The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro has been on the market for years, yet it continues to dominate as a premium streaming and gaming device. In this NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review, we’ll explore its performance, features, and whether it’s still worth buying in 2025.
For more premium and budget streaming box comparisons, explore our Streaming Devices hub.
Table of Contents
Design and Unboxing
Let’s start with the unboxing. From the outset, it’s clear that this device is built with quality in mind. The Shield TV Pro has a sleek, compact design that exudes premium vibes. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro.
- The redesigned Shield Remote.
- Power adapter.
- 2x AAA batteries (yay, they’re already inside the remote!).
However, there’s one thing missing: an HDMI cable. Make sure to grab one that supports 4K HDR to enjoy the device to its fullest.
A quick note on the build: the Shield TV Pro feels sturdy and substantial in your hands, weighing around 250 grams. It’s compact enough to fit easily into your entertainment setup, but just heavy enough to feel like quality.
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Specs and Features
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price: | US: $197.00 | UK: £189.00 |
| Processor: | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ |
| GPU: | 256-core Maxwell GPU |
| RAM: | 3GB DDR4 |
| Storage: | 16GB internal (expandable via USB flash or hard drives) |
| Video Playback: | Up to 4K HDR at 60 FPS (H.265/HEVC) | 4K at 60 FPS (VP8, VP9, H.264, MPEG1/2) | 1080p at 60 FPS (H.263, MJPEG, MPEG4, WMV9/VC1) |
| HDR Support: | Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 |
| Upscaling: | AI-enhanced upscaling for up to 4K at 60 FPS |
| Audio Support: | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Digital | DTS-X |
| Wireless: | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 5.0 + LE | Captive Portal |
| Ethernet: | Gigabit Ethernet |
| HDMI: | HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 and CEC support |
| USB: | 2 x USB 3.0 Ports (Type A) |
| Operating System: | Android 11.0 powered by Android TV™ with Chromecast 4K built-in |
| Voice Assistants: | Built-in Google Assistant | Hands-free Voice Control† | Google Home compatible* | Amazon Echo compatible* |
| Remote: | SHIELD Remote with microphone, motion-activated backlit buttons, 3-way programmable, Bluetooth, IR blaster, Remote locator, 2x AAA batteries |
| Power: | 40 W power adapter, typical consumption 5-10 W |
| Weight: | 8.8 oz / 250 g |
| Dimensions: | Height: 3.858 in / 9.800 cm, Width: 6.26 in / 15.900 cm, Depth: 1.02 in / 2.593 cm |
| Notes: | * Google ecosystem includes the Google Assistant, Google Play Movies and TV app, Google Music app, Google photos, and access to Google calendar. Amazon ecosystem includes Alexa voice assistant with Amazon Echo device linked to SHIELD, Prime Video app, and Amazon Music app | † Requires SHIELD Controller or Google Home Mini or Amazon Echo. |
These specifications form the foundation of why the Shield is still considered one of the best streaming boxes in 2025.
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Performance in 2025
Performance is where the Shield TV Pro continues to excel. Apps launch instantly, menus remain smooth, and the AI-powered upscaling sharpens HD content into near-4K quality. In this NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review, streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos consistently delivers a cinema-grade experience.
If you’re weighing the Shield against more affordable devices, our Onn 4K Plus Review
shows how much performance you can get for under $30, while the Google TV Streamer 4K Review demonstrates how a mid-range Google-powered device compares.
If you also use a Firestick at home and notice certain apps refusing to open, it may not be a device issue — some Fire TV models now show a new alert when apps are flagged. You can see the exact Firestick warning message and which apps are affected here: 👉 Firestick Blocks Are Now LIVE: The Exact Warning & Full List of Affected Apps.
You can also browse our full Product Reviews hub for hands-on tests of streaming devices, projectors, monitors, and mini PCs.
4K HDR and Upscaling Excellence
One of the standout features of the Shield TV Pro is its ability to stream 4K HDR content with excellent picture quality. Whether you’re watching your favourite movies on Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+, the device supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10, ensuring vibrant colours, excellent contrast, and detailed visuals.
For non-4K content, the AI-enhanced upscaling does a remarkable job of transforming older HD videos into near-4K quality, and it does this at up to 60 frames per second. This means even your older videos get a significant boost in visual fidelity.
Supported Streaming Apps
The Shield TV Pro supports Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, and more in 4K HDR. However, as this NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review highlights, UK users may notice gaps: BBC iPlayer and All4 aren’t officially supported. Workarounds exist, but it’s worth noting if UK-specific apps matter to you.
| Region | Service | Official Native UHD Support |
|---|---|---|
| UK and US | Netflix | ✅ Yes - (4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos) |
| UK and US | Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes - (4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos) |
| UK and US | Google Play Movies and TV | ✅ Yes - (4K, Dolby Vision) |
| US | Vudu | ✅ Yes - (4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos) |
| UK and US | Disney+ | ✅ Yes - (4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos) |
| UK and US | YouTube | ✅ Yes - (4K) |
| UK | BBC iPlayer | ❌ No - limited to 720p HD |
| UK | ITVX | ❌ No - user experience varies but may be limited to 720p HD |
| UK | My5 | ❌ No - user experience varies but may be limited to 720p HD |
| UK | Now TV | ❌ No 4K/HDR - even with Boost only HD/1080p |
| UK | All4 | 🚫 app unavailable |
| US | YouTube TV (live TV) | ⚠️ 4K depends on provider add-on & content |
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Remote Review
No great streaming experience is complete without a great remote—and in our NVIDIA Shield TV Pro review, we found that the Shield Remote doesn’t disappoint.
