Best Streaming Devices

8 Streaming Devices That Deliver HD TV Easier Than Ever Before

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If you've had any experience with streaming media devices in the past, you know the technology just keeps getting better and better. The amount of content and ease of obtaining it have made many embrace these devices — even those who'd normally avoid newer technologies.

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According to research firm eMarketer, by 2022, it’s estimated that almost 21% of U.S. adults will have “cut the cord,” or switched from traditional cable to streaming. If this prediction comes to pass, that will mark an increase of almost eight percent in four years.

Streaming Device Checklist

Choosing which model (or form factor) does require some thought. No guy wants to make a bad investment that can ruin his Netflix and chill plans. So what exactly should you look for when picking up a streaming player? Take a look at our checklist.

4K streaming: All the major streaming services are making 4K content more accessible to viewers moving forward, so it doesn’t hurt to own a box or stick programmed to deliver ultra hi-def visuals.

All the major streaming services are making 4K content more accessible to viewers moving forward, so it doesn’t hurt to own a box or stick programmed to deliver ultra hi-def visuals. Accessories: Most machines come bundled with a remote control, though others support a range of extra hardware such as gamepads, headphones, smart routers, and speaker systems.

Most machines come bundled with a remote control, though others support a range of extra hardware such as gamepads, headphones, smart routers, and speaker systems. DLNA: Better known as Digital Living Network Alliance, this technology opens the lane for any streamer to grab content (movies, photos, and videos) from other devices shared on the same network.

Better known as Digital Living Network Alliance, this technology opens the lane for any streamer to grab content (movies, photos, and videos) from other devices shared on the same network. Multiple connections: Wi-Fi anchors your entire media-streaming experience, though many of the current streaming devices support Ethernet ports, which as you know provide faster, more reliable speeds.

Wi-Fi anchors your entire media-streaming experience, though many of the current streaming devices support Ethernet ports, which as you know provide faster, more reliable speeds. Seamless installation: Anything that requires more than just an HDMI plug-in and interface log-ins most likely isn’t conducive to your needs.

Anything that requires more than just an HDMI plug-in and interface log-ins most likely isn’t conducive to your needs. Speed requirements: 5Mbps is typically necessary for hi-def streaming, however, experts recommend every household should have 10Mbps or more to achieve smooth results.

5Mbps is typically necessary for hi-def streaming, however, experts recommend every household should have 10Mbps or more to achieve smooth results. Tons of apps: Netflix. Hulu. Amazon Prime. The holy trinity of content streaming is guaranteed on any device, but you’ll want more than the basics, so look for a machine that hosts a variety of apps from movies to gaming, music to social media.

All the intense research you foresaw, or dreaded, has been done for you. Thank us later, when you’re marathoning Black Mirror with the wifey cuddled up on the couch. Now that you’ve just been given the official 411, it’s time to shop for a player. So to once again guide you on the right path, we narrowed down the best streaming devices out there, while providing special bonuses that’ll surely elevate you to media-streaming nirvana.

Streaming media is more popular than ever, so content, quality and even pricing will be the battleground where device makers distinguish themselves. For now, your best bet is to decide what content and features matter to you and select the box that meets your needs. They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and the push toward streaming media is no different. The quantity and quality of offerings will continue to rise, so expect some new additions to these devices as the battle rages on.

Our Picks for Best Streaming Devices

Even with this monumental shift, like all developing industries, the players are still finding their places. There are lots of products out there, and each one offers different content and services in different packages in a range of prices.

It seems there's no one box that does it all, so which one is the right solution for you? The answer, of course, is "that depends." So read on for our breakdown of the best streaming media devices.

Best Streaming Devices

Best Overall Streaming Device

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Easy and convenient is the name of the game at Amazon, and it couldn’t be more true when it comes to the digital juggernauts slim streaming device. What really stands out about this lean machine is how easily it goes anywhere you want it to. Because it works with any HDTV with a WiFi connection, you can bring it along to a friend’s house or your next hotel room and have your Amazon interface right there with you.

