For consumer boxes, it's basically Shield (Google), Apple TV, Roku, Fire (de-Googled Android), or some bargain bin shitbox.

The best streaming box on the market is arguably the Apple TV because it's a bunch of icons, no ads. You say it spies on you, I've seen or heard no proof of this. The only "proof" is that it's closed source and you don't know what it's doing. But not knowing what it does does not necessarily mean you get to assume the worst and tout it as fact. It just looks like you have an agenda — or a stake in the competition. The best set-top box on the market for gaming (if we specify that) becomes the Shield, due to more options on Android, though the Apple TV can run RetroArch now, so it's closer.

The best option is probably to get an old corporate junker, put Linux on it, find some 10'/3m interface, and get a wireless keyboard/trackpad deal like the K400, then you can do what you want with it. But, most people aren't gonna go that far. Maybe more people should. Curious now what you're running with. I'll tell you mine — 2nd gen (2021) Apple TV 4K. Good for everything but YouTube. I mostly use it for Plex (streaming from my Mac). I could use Infuse (Apple-only streaming thing like Plex) but I don't care for it.