There are many different remote controls and mini keyboards that can be used with an Android TV box which can greatly improve a user’s experience.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from standard classical design to mini keyboards with touchpad to move a cursor around.
The best remote will depend on the user as to what is the easiest way to control their box.
For example, someone who enters a lot of keywords may dislike the on-screen keyboard and prefer a small hand-held unit with keys for typing.
The size of a unit also varies with some liking mid-sized models and others much smaller.
There are many good units available with those below our picks for best remote controls and keyboards to use with an Android TV box.
As always, be sure to read reviews on Amazon, here, forums, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is the right pick for you.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Our Picks for Best Android TV Box Remote Controls and Keyboards
- Rii I8
- ANEWISH T16
- Fosmon Bluetooth Keyboard
- Wechip 3-IN-1 Remote
- Fintie Mini
- MX3 Pro
- iPazzPort Mini
- WisFox 2.4G Slim Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard
- MINIX NEO A2
- iPazzPort Mini Bluetooth KP-810
(Upgraded)Rii 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad,QWERTY Keyboard,LED Backlit,Portable Keyboard Wireless for laptop/PC/Tablets/Windows/Mac/TV/Xbox/PS3/Raspberry Pi .(i8+ Black)
The Rii I8 has been a popular low-cost option for a while and still going strong.
It has a mini keyboard to type with and a touch-pad to move a mouse cursor around.
The size is small but still needs two hands to use.
A small USB dongle is included that simply plugs into an Android box and syncs with the unit and starts working.
There is no setup and plugging in the USB dongle is all that’s required to get it working. This makes it able to work with almost any device since it has no need to connect to Bluetooth.
ANEWISH 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad Mouse Combo, Rechargable Li-ion Battery & Multi-media Handheld Remote for Google Android TV Box,PS3,PC,PAD (T16-BLUE)
The ANEWISH T16 is built for wide compatibility from a PC to an Android TV box.
It has a touch-pad in the center with controllers on both sides along with a mini keyboard at the bottom.
A 2.4GHz USB receiver is plugged in and it is ready to be used.
The keys are backlit which makes it easy to read when the lights are off.
The ANEWISH T16 is a good unit that is compatible with Android TV boxes along with a keyboard, touch-pad, and controllers.
Fosmon Mini Bluetooth Keyboard (QWERTY Keypad), Wireless Portable Lightweight with built-in Touchpad, works with Apple TV, PS4, Smartphones and more
This unit from Fosmon is a mini Bluetooth keyboard that works with any Bluetooth device including Android TV boxes.
It is a compact design with the keys on the left and a small touch pad on the right.
While most Android TV boxes will have Bluetooth be sure to check your TV box specifications.
The Fosmon mini keyboard has become very popular since it is low-cost and a universal controller that works with many devices.
WeChip W1 Remote 2.4G Wireless Keyboard Multifunctional Smart TV Remote Control for Nvidia Shield/Android TV Box/PC/Projector/HTPC/TV
Wechip makes this remote that has standard buttons on one side and a keyboard on the other side.
It has a small 2.4Ghz dongle that plugs into a USB port and works with Android or Windows devices making it highly compatible.
The two sides make it ideal for those who want the look and feel of a regular remote but also want a keyboard for typing.
It is a good low-cost unit that works well with Android TV boxes, PCs, Smart TVs and more.
Fintie 10-Inch Ultrathin (4mm) Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Android Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab E/Tab A/Tab S, ASUS, Google Nexus, Lenovo and Other Android Devices
The Fintie mini wireless Bluetooth keyboard is a 10-inch ultra thin unit that is compatible with Bluetooth devices such as Android TV boxes.
It Pairs easily with a security code for added protection.
All the buttons worked well including the Home and Search buttons.
Rii MX3 Multifunction 2.4G Fly Mouse Mini Wireless Keyboard & Infrared Remote Control & 3-Gyro + 3-Gsensor for Google Android TV/Box, IPTV, HTPC, Windows, MAC OS, PS3
The MX3 Pro is an Air mouse remote control that automatically moves a pointer around a screen.
Air mouse remotes have no need for a touch-pad as the mouse cursor automatically appears at the location pointed at.
One side of the unit is a standard remote while the other side has a keyboard.
The MX3 Pro is a good low-cost option that works well with most any hardware from an Android TV box to a Windows PC.
iPazzPort Wireless Mini Handheld Keyboard with Touchpad Mouse Combo for Android TV Box and Raspberry Pi 3 and HTPC and XBMC KP-810-19S – Black
This small hand held design is another popular option for those wanting to control their box with one hand.
It uses 3 AAA batteries and a USB dongle to connect.
Although small, like a standard TV remote it is a nice design used by many manufactures.
It uses a USB receiver dongle which simply plugs into to a USB port to work, this makes it compatible with many android devices from a Raspberry Pi to an android TV box.
Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad, WisFox 2.4G Slim Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Easy Media Control and Built-in Touch Pad for PC Laptop Windows Google Smart TV HTPC Android
For those looking for something larger to type with along with a built-in touch pad a mid-sized keyboard is a good option.
This unit from WisFox uses a USB dongle and works well with Android TV boxes.
Mid-sized keyboards are a good fit between a small remote but not huge like a standard model.
This WisFox mid sized unit is also compatible with most any other Android devices from a Raspberry Pi to tablets.
MINIX NEO A2 Lite Backlit, QWERTY Keyboard for Android and Six-Axis Gyroscope Remote. Sold Directly by MINIX Technology Limited.
The MINIX is a nice combination remote with standard buttons on one side and a keyboard on the back.
It has a nice build quality that is solid and a material that avoids fingerprints.
The buttons are made of soft rubber and have a nice touch.
The back has a keyboard with the keys nicely spaced apart.
It uses a small USB dongle to transmit from the box to the remote.
iPazzPort Mini Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard with Backlit for TV Stick, Smart TV, Android Tv Box
iPazzPort makes many good keyboards including this mini unit.
It has a keyboard on one side and remote control on the other side.
It also is back-lit so lights up in the dark to see the keys.
The unit has wide compatibility from Fire TV sticks to Smart TVs.
Android TV Box Remote Controls and Keyboards Comparison Chart
NAME | INTERFACE | TOUCH-PAD |
---|---|---|
ANEWISH T16 | USB Wireless Dongle | Yes |
Fosmon | Bluetooth | Yes |
Rii I8 | USB Wireless Dongle | Yes |
Wechip 3-IN-1 Remote | USB Wireless Dongle | No |
Fintie Mini | Bluetooth | No |
MX3 Pro | USB WiFi Dongle | No |
iPazzPort Mini | USB WiFi Dongle | Yes |
WisFox 2.4G | USB WiFi Dongle | Yes |
MINIX | USB WiFi Dongle | No |
iPazzPort Mini KP-810 | Bluetooth | No |
Summary
The above units are a few of the types of remote controls available for an Android TV box user.
Many manufacturers make their own remotes based on the types of units above, so if you have a favorite brand, they likely have a version available.
Mini Keyboard remote controls try to be as small as possible and still have keys and touch-pad. While nice for many, some do have problems with the small buttons.
Mid-sized keyboard remotes are another good option if you have big hands and do not like small keys.
Air mouse remote controls are also good units; while they may take some getting used to, they are another great way to control your TV box.