Gone are the days of hazy videos and switching between pointless channels, and wasting your time. A digital set-top box helps optimize your TV viewing experience. They allow you to customize your catalogue, so the only active channels are the ones you really want to see. Loaded with a bunch of different features, a set-top box will make your life much easier. If you are looking to upgrade your current setup to experience HD content, check out our listicle, which will help you pick any of these best set-top boxes for your TV.
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How Do We Choose the Best Set Top Boxes For You?
A set-top box is a device that caters to the varied entertainment needs of every customer, and hence it is impossible to find a home without it. Whether you want to enjoy daily soaps or a celebrity interview, or a sports match, this box will deliver it all. While there are many setup boxes in the Indian market, you can get your hands on the best ones with a budget of Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,500.
Here are some of the factors that we took into consideration while curating this list of best set-top boxes for you. Make sure you keep them in mind for making an informed decision.
Set Top Box Type
There are three different types of set-top boxes: Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD), and 4K (Ultra HD), whose decision depends upon your specifications. To help you out in decision-making and let you get what you want, we have listed set-top boxes that offer different types. This will help you get everything under one roof.
Service
Service is one of the most important factors When choosing the best set-top boxes. Being a DTH customer, the requirement for customer support service is vital. All the brands we have listed here offer excellent support; hence, they are great options to choose from.
List of the Top 10 Set Top Boxes in India
Tata Sky HD Set Top Box With Basic Package
Get ready to experience 24×7 uninterrupted entertainment with the Tata Sky set-top box. Compatible with all TVs, this set-top box allows you to modify and make your own channel pack to watch what you want. Having this set-top box by Tata Sky, you enjoy the true HD experience with vivid colours and sharper images with its 1080i resolution.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Tata Sky |
Product Dimensions | 5 x 2 x 2 metres |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Weight | 1 kg |
Price | Rs 2,499 |
Batteries Required | No |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Resolution | 1080i |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Tata Sky Set Top Box:
- This set-top box gives you exclusive access to special learning classes across categories like fitness and beauty
- It lets you enjoy all your favourite content in one click, right from western to regional to national channels or more
- Offers all-time, day & night customer support service in 13 languages for excellent device usage
Pros:
- Choice of various channels
- Good picture quality
- Interactive services
- On-demand content
- Durable build
Cons:
- Its user interface might be tricky to use
Why We Picked the Tata Sky Set Top Box?
With HD set-top box by Tata Sky, you can access channels across multiple categories and languages. It is a device that introduces vivid colours and high picture quality for an excellent viewing experience. Also, it offers multiple recharge options and has an excellent reallocation facility that makes it a great choice to buy.
Airtel TV DTH Set Top Box
Get the best theatre-like experience with the Airtel TV set-top box. It comes with HD picture clarity and several amazing features that offers cinema-like sound dynamics at home. You will also get an HDMI cable, dish antenna, and free installation upon purchase from one of the best set-top box companies in India.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Airtel |
Product Dimensions | 30 x 20 x 4 cm |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Weight | 22 kg |
Price | Rs 2,199 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Aspect Ratio | 16:09 |
Resolution | 1080i |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Airtel TV Set-Top Box :
- It has an HD display and supports 1080i resolution, which takes the TV-watching experience to the next level
- Airtel TV service offers a wide range of HD and SD channel options to let you customize your package to your liking
- Comes with a universal remote that lets you control your TV and set-top box using a single remote
Pros:
- Amazing picture quality
- Dolby Surround Sound
- Pause and Record Live TV
- Good customer service
- Affordable DTH plans
Why We Picked the Airtel TV Set-Top Box?
From one of the pioneers of DTH services in India- Airtel, this setup box is one of the finest options. It transmits 400 plus channels in HD quality and provides good control over setup as well as on the TV with a universal remote. Beyond this, the installation of the setup box is hassle-free and is handled by an Airtel executive for a better experience.
Dish TV HD Set Top Box
Dish TV is one of the most trusted Indian brands, and its set-top box is an excellent pick for the utmost high picture quality. The setup box comes with an HDMI cable, dish antenna, and a high-quality remote, offering several multifold benefits. If you speak different languages or prefer multilingual content, then this DTH connection is perfect for you.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Dish TV |
Product Dimensions | 9.3 x 13 x 2 cm |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Weight | 400.01 grams |
Price | Rs 2,398 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | Vietnam |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Resolution | 1080i |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Dish TV HD Set Top Box:
- It offers various channels to cater to the needs of everyone at home, from kids to adults
- Supporting up to 1080p HD resolution, the Dish TV set-top box is compatible with most modern TVs
- This set-top box enables high-quality, clear sound production for a pleasant viewing experience
Pros:
- Universal Remote
- Better picture clarity with HD content
- Exclusive added services
- 5-year warranty on the set-top box
Cons:
- Some channels are expensive
Why We Picked the Dish TV HD Set-Top Box?
