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The best streaming devices offer convenient access to popular video services, allowing you to watch your favorite movies and shows. Though most modern displays have built-in smart TV interfaces, dedicated streaming players often offer snappier performance and extra perks. Separate streaming devices are also a perfect solution for anyone with an old "dumb" TV that needs an upgrade.
These compact devices connect to your display using an HDMI cable and are typically designed as set-top boxes that rest on your TV stand or streaming sticks that hang right out of your TV's HDMI port. The Roku Ultra is my pick for the best streaming device overall, thanks to its 4K playback support, handy rechargeable remote, and easy-to-use operating system (OS). But if you're on a budget and only need high-definition (HD) streaming, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is a reliable and compact option.
I've also selected recommendations geared toward high-end performance and speed, with options from every major brand, from Apple to Google. No matter which model you go with, these picks provide a huge library of TV apps to stream.
Our top picks for the best streaming devices
Best overall: Roku Ultra - See at Amazon
Best budget: Fire TV Stick Lite - See at Amazon
Best high-end: Apple TV 4K - See at Walmart
Best for speedy navigation: Fire TV Stick 4K Max - See at Amazon
Best for Google users: Google Chromecast - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Roku Ultra is the most comprehensive streaming device in its class, with 4K playback, support for every major HDR format, a rechargeable voice remote, and some extra perks like an Ethernet port and USB input.
- Rechargeable remote with hands-free voice control and chime
- Simple navigation with Roku OS
- Ethernet port for wired internet and USB for media playback
- Pricey compared to streaming stick options
- Remote charges via Micro USB rather than USB-C
I've tested many streaming devices, but the Roku Ultra is the model I always return to for daily use. It checks every box I look for, with reliable navigation, 4K video playback, and support for all the major high-dynamic-range (HDR) formats. This enables top video quality when paired with the best 4K TVs.
The Roku OS features a huge library of video apps with access to all the best streaming services, with no major omissions. To get started, just connect the box to your TV via HDMI and install all your favorite streaming channels. Roku's streamlined interface is my favorite, thanks to its simplicity. However, its app-centric design might come across as a bit outdated to buyers who prefer a more content-focused approach.
Like all of the best streaming devices I recommend, the Roku Ultra has HDR capabilities to enable a wide range of colors and enhanced contrast when playing HDR-enabled videos on a compatible TV. In addition to standard HDR10, it supports the more advanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, which can more precisely tell a TV how to render HDR images on a scene-by-scene basis. Check out our HDR TV guide for more details about different formats.
The latest edition of the Roku Ultra was released in 2022, and it comes with Roku's Voice Remote Pro so you can easily adjust volume and search for content with spoken commands. It even has a hands-free feature for voice control with a wake word rather than holding a button. The remote also has a handful of extra perks that make it a bit more convenient than most competitors, including a rechargeable battery (via Micro USB), a private listening port for headphones (earbuds included), and a "lost remote" chime.
Compared to less expensive Roku models, the Ultra adds an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, a USB port for local media playback, built-in Dolby Atmos decoding, and Bluetooth support for pairing wireless headphones.
This all helps cement the Ultra as the most versatile and reliable media player in its price range, and I like that it's more universal than Amazon, Apple, and Google devices. There are cheaper alternatives, but the Roku Ultra is the best streaming device for anyone who wants a feature-packed media player with a simple and intuitive interface.
Read our Roku Ultra review (2020 model).
Best budget
The Fire TV Stick Lite is a great streaming device on a budget. Like the standard Fire TV Stick, it supports 1080p streaming with HDR, but its Alexa remote is missing TV controls.
- Affordable
- Compact stick design
- Includes Alexa voice remote
- Doesn't support 4K
- No Ethernet
- Lacks built-in Dolby Atmos decoding
Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite is one of the most affordable streaming devices on the market. And unlike the similarly priced Roku Express, it comes with a voice remote. To keep the cost down, the Fire TV Stick Lite is limited to 1080p playback, but you're still getting a capable streaming stick that pairs well with aging HDTVs that need extra smarts.
Like all of Amazon's streaming devices, the Fire TV Stick Lite uses the Fire TV OS, which offers access to every major TV app there is. Though it's not my favorite interface, Amazon has improved the design in recent years with better organization, and it should please fans of content-focused navigation.
Compared to more expensive Fire TV Sticks, this model is missing 4K support, Dolby Vision capabilities, and TV controls on its remote. It also lacks integrated decoding for Dolby Atmos audio, but since most modern TVs can handle Atmos decoding, this isn't a big deal. However, the Stick Lite is a tad slower than the flagship Fire TV Stick 4K Max, so navigation isn't as snappy.
