For me, I think adding Projectivity Launcher over the top of it took it from a good device to a great one.
It's let me customise the thing just how I want it.
As for voice, I find it handy rather than typing text with the remote when searching in YouTube etc.
It's long, but well worth the read.
Sounds like you don't want to do this, but I am loving my Nvidia Shield TV Pro.
I've installed Projectivity Launcher on it and all the apps I want. It's such a smooth, clean experience.
Whether it's Netflix, Tivimate, Kodi or Plex, it all runs super smoothly, no stutters, no ads. Highly recommend.
The backlit, voice capable remote is really nice too.
Same as Australian carriers. Mine is $A10 /day (about $7 USD). If you're travelling for a long time the cost can eventually add up and it's possible to get some cheaper travel sims. But it's just so much easier to not do anything and use your phone as normal.
Big improvement from the old days of roaming.