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While the most basic thing you need in a streaming device is for it to connect you to your shows, movies and sports, there are other features you should also consider. It’s all about finding out which device best fits your individual needs. Or the needs of your giftee if you are buying it as a holiday gift. Once you’ve figured those out, you can even score a deal on them this Black Friday.
Though most smart TVs come equipped with a host of built-in apps for streaming, having a dedicated streaming device is a great way to improve your setup. This is especially useful for folks who have older smart TVs that aren’t fully compatible with all streaming platforms. Additionally, individual devices provide all sorts of hardware improvements, like Dolby Atmos compatibility, swifter navigation speeds and 4K HDR streaming. At the same time, each streaming platform has its own distinct interface.
We’ve spent hours reviewing and testing every streaming device and major smart TV system available today so we can help you figure out the best streaming device that’ll work for you. We’ve gone through every device in Roku’s extensive lineup, checked out Google’s latest offerings, tested all of Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and pored over Apple’s most recent update to the Apple TV 4K so that we can give you informed and unbiased advice.
Read on as we break down the best streaming devices available now.
Read more: Best Streaming Service of 2024
What is the best streaming device overall?
We prefer Roku’s content-agnostic approach, ease of use, large app library and excellent search functionality over those from other companies. We’ve found that the Roku Express 4K Plus is usually the cheapest Roku that offers 4K HDR streaming, and is therefore the best streaming device to buy. The Express 4K Plus lacks Dolby Vision support, but we’ve found that this usually isn’t a deal-breaker, as Dolby Vision only works on some TVs (and notably not Samsung). Additionally, we don’t think that Dolby Vision looks any better than regular HDR and isn’t generally worth extra money.
That said, there are times during the year when the Roku Express 4K Plus is not our top pick. This occurs when the Streaming Stick 4K is on sale and is cheaper than the Express 4K Plus. The Streaming Stick 4K offers all the same functionality of the Express 4K Plus, but includes Dolby Vision support — which is why it’s typically more expensive. We don’t think this addition is worth the premium price, but it certainly shouldn’t prevent you from grabbing the Streaming Stick 4K if it’s the cheaper of the two.
Best streaming devices of 2024
Roku is our favorite streaming system, with the most streaming app options, the simplest streaming platform interface and the best search. It also has a content-agnostic platform that doesn’t push any one media streaming service provider, like Amazon Prime Video or Apple, over another. The Express 4K Plus streaming media player is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR. (Even if your current TV doesn’t support those formats, your next one probably will.) Thanks to the AirPlay update, this Roku device is one of the least expensive ways to connect your iPhone or other Apple device to your TV. It is cheaper than the company’s Streaming Stick 4K Plus and other 4K HDR streaming devices, and it’s our top pick for best streaming device overall.
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The Roku Streaming Stick 4K features the same simple interface, large app selection and impressive search function found on all Roku devices, but also offers Dolby Vision support. Along with a stick-like design, Dolby Vision HDR is the main difference between the Streaming Stick 4K and the Express 4K Plus, and is ostensibly why the Streaming Stick 4K is more expensive than its sibling. While we think the Streaming Stick 4K is a great device, we’re just not sold on the Dolby Vision upgrade — mostly because we generally don’t think that it provides a major image quality upgrade over standard HDR. But if Dolby Vision is important to you, this device will not disappoint.
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The Chromecast with Google TV 4K isn’t quite as good as the Roku Express 4K Plus, but it comes closer than any other device on the market. Chromecast outdoes Roku by adding Dolby Vision compatibility, but its biggest smart device strength is Google Assistant voice search, which works well for finding stuff to watch. We also like the impressive integration with other Google services such as Google Photos and YouTube TV. The interface is more evolved-looking than Roku, but ultimately we prefer Roku’s simpler approach, no-nonsense search results and lower price. That said, the new Chromecast is a better smart streaming device choice for those already living in Google’s world.
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Like its predecessor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) loads apps almost immediately, and navigating around the system is swift and smooth. Even better, the Max offers Wi-Fi 6E and nearly all the latest playback standards, including Dolby Vision. For people hooked into the Amazon ecosystem, the new Ambience mode can include up-to-date delivery information on your TV screen. Though it’s only a little better specified than the original Max, the second gen is now officially the best Fire Stick on the market today.
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The 2022 Apple TV 4K starts at $129, $50 less than its previous version. It also has a faster A15 Bionic processor under the hood and an updated Siri Remote that swaps out the proprietary Lightning connector for USB-C. If those changes sound minor, that’s because they are. When using the device, it’s hard to see any real difference compared to last year’s model.
But it continues to be a good choice for those who want an Apple device to use Apple Arcade for gaming or take full advantage of their Apple One subscription bundles. Video purists will appreciate its flexible HDR and TV calibration feature.
