Best Legal Kodi Box 2023

Kodi is one of the most popular media center software options available. The free, open-source, cross-platform home theatre PC (HTPC) program boasts a ton of functionality. From extraordinary local file playback and networked media capabilities to a vast library of streaming add-ons, it’s a versatile HTPC app. While Kodi runs extremely well on laptops and desktops, it’s a great addition to any living room media center. Check out the best legal Kodi box options in 2023!

What is Kodi and is Kodi Legal?

Kodi is a cross-platform, free, open-source HTPC program. Originally, the Kodi project began as Xbox Media Center, or XBMC, a media player that ran exclusively on the original Microsoft Xbox. In 2014, XBMC rebranded as Kodi since it added support for a variety of devices besides the Xbox. You can run Kodi on virtually any device you can think of, from Android and iOS phones and tablets to Linux, Windows, and macOS computers, single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, game consoles such as the Xbox One, and a whole host of gadgets.

At its core, Kodi provides a lush interface for organizing your personal media collection of digitized movies, TV shows, music files, and photos. You can add media from various locations such as local and networked drives. Further, Kodi boasts an impressive set of add-ons that are similar to apps you would install on a Roku, Android TV box, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV device. In turn, Kodi add-ons let you stream from a variety of different sources. While some Kodi add-ons hail from developers, like the Plex for Kodi add-on, others are third-part community-developed apps.

Is Kodi Legal?

Kodi has risen in popularity and, albeit unfairly, notoriety. Many questions arose as to whether Kodi is legal. And, just like a web browser or BitTorrent client, Kodi in and of itself is completely legal. Simply put, it’s a media player engineered for organizing and displaying audio, video, and pictorial content. Load up a bunch of vinyl, CD, or DVD and Blu-ray rips, then enjoy your entire media collection in a gorgeous, customizable library. I run Kodi on several devices and have the Kodi Windows 10 app installed on my Windows 10 home theatre PC (HTPC) for organizing my library of DVD and Blu-ray rips along with my music collection.

While all add-ons in the official Kodi repository are completely legal, there are illegal streaming Kodi add-ons from third-party repositories. But just like a torrent client or even a web browser can be used for legal or illicit purposes, so too can Kodi. And the Kodi team has taken a hard anti-piracy stance. When selecting a Kodi TV box, look for one that comes without any add-ons pre-installed. Some might feature a standalone vanilla version of Kodi already installed, or others might require you to download Kodi on your own.

Is Kodi legal: Yes, absolutely. What’s more, the team over at Kodi has taken a hard stance against piracy.

What is a legal Kodi box: A legal Kodi box is one that comes with or without Kodi preloaded, and no pirate streaming add-ons pre-installed.

Best Legal Kodi Box Overall – OSMC Vero 4K+

The OSMC Vero 4K+ is a superb legal Kodi box. Hailing from Open Source Media Centre, or OSMC, a just-enough standalone Kodi operating system (OS), it’s an excellent streaming set-top box. The Vero 4K+ comes pre-loaded with Kodi. Just add your own digital media library, download some add-ons, and you’re ready to go.

As the name suggests, the OSMC Vero 4K+ outputs 4K video. There’s 4K 10-bit HDR playback with support for H.265/VP9 videos. Boasting 192Khz PCM 7.1 channel bit-perfect passthrough of audio formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and DTS-HD Master Audio, the Vero 4K+ ensures an audiophile-caliber experience to match its excellent picture quality.

On the connectivity side, the Vero 4K+ is incredibly well endowed. There’s Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. Onboard IR and RF receivers ensure compatibility with universal remotes, although its included candybar remote is fantastic. 16GB of eMMC storage and 2GB of DDR3 RAM provide a solid hardware foundation.

A set of USB 2.0 ports, as well as a microSD card slot, let you connect external storage devices for local file playback. HDMI 2.0 with CEC lets you control the Vero 4K+ with your TV remote. And its 3.5mm analog audio output, as well as optical SPDIF audio out further, round out its robust feature set.

Because the Vero 4K+ comes with OSMC onboard, it’s a good Kodi TV device that’s ready to use out-of-the-box. 4K video output is top-notch. With a tiny footprint, the Vero 4K+ fits in any media centre with ease and even mounts to the back of a television or monitor. But that’s all the Vero does: run Kodi. If you don’t need any other functionality, the Vero 4K+ is a nifty choice. Otherwise, look elsewhere. For most people simply looking to use Kodi, the OSMC Vero 4K+ is the best streaming device for Kodi.

