🟢AndroidTV (ATV) - Certified 🚀🚀🚀
Nothing like the regular Android box Operating system you may have tried in the past. Very interactive homepage,  Google Assistant, and Voice features. This device is Certified meaning it can run any app or subscription service from the Google Playstore as well as any 3rd party apps. External devices using AndroidTV operating system are the single best option available to streamers as most have 4GB of RAM as opposed to 1 GB and 2 GB that sticks and TV operating systems use.
⏩️You may see boxes out there now using AndroidTV(ATV) operating system,  but look for the certification especially if you need to run Netflix on it.
These came out in 2020 and are still made today from select quality manufacturers.
🟢Android Box ( Regular)🚀🚀
Will be fine those looking to run basic apps as well as 3rd party apps. As regular model Android boxes aren't certified, you will have trouble with most subscription services...navigation,  picture quality, and even compatibility.  Most are 4G
These came out in 2014 and are still being made today using Android 14 and 15 - the mimic cellphone operating system and not a true TV operating system.- Beware of clones 
🟢Google TV ( GTV) 🚀🚀
The Google TV operating system is available on certain boxes, sticks, and built-in into TVs. Google TV is basically like AndroidTV except catered more towards those who specifically use subscription services.  The homepage is cluttered with BuyNow service options.....They can run 3rd party apps, but not easily accessible.  Also, performance is limited to 1 and 2GB of RAM.
🟠Firestick/ FireTV
This is a cheap and widely used option for basic streaming.  They are simple for those using to use mainly subscription services and limited to 2GB of RAM. No option to hardwire your internet out of the box. 
As of summer 2025, most model sticks now have firmware on them which renders 3rd party apps useless. Therefore not an option for those serious about streaming. 
🔴RokuTV or AppleTV Devices 
Not streamer-friendly in the world of Android.  Have to purchase everything you want to use and lacks the unlimited app options that Android or Google would have.
🟢Raspberry Pi / Nvidia 🚀🚀🚀
You can get the Android or AndroidTV platform to run using these options...more for advanced users and requires customization