If you're in the market for a new streaming device, chances are you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment experience. Maybe you've been relying on your phone or tablet for quick viewing, or maybe your TV's built-in operating system just isn't cutting it. Streaming dongles like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite and set-top boxes like the Apple TV 4K are ubiquitous at the moment, but sorting out the differences between the two can be challenging. Plus, these aren't the only gadgets that can bring your latest Netflix obsession to your TV screen. Let us break down all the options you have today and give you our picks for the best streaming devices you can buy.
Who needs a streaming device?
It's worth noting that if you only use a few streaming services (say, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video), you may not need a separate streaming device. Most modern TVs come with a basic selection of apps, which usually include the most popular streaming services. Some TVs and soundbars run built-in Roku or Fire TV operating systems, offering a robust selection of apps without the need for a separate device.
But if your TV is on the older side, adding a streaming stick is much cheaper than buying a new smart TV. A dedicated streaming device also typically has access to many more streaming services and apps, while content is often presented more intuitively. Some devices also offer better search features, including voice control. Cord cutters in particular will benefit from this kind of streaming hardware, as live TV services like Sling TV and Hulu Live aren't always available on basic TV interfaces.
How to choose a streaming device
The most important things to keep in mind when choosing a media streaming device are platform, price, and what you already have at home. Currently, the most popular streaming platforms are Roku, Amazon's Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google TV (which is an overlay on top of Android TV). They all offer a similar selection of streaming services, with the primary difference being the user interface. Roku, for example, has a basic grid layout, while Fire TV and Google TV emphasize personalized recommendations.
Prices for streaming devices usually start around $30 and can go up to $200 (such as the 64GB Apple TV 4K). Sticks or dongles are generally more affordable, while set-top boxes tend to be more expensive. The main reason to opt for a dongle streaming box is if you need an ethernet connection. Some models also have additional features such as Ethernet ports and faster wireless connections. (For example, Roku's set-top boxes have Dolby Vision, while its sticks don't.) Another advantage of set-top boxes is that they're faster than older TV processors and easier to upgrade over time.
There are also some differences in features. Fire TV uses Alexa for voice commands, for example, while Google TV uses Google Assistant. When it comes to devices from Amazon, Google, and Apple, it is generally best to choose one that belongs to the previously chosen ecosystem. So if you're already a devoted iTunes user, an Apple TV would make more sense than a Fire TV. Of course, this isn't a hard and fast rule: If you're more dependent on the streaming service than buying or renting shows, the ecosystem issue isn't as relevant. We'll get into more detail about each system later in this guide.
Below are some recommendations for the best streaming sticks and other budget-friendly options. We've also included suggestions for set-top boxes and gamer-focused devices.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K, plus earlier iterations like the Streaming Stick+, has long been an Engadget favorite, and for good reason: it packs a lot of features into a small, affordable package. It has a simple user interface along with the widest selection of TV streaming options. All you need to set up is plug it into the HDMI input on your TV and connect the power cable to the TV's USB port. You can then complete the rest of the setup process via the TV interface and Roku remote.
As mentioned, Roku has a great selection of content. According to the company, you can choose to stream over 500,000 movies and TV episodes. Another useful feature is Roku's universal search, which can find shows on different platforms without favoring one over the other. In contrast, Amazon's streaming platform prioritizes search results from its own Prime video service.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K also supports AirPlay 2, making it great for those looking to stream from Macs or iOS devices. In addition, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K supports 4K, HDR streaming, and Dolby Vision.
We especially like Roku's private listening feature, which lets you listen to shows with headphones, which is useful if you don't want to disturb other members of your household. You can do this through the Roku TV app, which is available for both iOS and Android. The app also works as an alternative to physical remote control. This is especially useful for entering login and password information, which is much easier to do with a smartphone keyboard than having to hunt and peck with the remote control.
In addition to the remote control, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K also responds to voice commands to search for your favorite shows, adjust the volume, or enable closed captions.
If you want an upgraded remote, consider upgrading to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+. It has all the features of the Streaming Stick 4K, except it comes with a rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro. You can find a lost remote by saying “Hey Roku, where's my remote?” and it has a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack so you can use the private listening feature without the app. However, it's almost $20 more than the Streaming Stick 4K, so unless you really need that fancy remote, we recommend the Streaming Stick 4K instead.
Chromecast with Google TV
For years, Google's Chromecast was a dongle without a remote. It was simply used to stream shows from your phone or laptop to your TV. But the new Chromecast with Google TV is completely different. Not only does it now have a dedicated remote control, but it also brings a brand-new menu interface and smart Google Assistant features. While Roku might be our overall pick, Chromecast is best for those who like a more customized interface and robust voice control.
The highlight of the new Chromecast is Google TV, which is a redesigned version of Android TV. The home screen is customized based on your viewing habits. There's a rotating carousel of popular shows, top picks, and category headers like "Continue Watching" and "Trending on Google." We especially appreciate the 'Continue Watching' line, as it offers a quick shortcut to catch up on a show you've - you guessed it - already watched.
There are also recommendations generated by algorithms, such as "Alien Shows" or "Murder Shows". What's nice is that most of the suggested shows come from services you're already subscribed to. If you're a YouTube TV subscriber, you'll appreciate the Live TV tab, which serves as a channel guide for the service. However, Google said the card should eventually work with other live TV services like Sling or Hulu Live.
We also like that Google TV provides a lot of information about a particular show or movie, like its Rotten Tomatoes rating and all the different ways you can watch it. You can also add it to your Watchlist directly from the show's page, regardless of what streaming service it's on. However, you can only rent or buy a show from the Google Play Movies & TV store.
