrating than boxes that ship with only a remote.
Users who are not comfortable navigating Android settings or troubleshooting app installs sometimes find the experience less intuitive than a Roku or Fire Stick. The home launcher lacks the polish of more consumer-focused platforms.
Streaming App Compatibility
57%
43%
YouTube, Kodi, and a broad range of sideloaded apps work reliably, and for users who primarily use free or open-source streaming, day-to-day performance is generally acceptable. Google Play Store access means the app library is wide.
DRM-protected services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video frequently surface compatibility or resolution issues on this box, which is a real dealbreaker for many buyers. Several reviewers noted that certified Widevine L1 support is absent, limiting paid streaming quality significantly.
Performance & Responsiveness
62%
38%
For single-app streaming tasks — loading a YouTube video, browsing a media library — the H618 chip handles things adequately and avoids the frustrating stuttering seen on the lowest-end boxes. Light everyday use feels reasonably snappy.
Multitasking is where the cracks show. Switching between several apps, running background processes, or navigating an overloaded home screen can produce noticeable lag. Users who like to keep apps open in the background may find this aggravating over time.
Video & Picture Quality
67%
33%
When fed a proper 4K HDR10+ source file via local storage, the output is genuinely impressive on a compatible TV — colors pop and detail holds up well. The HDMI output handles most standard living room setups without any configuration fuss.
The 6K marketing claim is largely meaningless in practice since consumer 6K content does not exist in any mainstream streaming library. Real-world output is capped by source material quality, and Dolby Vision is not supported, which matters to buyers with high-end TVs.
Wi-Fi & Network Stability
74%
26%
Wi-Fi 6 support is a genuine differentiator at this price point, and households with modern routers will notice more stable throughput and fewer mid-stream dropouts compared to older budget boxes running Wi-Fi 5 or older. Dual-band switching also helps in congested environments.
The 100Mbps Ethernet port is a limitation for users with gigabit home networks who prefer a wired connection for reliability. A handful of reviews noted inconsistent 5GHz band connectivity depending on router placement and signal strength.
Build Quality & Design
59%
41%
The compact square form factor sits discreetly behind a TV without being an eyesore, and the unit feels reasonably solid for its weight class. Port placement is practical with accessible USB and HDMI connections.
The chassis feels noticeably lightweight and plastic-forward — not inherently a problem, but it does not inspire confidence in long-term durability. Some buyers noted the unit runs warm under sustained load, which raised minor concerns about longevity.
Remote Control Quality
63%
37%
The included remote covers the basics cleanly and has a logical button layout that most users get comfortable with quickly. Range and responsiveness are adequate for normal living room distances.
The remote lacks voice input or shortcut buttons for popular apps, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price. A few users reported button responsiveness becoming inconsistent after a few months of regular use.
Bundled Keyboard
55%
45%
Having a mini wireless keyboard included in the box is genuinely useful for anyone who wants to sideload apps, search manually, or navigate Android settings without pecking through an on-screen keyboard with a remote.
The keyboard itself feels budget-grade — travel is shallow, build quality is flimsy, and the wireless range is shorter than expected. Most buyers treat it as a bonus accessory rather than a primary input method.
Bluetooth Connectivity
72%
28%
Bluetooth 5.0 pairs quickly with wireless headphones and game controllers, and the connection holds steady across typical living room distances without noticeable audio lag for casual video watching. Useful for late-night viewing without disturbing others.
Pairing reliability can vary depending on the accessory — some third-party controllers require manual re-pairing after the box loses power. There are no advanced audio codec options for audiophiles using high-end wireless headphones.
Storage & Expandability
76%
24%
Sixty-four gigabytes of internal storage is a meaningful upgrade over the 32GB found in many competing boxes at this price, giving users real breathing room for apps and local media files. Support for external drives makes it practical as a light media center.
The microSD slot adds useful flexibility, but transfer speeds are limited and app-to-SD movement requires manual intervention in Android settings. Power users storing large media libraries may still find the internal storage fills faster than expected with app updates.
Screen Mirroring
68%
32%
Miracast and AirPlay support cover both Android and iOS households, making it easy to throw a phone screen or a browser tab onto the TV without additional hardware. Works reliably for presentations and casual media sharing.
Mirroring latency can be noticeable during fast-moving content or when the home Wi-Fi network is under load. AirPlay compatibility with some iOS versions has been flagged as inconsistent by a small portion of reviewers.
Software & Updates
61%
39%
Android 12.0 brings a more modern app ecosystem than the Android 9 or 10 boxes still flooding the budget market. OTA update support means security patches and firmware improvements can be pushed without manual flashing.
Update frequency from BL has not impressed users who have tracked it closely — patches are infrequent and the stock launcher interface has not seen meaningful improvements since launch. Bloatware apps installed by default add minor friction during setup.
After-Sales Support
44%
56%
BL does provide a dedicated support contact and includes a user manual in the box, which at least gives buyers a starting point when something goes wrong. Some users report that patience eventually yields a useful response.
Slow response times are one of the most consistent complaints in critical reviews. For buyers encountering technical issues — especially DRM or app problems — the support process can feel like a dead end, which is a real risk when buying from a lesser-known brand.

Suitable for:

The BL Z Plus Android TV Box 12.0 (4GB/64GB) is a solid pick for cord-cutters who own an older non-smart TV and want an affordable way to access YouTube, Kodi, and the wider Android app ecosystem without committing to a more expensive platform. It works well for casual household streamers who are comfortable enough with Android to get set up on their own and do not mind the occasional tweak or workaround. Buyers who already have a Wi-Fi 6 router at home will get a genuine network performance bump compared to the budget boxes from a few years ago, making this a reasonable upgrade path. If you like tinkering — sideloading apps, installing a custom launcher, or using the box as a light local media server with an external drive — this streaming box gives you the flexibility to do all of that without spending much. The bundled keyboard is a nice touch for anyone who finds remote-only navigation tedious during setup or when searching manually.