Pros:

• Just-enough Kodi operating system OSMC pre-installed
• 4K HDR video output
• 16GB eMMC, 2GB DDR3 RAM
• H.265/VP9 video support, 192Khz PCM 7.1 channel bit-perfect passthrough, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and DTS-HD Master Audio compatibility
• Excellent connectivity (USB, HDMI with CEC, Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SPDIF, RF, and IR sensors)
• Small footprint
• Ready to use Kodi out-of-the-box

Cons:

• Only runs Kodi

Best Android TV Box for Kodi – Nvidia Shield TV Pro

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV streaming box for Kodi, and arguably the top streaming media player on the planet. With a true version of Android TV, it’s a premium device. Nvidia graces its Shield TV Pro with a beefy Tegra X1+ processor for exquisite 4K high dynamic range (HDR) video playback. There’s Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos output, plus a unique artificial intelligence (AI) 4K upscaler for 1080p content.

Connectivity is excellent. The Shield TV Pro packs in dual-band AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a pair of USB 3.0 ports. There’s 16GB of internal storage space paired with 3GB of RAM. And it’s capable of running 64-bit Android apps. As such, the Shield TV Pro is a fantastic choice for retro gaming emulation as well as native Android gaming or in-home game streaming. The Android TV Kodi app runs like a champ on the Shield TV Pro. You can install add-ons, playback media from a connected harddrive or flash drive, and even networked media. If you’re looking for an all-around good multimedia and gaming experience, the Shield TV Pro handles Kodi and anything else you throw at it like a champ.

Pros:

• True Android TV OS
• Powerful Nvidia Tegra X1+ processor
• 4K HDR with AI upscaling
• Excellent HDR implementation including Dolby Vision
• Dolby Atmos audio support
• Runs 64-bit Android apps
• Kodi available via Android TV app
• Suitable for game streaming, native Android gaming, emulation
• Can be used as a Plex server and client
• 16GB storage, 3GB RAM

Cons:

• Expensive
• Lacks microSD or SD card slot
• No HDR for YouTube (software, not hardware limitation)
• Only 16GB onboard storage (expandable via USB)

Best Kodi Android TV Box for Most Users – Nvidia Shield TV

Although the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a great buy for power users, the Nvidia Shield TV is a worthy consideration for the average user. Opting for a dongle-style form factor, the Nvidia Shield is smaller than the Shield TV Pro variant. Nevertheless, both units feature the exact same Tegra X1+ chip, Dolby Vision and Atmos capabilities, plus 4K HDR and AI upscaling. Dual-band AC Wi-Fi and Ethernet come standard. There’s an HDMI output and in lieu of USB ports, the vanilla Shield TV features a microSD card slot.

Unlike the Shield Pro, the Shield TV lacks USB connectivity. Furthermore, it touts 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space, a slight decrease from the 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage in the Shield TV Pro. And the non-pro Nvidia Shield TV is limited to 32-bit apps rather than 64-bit. For using Kodi, as well as streaming videos and music from the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify, the Shield TV should be fine. However, certain native Android games and even a few emulators such as the Dolphin emulator won’t run. Still, if you’re mostly interested in running Kodi and streaming videos or music, the Nvidia Shield TV is a good Kodi Android TV box.

Pros:

• Powerful Tegra X1+ processor
• 2GB RAM, 8GB storage
• 4K HDR with AI upscaling
• Excellent HDR implementation including Dolby Vision
• Dolby Atmos audio support
• True Android TV OS
• Kodi available via Android TV app
• microSD card slot

Cons:

• No USB connectivity
• Can’t run 64-bit Android apps
• YouTube HDR not available (software limitation, not hardware limitation)

Best Kodi Player on a Budget – Chromecast With Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV is a good cheap Android TV box. In my testing, I enjoyed its superb user-interface that unifies different apps. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support is top-notch, and despite its modest specs the Chromecast with Google TV punches well above its weight class buttery smooth 4K ultra HD video output. Since the Chromecast with Google TV runs Android TV, you can install the Kodi for Android TV app easily.

Unfortunately, the Chromecast is a bit lacking in connectivity. There’s a sole HDMI port and a USB-C power jack. No external storage options such as microSD or USB are built-in. What’s more, the paltry 8GB of onboard storage tends to fill up pretty quickly, even with just a handful of streaming apps. However, you can add a USB-C dongle which, depending on what dongle you’re using, adds more inputs/outputs (I/O) such as USB ports, microSD card slots, or even Ethernet. Overall, despite a few drawbacks, the Chromecast with Google TV is an awesome budget Kodi box.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Runs Android TV
• Android TV Kodi app available
• 4K video output with Dolby Vision HDR
• Dolby Atmos audio support
• Compatible with many different USB-C hubs for adding USB, microSD/SD card slots, Ethernet, and more I/O

Cons:

• Limited storage space
• No USB ports or microSD card/SD card slots
• Lacks Ethernet

