Ugoos UT8 PRO 64bit Android TV Box Review
The Ugoos UT8 PRO 64bit Android TV Box is one of the most powerful streaming devices on the market. But, is it overkill for most cord cutters?
This Ugoos UT8 PRO review was written by Troy from TROYPOINT after using the Android Box on a regular basis for one week.
You can see my first impressions video of this device if you are a TROYPOINT Patron or Founding Member.
Troy’s Ugoos UT8 PRO First Impressions Video
This streaming device was purchased by TROYPOINT. This review is unbiased and you will see that I point out both the good and bad regarding this TV box.
Ugoos UT8 PRO Key Features
Strong aluminum case
Powerful Quad-core Cortex-A55 Processor
64bit Android 11 OS (not Android TV)
8GB LPDDR4 RAM
64GB Internal Storage
Gigabit Ethernet
2 USB 3.0
1 USB OTG 3.0
1 USB 2.0
WiFi 6 with 2×2 MIMO technology
Optical Out
TF Card Slot
Audio Out & Aux In
Samba server
Bluetooth 5
4K 60 fps resolution
HDR support
OTA Updates
Ugoos UT8 PRO Review
As you can see from the feature list above, this box has it all! Except for Android TV and AV1 codec support.
The Ugoos UT8 PRO runs on Android 11 and not Android TV 11. This is the same type of operating system found on phones and tablets but Ugoos has modified it to work properly as a streaming device.
Usually, I’m not a big fan of these boxes that don’t run true Android TV. They never receive updates and the interface is extremely clunky.
I first want to point out that this box is not for those who pay for streaming services such as Netflix. This device is not Netflix certified. The UT8 Pro is meant for those who use unverified streaming apps, Kodi addons, and IPTV services.
Setup
Setup is extremely easy and fast.
The only thing I had to do was pair the remote to the box. That’s it!
No going through dozens of questions! Once the remote was paired, the home screen appeared on the UT8 Pro.
User Interface
The Ugoos UT8 PRO user interface looks like a phone or tablet. I’m not a big fan of this UI on a television screen. The shortcuts are too small so it’s important to run a 3rd party launcher such as Wolf Launcher.
Ugoos UT8 PRO Default Launcher
The system also comes with a launcher made for the television called ULauncher. It provides the ability to customize the screen but not as much as Wolf Launcher does.
Some Android boxes don’t support 3rd party launchers but I’m happy to report that the Ugoos UT8 PRO does. In fact, all of the Ugoos streaming devices that I’ve used in the past support 3rd party launchers. I believe they also have another launcher that can be installed through Google Play Store.
UT8 PRO with Wolf Launcher
Over The Air (OTA) Updates
Most generic boxes running stock Android never receive updates. That’s not the case with Ugoos.
Ugoos sends out important updates on a regular basis which is great to see!
I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t bother reviewing generic boxes anymore due to this problem. Ugoos is one of the few that I will gladly review because I know that they will support their customers.
4K Streaming Playback and APKs
After I checked for updates on the Ugoos UT8 PRO, I installed the free TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer.
I installed all of my favorite applications.
Surfshark VPN
Kodi
FilmPlus
Syncler
TiviMate for IPTV
SmartTubeNext Ad-Free YouTube
Analiti Speed Test
Wolf Launcher
I tested some free streaming apps such as Kodi, Filmplus, and Syncler and connected my Real-Debrid account to each of them.
All of these played 4K video without a stutter which doesn’t surprise me due to the powerful specs in this device.
I also setup my favorite IPTV service in TiviMate and that played without any problems as well.
Remote Control
The Ugoos UT8 PRO ships with an infrared and Bluetooth remote (described in the documentation as “IR+BT remote”). According to the documentation, you can control your TV with the IR sensor once you’ve paired the remote properly. This should allow you to power on/off your TV as well as control the volume too. There’s a learning button on the remote that allows you do do this.
The remote comes with an air mouse function. This allows you to activate a mouse pointer on the screen and move it by waving around the remote control. Since this is not Android TV, most users will find it necessary to use this air mouse to get around various apps and Google Play Store.
Download & Upload Speeds
I used the Analiti Speed test app for the following tests.
I have 1 GB Fiber speed plan through my Internet Service Provider.
During the WiFi tests, I am connected to the 5Ghz band on my Asus GT-AX11000 Router. This router resides in the same room as my Ugoos UT8 PRO (approximately 20 feet away from the wireless router).
I’m using Surfshark VPN which is our current #1 TROYPOINT Ranked VPN.
WiFi Speeds
Surfshark VPN On: Download = 177 Mbps & Upload = 107 Mbps
VPN Off: Download = 557 Mpbs & Upload = 280 Mbps
Gigabit Ethernet Speeds
Surfshark VPN On: Download = 211 Mbps & Upload = 140 Mbps
VPN Off: Download = 848 Mbps & Upload = 638 Mbps
I’m extremely impressed with both WiFi and Gigabit speeds reported above. As always, running a VPN will slow down the connection but we can still stream 8K video with the VPN speeds.
Ugoos UT8 Pro Price
As of this review you can purchase the Ugoos UT8 Pro in the range of $139 – $200 based on the options that you select at checkout.
The following sites are the most popular methods of purchasing this device but keep in mind that shipping can take a long time depending on where you’re located.
Buy Ugoos UT8 Pro at AliExpress
What I Like
64GB internal storage
8GB of RAM
Gigabit Ethernet
Strong aluminum case
Air-mouse on remote control
Can control TV with remote control
Plays 4K video flawlessly
Fast download speed with VPN on and off
USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports
Optical audio port
TF card slot
What I Dislike
Stock Android and not Android TV
No support for AV1 codec
High price
Ugoos UT8 PRO Final Thoughts
I really like this streaming box but the price is pretty steep.
They have future-proofed this box except for one glaring omission and that’s AV1 codec support. It blows my mind that they didn’t include that with this box. AV1 will be the new standard for how video is delivered over the Internet and new devices should now support that.
If you’re in need of massive internal storage, Gigabit Ethernet, and you like stock Android then this may be for you.
I would personally recommend waiting to see if there will be a new NVIDIA SHIELD released as it seems that it’s probably due for an upgrade soon.
Some of these devices are complete overkill and most cord-cutters won’t use all of the features that come on these boxes. Do you need Gigabit Ethernet? Do you need USB ports? Do you need 64GB of internal storage? Do you need 8GB of RAM? Yeah, it’s great that this device has all of those options but many can get by with far less and will never miss any of these nice features.
Don’t get too hung up on the Gigabit Ethernet push. All you need is 20-30 Mbps to stream 4K video and anything more than that is complete overkill and won’t do anything for you.
Guess what? You can still get the Walmart onn. Android TV Box for 19 bucks and this will suit most people just fine!
I rate the Ugoos UT8 PRO Android TV Box 4.6 Stars out of 5.