Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen: The Budget 4K Streamer That Punches Above Its Weight in 2025

Price & Accessibility in Context

Xiaomi’s official pricing sits near $62 on Amazon US, though discounted as low as $49 on AliExpress, especially in Europe and Asia TechRadar. This undercuts the listing price of Chromecast, while delivering superior HDR and audio tech.

Google certification is a major plus. Users get access to verified apps, firmware updates, and regular support—unlike many cheap clones without official licensing DignitedXiaomi.

Upside Performance Meets Real-World Use

Users praise the polished UI and responsiveness. Amazon reviews mention fast app launches and image quality that feels sharper than expected at this price point. One review noted the voice‑control remote can even adjust TV volume via HDMI‑CEC Reddit+2Amazon+2Stuff South Africa+2.

Reddit threads reveal a nuanced story: while some say “Does not recognize my exFAT/NTFS USB drive,” others counter that exFAT support works, apps can be sideloaded, and device performance remains snappy post‑update Reddit. Another user confirmed fluent playback from USB drives and sideloaded apps.

Idle power draws hover around 3–4 W, with peaks under 7 W making it highly efficient for extended use.

However, some setup issues arise: certain users report audio glitches in HDMI passthrough unless they manually set PCM, and the lack of a hardware reset button forces manual resets via the UI. Also, automatic framerate switching is absent, which may affect playback of cinematic content on some TVs.

Smart-Home Integration in Actual Households

In smart-home environments, this device shines. Built-in Google Assistant controls streaming and other home devices: “Hey Google, play Stranger Things on Netflix” loads in seconds with 4K visuals and immersive audio. Smart routines can include streaming triggers or voice macros.

Users also deploy Plex and Kodi servers over Wi‑Fi, leveraging Xiaomi’s ability to decode VP9 and AV1 in cloud apps. Media files with bitrates up to 100 Mbps play smoothly from USB or network shares XiaomiDignited.

For those upgrading older TVs or smart setups on a budget, this meets user needs for voice, visuals, and ease-of-use.

Drawbacks Worth Considering

– Not all models include Wi‑Fi 6—half remain on Wi‑Fi 5, limiting futureproofing.

– No built-in Ethernet: wired users must use USB-to‑Ethernet adapters.

– Only 2 GB RAM restricts heavy multitaskers or gamers.

– No automatic framerate matching, which some viewing experiences demand.

– Several users report audio inconsistencies unless sound settings are tweaked manually.

Market Trends & Future Prospects

TechRadar’s 2025 roundup lists Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) as the “budget pick”—praising its sleek design and feature set, but noting the missing Ethernet port and AV1 codec absence compared to next-gen boxes TechRadarElHuffPost+14TechRadar+14Dignited+14.

With global smart-home adoption rising—Statista notes over 72 % of U.S. households now use streaming hubs with voice assistants—the Xiaomi Box fits perfectly into entry-level automated setups without forcing unnecessary complexity.

If Xiaomi continues firmware support and brings future codecs or optional memory upgrades, it could remain viable for years.

Final Reflections on Value and Experience

At around $60, the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen delivers Dolby Vision, Atmos, Google TV, smart-home voice control, and casting flexibility—features rare at this price level.

Yes, it has its quirks: limited RAM, lack of Ethernet, audio settings to tweak. But for homes wanting reliable streaming and Google Assistant integration on a budget, this is a standout choice in 2025.

For those wanting speed and voice control in one box, it’s hard to beat in 2025. Not flawless, but for anyone leaning into smart living, it’s a strong pick this year.