Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen

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82%
18%
88%
Picture Quality
84%
Streaming Performance
86%
Interface & Navigation
83%
Value for Money
79%
Remote Control
81%
Build Quality & Design
76%
Audio Output
77%
App Availability
72%
Setup Experience
67%
Multitasking & Speed
87%
WiFi & Connectivity
89%
Storage
91%
Google Ecosystem Integration
82%
Power Consumption
More

Overview

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen sits in a competitive middle ground where most buyers spend the most time debating — not quite a budget throwaway, but nowhere near the premium tier either. It goes up directly against the Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV, and holds its own surprisingly well. The compact square design is genuinely unobtrusive; it tucks behind a TV stand without drawing attention. What separates it from cheaper Android boxes is the full Google TV experience — not a stripped-down launcher, but the real thing. Solid all-rounder. Just don't expect it to outrun every rival on raw power.

Features & Benefits

Plug this streaming box into a Dolby Vision-capable TV and the picture quality difference is real — especially for HDR content on Netflix or Apple TV+. The WiFi 6 support matters more than it sounds if your household has a dozen connected devices fighting for bandwidth; streams stay consistent where older boxes would buffer. Thirty-two gigabytes of internal storage means you can install a healthy library of apps without juggling what to keep. The HDMI 2.1 port adds headroom for future content standards. For home theater setups, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough rounds out an audio package that punches above its price point.

Best For

This Google TV dongle makes the most sense if your television is either not smart at all or saddled with a slow, outdated built-in OS. It is also a natural fit for anyone already using Google Assistant, Chromecast, or Google Home devices — everything connects without friction. Cord-cutters who bounce between Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Max will appreciate having one clean interface that pulls recommendations from all of them. Buyers on a tighter budget who still want Dolby Vision and a competent wireless radio rather than a compromised alternative will find this streaming box hits a genuinely useful sweet spot.

User Feedback

Most owners are quick to praise how responsive the interface feels day-to-day — menus load quickly and the voice remote works reliably at a normal conversational distance. The recurring frustration, though, is the 2GB of RAM. Under typical single-app use it is fine, but switching between several apps in quick succession can trigger brief slowdowns. A mandatory firmware update during initial setup catches some buyers off guard, though it takes only a few minutes. Compared to Amazon and Roku alternatives, value for money comes up positively and often. A small number of users in certain regions have flagged missing or limited streaming service availability, which is worth checking before buying.

#Streaming Media Players
#Television & Video
#Electronics

Pros

  • Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support delivers genuine picture quality gains on compatible TVs.
  • 32GB of built-in storage is unusually generous for a streaming box at this price tier.
  • WiFi 6 dual-band radio keeps streams stable even in busy, multi-device households.
  • Google TV unifies content from all major streaming services into one organized interface.
  • The voice remote works reliably across a normal room and responds well to Google Assistant commands.
  • HDMI 2.1 connection adds useful headroom for future high-bandwidth content standards.
  • Compact square design sits discreetly on any shelf or behind a TV stand without fuss.
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough rewards users with capable soundbars or AV receivers.
  • Comes with an HDMI cable and power adapter included — no immediate extra purchases needed.
  • Strong value relative to Amazon and Roku alternatives with comparable or better specs.

Cons

  • 2GB of RAM causes noticeable slowdowns when switching rapidly between multiple apps.
  • No microSD expansion slot means 32GB is the absolute storage ceiling with no workaround.
  • The Google TV home screen pushes promoted content that cannot be fully disabled.
  • A mandatory firmware update on first boot adds unexpected time to the initial setup.
  • USB port is 2.0 only, limiting practical speed for users playing back large local media files.
  • Regional Play Store availability means some local streaming services may be missing or unsupported.
  • The remote lacks built-in TV volume or power controls, a feature now standard on competing remotes.
  • Runs noticeably warm during extended 4K playback, requiring thoughtful placement in enclosed spaces.