But on the plus side, you still get Alexa voice control via the included remote. It also supports HDR10 and HDR10+. However, most TVs that support HDR are 4K displays, and if you have a 4K TV, you're better off paying more for an entry-level 4K model like the Fire TV Stick 4K or Roku Express 4K+.
Frequently on sale for only $20, the Fire TV Stick Lite is the best streaming device for buyers who just need a basic but capable HD media player and want to spend as little as possible.
Best high-end
The Apple TV 4K is the perfect fit for enthusiasts who want powerful performance, extra storage space, and seamless integration with the rest of Apple's ecosystem.
- Familiar interface for Apple users
- Can serve as a HomeKit hub
- Latest model has 4K upscaling and a rechargeable remote
- Need to buy 128GB model to get Ethernet
- Pricier than Roku options
If you're looking for a high-end streaming device that seamlessly integrates with your Apple account, the third-generation Apple TV 4K is for you.
The device's tvOS interface should appeal to people who already use other Apple products like an iPhone. It's also the only major operating system that isn't available as an integrated interface on any smart TV. Though Roku, Google, and Amazon all license their streaming systems to various display brands, Apple doesn't, so the only way to get the tvOS experience is with an Apple TV device.
The Apple TV 4K can access tons of streaming apps, as well as music, podcasts, and even games via Apple Arcade. You can also mirror content from an iOS or macOS device using AirPlay. In addition, the Apple TV 4K can serve as a HomeKit hub for Apple's smart home ecosystem.
As its name implies, the Apple TV 4K streams in up to 4K resolution. Like the Roku Ultra, it supports every major HDR format, including Dolby Vision and, new for the third-gen model, HDR10+. These formats provide the best image quality on compatible TVs, giving your display scene-by-scene instructions for optimizing color and contrast.
The included voice remote supports Siri, and the newest edition has built-in USB-C charging, so you don't need batteries. The back of the device also has an Ethernet port if you need a wired internet connection, but this feature is only offered on the more expensive 128GB model. The 128GB Apple TV 4K also adds Thread networking support, which enables it to connect other supported devices to the internet so they can communicate with each other.
On the downside, the Apple TV 4K is pricier than a lot of competing options from Roku and Amazon. Most people who aren't invested in Apple's ecosystem will be satisfied with the less expensive Roku Ultra. The deciding factor comes down to budget and the OS you prefer.
Read our Apple TV 4K review (2017 model).
Best for speedy navigation
This is Amazon's top streaming stick. With its powerful processor and GPU, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the fastest streaming device in its price range.
- Compact build
- Fastest navigation and loading times of any streaming stick we've tested
- Fire TV interface is a bit cluttered
- Not a huge upgrade over previous model
Amazon's best streaming stick is also one of the snappiest streaming devices I've tested. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max plugs right into the HDMI port on your TV, adding access to a ton of video apps with support for up to 4K playback. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also compatible with every major HDR format, so people with Dolby Vision or HDR10+ TVs can watch videos in the best quality available.
An Alexa voice remote is included so you can control playback and search for content with spoken commands. Though the remote requires you to press a button to activate Alexa, you can also pair the device with an Echo speaker for hands-free control.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max works with all of the most popular streaming apps. Though some notable services used to be missing, Amazon's selection is now on par with other major players like Roku. The interface is also solid, but I find Roku OS and Google TV to be a bit more appealing since they let you arrange more apps up top on the home screen.
The latest version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max launched in 2023, and this second-gen model has a revised design with rounded edges and an upgraded processor. The previous Fire TV 4K Max was already snappy, but the 2023 model dethrones it as the fastest media stick I've ever tested. It also has double the amount of storage and adds support for WiFi 6E routers. Unlike other Fire TV Sticks, the 4K Max also supports Amazon's Fire TV Ambient Experience, which lets you display art, photos, and widgets for things like the weather and your calendar.
People willing to pay more should also consider the latest Fire TV Cube, which has a set-top box design with an integrated speaker and built-in support for hands-free Alexa. This means it can double as an Echo smart speaker. But since the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is often on sale for as little as $40, I don't think the Cube is worth the extra money for most buyers.
Check out our guide to the best Fire TVs.
Best for Google users
This streaming dongle features a built-in library of apps and a Google Assistant voice remote, making it a great fit for people already plugged into other Google products.
- Compact design
- Easy integration with Google account
- Minor glitches and lag
- No built-in Ethernet
- Lacks integrated Dolby Atmos decoding
The Chromecast with Google TV offers a sizable step forward in performance and usability over older versions. Though previous models, like the Chromecast Ultra, needed a separate phone, tablet, or computer to stream apps from, the Chromecast with Google TV features its own built-in interface with an extensive library of services.
