WHAT TO LOOK FOR

CONTENT PLATFORMS SUPPORTED

Does it support the streaming service you use, and if so, at what resolution? Some boxes that claim to support 4K won’t necessarily output 4K for all content options.

NETWORK OPTIONS

Wi-Fi is considered par for the course on the latest media boxes, but check that it supports the newer 802.11ac standard for faster buffering. Also consider an Ethernet port if you want to stream in 4K reliably.

REMOTE CONTROL

Almost all boxes come with a remote control (the Chromecast range being the notable exception). It’s worth checking that volume controls are on the remote to make it easy to adjust sound output.

ALTERNATIVE CONTROL OPTIONS

Thus far the Apple TV is the only box that supports voice control, but some boxes let you download a remote control app – handy when the physical one goes walk about.

CONNECTION OPTIONS

HDMI is standard, but an optical audio port gives you more flexibility in your home entertainment support. If your TV is too old to have an HDMI port, you’ll need a box that has an analogue TV port.

MOBILE DEVICE CONNECTIVITY

Built-in Miracast or AirPlay functionality enables you to mirror your smartphone or tablet’s screen onto the TV – handy if you want to play content that isn’t natively supported by the media box.

APP SUPPORT

The ‘smarter’ the box, the more likely it is to support downloadable apps, which can significantly extend the functionality of the media box – and by extension, your TV.

FORM FACTOR

The media boxes on test came in all shapes and sizes, and it’s worth considering where you’ll place them relative to your TV. This is especially relevant for TVs that are wall- or ceiling-mounted.

BUILT IN TV TUNER

If you still watch a lot of free-to-air TV, having a TV tuner built into the media box means you can still watch those shows without having to use up your internet downloads.