Ratings

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen has been put through its paces by buyers across North America, Europe, and Asia — and our AI has combed through thousands of those verified purchase reviews, actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and unverified submissions to surface what real users actually experience. What emerges is a picture of a capable mid-range streaming box with genuine strengths and a few honest trade-offs worth knowing before you buy. Scores below reflect both the enthusiasm and the frustrations expressed by everyday users worldwide.

Picture Quality
88%
Owners with Dolby Vision-capable TVs consistently report that HDR content looks noticeably richer compared to their previous streaming sticks. Netflix originals and 4K nature documentaries are frequently cited as showcase material where the contrast and color depth genuinely impress at this price tier.
The benefits are only fully realized on compatible displays — users with older 1080p or HDR10-only TVs see less of the advantage. A handful of buyers also noted occasional tone-mapping inconsistencies when switching between HDR and SDR content.
Streaming Performance
84%
Day-to-day streaming on Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ runs smoothly for the vast majority of users, with quick load times and minimal buffering reported even in households with multiple devices online simultaneously. WiFi 6 support gives it a real edge over older-generation boxes in congested network environments.
A subset of users streaming 4K HDR content from bandwidth-heavy sources reported occasional brief stutters, particularly on 5GHz networks with weaker signal coverage. The experience is good but not consistently flawless across all network configurations.
Interface & Navigation
86%
Google TV is the standout reason many buyers chose this streaming box over cheaper Android alternatives, and the feedback reflects that. The unified content feed, voice search that actually works across apps, and clean layout make daily navigation genuinely pleasant rather than a chore.
Some users find the Google TV home screen overly aggressive with promoted content and paid recommendations crowding organic suggestions. There is no straightforward way to disable this behavior, which irritates buyers who want a cleaner, less commercial-feeling interface.
Value for Money
83%
Compared to similarly priced Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV devices, buyers frequently highlight that 32GB of storage, WiFi 6, and Dolby Vision support in one box feels like a strong package. The included HDMI cable and voice remote sweeten the out-of-box experience.
A few buyers feel the 2GB RAM undercuts the overall value proposition, arguing that competitors offer similar specs for the same money with marginally better multitasking headroom. It is a fair point if you plan to run demanding apps alongside streaming.
Remote Control
79%
21%
The voice remote earns consistent praise for its comfortable grip, responsive voice button, and reliable range across a normal living room. Google Assistant integration works well for searching across apps, controlling smart home devices, and setting reminders without picking up a phone.
Several users wish the remote included a dedicated power button for the TV or volume controls, features common on competing remotes. The AAA battery requirement is also noted as a minor annoyance given that rechargeable remotes are becoming the norm.
Build Quality & Design
81%
19%
The compact square form factor is genuinely practical — it sits flat behind a TV stand or on a shelf without looking out of place. Construction feels solid for the category, not hollow or plasticky, and the matte black finish resists fingerprints reasonably well.
A small number of buyers mentioned the unit runs slightly warm under extended 4K playback, though no one reported overheating shutdowns. The lack of a ventilation-friendly stand or mount in the box means placement requires some thought in enclosed cabinets.
Audio Output
76%
24%
For users with Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars or AV receivers, the passthrough capability is a genuine plus — action films and concert streams benefit noticeably from proper object-based audio when the chain supports it. DTS:X support adds breadth for disc-rip enthusiasts.
The audio benefits are entirely dependent on external hardware; TV speakers receive standard stereo output with no meaningful enhancement. Users without a dedicated audio setup will hear no practical difference from a basic streaming stick in the same price range.
App Availability
77%
23%
Google TV grants access to the Play Store, which means the app library is broad and covers all major streaming platforms plus gaming, sports, and utility apps. Sideloading is possible for users who need apps outside the official store.
A recurring complaint from users in certain European and Southeast Asian markets involves specific regional streaming services being unavailable or poorly optimized in the Play Store version for Google TV. This is worth verifying against your local service lineup before purchasing.
Setup Experience
72%
28%
Most buyers complete the initial setup within ten minutes, especially those already using a Google account — the onboarding flow inherits saved WiFi passwords and app preferences automatically. The included HDMI cable means no immediate accessory hunting.
A mandatory firmware update on first boot catches some buyers off guard and can add five to fifteen minutes to setup time. A small number of users reported the update process requiring a restart loop before stabilizing, which is fixable but frustrating on day one.
Multitasking & Speed
67%
33%
For single-app use — which covers the majority of typical streaming sessions — the Quad-Core processor and Google TV OS feel responsive and quick. App launches are fast, and switching between a streaming app and the home screen rarely causes visible lag.
The 2GB RAM ceiling is the most consistent technical criticism across user reviews. Rapid switching between three or more apps, particularly if one involves a live stream or game, can cause noticeable slowdowns or force app reloads. Power users will feel this limitation regularly.
WiFi & Connectivity
87%
WiFi 6 dual-band support is a meaningful upgrade for buyers in households with modern routers, delivering noticeably steadier streams compared to previous-generation boxes. Bluetooth 5.2 connects headphones and controllers quickly with minimal pairing friction.
Users in older homes with 2.4GHz-only routers or significant WiFi interference see fewer benefits from the WiFi 6 chipset. The USB 2.0 port, while useful for local media playback, is limited in transfer speed for users managing large offline libraries.
Storage
89%
Thirty-two gigabytes is genuinely generous for a streaming box at this price point, and buyers notice. Installing fifteen to twenty apps, including larger ones like games or download-enabled streaming clients, leaves plenty of headroom without micromanaging storage.
There is no microSD expansion slot, so the 32GB is the ceiling. Buyers who download a lot of offline content from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video for travel will eventually hit storage limits, at which point the only option is deleting and re-downloading.
Google Ecosystem Integration
91%
For households already using Google Home, Nest speakers, or Android phones, the integration feels cohesive and genuinely useful. Casting from a phone works reliably, and Google Assistant can control the box alongside other smart home devices in a unified routine.
Buyers outside the Google ecosystem — particularly iPhone-centric households or those preferring Alexa — find the integration advantages mostly irrelevant, and some voice assistant functions feel redundant when they already use a different smart speaker platform.
Power Consumption
82%
18%
The compact design draws minimal power compared to a full Android TV set-top box, and users appreciate that it does not noticeably contribute to their electricity bill even with heavy daily use. The included power adapter is compact and unobtrusive.
There is no automatic power-off timer built into the Google TV interface, so users who fall asleep watching content have to remember to manually turn off the box. Standby power draw, while low, is not zero.

