PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: A Solid Android TV Box with Strong Specs

In this PROBOX2 Air Plus review, I’ve tested out this Android TV box to see how it performs in media playback, movie streaming and more. Is the PROBOX2 Air Plus worth it? Keep reading my PROBOX2 Air Plus review to find out.

What is the PROBOX2 Air Plus?

The PROBOX2 Air Plus is a compact Android TV box running Android 6.0.

As an Android TV box, it’ll allow you to play videos using Kodi, stream movies from Netflix, play your favorite Android games and more.

Key Features

  • Runs Android 6.0
  • 3GB of fast DDR4 RAM and 32GB of onboard storage for improved multitasking
  • Strong media playback capabilities including 4K 60fps video decoding for certain codecs
  • Dual band Wireless AC for network streaming
  • Unique “1-click Swap UI” feature allows for fast switching between Android launchers
  • Respectable gaming performance thanks to the Amlogic S912’s ARM Mali-T820MP3 GPU

Where to Buy the PROBOX2 Air Plus

The PROBOX2 Air Plus is available from Amazon or W2Comp.

Check Price at Amazon

PROBOX2 Air Plus Technical Specifications

[aps_product_specs id=”7932″]

What’s in the Box?

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Inside The Box

Inside the box, you’ll get:

  • PROBOX2 Air Plus Android TV Box
  • External Wifi Antenna
  • Power Adapter
  • IR Remote
  • HDMI Cable
  • English User Manual

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Hardware

The PROBOX2 Air Plus is a fairly standard Android TV box. It looks identical to other PROBOX2 devices, with a blue power LED and matte finish.

There’s a USB 2.0 port and micro SD card slot on the left side and the external wifi antenna connector on the right.

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review 04

At the back of the unit, we’ve got DC in, another USB 2.0 port, HDMI out, Ethernet and optical audio. As always, I’m disappointed there’s no front USB port for easy access.

The included IR remote is similar to other Android TV boxes I’ve reviewed. There’s an impressive set of functions here including shortcut keys, Android functions and a mouse mode.

Range was decent, though I found the buttons mushy which led to them failing to register occasionally.

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: IR Remote

As usual, I’d recommend picking up an air mouse for a better Android experience. You can either grab a PROBOX2 Air Plus bundle with PROBOX2’s Remote+ Air Mouse or see my picks for the best Air Mouse .

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Software

The PROBOX2 Air Plus boots in around 35 seconds, which is similar to other Amlogic S912 devices I’ve reviewed.

On first boot, there’s a brief setup wizard which takes you through the basics of getting the Android TV box connected to the net and more. It’s a nice touch that makes the box far more user-friendly.

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Android Setup Wizard

The PROBOX2’s launcher is attractive enough, with built-in shortcuts for Qodi (a Kodi fork), Google Play and more. There’s also folders for apps such as games and a customisable row of shortcuts on the bottom.

If you’re not a fan of the default launcher, PROBOX2’s “1-Click Switch UI” feature lets you easily change launchers, though I didn’t find myself using it at all.

There’s a couple of apps pre-installed, including Netflix, AirDroid and Fishing Joy. Of course, you can use the Google Play store to install your favorite apps and games. Root access is also available for those who need it.

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Android Launcher 02

OTA updates are supported and PROBOX2 have already released several updates which is great to see.

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Android OTA Updates

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Video Playback

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: QODI

Testing media playback on the PROBOX2 Air Plus was done using both the pre-install Kodi fork QODI, as well as Kodi 17.3 downloaded from the Google Play store.

After setting up Kodi, videos were played from a USB 3.0 hard drive and streamed over wifi from my server’s NFS share.

Media Playback was quite good, handling most of my video samples without any issues.

Automatic framerate switching unfortunately doesn’t work which will be an issue for home theatre enthusiasts.

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Codec Video Performance (Kodi 17.3)
1080p 3D SBS H.264
1080p 3D ABL H.264
1080p24 H.264
1080p High Bitrate H.264
1080p60 H.264
720p50 H.264
1080i25 H.264
4K 30FPS H.264
4K 60FPS H.264
1080p24 HEVC
4K 30FPS 8-bit HEVC
4K 30FPS 10-bit HEVC
1080p VP8
720p Hi10p Watchable, but some dropped frames
1080p Hi10p
1080p MPEG2
1080p VC1
Unencrypted Bluray ISO (Sintel)

5.1 Audio Passthrough

There were no issues with Dolby Digital 5.1 passthrough over HDMI.

Netflix

The PROBOX2 Air Plus isn’t Netflix-certified so streaming videos are limited to 480p (DVD resolution).

For more information about Netflix on Android TV boxes, check out my HD Netflix on Android guide.

Smartphone Screen Mirroring (Miracast/AirPlay)

The PROBOX2 Air Plus supports both Miracast and AirPlay.

I had no issues mirroring my Samsung Galaxy S8’s screen using the Miracast app.

AirPlay also worked well using the included Happy Cast app.

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Gaming Performance

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review: Beach Buggy Racing

Gaming performance was tested using using Crossy Road (Android) and Beach Buggy Racing (Android) using my GameSir G4S controller (read my review) over Bluetooth.

The PROBOX2 Air Plus’s gaming performance was good, with Crossy Road and Beach Buggy Racing playing great when maxed out.

Should You Buy the PROBOX2 Air Plus?

PROBOX2 Air Plus Review 07

The PROBOX2 Air Plus is easily one of the better Amlogic S912 devices out there, with better support and specs than some competing devices.

Both media playback and gaming were excellent, though no HD Netflix, automatic framerate switching and an average remote will disappoint home theatre enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for an Android TV box that handles basic media playback and gaming, the PROBOX2 Air Plus is a solid performer, though home theatre enthusiasts wanting features like automatic framerate switching should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Excellent media playback
  • Strong gaming performance
  • OTA Updates

Cons

  • No Automatic Framerate Switching in QODI/Kodi
  • Netflix limited to 480p

Where to Buy the PROBOX2 Air Plus

The PROBOX2 Air Plus is available from Amazon or W2Comp.

Check Price at Amazon
PROBOX2 Air Plus Review 01
PROBOX2 Air Plus
The PROBOX2 Air Plus offers impressive specs and solid performance in both gaming and video playback. However, enthusiasts will be disappointed with the lack of HD Netflix and AFR.
Pros
Excellent media playback
Strong gaming performance
OTA Updates
Cons
No Automatic Framerate Switching in QODI/Kodi
Netflix limited to 480p
7.2

Michael

Michael is a technology expert with over 15 years of experience in IT, Home Theatre and Automation. Feel free to send Michael a message here.

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