When comparing Recalbox vs Android TV, the Slant community recommends Recalbox for most people. In the question“What is the best Linux Distribution for gaming?” Recalbox is ranked 1st while Android TV is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Recalbox is:
It has a simple and easy to use UI.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Easy user interface
It has a simple and easy to use UI.
Pro PLUG & PLAY - if you boot on it, it works
- It can be portable and ready to use.
- You can dual boot (wiki support for dual booting.)
- Updates and support by the community.
Pro Easy to configure
Almost all configuration are done via user interface.
Pro Faster
Build on top of buildroot, the system only have the necessary services to run.
Pro Custom EmulationStation built for Recalbox
EmulationStation is customized to fit Recalbox features, making the configuration a lot easier.
Pro Easy to use
It is bare and easy to use.
Pro Sideloading of apps
You can sideload apps.
Pro Can run Android apps
It can run all Android apps, however, you might need a mouse.
Pro Built-in Chromecast
Android TV has Chromecast built-in.
Cons
Con Toxic community
If you're not French, they will make zero effort to help you. Switch to Batocera, their community is miles ahead from Recalbox.
Con Needs the whole disk
There is no option to install the system in dual-boot with another OS on one hard disk drive.
Con Your privacy is for sale with this solution
A lot of data is collected about what you are watching - depending on your TV - your voice is recorded (if it has a microphone) or you are observed watching TV (if it has a camera). That data is sent to the manufacturer, Google and 3rd party companies that you never even heard of. This is all done by presenting you a wall of lawyer-gibberish that no one reads and everyone just agrees to because all they wanna do is watch TV.