Suitable for:

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is a strong fit for anyone whose television is either completely dumb or running a sluggish built-in smart platform that makes every app launch feel like a waiting game. If your household already uses Google Assistant, Chromecast, or Nest devices, this streaming box slots in naturally without requiring any ecosystem juggling. It is also well-suited to cost-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on picture quality — getting Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at this price tier is genuinely unusual, and owners with compatible displays will notice the difference on the right content. WiFi 6 households benefit disproportionately here, as the dual-band radio keeps streams steady even when a dozen other devices are competing for bandwidth. Anyone who bounces between Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other services daily will appreciate how Google TV organizes everything into one coherent interface rather than forcing you to jump between isolated apps.

Not suitable for:

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is not the right call for power users who treat their streaming box as a multitasking hub — the 2GB of RAM is a genuine ceiling that shows up when you are rapidly switching between apps, running a live stream in the background, or pushing the device beyond basic playback. Buyers locked into the Amazon ecosystem, or who rely on Alexa for voice control and smart home routines, will find the Google-centric experience more of a friction point than a feature. If your region has a streaming service lineup that sits outside the standard Google TV Play Store catalog, it is worth double-checking compatibility before purchasing, as some markets have reported limited app availability. Users who want an expandable storage solution will also hit a wall, since there is no microSD slot and the 32GB internal storage, while generous, is a fixed limit. Finally, anyone expecting a plug-and-play experience with zero setup steps should know that a firmware update on first boot is essentially mandatory and adds a few minutes to the initial process.

