OSMC, or Open Source Media Center, originated as Raspbmc. The Debian-based Kodi OS supports several platforms including ARM, x86, and Raspberry Pi devices. But OSMC also maintains its own streaming device in the Vero 4K. [Read: OpenELEC vs OSMC for Raspberry Pi media center]
OSMC Vero 4K hardware and specs
Vero 4K Box Front
The Vero 4K is a tiny device, but despite its small form factor, OSMC's flagship streaming box boasts phenomenal processing power. As the name suggests, it's capable of pumping out 4K video and handles 10-bit content with ease. [Read: How to configure VPN on OSMC with OpenVPN for Raspberry Pi]
Vero 4K Box Back
Onboard, you'll find H265, VP9, and HDR10 support. At its core, the Vero 4K sports a quad-core 1.6Ghz 64-bit processor. By default, it's outfitted with 2GB of DDR3 RAM and 16GB eMMC storage. Connectivity options include two USB 2.0 ports, a microSD card slot, optical (SPDIF) audio output, 3.5 mm analog audio port, and HDMI 2.0 replete with CEC for controlling the Vero 4K with your TV. All this in a tiny box which clocks in at 5 oz. or 140 grams.
Aside from 4K video, you'll find HD audio support. The Vero 4K tackles 192Khz PCM audio and is compatible with 7.1 channel lossless pass-through of popular formats such as DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
Quad Core 1.6Ghz 64-bit processor
2GB DDR3 RAM and 16GB eMMC storage
Built in 802.11 ac/n/g/b WiFi with Bluetooth 4.0
IR and RF receiver
2x USB 2.0 ports
micro SD card slot
3.5mm analog audio output
Optical (SPDIF) audio output
HDMI 2.0 with CEC (control your Vero 4K with your TV remote)
Fast Ethernet
4K, H265, HDR10 ready
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 2cm / 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.75 inches
Weight: 140 grams / 5 oz
What's in the box?
Vero 4K Package Contents
Opening the box, you'll find a bevy of bundled accessories. Aside from the unit itself, there's an OSMC RF remote control, TV mounting kit, power plug, and even an HDMI cable. Plus, there's an IR extender module for third-party remotes. Since the remote is an RF remote, it's a point-anywhere controller. [Read: Video: Raspberry Pi OSM installation on Windows]
It's really impressive how many goodies come packaged with the Vero 4K. Notably, I quite appreciated the included HDMI cable and the mounting bracket. Because it's such a small device, I found it simple to adhere to the back of my television to keep by media center clean and tidy. However, for those who choose to keep it in the open, the Vero 4K features a small footprint and looks aesthetically pleasing with a black body with the OSMC logo on top. [Read: 5 best IR remote controls for Kodi boxes - Fire TV, Android TV, Shield TV, and more]
Vero 4K
HDMI cable
OSMC RF remote control
IR extender
TV mounting kit
Power plug
1-year international warranty
5 years of software updates
Build quality
Vero 4K Size Comparison
For such a small and lightweight device, the OSMC Vero 4K feels pleasantly sturdy. Unlike my ancient Roku 2XS, the Vero's plastic housing isn't a fingerprint magnet and doesn't lend the sensation that it will crack with even slight pressure.
Installing OSMC on an embedded platform such as a Raspberry Pi is pretty simple. However, a main draw of the Vero 4K is that it comes with the OS pre-installed. Moreover, the version of OSMC is unadulterated. Unlike pirate streaming devices such as the Mecool BB2 Pro, the Vero 4K comes sans-Kodi addons. Set up remains simple. Once you've powered on the device, you'll only need to walk through a brief few steps. The Vero delivers a phenomenal Kodi experience out of the box. [Read: Install OSMC on Raspberry Pi on a Windows system]
Everyday use
Vero 4K Box And Remote
OSMC provides an excellent Kodi landscape. There's a choice of skins including the default OSMC and Kodi appearances. I found myself opting for the Kodi default merely because I'm a bit nostalgic. No addons come loaded, so as a first step after the initial set up, I downloaded my favorite Kodi apps including NBC, ABC, USTVNow, and Plex.
