The easiest way to get streaming on a TV, monitor or any other display is a streaming stick or a media box, both offering super compact miniature computers that can handle most streaming tasks you throw at them.

But what to get? Both objects are forks of the same tech but come with some key differences that make them suited to certain applications or budgets.

Thankfully, tech giant Xiaomi has you covered on both fronts so we can compare the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and the second-generation Xiaomi TV Box S to see what’s what.

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick

What is it? A TV stick that is so small you could easily confuse it for a USB drive or a Bluetooth adapter. Connect it to a free HDMI port on your TV and it’s instantly hidden away, powering your display with a new Android media platform.
Who is it for? Anyone looking for smart 1080p streaming and content creation experience that you can take with you.
How much does it cost? The South African RRP is just R949.
Where can I get it? Takealot, Incredible Connection, HiFi, Game and Makro.

Years ago, the entire concept of a product like the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick was pure science fiction. An entire, powerful computer packed into a 30g body that can fit into your pocket? Impossible. Even more unthinkable is that a device like this can instantly bring any TV with an HDMI port, no matter how old, into the present day as it takes on the heavy duty of the operating system with tried-and-true Android TV.

But as we head into 2024 this tech is not only here, it’s also as strong as ever and, thanks to Xiaomi’s competitive localised pricing, it’s unbelievably cheap.

Pick up the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick for less than a grand from your local retailer of choice, plug it in and get going with the included remote for endless streaming with high quality thanks to features such as DTS and Dolby HD audio. Because this is an Android platform, all the best streaming services are supported out of the box and you can bring Google Assistant with you, adding to the sci-fi feeling of the entire package.

And again, we have to comment that this package is tiny at under 30 grams and measuring in at 9.2x3x1.5cm. As phones get bigger and bigger, poking out of pockets around the world, it’s nice to see tech that is still truly pocketable.

Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd generation)

What is it? A media box that brings full 4k enjoyment to the lounge, office, classroom or anywhere else complete with extra Android features and functionality.
Who is it for? Those who want to go above the standard HD and on to 4K to enjoy movies, TV and more at the highest resolution, all without breaking the bank.
How much does it cost? The South African RRP is just R1 199.
Where can I get it? Takealot, Incredible Connection, HiFi, Game and Makro.

Want something a bit bigger, a bit beefier and able to do 4K? The second-generation Xiaomi TV Box S offers exactly that along with Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Other media boxes from less competent companies will sell media boxes that technically achieve 4K but leave off these important features which are paramount to a quality viewing experience, but not Xiaomi.

Xiaomi doesn’t leave audio behind either, with DTS-HD and Dolby Atmos to recreate movies and TV as faithfully as possible, as the creators of that content intended.

Outside the world of Hollywood, you can enjoy any content you want on the Xiaomi TV Box S thanks to the built-in Chromecast.

Simply cast the content of your choice from your phone or tablet and it will display on anything that the Xiaomi TV Box S is connected to. You can enjoy the bigger screen for a more complete experience for those movies and TV shows, but also for YouTube content and even gaming. If you love mobile games but screen size can occasionally be an issue, consider this as an alternative.

Despite the second-generation Xiaomi TV Box S being the larger of the two devices discussed, it’s still smaller than you think – it weighs just 142g and measures in at 9.5×9.5×1.7cm. While it may peek out of a pocket, it’s still small enough to take with you with no issues or, better yet, hide it away in a more permanent position.

Those who love minimalist setups for their TVs will also love this small size as it can effortlessly hide away behind the TV itself, although it’s already so small and hard to spot in its smart black body that you may not need to hide it.