Best Kodi Box for Gamers – Xbox Series X

Although Kodi is no longer Xbox Media Centre or XBMC, an Xbox Series X Kodi app retains its XBMC roots. The Xbox Series X is a powerful console. Handling 4K gaming with aplomb, the Xbox Series X doubles as a spectacular multimedia hub. You can download tons of streaming video and music apps such as Netflix, Sling, and of course Kodi. What’s more, the Xbox Series X features a 4K Ultra HD (UHD) Blu-ray drive making it a versatile 4K UHD Blu-ray player. Unfortunately, the Xbox Series lacks Dolby Vision HDR for 4K Blu-rays, though Netflix will play with Dolby Vision. If you’re looking primarily for a device to run Kodi, the Xbox Series X is overkill. But its ability to game, stream from a bevy of apps, and its Kodi compatibility, the Xbox Series X is a superb 4K Kodi box for gamers.

Pros:

• Great for gaming
• Plays 4K UHD Blu-rays, standard Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs
• Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos support
• Kodi available as an app
• Lots of streaming apps available
• Nostalgia factor of taking Kodi back to its XBMC roots

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision Blu-ray support, only for Netflix
• Can’t play discs in Kodi
• Expensive

Best Android Box for Kodi – Beelink GS-King X

Although the Beelink GS-King X runs Android, not Android TV, it’s a unique HTPC option. At its core, the GS-King X is powered by a beastly Amlogic S992X-H processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage. In addition to its onboard storage, the Beelink can take up to two 3.5-inch desktop hard drives for as much as 32TB of storage space. Therefore, you can store your entire movie, TV show, and music collection in one location and organize your media with Kodi for Android.

Aside from its Kodi compatibility, the GS-King X can handle native Android gaming and retro gaming emulation extremely well. Connectivity is mind-blowing. You’ll find an HDMI output, SPDIF audio out, four USB ports, Ethernet jack, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RCA outputs, an analog headphone jack, and a pair of balance output ports.

Disappointingly, since it’s not an official Android TV box, the Beelink GS-King X can’t handle 1080p Netflix. That’s a software, not hardware, limitation. You can install the Kodi Android app, but the Beelink comes with an 8GB microSD card with Kodi operating system (OS) CoreELEC loaded up. It’s a pricey device, however the Beelink GS-King X doubles as a network-attached storage (NAS), making it the best device for Kodi HTPC and home media server use.

Pros:

• Doubles as a NAS for up to 32TB of storage space
• 64GB storage, 4GB RAM
• Powerful Amlogic S992X-H processor
• Kodi available via Android app or CoreELEC
• Comes with just-enough Kodi OS CoreELEC on a microSD card
• Great for native Android gaming and emulation
• Can hold your media collection locally
• Fantastic connectivity (HDMI, RCA outputs, analog headphone jack, SPDIF, balance output ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi)

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not true Android TV

Best DIY Legal Kodi Box – Raspberry Pi

If you want to go the completely do-it-yourself (DIY) route, the Raspberry Pi makes an incredible, cost-effective Kodi streaming solution. There are several different Raspberry Pi models to choose from, including the Pi Zero and Zero W all the way up through the Pi 4. For a basic 1080p setup, the Pi Zero and Zero W should be fine. Snag the Pi 4 is you want to step up to 4K video streaming. It’s a super affordable option, with the caveat that you need to install everything from scratch.

With a slew of standalone Kodi operating systems including LibreELEC, OSMC, Xbian, RetroPie, Recalbox, Batocera, and RaspEX, the Pi lends a ton of flexibility. You could even install your preferred Raspberry Pi Linux or Android operating system, then run a Kodi app on top of that.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Fun to build
• Very customizable
• Lots of options for installing Kodi (LibreELEC, OSMC, Xbian, RetroPie, Recalbox, Batocera, RaspEX, roll-your-own Kodi Raspberry Pi HTPC)
• Small footprint
• Energy efficient

Cons:

• Completely DIY build

Best Kodi Box FAQs

Best Legal Kodi Box 2023 – Final Thoughts

While media server software such as Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin is incredibly popular, Kodi remains an easy means of transforming any device into a thriving HTPC. From its ability to handle virtually any video or audio file you throw at it to a fertile streaming add-on landscape, Kodi is a must-use for any serious media aficionados.

If you’re looking for a legal Kodi box in 2023, there are tons of options. The Chromecast with Google TV is a nifty solution that won’t break the bank, while the Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro are hands-down the best streaming media players on the planet. If you want to go the DIY route, the Raspberry Pi runs Kodi like a champ. And the Vero 4K+ boasts a user-friendly out-of-the-box Kodi experience.

Your turn: What legal Kodi media streamers do you recommend?