This isn’t your basic stick-style clicker. The Shield Remote features:
- Motion-activated backlit buttons, perfect for late-night viewing.
- A built-in microphone for voice search and commands via the Google Assistant.
- A triangular ergonomic design, which feels unique but surprisingly comfortable.
- Bluetooth connectivity with an IR blaster, allowing you to control your TV, soundbar, or AV receiver.
- A remote locator feature, so if it slips between the cushions, you can find it with ease.
It’s also a programmable 3-way remote, meaning you can customise buttons to launch specific apps or control other devices in your home cinema setup. It’s genuinely one of the best remotes bundled with a streaming device, adding to the Shield TV Pro’s premium feel.
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Audio and Home Cinema Use
For home theatre fans, the Shield TV Pro is hard to beat. With Dolby Atmos and DTS-X pass-through, it delivers immersive sound when connected to a capable receiver or soundbar. Our NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review found it easily handles everything from Netflix Atmos content to Plex libraries.
Storage and Connectivity on NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
With just 16GB internal storage, space runs out quickly. Luckily, expansion is easy with USB 3.0 drives. Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi ensure stable connections, whether streaming or gaming. This NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review confirms it’s built to handle heavy workloads without slowdown.
Android TV & Software Features
The Shield TV Pro runs on Android TV 11, giving you full access to the Google Play Store and a huge library of streaming and utility apps. You can also sideload applications, allowing you to explore a broader range of tools and features beyond what’s officially supported.
Google originally planned to ban sideloading on Android TV and Google TV by 2026 — but later softened that decision. Instead of blocking sideloading entirely, Google is introducing a safer “experienced user” installation flow and lighter developer verification requirements.
Full breakdown: Google Softens Sideloading Blocks on Android TV.
The built-in Chromecast 4K further enhances usability, making it effortless to cast your favourite content from your phone or tablet.
What really sets the Shield TV Pro apart is NVIDIA’s ongoing commitment to long-term software support. They continue to release meaningful updates that improve stability, fix bugs, and refine the user experience. Their latest release — Shield Experience 9.2.2 — adds new accessibility tools, remote improvements, and key fixes like resolving Disney+ audio dropouts.
NVIDIA’s consistent update cycle keeps the Shield TV Pro feeling modern and ensures it remains one of the most reliable Android TV devices available today.
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Gaming Features
For gamers, the Shield TV Pro is more than just a media streamer—it’s also a solid gaming device. With support for GeForce NOW cloud gaming, you can stream high-end PC games with stunning visuals.
The device also supports Android gaming through the Google Play Store, allowing you to play a wide range of mobile games on the big screen.
Verdict – NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review 2025
So, is the Shield TV Pro still worth it? Based on our NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review, the answer is yes. The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a powerhouse that continues to dominate in the streaming and gaming space. Its performance, despite being from a 2019 chipset, is still incredibly capable, especially with the regular software updates from NVIDIA.
While it may not be perfect for UK users due to the limitations with BBC iPlayer and the absence of All4, it’s still an excellent choice for anyone seeking an all-in-one media hub. If you’re ready to make the investment and want the best in audio and visual quality, the Shield TV Pro is definitely worth considering.
For more streaming device reviews, alternatives, and side-by-side comparisons, visit our Streaming Devices hub.
What do you think of the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro? Have you tried it out? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! And if you found this post useful, don’t forget to share it and follow us for more detailed tech reviews and insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro still worth buying in 2025?
Yes. Our NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review shows that the device continues to be one of the most powerful streaming and gaming boxes available. With AI upscaling, Dolby Vision, and GeForce NOW support, it’s still the top choice for users who want more than basic streaming.
What makes the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro better than cheaper devices?
This NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review highlights features like AI upscaling, Dolby Vision/Atmos, and GeForce NOW gaming—options not found on budget boxes.
Can the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro be used for gaming?
Absolutely. With GeForce NOW, Android gaming, and retro emulation support, this NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review confirms it’s a solid option for gamers.
Does the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro support UK apps?
Our NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review notes that Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video run perfectly, but BBC iPlayer and All4 may need workarounds.
How much storage does the Shield TV Pro offer?
The device comes with 16GB internal storage, expandable via USB. This NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review confirms expansion is simple.
Review Overview
The Pros
Netflix Certified & Wide App Support AI 4K Upscaling for Sharper Video Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos Support Fast Tegra X1+ Processor Excellent Gaming Performance (GeForce NOW + Emulation) Feature-Rich Backlit Remote Expandable Storage via USB 3.0 Stable Gigabit Ethernet & Wi-Fi Connectivity Regular Software UpdatesThe Cons
Only 16GB Internal Storage Limited Official UK App Support (BBC iPlayer, All4) Premium Price Compared to Budget Boxes No HDMI Cable Included Design May Feel Bulky Compared to Stick Devices- Performance & Speed9.5
- Streaming & App Support9
- Gaming Capabilities9
- Audio & Video Quality9
- Remote & Ease of Use8.5
- Connectivity Options8.5
- Value for Money8
- Storage & Expandability7.5
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