A Comparison Guide For The Best Android Set-top Box

With the introduction of OTT platforms and having the ability to record shows or movies to watch at a later time, cable TV has taken a step back. While most Smart TVs offer these features, they’re usually extremely expensive. However, finding a sizable market, most DTH providers offer an Android set-top box that addresses this issue.

Using an Android Set-top Box, customers are able to get the best of DTH services plus Internet services on your TV with a minimal additional cost per month. Many DTH companies have now introduced Android Set-top boxes that can make your regular TV nothing short of a SmartTV!

These boxes have a bunch of benefits and features like Bluetooth connectivity, Chromecast, OTT apps, etc. But, If you are confused about which Android box to go for, our comparison guide will help you. Below we have compared Android boxes from DTH giants like Tata Sky, DishTV, and Airtel.

Tata Sky Vs DishTV Vs Airtel DTH

Below is a tabular summary of the comparison between all 3 Android Set-top Boxes:

Tata Sky (Tata Play) Android Set-Top Box

Tata Sky Binge+ is India’s 2nd Generation Hybrid DTH set-top box based on the Google Android TV platform. This Android-based Tata Sky Binge 4K set-top box comes with 2GB RAM and 8GB internal memory. You can watch linear channels (broadcasted via satellite) and OTT content via the internet. benefits from the ease of choosing and switching between broadcast and OTT apps on the same set-top box.

OTT apps include Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Curiosity Stream, Eros Now, Sun NXT, Hungama Play, ShemarooMe, EpicOn, and Docubay. You can also access services like YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and a lot more along with regular DishTo Home service. Binge+ also has a built-in Chromecast which allows you to cast any show, movies, music, etc., from your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone onto your TV.

You can install apps via Google PlayStore. It has a Bluetooth remote control that also has a voice search feature that allows you to search content by simply speaking into your remote. Tata Sky Binge+ allows you to choose from various Apps and Games available on the Google Play store to satisfy your gamer needs. You can now use your phone as a smart controller for playing games. You don’t need the internet to access DTH services.

Tata Sky Binge+ PriceThe price of Tata Sky Binge+ is Rs. 2499 for New and Rs. 1999 for Upgrade & Multi TV Acquisitions. You need to pay Rs. 299 additionally post-free offer period to keep enjoying Binge+ services.

Tata Sky Binge+ OffersGet Android STB + Premium 12 OTT apps + 1 Month Amazon Prime at no extra cost on Tata Sky Binge+

DishTV Android Set-Top Box

DishTV’s Android TV-based Internet-connected set-top box is called DishSMRT HUB and comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory. You can download different apps & operating system updates via the Google Play Store.

It also includes a Bluetooth remote which has an inbuilt voice search option. Another feature is that you can make Multiple profiles much like streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video which allow you to personalize your desired content. It also has two USB ports for recording content.

The preloaded apps on the set-top box include Prime Video, ZEE5, SonyLIV, Alt Balaji, Hungama, and Watcho. You can also use your mobile to control the Android box.

DishSMRT HUB PriceThe DishSMRT Hub Android Set-top-box price in India is Rs. 2499.

Airtel Digital Android Set-Top Box

Airtel Digital’s Android Set-Top box is called Airtel Xstream Box. With every Airtel Xstream Box, you get a free 3-month subscription to the content on the Airtel Xstream app. The Airtel Xstream 4K set-top box for TV comes with 8GB internal memory. You can watch regular DTH channels as well as OTT content.

Airtel's OTT apps include Netflix, Disney + Hotstar, Sony Liv, Zee5, etc. Like other Android boxes, Xstream Box also comes with a built-in Chromecast which allows you to share a laptop/mobile device screen on your TV.

Airtel Xstream Box PriceThe Price of Xstream Box is Rs. 2150. However, if you want to Upgrade your box then you will get it for Rs. 2050.

Airtel Xstream Box Offer

Airtel has 3 upgradation offers for DTH users:

• Hotstar Flex and Zee5 for 12 Months for Rs.999 (Box Price) + Rs.250 (Installation Charges)
• An Amazon Prime subscription costs Rs.1,499 a year, which is included in the price of the box.
• Hotstar Flex costs Rs.899 a year, which is included in the price of the box (Installation Charges)

The above offer is valid in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Panchkula, Chandigarh, Mohali only.

Tata Sky Vs DishTV Vs Airtel DTH: Customer Care

Below is a tabular summary with the customer care information for each provider:

Based on the comparison above, it’s evident that while all the providers are unique in their own ways, the features they offer are quite similar. For example, while all three providers offer 8 GB internal memory, only Tata Sky also supports an SD card. Using the SD card, Tata Sky subscribers can expand their memory to a whopping 128 GB! Similarly, while Tata Sky & DishTV offer 2GB RAM, DishTV only offers 1 GB.

Most likely, these small nuances may not be enough to drastically sway your decision, however, the one deciding factor that could help you decide is cost. If we compare the price of these Android Set-top boxes, Airtel seems to be the least expensive option. So, if budget is your deciding factor, Airtel is the clear winner.

That being said, if you’re looking for more information about the various DTH providers, including those not covered in this article, like D2H and Sun Direct, keep reading Selectra!