I've got an nvidia shield but if you're looking for cheap and good, google chromecasts are good these days. I managed to get one for free with an offer too.
The other pro of this, you can map bad wifi signals with their app so know where to add another access point if needed. I've got solid concrete walls and have 3. One for downstairs, one for upstairs and one for the garden. I definitely don't need 3, I just didn't want any wifi black spots.
I was in a similar boat to you but never take my wallet anywhere so needed Google Pay. I used to use the options other mentioned like Magisk but odd days it didn't work after an update meaning NFC didn't work. I couldn't risk it so decided to stop using it. I only really needed adblocking and you don't need root for that anymore.
Alternatively, you can use an icon app that'll "force" it such as icon studio etc.