When comparing SteamOS vs Android TV, the Slant community recommends SteamOS for most people. In the question“What are the best operating systems for a Home Theatre PC?” SteamOS is ranked 4th while Android TV is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose SteamOS is:
The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Native graphics processor support
The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.
Pro Streaming service integration (under development)
Valve is in talks with streaming companies such as Spotify and Netflix to bring their features to SteamOS.
Pro For entertainment, it just works
What media center software do for videos, it does for games (and later videos).
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 Hard to install
If you've installed Arch you're probably fine, but for those used to simple installs like (Ubuntu to name just one) you should prepare some patience, determination, and painkillers. Good news is, it's getting better (it's very young).
Con Not built around the desktop experience
SteamOS is, first and foremost, meant to act as a gaming console - it doesn't ship with even some of the most basic applications, such as a file manager or image viewer. As a result, using SteamOS as your primary operating system would require a fair bit of work.
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.