Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Price Hike: Is It Still Worth 2026

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen has seen a significant price increase, now costing €119.99 on Xiaomi's official store—up from its original €74.99. This jump of €45 makes it a less attractive alternative to the Fire TV Stick, especially after Amazon's recent changes.

Just over a year ago, Xiaomi launched this streaming box in Spain, and it quickly became a favorite for its affordability and performance. But like many devices, it hasn't escaped the global RAM crisis that's driving up prices across the tech industry.

Why Did the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Price Increase?

The primary culprit is the ongoing RAM shortage, which has affected the production costs of many electronic devices. As memory prices soar, manufacturers are passing the burden onto consumers.

When the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen was released, it was priced at €74.99, but retailers like Powerplanet were selling it for as low as €57.50. Now, the official Xiaomi store lists it at €119.99, and even Powerplanet has raised its price to €84.49—a €62.49 increase from its initial discount.

This isn't an isolated incident; other streaming devices have also seen price hikes. However, the Xiaomi TV Box S was particularly beloved for its value proposition, making this increase feel more painful.

How Does It Compare to the Fire TV Stick?

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen was often touted as the best alternative to Amazon's Fire TV Stick, especially after Amazon switched to its VegaOS operating system, which some users found less flexible.

But with the new price, the gap has narrowed. The Fire TV Stick 4K, for instance, often retails for around €60, and while it may lack some of the Xiaomi's features, the price difference is now hard to ignore.

That said, the Xiaomi TV Box S still offers advantages like Google TV, more storage, and a more open ecosystem. For users who prioritize those aspects, it might still be worth the premium.

Key Takeaways

• The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen now costs €119.99, a €45 increase from its launch price.
• The price hike is largely due to the global RAM crisis affecting production costs.
• Retailers like Powerplanet have also raised prices, with the device now at €84.49.
• It remains a strong alternative to the Fire TV Stick but is no longer the budget champion.
• Consider your priorities: if you value Google TV and expandability, it may still be worth it.

Specs Comparison: Xiaomi TV Box S vs. Fire TV Stick 4K

As the table shows, the Xiaomi TV Box S offers more connectivity options and a more open OS, but at a significantly higher price.

Is the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Still Worth Buying?

That depends on what you're looking for. If you want a streaming device with Google TV, expandable storage, and an Ethernet port, the Xiaomi TV Box S is still a solid choice—but it's no longer a bargain.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Fire TV Stick 4K or even the Google Chromecast with Google TV (often around €70) might be better options. However, if you can find the Xiaomi TV Box S on sale, it could still be a good deal.

Keep an eye on prices, as they may fluctuate. The RAM crisis is expected to continue, so prices might not drop soon. The background to this story is set out in HomePod mini 2 vs Original: Is the $60 Price Hike Worth. A related thread runs through Nvidia Shield TV Pro Price Hike: 50% Increase Due to Memory Shortage. Earlier coverage in Nintendo Switch 2 Price Increase: Why Buying Today Saves You Money shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

Monitor price trends for streaming devices, especially during sales events like Black Friday. Also, consider upcoming models that might offer better value. A closer look at the same subject appears in Best Smart TV Box 2026: Top 7 Streaming Devices to Buy. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Redmi K100 (Poco F9 Pro): Will see a significant price hike. The same theme surfaces in iPad A16 Price Increase: Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy, which takes a different angle.

If you're in the market for a new streaming device, weigh your needs carefully. The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen remains a capable device, but its increased price means you should explore all options before committing. Context on how this played out before sits in Climate Crisis Link to Extreme Weather Seen by 61% of US Voters. A companion piece, Xbox Price Increase 2026: Microsoft Raises Console Costs Worldwide, approaches the same subject from another angle.