For most people, however, Apple’s venerable remote control streaming device just isn’t worth the money, especially now that Roku has nearly all the major apps and AirPlay. If you really want Dolby Vision, you can find that on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at a fraction of the price.
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Soundbars with streaming onboard may be a relatively recent development, but Roku’s new Streambar nails it. It has the Roku interface we know and love, complete with 4K HDR with improved sound for any TV, especially dialog. It’s smaller and more affordable than its predecessor, the Roku Smart Soundbar, but we think the new Streambar media streamer device makes more sense for most people.
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Sure, it’s an expensive media device — and that’s before adding a game controller — with 8GB of storage and 2GB RAM, compared to 16GB of storage and 3GB RAM, but if you want a jack-of-all-trades video streaming player, the Shield is it. In addition to 4K streaming and HDR, it offers a robust library of games, both console-level and Android TV, Steam Link, built-in Google Assistant complete with smart home control, NAS access, Plex server capability, HD HomeRun integration and much more.
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Budget
Before anything else, you’ll want to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a new streaming device. Higher-end devices can cost well over $100, like the Apple TV 4K, the Roku Streambar, and the NVIDIA Shield TV. But if your budget is a little tighter, there are plenty of simpler yet still very effective streamers which are priced as low as $30.
Brand compatibility
You’ll want to consider the other brands in your home’s ecosystem before choosing a product. If you’re already an Apple loyalist, you might opt for the Apple TV to round out your supply of iPhones and HomePods. Or, if you’re already an Amazon Prime subscriber, the Fire Stick may be your best option. Google and Chrome junkies may prefer to keep it in the family with several Chromecast and Google options to complete their ecosystem. In any case, keeping it “in the family” may be your best bet in terms of picking your streaming device.
Use cases
Consider what exactly you’ll be using your streaming device for. Are you looking for extra streaming services beyond what your TV already offers? Are you looking for a powerful device which you are also able to game on? Make sure your use cases align with the capabilities of the streaming device you choose.
Display hardware and connectivity
Ask yourself how you’ll be integrating the streaming device into whatever environment you’re buying for. Most devices offer both HDMI connectivity and Wi-Fi, though wireless connectivity issues may force some people to use Ethernet, for example. Consider whether you’re willing to add wires to your setup to let your streaming device run as smoothly as possible.
Every streaming device we review receives hours of hands-on testing. Typically, this involves installing the device on multiple TVs, evaluating the setup process, adding popular streaming channels and using the product as if it were our own. We use all of the major features available on the platform and note how they stack up against the competition. To do this, we hook rival streaming devices to the same TV so we can switch back and forth easily to compare the experiences.
Our metrics that we look at to rate a device include: hardware design and features, remote capabilities and design, overall platform ease-of-use, effective layouts and design, search capabilities, privacy settings, the number of apps and their performance, and the overall speed and reliability of the system.
Roku Ultra LT: This is technically the cheapest current device with Roku’s streaming system and an Ethernet port. The savings compared to the actual, non-LT Ultra isn’t much, however, and it lacks that device’s slick extras like Dolby Vision, programmable keys, fast app launching and the remote finder.
JubileeTV: JubileeTV’s modus operandi is to simplify streaming TV access for aging Americans. With technology constantly advancing and an overwhelming amount of content available, older viewers can feel lost. JubileeTV provides a familiar viewing experience for seniors to enjoy their favorite programming while staying connected to family and loved ones. Learn more about the simplified streamer in our full JubileeTV review.
The Roku UItra (2024) includes a new remote but it’s not an essential upgrade.
Roku Ultra (2024): The Roku Ultra (2024) has seen some upgrades including a new caching system for faster loading times and a new voice remote with USB-C charging. If you already have an Ultra, then simply buy the new Voice Remote Pro 2nd Edition instead. Read CNET’s full review of the Roku Ultra (2024).
Fire TV Stick 4K: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K debuted in 2018 and is still around today. While we generally think it’s worth it to upgrade to the Max, the original Fire TV Stick 4K is still a good choice for those who want 4K streaming without paying for the latest bells and whistles, namely Wi-Fi 6 and blazing-fast speed.
Fire TV Stick Lite: The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is our favorite budget streaming device, besting the Roku Express. The Lite trounces the Express in features-for-the-money. This Fire TV’s biggest advantage is a remote with built-in voice search and control powered by Alexa. The cheapest Roku with a voice remote is the Express Plus 4K, which uses Roku’s more basic voice system, not Alexa. The Fire Stick’s remote also doesn’t need line of sight to work. If you want to spend as little as possible on a streaming player, learn more about the Fire TV Stick Lite in our full review.
Do streaming devices have monthly fees?
Do you need a streaming device with a smart TV?
Can I get all the channels I want on any device?