One of our favorite features of the new Chromecast is the Google Assistant integration. You can ask general questions, such as asking for a five-day weather forecast. Best of all, contextual queries like "Find Bill Murray movies" and "Show me true crime documentaries" return highly relevant results. You can also control the TV completely with voice commands, including turning it on and off and adjusting the volume.
Chromecast with Google TV supports 4K HDR as well as Dolby Vision. However, it does not support Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol, so it is not as compatible with Mac and iOS devices. It also doesn't currently stream Apple TV+ or iTunes videos. We should also note that, unlike other streaming dongles, the latest Chromecast can't be powered from a TV's USB port; you'll need to use the included 7.5W power adapter instead.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
If price is paramount and you don't need 4K, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is a decent alternative. At $30, it's one of the cheapest streaming sticks on the market (it's also often discounted). It supports FHD streaming with HDR and like its higher siblings, comes with Alexa's voice remote control.
One of the reasons it's considered "Lite" is that this particular Fire TV Stick can't control your TV; you still have to use the TV remote control to turn it on and off or adjust the volume. That's not such a big deal, especially if it helps you save a few bucks. In comparison, the standard Fire TV Stick usually sells for $40, while the Fire TV Stick 4K costs $50.
Amazon Fire TV supports almost all popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, YouTube TV, and Hulu, among others. The Live page includes Twitch out of the box. While you can't use Alexa to control your TV, the Fire TV Stick Lite lets you use Alexa to search for shows and ask general questions like the weather forecast or the latest scores on your favorite sports team.
Despite its low price, the Fire TV Stick Lite is a decent streaming dongle. It comes with an updated Fire TV interface that adds features like user profiles, a new main menu navigation bar with show recommendations, plus a scrolling list of your favorite streaming apps.
The layout isn't as intuitive as Google TV's, and it's more complex than Roku's, but it's still easy enough to figure out. That said, the interface tends to favor Amazon Prime Video content, and there are far more ads than on other streaming platforms. It's not the best streaming device, but it's a good, cheap option if you want to update an older TV and spend as little as possible.
You can also upgrade to Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max for a little more money. Both have 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, but the Max has WiFi 6 support and a faster processor.
Roku Express
The Roku Express has the same user interface as the Streaming Stick+ but instead sits inside a compact set-top box. It doesn't support 4K or HDR, and the remote lacks a voice command button. But if all you want is a capable HD streaming device, the Express suits you. However, if you insist on 4K, consider the Roku Express 4K+, which retails for $40. It's very similar to the Express, except it supports 4K, HDR, and AirPlay, and also comes with a voice remote. That could be worth the extra money.
Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra has the same features as the Streaming Stick+ and more. There is a wide selection of content, a simple user interface, and support for 4K HDR streaming, AirPlay2, and voice commands. In addition, the Ultra adds Dolby Vision support along with HDR 10+, USB connectivity, a MicroSD slot for external media, and Ethernet connectivity.
Like the Streaming Stick 4K+, the Ultra comes with Roku Voice Remote Pro. The remote also includes several programmable hotkeys that you can map to specific commands, such as "Start YouTube" or "Play classical music." Best of all, the Ultra comes with a remote finder in case you lose it among the couch cushions. The Ultra is definitely the most capable Roku device on the market, but you'll have to pay extra for it.
Apple TV 4K
For those who want a little higher end and have a bunch of Apple devices, the Apple TV 4K could be worth the splurge. It can stream in 4K HDR and Dolby Vision, plus it supports AirPlay 2 for streaming from Mac and iOS devices. The tvOS platform has an attractive and clean user interface that is also easy to use. There's also a "One Home Screen" feature that lets you sync apps and their layout across multiple Apple TVs, and you can use Siri to search for your favorite shows. And since Apple redesigned the included Siri remote, it's much easier to navigate between apps, browse content, and generally find what you're looking for quickly.
As you might expect, Apple TV is also the only set-top box that works with the entire Apple ecosystem. That means you can use Apple TV to buy and rent movies from iTunes, access music and podcasts, play games from Apple Arcade, and run apps like Fitness+, Apple's range of exercise classes.
iPhone owners in particular are likely to benefit from owning an Apple TV. During setup, you can attach the handset to the box to transfer all your settings and enter passwords directly through the Remote app, which itself is easily accessible through the iOS Control Center.
The 2021 model is still available right now, but we recommend going with the 2022 version that was just announced so you can get double the base storage (64GB) for a new, lower starting price of $129.
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
For those who want an all-in-one device that lets you stream movies, run a PLEX media server, and play games, consider NVIDIA's Shield TV Pro. It currently runs Android TV, which is a bit outdated at the moment, but there is a possibility that it could be upgraded to Google TV in the future.
Thanks to its capable TegraX1+ processor, Shield TV Pro can stream in native 4K and can also upscale 720p and 1080p video to 4K using the company's AI neural network. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 has 3GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and two USB-C ports. In addition, there is a gigabit ethernet port, an HDMI socket, and a microSD card slot. Since it runs on Android, you can play most games from the Google Play Store with it.
The main reason you would choose the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro over other machines is that it gives you access to the NVIDIA GeForce Now cloud gaming service. If you have a relatively fast internet connection, you can play top PC games that are streamed online to your Shield TV Pro.
Xbox Series X
Although both Sony's PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can stream video, it's the Xbox that we think is the best gaming console for the job. It can play 4K Blu-Ray and supports all the usual video streaming apps including Apple TV+ and Disney+. However, the PS5 can't stream Disney+ in 4K or Dolby Atmos, which is disappointing if you ever want to watch The Mandalorian in all its cinematic glory.
Fortunately, that's not the case with the Xbox Series X. Additionally, the Xbox Series X (and S) also supports Dolby Vision for streaming video, which is especially great for people with newer TVs. Of course, the Xbox is also a pretty great gaming machine and offers access to Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service that has a large library of titles.
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