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
Available Here on Amazon
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
All the buttons worked well including the Home and Search buttons.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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?