Quick Specs:

Press and ask Alexa using the Alexa Voice Remote to easily search and launch shows across multiple apps

Plenty of movies and TV ready to stream, with exclusive content included with Prime membership

Thousands of channels, Alexa skills, and apps – including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and HBO, plus Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pandora.

Eight GB of internal storage with free cloud storage for digital content purchased from Amazon

Easy to set up — plug in behind your TV, turn on the TV, and connect to the internet

$39.99 at Amazon.com

Editor’s Choice for Best Streaming Device

Apple TV 4K

If there is a TV streaming device to rival any of the others out there, it’s the one that started it all. Apple TV launched in 2007 and it has only gotten bigger and better — relatively speaking. The device itself has gotten smaller (it’s about a quarter of the size as it’s first generation predecessor) but what it can handle has come leaps and bounds.

Quick Specs:

Picture quality is 4K High Dynamic Range (2160p, Dolby Vision, and HDR10) and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound

A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance

Storage available in 32GB or 64GB

Voice search using Siri Remote

View photos and videos from your iPhone and iPad on TV

Almost endless apps available in the App Store including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, iTunes, HBO, and ESPN

$199 at Amazon.com

Best Streaming Device for Beginners

Roku Express HD Streaming Media Player

Roku quickly trailed behind Apple TV with it’s debut following only a year later, but while Apple TV refreshes its singular streaming product, Roku diversified and now allows for a more customizable and cost-effective streaming experience. The streamlined Roku Express allows you to stream free, live, and premium TV over the Internet directly to your TV. It’s a perfect pick for novice users and secondary TVs, since all you have to do is plug into your TV (using the included high speed HDMI cable) and connect to the internet to get started.

Quick Specs:

HD streaming picture quality is 1080p (does not support 4K)

Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra

Almost endless apps available in the App Store including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, iTunes, HBO, and ESPN

Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels

Use the free Roku mobile app to use your iOS or Android device to control your Roku media player or Roku TV, use voice search, enjoy private listening, and more on iOS and Android

$29 at Amazon.com

Best Alexa-Free Streaming Device

Google Chromecast

Sometimes folks are more of “OK, Google” people and less “Alexa” people. To each their own, but for that Google gang, Google Chromecast is a great, affordable option to keep everything you talk to in perfect harmony. Built to work like a lot of these devices, what shines about the Chromecast is its compatibility with your phone. Stream from your phone to your TV quickly and easily by plugging the barely-there device into the HDMI port on your TV and power and stream to your heart’s delight, right from your phone with just a tap.

Quick Specs:

Resolution is up to 1080p 60fps

Works with streaming apps you know and love such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, iTunes, HBO, and ESPN

Voice activate by saying what you want to watch from compatible apps and control your TV hands free

Supported Operating systems. Android 4.2 and higher, IOS 9.1 and higher, Mac OS X 10.9 and higher, Windows 7 and higher

$35 at Amazon.com

Best Streaming Device for Gamers

NVIDIA Shield Android TV

Apple, Amazon, and Roku might have the name ID, but for those technophiles who look beyond the brand to find their streaming fix, NVIDIA is likely where they will go. Not as well known among the layperson among us, this brand is built for serious streamers — especially gamers — because it’s fast. Really fast. Shield TV takes streaming to the next level and it’s powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, arguably making it the world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player.

Quick Specs:

Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor

Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos deliver ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling.

Shield TV is compact, stealth, and designed to disappear behind your entertainment center, right along with your cables.

Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, a built-in power supply, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion, it is powerful, feature-packed, and built for behind-the-scenes brilliance.

An all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons — including a user-customizable button and features voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in lost remote locator

Stream endless apps including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, iTunes, HBO, and ESPN from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.

Play popular games such as Fortnite with GeForce NOW

Built-in Google Assistant allows for multiple functions including controlling your Shield hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Echo.

