Best streaming devices
Streaming devices are becoming increasingly important for home entertainment. Not many TVs have all the major streaming applications, so the finest streaming devices let you watch HBO Max, Shudder, and Criterion Channel. Choose a streaming device carefully. Plenty of $50 choices exist, but should you spend $99 on Roku Ultra or $179 on Apple TV 4K? Fire TV sticks? A sub-$50 streaming gadget is also available.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which enhanced performance and incorporated Dolby Vision, is our top selection. Roku's app-first OS is one reason we chose it. Roku's YouTube bug is fixed.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the newest addition to this list (2021). The former is the fastest Fire TV Stick we've tested, while the latter finally has a solid remote. Microsoft discontinued making the Xbox One S, so we replaced it with the Xbox Series S.
Some Tom's Guide editors own various streaming gadgets to monitor how they change. We spend hours viewing popular streaming programs and movies on these devices, then compare them to others with comparable costs to help you choose.
Netflix and Hulu are everywhere, but some applications are exclusive on Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV. Apple TV programs and services are now available on Vizio Smart TVs if you don't want to pay for their streaming devices.
Small improvements like speedier performance and better Wi-Fi streaming in bigger homes (when it's not near the router) put the Roku Ultra (2020) on our list. The cheaper Fire TV devices control your full home screen experience, while the Apple TV offers no commercials and greater personalization. Best streaming gadgets explained.
Best streaming devices?
We love and recommend the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for two reasons. Roku is the finest streaming platform. Roku Channel Store has all the top streaming services, so you'll never say "my favorite program isn't here." When it was the Streaming Stick Plus, it lacked Dolby Vision. We've identified a remedy for the Roku problem that conceals applications and the one option to disable.
If you can restrict yourself to one device, your entertainment cabinet or counter will look much better (and they can all watch the greatest Netflix series and Seinfeld episodes). You can reorder applications on the Roku home screen, but the Fire TV only allows you manage the top row. See how the cheaper Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick compare.
Chromecast with Google TV is also great. Its remote lets you put down your phone and watch. New Chromecast broadcasts 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision. Android TV app compatibility ensures you won't miss the newest streaming services. It's complete. The Chromecast with Google TV's home screen is cluttered and the suggestions for what to watch and how to catch up may be better.
The new Apple TV 4K (2021) has a clickable direction-pad remote. It's the greatest streaming gadget for ad-free viewing. The Apple TV 4K's pricing is exorbitant. The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the newest addition. It's $5 more and quicker than the standard Fire TV Stick 4K.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a minor advance over the Streaming Stick Plus. Little changed, and only improvements occurred, therefore the king remains. Dolby Vision is now on this Roku stick, so your streaming programs will look great (provided your TV supports it, too). The $50 Roku Viewing Stick 4K offers quick navigation and great streaming. It's packed with applications.
We observed content sharpness rise to 1080p and 4K on the Streaming Stick 4K. App loading was similar to Chromecast with Google TV. Roku wins because to its simplified UI, which prioritizes applications over content. Improved private listening using the Roku app and wireless headphones is a pleasant benefit.
2. Roku Streaming stick 4k+
You want cheap 4K streaming but don't want to skimp. Roku Express 4K Plus replaces the Roku Premiere. We like this model's remote. Previously, you required direct line of sight to use your Roku remote.
This manner, you don't need to think while clicking the paddle. The Roku Express 4K Plus is the greatest cheap streaming device due to its UHD visual quality and fast speed.
We wish it were heavier since you may have to fiddle with the HDMI cable to make it sit flat. Roku Streaming Stick Plus isn't affected. If you want Dolby Vision or Atmos Audio, seek elsewhere.
The 2019 Nvidia Shield TV looks like a mobile power charger and is one of the greatest streaming gadgets. This tube for your tube quickly spews UHD 4K material, and its hundreds of applications mean you can view almost anything. So small, it may nestle discreetly around your TV.
Instead of a gaming controller, this Shield TV has a remote. This remote lights in the dark, so we don't have to remember where buttons are. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controller support make up for the missing controller. The greatest streaming gadget for spenders. The Shield TV offers 4K HDR streaming, making it the ideal streaming device for gamers and viewers.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max's presence is notable in itself. In our tests, Amazon fixed the performance difficulties that have plagued their sticks, notably in app load times. If you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, it supports Wi-Fi 6. The remote's Live TV button lets you quickly access your cord-cutting app's TV Guide.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a regular streamer. It features all the applications you need, plus Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. We wish it replaced the Fire TV Stick 4K and cost $5 less. This is the best Amazon Fire TV streaming gadget. It's worth the extra money.
The new Apple TV 4K (2021) is wonderful and works like a dream, but upgrading may not be worth it. The 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K looks like its predecessor. The A10X chip is replaced by an A12 Bionic. Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen supports 4K at 60fps with HDR vs 30fps. Not many apps provide that kind of material, largely sports and fast-paced activity, but it will grow.
The Apple TV 4K's Siri Remote is its finest feature. I loathed the previous remote's frustrating touch interface. The new remote keeps touch and gestures but adds buttons and an iPod-like jog wheel. Again, pricing is a downside. Check out our post on the first thing every Apple TV user should change to make streaming simpler - hint: it's about the remote.
Unlike Roku, Chromecast, and Fire TV? The Apple TV 4K includes a banner at the top that changes to fit the app you choose. The TV app features commercials, but they're relevant.
7. Fire TV Cube
The $299 Xbox Series S is an outstanding streaming console (that you can find without dedicating your life to hunting it down). It can handle Netflix, Disney Plus, and more, but not 4K gaming. Kodi may be installed on Xbox Series S. Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision HDR, and Movies Anywhere are supported.
Xbox Series S costs the same as six Chromecast with Google TVs, so it's nice that it's a great console. The Xbox Series S, which can output games in 1440p and run Xbox Game Pass, is a cheaper alternative to the Xbox Series X. Its 512 GB SSD might fill up quickly with popular games, requiring frequent uninstallation.
I have both the Fire Stick 4k + and the Roku Express 4k +. Both provide a brilliant picture. However after watching the Roku for a few days I give it the edge. The picture has more depth and at times appears three dimensional. The menu is not Amazon centric like the Fire Stick. Very happy with the Roku.
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