An easy-to-use and reliable set-top box, Dish TV HD Set Top Box is free to install the device and features stereo sound for better sound clarity. It also offers a comprehensive customer care program and a 1-month Subscription to the Budget Hindi Pack. The cable it comes with is up to 10 meters long and makes it easy to set up anywhere.
Catvision Set Top Box
Catvision set-top box is another great option to watch over 100 SD and HD channels across multiple categories. It allows you to get better picture quality of SD channels upscaled to HD. This set-top box supports an HDMI cable that lets you connect it to any modern television and enjoy excellent service. Easily one of the best set-top boxes in India, it is a must-to-consider option in this category.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Catvision |
Product Dimensions | 16.5 x 11.5 x 5 cm |
Connector Type | WiFi |
Price | Rs 1,850 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Resolution | 1080P |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Catvision Set Top Box:
- It comes with a universal remote that can copy your TV remote’s IR profile and lets you control both your TV and set-top box
- This set-top box allows you to record your favourite movies and shows on your USB drive using the built-in USB port
- Unlike other set-top boxes, it features parental control to let parents keep an eye on and restrict their child’s dish watching
Pros:
- Wide portfolio of free channels
- Compatible with satellite dishes
- SD and HD channels
- Recording feature
- Compact sized box
Cons:
- The remote response is a little weak
Why We Picked the Catvision Set Top Box?
With simple and straightforward UI, this set-top box by Catvision is easy-to-operate by everyone. It offers an array of channel options for free across multiple categories like movies, sports, entertainment, news, devotional, and more. Also, the set-top box has fast, auto-search, and PVR functionality for uplifting your experience.
Videocon D2H Set Top Box
Offering an aspect ratio of 16:9 with access to over 90 HD channels, the Videocon D2H set-top box makes for a great deal. This set-top box provides clear picture quality similar to the theatre, with surround sound to make your entertainment more enjoyable. Also, it comes with many outstanding features and value-added services to offer you an experience like nowhere else.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Videocon d2h |
Price | Rs 2,499 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Connector Type | HDMI or AV Cable |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Resolution | 1080p |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Videocon D2H Set Top Box:
- The set-top box has an HDMI cable that works with any modern TV and offers 1080p resolution for unmatched quality
- It has a bank of hundreds of SD and HD channels and supports recording to watch later as per preference
- The Videocon D2H set-top box lets you set reminders for your favourite TV shows, so you never miss them
Pros:
- 1080p full-HD picture quality
- Highly functional remote control
- Radio frequency remote control
- High build quality
Cons:
- Signals during rains are not so great
Why We Picked the Videocon D2H Set Top Box?
Videocon D2H Set Top Box is an affordable home device for everyone who is looking for a stylish-looking HD dish. It is a compact, white colour device with a wide range of interactive services like active games, active movies, and more. Also, it has a multilingual guide using which you can select channels per your preferred language.
STC WiFi Digital Satellite HD Set Top Box
Now bring home this HD set-top box by STC and enjoy instant access to all free-to-air channels. It is supported by DVB-S and DVB-S2, which makes it capable of receiving signals from both radio channels as well as TV channels. Without a doubt, this box is perfect for helping you satiate your hunger for ultimate entertainment.
Product Specifications:
Brand | STC |
Product Dimensions | 22 x 21 x 20 cm |
Connector Type | USB, HDMI |
Package Weight | 23 kg |
Price | Rs 1,500 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Resolution | 1080P |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the STC HD Set Top Box:
- This HD set-top box supports various format content like MPEG4, SDTV MPEG-2, and HDTV formats
- Features 2 USB and 1 HDMI port to make it compatible with major TV brands and other devices
- It is an easy-to-operate box that comes with an auto-search function to make using the device much easier
Pros:
- Parental Lock
- 12 months warranty
- Supports HD recording
- 1080p FHD resolution
Cons:
- Dish antenna to be bought separately
Airtel Xstream Box
Turn your normal TV into a smart TV with the Airtel Xstream set-top box. It allows you to switch between live TV and streaming apps seamlessly. It runs on Android TV 9.0 OS, offering you a plethora of apps and games from the Google Play Store, taking your entertainment experience a notch higher.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Airtel |
Product Dimensions | 30 x 30 x 30 cm |
Connector Type | Bluetooth, HDMI |
Price | Rs 1,500 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Aspect Ratio | 16:09 |
Resolution | 1080 i |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Airtel Xstream Box :
- It supports Dolby 5.1-channel surround sound technology, giving you a cinematic experience at home
- The set-top box allows you to voice search anything on your TV through the built-in Google Assistant app
- With this Airtel 4K set-top box, you can turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote control to navigate and command
- It has a built-in Chromecast that lets you enjoy online searches on television using your mobile device
Pros:
- Catalogue of Android apps
- Cast your mobile screen on the TV
- Supports 4K content on 4K TVs
- Smart universal remote
Cons:
- Google Assistance works a little slow
Dilos 1818 SDH2 HD Set-Top Box