$149.99 at Amazon.com

Streaming Device with Most Variety

Roku Ultra Media Player

To stream on Roku is so nice, we had to include it twice — but this time, it’s even better. Allowing for a more hi-tech experience than it’s less expensive counterpart, the bells and whistles this Roku Ulta comes with keeps the easy streaming Roku is known for while upgrading what you can expect from it. Without competing with other streaming providers (Hello Apple and Amazon) Roku allows for its users to get just about the best variety of streaming services there is.

Quick Specs:

Roku’s top of the line media player with a quad-core processor and our best wireless, Roku Ultra is perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR

Brilliant picture quality, perfect for HD, HDR, and 4K streaming, enjoy picture that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color using HDMI and Ethernet cord options

Dolby Atmos audio

One-touch voice control shortcuts allow for search across channels, turn captions on, and more with the enhanced voice remote

Enjoy private listening through your remote using the included Premium JBL headphones and TV controls

Lost remote finder, USB and micro SD ports

You can stream from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, Disney , The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV

Stream it all, including free TV, live news, sports, the most popular apps including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, iTunes, HBO, and ESPN

Use the free Roku mobile app to use your iOS or Android device to control your Roku media player or Roku TV, use voice search, enjoy private listening, and more on iOS and Android

Automatic software updates: Get the most up to date software including all the latest features and available channels without even thinking about it

$84.99 at Amazon.com

Smartest Streaming Device

Amazon Fire TV Cube

If the Fire Stick was easy, then we don’t even know what to call this. Easiest? All you have to do is ask Alexa to turn on the TV, find your favorite show or movie, and if you’re set up for it, turn off the lights to get the mood just right. Visually the main difference you’ll find between the stick and the cube is … well one’s a stick and one’s a cube. The Cube is designed to be displayed in front of your TV as opposed to the stick which hides behind. However, the differences don’t end there.

Something to note though, not every app has the same voice control experience. Many apps allow you to control playback, and use Alexa on Fire TV Cube to navigate and browse content within the app, while others — including Netflix, Hulu, ABC, and ESPN — have integrated further with Alexa, allowing you to browse and search within the apps and opt for specific titles. With 4K ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+, this is the fastest, most powerful, best looking Fire TV.

Quick Specs:

Control compatible soundbar and A/V receiver, and change live cable or satellite channels with your voice

The built-in speaker allows Alexa to announce the weather, turn off lights, and more – even when the TV is off

Instant access to 4K ultra HD content, plus support for Dolby Vision and HDR, HDR10+ (HDMI cable is sold separately)

Watch favorites from Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, iTunes, HBO, and ESPN

Designed with privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones

Use power and volume buttons on your Alexa Voice Remote or the ‎Remote for Fire Stick TV App to control your TV without making a sound

$119.99 at Amazon.com

Best Budget Streaming TV

Hisense 32H4F 32-Inch LED Roku Smart TV

OK, this is a streaming device, but it clearly falls outside the range of sticks, boxes, tubes, or cubes you plug into your TV. That’s because it is a TV. What makes this TV so special it should be a list with the devices it once might have paired with? The price. For around the same price or less than some of the other devices on this list, you get a fully functional TV that combines HD 720p picture quality, an intuitively smart Roku TV platform, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Quick Specs:

Motion rate 120-image processing to minimize picture lag

Roku home screen and remote provide easy access to cable box or HDTV antenna allowing one-touch access to favorite channels and streaming services

Control the TV with your iOS or android device via the easy-to-use Roku TV remote app, or use your voice to power your TV on and off, change channels, search for shows, and more through an Alexa-enabled device or google assistant

28.9 by 17 by 2.8 inches

Backed by a one-year manufacturer's warranty

Includes a Roku remote with batteries included, power cable, and quick start guide

$179.99 at Amazon.com

Whether this is the first streaming device, or you’re simply adding to the collection, there is something here for just about everybody. So, if you’re ready to start streaming, but don’t know where to start streaming, we have some suggestions for you with our picks for the best weekend binges.

Product photos from retailer site.

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