Not suitable for:

Buyers who primarily want reliable, high-quality access to DRM-protected streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video should think carefully before purchasing, as the lack of Widevine L1 certification is a real limitation that affects playback resolution and app compatibility on this streaming box. If your household's main use case is effortless plug-and-play streaming with zero troubleshooting, a Roku stick or Amazon Fire TV device will serve you far better — they are purpose-built for that experience in a way the BL Z Plus is not. Gamers expecting a capable Android gaming device will find the hardware underwhelming under sustained load, and anyone invested in premium audio-visual formats like Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos will hit a hard wall. The 3.7-star average is an honest signal that a meaningful share of buyers ran into friction — and if after-sales support matters to you, BL's track record on that front is not reassuring. Finally, buyers who want a set-it-and-forget-it box they never have to think about again are probably not in the right aisle.

Specifications

  • Operating System: Runs Android 12.0, providing access to the Google Play Store and a modern app ecosystem.
  • Processor: Powered by the Allwinner H618 quad-core chip, designed for entry-level streaming and light multitasking workloads.
  • RAM: Equipped with 4GB of RAM, sufficient for running individual streaming apps without significant slowdown under light use.
  • Internal Storage: Includes 64GB of onboard storage, leaving meaningful space for apps, cached content, and locally stored media files.
  • Max Resolution: Supports video output up to 6K at 30fps and standard 4K, with HDR10+ for enhanced color and contrast on compatible displays.
  • Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for faster throughput and improved stability on modern home networks.
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 enables wireless pairing with headphones, speakers, and game controllers at improved range and energy efficiency.
  • Ethernet: Features a 100Mbps wired LAN port for users who prefer a stable cabled internet connection over wireless.
  • Video Output: Outputs video via HDMI, compatible with standard HDTVs, 4K displays, and most projectors with an HDMI input.
  • USB Connectivity: Includes a USB 2.0 port for connecting flash drives, external keyboards, or other compatible USB peripherals.
  • Storage Expansion: Accepts microSD cards up to 128GB and supports external hard drives up to 2TB via USB for expanded media storage.
  • Screen Mirroring: Compatible with Miracast, AirPlay, and DLNA protocols, allowing screen casting from Android and iOS devices to the TV.
  • Dimensions: Measures 4.2 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches, making it compact enough to sit discreetly on an AV shelf or behind a display.
  • Weight: Weighs 1.21 pounds including the unit itself, making it lightweight and easy to reposition or travel with.
  • In the Box: Package includes the TV box unit, US power adapter, mini wireless keyboard, HDMI cable, remote control, and a printed user manual.
  • Firmware Updates: Supports OTA (over-the-air) firmware updates, allowing the device to receive software patches without manual installation.
  • Power Source: Powered via the included US-standard AC adapter; requires one lithium-ion battery for the remote control, which is included.
  • HDR Support: Supports HDR10+ for improved dynamic range output when paired with a compatible HDR television or monitor.

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FAQ

This is probably the most important question to ask before buying. The short answer is: Netflix will install, but it is likely to cap playback at standard definition due to the absence of Widevine L1 certification. If Netflix in full HD or 4K is a priority for you, this streaming box is not the right fit — a certified Fire TV or Roku device will serve you much better for that use case.

Practically speaking, the 6K label is a spec ceiling, not a real-world feature. There is virtually no 6K content available on any mainstream consumer streaming platform today, so you will never actually stream at that resolution. For everyday use, you are looking at 4K HDR10+ output, which is the more meaningful number.

Yes, both work well. YouTube installs directly from the Google Play Store, and Kodi can be sideloaded or installed via alternative app sources. For free and open-source streaming, this Android TV box handles those tasks reliably without much setup friction.

If your home router supports Wi-Fi 6, you will notice more consistent streaming — fewer mid-video buffering pauses and better performance in households with multiple devices competing for bandwidth. If your router is older and only supports Wi-Fi 5 or earlier, the Wi-Fi 6 chip still works fine, you just will not see the full benefit.

It is genuinely useful for setup, sideloading apps, and navigating Android settings — tasks that are tedious with a standard TV remote. That said, the build quality is budget-grade and the wireless range is modest, so most users treat it as a convenience tool for initial configuration rather than something they reach for every day.

Yes, Bluetooth 5.0 pairing works with most standard Android-compatible game controllers. However, keep expectations realistic — the H618 chip is not a gaming-focused processor, and demanding titles will struggle. Simple emulators and lightweight Android games run acceptably, but this is not a device built around gaming.

This is an area where the BL Z Plus Android TV Box 12.0 (4GB/64GB) has drawn consistent criticism. BL is not a large, well-established brand, and response times from their support team have been described as slow by multiple buyers. It is worth factoring that in — if you need reliable after-sales backup, that is a real risk with a lesser-known brand at this price tier.

Yes, and it is one of the more practical features on this box. You can add a microSD card for up to 128GB of extra space, or plug in an external hard drive via USB for up to 2TB of additional storage. The latter is especially useful if you keep a large local media library.

Yes, as long as your projector has an HDMI input — which most modern projectors do. You simply connect the HDMI cable the same way you would with a TV. Resolution output depends on what your projector supports, but for standard 1080p or 4K projectors it connects and works without any special configuration.

AirPlay support is included, so iPhone and iPad mirroring is technically possible. In practice, performance depends on your Wi-Fi network quality — on a strong connection it works reasonably well for casual use, but some iOS users have reported inconsistency across different iOS versions. For critical presentations or frequent mirroring use, results may vary.