This Set-Top Box is another pick that you won’t regret. It is a Wi-Fi-compatible set-top box that is fully compliant with DVB-S2 reception standards for enhanced user experience. This set-top box has an intelligent graphical user interface design that is not just great to use but also easy to operate. For ultimate entertainment, check out this set-top box and have fun.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Dilos |
Product Dimensions | 9 x 9 x 3 cm |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Weight | 0.5 kg |
Price | Rs 999 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | None |
HDMI Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Media Format | MPEG |
Resolution | 1080 FHD |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Dilos 1818 SDH2 HD Set-Top Box:
- It is a sturdy, durable set-top box that is made with high-quality plastic PVC material and has a long life
- This device is compatible with smartphones that let you play YouTube, movies, and more right from your device
- The set-top box by Solid has the capacity to store wide thousands of channels and Transponders
Pros:
- Blind search function
- High-frequency range
- Up to 1080 FHD resolution
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 150+ channels
Tata Sky HD Set Top Box With Dhamaal Mix
With an aim to provide users with a stunning HD watching experience, this Tata Sky Set-Top Box offers 1080i resolution picture clarity and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This device is powered by MPEG4 compression technology and can telecast a minimum of 24 HD channels. Also, it comes with 3 years warranty that will ensure long-time usage with fewer worries.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Tata Sky |
Product Dimensions | 28 x 0.1 x 11 cm |
Price | Rs 4,999 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Resolution | 1080 i |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Tata Sky HD Set Top Box With Dhamaal Mix:
- It is a 3D-compatible device that has a plethora of special channels like active stories, active games, active cooking, etc.
- Features vivid colours, sharper images, and stunning surround sound for an unforgettable HD television experience
- Installation of this Tata Sky Set-Top Box is free-of-cost and is done by an authorized, knowledgeable Tata Sky technician
Pros:
- Excellent customer service
- Good picture quality
- 100+ SD channels
- Easy-to-navigate channels
Cons:
- UI can be a little tricky to use
Dish TV dishSMRT Hub
Dish TV dishSMRT Hub is an Android TV-based set-top box that is worth upgrading. Along with regular TV channels, it provides access to various apps and games and lets you download more from Google Playstore. This set-top box also comes with an in-built Chromecast with which you can cast anything via your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or else.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Dish TV |
Product Dimensions | 18 x 10 x 4 cm |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Weight | 0.5 kg |
Price | Rs 3,635 |
Batteries Required | No |
Available USB Ports | 1 |
Country of Origin | India |
Resolution | 1080i |
Remote Control Included | Yes |
Prominent Features of the Dish TV dishSMRT Hub:
- Supported with Google Assistant Voice Search, which makes discovering content much easier
- The set-top box has 8 GB of internal memory storage that is used for downloading apps and storing updates
- You can create up to 5 profiles that will allow every person to personalize their content recommendations
Pros:
- WiFi and Bluetooth support
- Voice search remote
- Wide compatibility
- Customizable home screen
Cons:
- Comes at a high price tag
Final Word
A set-top box is a small and simple device that provides access to a wide array of channels to fulfil all your entertainment needs. It also comes with multiple features and lets you record your favourite show to catch up later. While all the mentioned set-top boxes on the list are perfect for transforming your regular TV time into theatre-like HD entertainment, our personal favourite is Tata Sky Set-Top Box which is affordable, easily available and has excellent features. Do let us know which one grabbed your interest and is on your bucket list to buy next.
Jio Fiber set-top box is a highly requested product, but it is not available for purchase on Amazon.in or other websites. However, you can avail of a connection by placing a request on the toll-free number 1800-896-9999 or email ID JioFiberCare@jio.com. The price for the Jio set-top box will be Rs 3,999 (including GST).
FAQs
Which set-top box is best in India?
While all the above-mentioned set-top boxes are worth considering, the ones from Tata Sky and Airtel are the best, according to public reviews.
Is Tata Sky free?
No. Tata Sky set-top box comes at a price. However, it offers free access to channels for the first month of set-top purchases.
Is a set-top box better than smart TV?
Smart TV is a great choice for streaming OTT platforms; however, if you wish to access TV channels, you can add a set-top box to it. This will widen your options and uplift your experience.
What is the advantage of a set-top box?
A set-top box is a great choice to enhance your entertainment experience. It offers choices between different providers and allows you to filter down the content you wish to consume. Also, it offers the best quality pictures and high-definition videos while keeping you away from disturbance and inconvenience.
Why Trust CashKaro Reviews?
Highly experienced and qualified researchers of CashKaro work hard to provide readers with the best market recommendations. They study and test different products on multiple factors to create a trustworthy list. For the best set-top boxes in India, we have considered factors like availability, build quality, installation, DTH packages, price, and more. Our aim with these suggestions is to assist you in making an informed decision.