You can still cast apps from a mobile device if you'd like, but the on-screen selection makes it more convenient to find your favorite shows and movies on your TV screen. This makes the Chromecast a more worthy competitor to similar compact players, like the Fire TV Stick 4K.
The homepage's interface is nicely organized, with a row of your favorite services up top and various content recommendations below. I still prefer Roku's navigation style the most, but I give Google TV an edge over the Fire TV OS. Similar to how Apple TVs seamlessly integrate with Apple accounts, the Chromecast links with your Google account to easily communicate with other Google services.
From a design perspective, the Chromecast features a similar puck-shaped form factor as older models, complete with a dongle connection that hangs from your TV's HDMI port. Unlike older models, the latest version includes a handy voice remote with integrated Google Assistant support.
While initially testing the Chromecast with Google TV, I encountered a few glitches and some lag, but a lot of these issues have been ironed out by firmware since the device's launch. Like the Fire TV Stick Lite, the Chromecast can't decode Dolby Atmos audio on its own, but since most modern TVs can, this shouldn't impact most people trying to listen to Atmos audio. As it stands, the Chromecast offers solid value, especially for buyers already invested in Google's ecosystem.
Read our Chromecast with Google TV review.
What you should look for in a streaming device
Before buying a streaming device, there are a few key factors you should consider.
First, you'll want to confirm that your chosen device has access to all the services you want. All of the best streaming devices support popular apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, but certain brands may not include some smaller services.
You'll also want to consider your TV's specs. Not all streaming sticks and boxes can handle 4K or HDR, so if you have a 4K TV, you'll want to get a device that can fully take advantage of your display's capabilities, and all of the HDR formats it supports. Likewise, if you don't have a 4K TV, you'll be better off going with a cheaper device that doesn't have those extra features.
You should also consider the ecosystem you're most plugged into. For example, Android users will get more use from an Android or Google TV device, while those using an iPhone or Mac might prefer the Apple TV, and Alexa fans might want to opt for a Fire TV model.
Roku devices, on the other hand, are the most versatile since they're compatible with a variety of ecosystems. On the downside, Roku devices lack integrated support for Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, but you can pair them with separate smart speakers that use those platforms.
Streaming device FAQs
Do I need a streaming device if I have a smart TV?
If you have a modern smart TV, chances are your display already offers access to most, if not all, of the streaming services you want. However, even operating systems on the best TVs tend to be a bit slower than many standalone streaming devices. Likewise, some people may prefer to use a different interface or digital assistant than the ones that come built into their display.
If you find your smart TV's OS to be lacking, a separate streaming stick or box is a good investment.
What streaming device interfaces are there?
Each streaming device brand uses a different operating system, with many opting for their own proprietary interface. Though they all offer the same core features, some people may prefer one platform's visual design and organization style over another.
Here's a rundown of different streaming device brands and the current interfaces they use:
- Roku: Roku OS
- Amazon: Fire TV OS
- Google: Google TV
- Apple: tvOS
- Nvidia: Android TV (similar to Google TV but an older system)
Generally, I prefer Roku's interface because it is the simplest and most reliable, but some may find its visual style to be outdated compared to other systems that use a more modern, content-focused approach to organization.
Every OS has its own advantages and drawbacks, with a lot of their appeal coming down to personal preference. But no matter which one you go with, they all deliver the same basic streaming capabilities.
Should I get a streaming stick or box?
When shopping for the best streaming device, buyers have two primary types to choose from: a set-top box or a stick/dongle. The main differences between them are size and external design.
Set-top boxes typically have a rectangular build and can be placed on an entertainment console and connected to your TV via an HDMI cable. Streaming sticks or dongles are more compact devices designed to hang directly out of your TV's HDMI port.
In general, streaming sticks can be a bit more convenient since they're smaller and don't take up space on your TV stand. But entry-level sticks tend to be slower than more expensive streaming boxes and omit extra features like Ethernet and USB ports. And though many TVs house their HDMI connections in an area that makes it easy to hide a stick from view, some displays leave sticks easily visible while hanging out from their sides.
Set-top boxes are a better choice if you want a high-end streaming device, like an Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra, with all the bells and whistles. But streaming sticks are usually better options on a budget, and some flagship models, like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, are now capable of navigation speeds that match or even exceed set-top boxes.
Do streaming devices offer live TV?
All of the best streaming devices include access to live TV apps. Some free apps, like the Roku Channel, offer tons of internet stations without a subscription. However, apps that include popular cable and network channels require a paid subscription. Check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services to see our top recommendations.
Viewers looking for free access to network channels should consider purchasing a digital TV antenna. As long as you have good reception in your area, an antenna can pick up local channels like ABC and NBC free of charge. Check out our guide to the best indoor antennas for our top picks.
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