Fetch has been around for several years and has become a staple of TV streaming. Be it the Mighty or Mini, it’s a neat little all-rounder, for Fetch TV channels, streaming all your favourite shows, or even just watching and recording free-to-air TV via the internet.
We spent a couple of weeks with the Fetch Mini G5, capable of 4K streaming, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. But thanks to a new user interface update that rolled out to users just last month, the experience has become just that bit better, enhancing a decent, versatile box, with easier navigation, a more intuitive home screen and a fresh new look.
Design
Even after a couple of weeks with it next to my TV, I’m still surprised by just how small the Fetch Mini is. Sure, Google’s TV Streamer and Amazon’s Fire Stick aren’t that large to begin with, but when compared to the Fetch Mighty, it’s crazy.
The newer Mini G5 is even smaller than the previous Mini, and comes in at 100mm(W) x 100mm(L) x 23mm(H) and weighs only 167g. There’s not much to see around the front of the device, with no real buttons in sight. There are three lights, with one for power, one for internet and a remote connectivity light, which turns blue when working, and red when either in standby or experiencing an issue of some sort.
Around the back, you’ll find a standard 12v DC adapter port, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port and a terrestrial antenna port and finally, a single USB-A port on the side. The box keeps the design of its larger siblings, and while it’s rather minimal, it’s never going to stick out like a sore thumb.
I ended up moving this into my bedroom after a couple of days, as I have a slightly older Samsung TV, which could benefit from a few more apps. That TV sits on a smaller dresser, and the Fetch Mini sat perfectly beside it, even though there’s barely any room.
Functionality
In 2025, the Fetch TV will do almost anything a standard smart TV can do, and so much more. It’s a great way to access all of your streaming apps, like Netflix, for example, but it’s also a great way to catch free-to-air TV, either through a standard antenna cable or via the internet, making it a great option for homes and rooms without a traditional antenna port.
Set up is relatively easy, and while the box needs to be activated and have the latest firmware updates installed, you’re up and running in around 10-15 minutes.
It’s also packing a range of free channels, available to Fetch users, for added value. I understand that most TV brands like Samsung and LG throw in their free channels, and it’s much of the same here. Accessing free-to-air TV via the internet is easy enough; all you need to do is sign in via the apps, either on the box itself or through your phone, and you’re off and running.
The included remote is considerably larger than its competitors, and a fair bit is going on. The top section with coloured buttons, channel and volume control also doubles as a numbered keypad when you push the button on the top left corner of the remote. While it might not seem enticing, it does bring the value of the experience to the forefront, given it allows you to flick through TV, pause, rewind and even access all your apps with a dedicated button.
Thankfully, it does allow voice control for you to search pretty much anything you like, if things feel a bit too complicated.
The Fetch Mini can’t record live TV, though, as it lacks the hard drive that comes in the Fetch Mighty. It can, however, pause and rewind through up to 15 minutes of live TV, and even allow you to view shows aired earlier in the day via the EPG (Electronic Program Guide), by accessing the content on-demand.
It’s also taking advantage of 4K streaming, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so no matter what TV you’re streaming on, you’re going to get the most out of your colour corrections, adjustments, and contrast with compatible platforms.
Software
Fetch boxes across the range have been treated to a new UX interface redesign, which makes things much cleaner and easier to navigate, be it via apps or even live TV. Fetch TV’s interface was never terrible, so to speak, but the redesign falls more in line with what we’ve seen out of Hubbl over the last few months, integrating the entire experience into easily accessible rows of carousel menus that incorporate a range of both channels and apps.
Off the bat, you’ll find your installed apps front and centre, with four options in the top corner for your Home Screen, Live TV, Apps and a dedicated Store. As you scroll down, you’ll even get recommendations based on your streaming services and be able to pick up where you left off, across TV channels and streaming apps.
Above all, it’s just really clean and concise, without ever feeling cluttered. It’s not to say that it has redefined the experience, but it’s a much more modern and accessible browsing experience that understands it can reach beyond its core Fetch TV components, and for that, I commend it.
Verdict & Value
Overall, the Fetch Mini G5 is a solid competitor as far as the complete viewing and streaming experience goes. Its 4K, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and even Dolby Atmos compatibility allows you to get the best out of your TV and streaming platforms, while its minimal and sleek design allows it to fit pretty much anywhere.
While it might not pull existing users of Google TV Streamers or Amazon Fire Sticks away from those platforms and devices, it’s well worth considering if you need to start from scratch or bring all the goods and services to an older TV.
I do want to highlight that new UX interface, though, as it has enhanced the overall experience for the better, making it one that’s as easy to browse and navigate as it is to enjoy.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Sleek and minimal; Plenty of options from streaming to Live TV; New UX interface update is fantastic
Lowlights: No recording, not even via USB; Won’t do much to drag other users away from something like a Hubbl; The remote is a little big and bulky when compared to its competitors
Manufacturer: Fetch
Price: A$159
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Fetch.
