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, to air mouse remotes that move the cursor by pointing at the screen.
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.
Most units connect with a small 2.4GHz USB dongle that plugs into the box, while others use Bluetooth, and many newer units can do both.
A USB dongle will work with almost any box, while Bluetooth units need a box with Bluetooth built-in, so be sure to check your TV box specifications.
The newer units are listed first, with the older units that still work well and are still selling at the bottom of the list.
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 X8
- iPazzPort Air Mouse Remote Keyboard
- Logitech K400 Plus
- Fosmon Mini Keyboard
- iPazzPort Mini Bluetooth KP-810-30B
- Fintie Mini
- Wechip W1 Air Mouse Remote
- Rii MX3 Air Mouse
- iPazzPort Mini KP-810-19S
- Rii i8+
The Rii X8 is the newer mini keyboard from Rii and has become one of the most popular units for an Android TV box.
It has a mini keyboard at the bottom, a touch-pad on the right side, dedicated media buttons, direction keys, and a scroll wheel.
The keys have an 8-color RGB backlight that can be changed to whatever color a user likes, or turned off.
A small 2.4GHz USB dongle plugs into the box and it is ready to go with no setup.
There is also a built-in rechargeable battery that charges over USB, so there are no batteries to buy.
The Rii X8 is a good all-around unit that works with Android TV boxes, PCs, Raspberry Pi, and the Nvidia Shield.
This iPazzPort unit is a combination remote with standard remote buttons on one side and a full keyboard on the back.
It has a built-in 6-axis gyroscope that works as an air mouse, so the cursor moves by simply pointing the remote at the screen.
The keys have a 7-color backlight that can be cycled through or turned off, which makes it easy to use in the dark.
It can connect with either the included 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth, so it will work with most any box or device.
It has a built-in rechargeable battery that charges with a Type-C cable and also has an infrared learning key that can be taught the power button from a TV remote.
This is a good pick for those who want a regular remote feel with a keyboard and air mouse all in one.
For those looking for something larger to type with along with a built-in touch pad a mid-sized keyboard is a good option.
The Logitech K400 Plus has been the go-to mid-sized keyboard for a TV for years and is still one of the best-selling units.
It has quiet full-sized keys with a 3.5-inch touch pad on the right side, along with media and volume buttons.
It uses a small Logitech Unifying USB dongle with a 33-foot range and runs on two AA batteries that last up to 18 months.
Mid-sized keyboards are a good fit between a small remote but not huge like a standard model.
The K400 Plus is also compatible with most any other device from a Windows PC to an Android TV box.
This unit from Fosmon is a mini keyboard that has been updated and now works with most any device including Android TV boxes.
It is a compact design with the keys on the left and a small touch pad on the right.
The newer version has both Bluetooth 5.2 and a 2.4GHz USB dongle, so it can connect to a box either way.
The keys are backlit and it has a built-in rechargeable battery.
The Fosmon mini keyboard has become very popular since it is low-cost and a universal controller that works with many devices.
iPazzPort makes many good keyboards including this mini Bluetooth 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, and has a built-in rechargeable battery.
Since it connects with Bluetooth it has no dongle, which makes it a good fit for boxes and sticks with no free USB port.
The unit has wide compatibility from Fire TV sticks to Smart TVs and Android TV boxes.
Available Here on Amazon
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.
The newer version now charges with a Type-C cable and uses Bluetooth 5.0.
All the buttons worked well including the Home and Search buttons.
Wechip makes this remote that has standard buttons on one side and a keyboard on the other side.
It also has a built-in 6-axis motion sensor which works as an air mouse to move the cursor around by pointing the remote at the screen.
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 has been around a while but is still a good low-cost unit that works well with Android TV boxes, PCs, projectors and more.
The MX3 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.
It also has infrared learning so it can be taught the power and volume buttons from a TV remote.
The MX3 is an older design but still a good low-cost option that works well with most any hardware from an Android TV box to a Windows PC.
This small hand held design is another popular option for those wanting to control their box with one hand.
It uses 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.
It has no backlight and is basic, but it is still a good low-cost pick that has been selling for years.
Available Here on Amazon
The Rii i8+ has been a popular low-cost option for many years and is still going strong.
It has a mini keyboard to type with and a touch-pad to move a mouse cursor around.
The keys are backlit which makes it easy to read when the lights are off, and it has a built-in rechargeable battery.
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.
The newer Rii X8 above has replaced it for most, but the i8+ is still a solid unit for the price.
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.
Many newer units now come with both a 2.4GHz USB dongle and Bluetooth, which is a nice option since it can be used with almost any box or device.
Voice air mouse remotes with a built-in microphone are also becoming popular, but most are sold by generic sellers that come and go, so be sure to check the reviews and seller before buying one.
Hi
Is there a video on how to use the rii8+, and what all the keys do. ( like can I close all google tabs a once )
Thanks
The Logitec k400+ should really be on this list too since it’s been one of the most popular options for years now.
I use the Logitech wireless keyboards on my boxes. I love them as I can use the keyboard to turn the box on and off.
Hi Bob, Please let me know which key(s) turn the box on
You should try Auvipal remote. It is my favorite. I have tried loads.
How can the Fintie even be on this list when there’s no touchpad/mouse? You’ll have a very hard time trying to get around without it.
Mini-keyboard has been giving me pain on the side of my wrist. Going to buy a bigger keyboard. Need a remote control that has the four colour buttons so I can set my favourite channels.
What are the best options for NvideaShield?
Just wanted to find out which of these remote or wireless keyboard work perfectly with the beelink mini p
Thanks.
Notice that after updating to android 8.0, some functions break.
i.e. .. I’ve been using Rii i25 (awesome remote) for years.
worked perfectly until I updated my Ni Box to Android 8.0 , and now the back button won’t work… something about key mapping changed in the OS.
Aren’t these all wireless (wifi + dongle) 2.4GHz remotes? I want a Bluetooth remote that works like my Roku 3 does.
I wonder, if a Xiaomi or a Fire TV, BT remote would work on my Android TV box??
Old firetv stick 2 remotes are bluetooth and will work. Newer use wifi direct and often lose connection due to high battery drain and only tend to work with original amazon devices.
I realize you are better off using the WiFi wireless keyboard compared to the Bluetooth one. While I am not tech wizard, there is some kind of interference when a Bluetooth keyboard is used. Or is this only me?