Nvidia Shield TV Buying Guide: Which Model Should You Get?
This Nvidia Shield TV buying guide breaks down the two versions Nvidia sells — the standard Shield TV and the Shield TV Pro — so picking the right one comes down to how much power and storage you actually need.
Watch: Nvidia Shield TV Finally gets an update…. Is it still worth buying? — UG Tech on YouTube
Shield TV vs. Shield TV Pro: What’s the Difference?
Both models use the same Tegra X1+ processor, so day-to-day speed is nearly identical. The Pro adds an extra gigabyte of RAM (3GB vs. 2GB), doubles the storage to 16GB, and swaps the tube-shaped design for a box with two USB 3.0 ports — useful for external storage or a game controller dongle. The standard Shield TV instead relies on a microSD slot for expanding storage.
| Chip | Tegra X1+ (both models) |
| RAM | Shield TV: 2GB | Shield TV Pro: 3GB |
| Storage | Shield TV: 8GB (+ microSD) | Shield TV Pro: 16GB (+ USB 3.0) |
| Ports | Shield TV: HDMI, Ethernet, microSD | Shield TV Pro: HDMI, Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Typical Price | Shield TV: ~$149 | Shield TV Pro: ~$199 |
Operating System and Sideloading
Both models run certified Android TV with the full Google Play Store built in, so mainstream apps just work out of the box. They’re also fully sideload-friendly — you can install Downloader or load Kodi and other APKs the same way you would on Fire TV, without losing Play Store access.
Which Shield TV Should You Buy?
If you mainly stream and occasionally sideload an app, the standard Shield TV covers it and costs less. If you run Kodi with a large library, use Plex Server, or want GeForce NOW game streaming with local storage for save data and captures, the extra RAM and USB ports on the Shield TV Pro are worth the upgrade.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nvidia Shield TV still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. Despite its age, the Tegra X1+ chip still outperforms most current Android TV boxes, and Nvidia continues to support it with software updates.
Can you sideload apps on the Nvidia Shield TV?
Yes, both the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro support sideloading apps like Downloader and Kodi alongside the official Google Play Store.
What’s the main reason to choose the Shield TV Pro over the standard model?
Extra RAM, double the storage, and two USB 3.0 ports — useful for Kodi power users, Plex Server hosting, or GeForce NOW game streaming.