Vero 4K Box Size Comparison
Among my arsenal of streaming devices, I own a Mecool BB2 Pro, WeTek Play 2, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku 2XS, and PlayStation 3. Of those, I have Kodi installed on the Shield TV, WeTek Play 2, and Mecool BB2 Pro. I was really impressed with the responsiveness of the Vero. During my OSMC Vero 4K review, switching to different screens was snappy, and addons launched with ease.
Although I was unable to test its 4K capabilities, 1080p streams were gorgeous and I found no stream quality issues. The Vero 4K managed to play every file I threw at it, including my hefty 1080p H.265 files played from a flash drive and over network streaming.
The addon experience
Vero 4K Addon Experience
It's important to note that addon functionality and quality is in no way tied to OSMC or even Kodi. Rather, addons are all third-party creations. What you'll find is certain addons work flawlessly whereas others don't. Generally, legal addons remain solid, and pirate streaming apps suffer hit or miss quality (note: htpcBeginner does not condone illegal streaming and downloading, but we do recommend using a VPN or DNS regardless of your activity). [Read: 6 must-have Kodi addons for legal broadcast TV streaming 2017]
Of the addons I tested in my OSMC Vero 4K review, the Plex addon functioned wonderfully. If you're a Plex Pass member, there's an official Plex for Kodi addon. Alternatively, there's RasPLEX. The ABC and NBC apps were superb, and in a few clicks I was streaming "Blindspot," and "Law & Order: SVU." [Read: 10 best legal streaming addons for Kodi media center]
Who should buy the Vero 4K?
Vero 4K Unboxing
The Vero 4K is best for power users. With a shifting Kodi landscape, there's a push for legal Kodi addons offering content from legitimate sources such as PlayStation Vue, Twitch, and Crunchyroll. However, there's still no Netflix or Amazon streaming support (at the time of this writing). But that's coming shortly with the release of Kodi v18 (Leia), which will further hone the Vero 4K as the best Kodi box available. In the meantime, there's a workaround using Playon, but no native streaming. As such, I'd suggest the Vero 4K for power users. That's because certain mainstream apps like Netflix aren't available natively (yet). Moreover, since all addons are third-party, there's no official support. So do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers will likely appreciate the Vero 4K most. Again, that's not a comment on the Vero 4K itself, rather the landscape.
But the Vero 4K also makes a wonderful Kodi box for first-time users. Because there's no difficult set up involved and it's ready to use out of the box, the Vero 4K is arguably the best Kodi box on the market. Although I've set up OSMC and Kodi OSes on a bevy of platforms, I found it refreshing to simply power on the Vero 4K and start using it.
Best for: Power users and first time Kodi users
Should you buy the Vero 4K?
If you're looking for a legal Kodi box or a new Plex client device, the OSMC is a best bet. OSMC comes pre-installed so it's ready to use out of the box. With its 4K support, bundled accessories, and connectivity options, it's one of the best streaming devices for the money.
Exclusive offer for htpcBeginner readers: £10 off with coupon code htpcbeginner-10 via OSMC store.
Now for the real question: will I keep it hooked up? I've got no shortage of streaming boxes at my disposal, several of which run versions of Kodi. Nevertheless, I'm definitely keeping the OSMC Vero 4K connected to my TV. That doesn't mean I'll be retiring the Nvidia Shield TV, or even WeTek Play 2. Since I use the Shield TV for the likes of game streaming and Netflix, and the WeTek Play 2 for tablet-optimized Android apps plus DVR, the Vero 4K complements streaming devices nicely. As such, it's a solid pick up even if you've already got a streaming box.
OSMC Vero 4K review: Final thoughts
Overall, I've been thoroughly impressed with the OSMC Vero 4K. It's the best device I've tried which comes with Kodi pre-installed, and delivers maximum performance. It provides desktop-caliber power in a small form factor. htpcBeginner readers can save £10 with coupon code htpcbeginner-10 via the OSMC store.
What are your thoughts on the Vero 4K and what Kodi boxes do you recommend?
I am a staff writer at SmartHomeBeginner, and a freelance writer with a focus on tech media. I run Cup Of Moe and have been featured in Electromaker, MakeUseOf, The Penny Hoarder, TechBeacon, Cliqist, Bubbleblabber, DZone, and EpicStream. As an HTPC enthusiast, I'm quite fond of my Plex server and enjoy playing with my Raspberry Pi. When I'm not hammering away at my keyboard, I can be found drinking far too much coffee, running, and listening to vinyl.
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