Specifications

  • Resolution: Supports 4K UHD output at 3840x2160 pixels, running at up to 60 frames per second for smooth high-resolution playback.
  • HDR Support: Compatible with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, delivering expanded contrast and color accuracy on supported displays.
  • Processor: Powered by a Quad-Core CPU running at up to 2.5GHz paired with an ARM G310 V2 GPU for handling navigation and media decoding.
  • RAM: Equipped with 2GB of RAM, sufficient for standard single-app streaming but limited under heavy multitasking scenarios.
  • Storage: Includes 32GB of internal flash storage (ROM) for apps, cached data, and downloaded content.
  • Operating System: Runs Google TV, offering a unified content discovery interface with personalized recommendations and Google Assistant voice control.
  • Audio Output: Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Audio passthrough for compatible soundbars and AV receivers via HDMI.
  • WiFi: Dual-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) covering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for faster, lower-latency wireless connections.
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless headphones, game controllers, and other peripheral devices.
  • HDMI Port: Features a single HDMI 2.1 output port, supporting high-bandwidth video and audio transmission to compatible televisions.
  • USB Port: Includes one USB 2.0 port for connecting external storage drives or other compatible accessories.
  • Screen Mirroring: Supports Google Cast, allowing compatible Android and iOS devices to wirelessly mirror or cast content to the connected display.
  • Remote Control: Ships with a voice remote control powered by 2 AAA batteries, with a dedicated Google Assistant button for hands-free search and control.
  • Dimensions: Measures 95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm, making it one of the more compact box-form streaming devices in its category.
  • Weight: Weighs approximately 91g (3.22 oz), light enough to sit unobtrusively on a shelf or behind most television stands.
  • Power Supply: Comes with a dedicated power adapter included in the box; the unit does not draw power via USB from the television.
  • In-Box Contents: Package includes the streaming box, voice remote control, power adapter, HDMI cable, and a printed user manual.
  • Connectivity Tech: Combines WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, and USB 2.0 in a single compact unit for broad wired and wireless compatibility.

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FAQ

Not at all — that is actually one of the main reasons people buy it. As long as your TV has an available HDMI port, this Google TV dongle will add full smart functionality to any television, regardless of how old or basic it is.

Yes, both are fully supported through the Google TV interface. You can download them directly from the built-in Play Store, and the Google TV home screen will pull in recommendations from both services alongside your other streaming apps.

Honestly, not as much. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are the headline picture quality features, but they only activate on compatible displays. If your TV is HDR10-only or non-HDR, you will still get clean 4K output — just without the enhanced contrast and color depth those formats provide.

For watching Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ one app at a time, 2GB handles things fine. Where you will notice the limitation is if you start jumping between four or five apps in quick succession — occasional reload prompts and brief slowdowns are a known trade-off at this memory level.

If your router supports WiFi 6, the streaming box maintains a more stable, lower-latency connection in households where many devices are online at once. Think of it as being more resilient during peak usage hours rather than dramatically faster in isolation.

Unfortunately, no — there is no microSD card slot on this device. The 32GB is fixed, though it is generous enough for most users to install a solid library of streaming and utility apps without running short under normal use.

Expect a firmware update prompt during the initial setup process. It is not optional and takes around five to fifteen minutes depending on your connection speed. It is worth letting it complete fully before doing anything else, as it resolves early software issues and improves stability.

Yes, Bluetooth 5.2 is on board, so pairing wireless headphones or earbuds is straightforward. It works well for late-night viewing without disturbing others, and the connection is generally stable during playback.

Both are capable 4K streaming devices in a similar price bracket, but the key differences come down to ecosystem and storage. This Xiaomi box runs Google TV instead of Amazon's Fire OS, which is a better fit for Google or Android households, and the 32GB storage gives it a practical edge over the Fire Stick for app-heavy users.

Yes, Google Cast is built in, so you can cast tabs from Chrome, mirror compatible Android apps, or beam content from supported iOS apps directly to your TV. It works the same way as a Chromecast device in that regard.