Best TV Media Streaming Device to Upgrade Your Setup
With all the entertainment streaming services out there, ranging from Netflix and Spotify, one of the best ways to level-up your experience is to use a streaming device. With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so we’ve put together a list to help you choose the best TV media streaming device for your specific needs. We’ll cover pros, cons, prices, and all the features you should keep in mind when making your selection.
Best Overall: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Price: $49.99 USD
Platform: Amazon
Size: 99 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm
Apps: Hundreds of choices, including Tubi, Peacock, Roku, YouTube, Paramount+ and all the other heavy hitters everyone loves
Reasons to Buy:
- You can use this Fire TV Stick to play Xbox games, without a console. You will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play via the cloud, as well as compatible controllers
- 4K streaming with support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio
- AI-powered, so you can use verbal commands to search using Alexa Voice Remote
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Remote comes with preset buttons for frequently used apps, like Netflix (which saves you some input time)
- Ad-supported streaming apps give you over 300,000 free TV episodes and movies
- Control compatible smart devices in your home, such as lights and cameras
Reasons to Avoid:
- It can take a little longer when switching from broadcast TV to the Fire Stick menu. Occasionally, the home screen won’t appear for a few minutes
- Sometimes the default option is pre-selected to “purchase” when you’re looking at movies and other media. Make sure you don’t accidentally buy media without meaning to
- Cord from the Fire Stick is a little short, and you may need a compatible extension cord
- Ads can be obnoxious
Summary:
As you’ll soon see, even the best TV media streaming device has some cons. Most have some form of ad support for free channels, though some are worse than others. Overall, this Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is our favorite in terms of balanced prices and baseline features. It streams exceptionally well, is affordable, and can be used similarly to the Alexa devices. For example, if your home has compatible smart devices, it’s super handy to turn on or off the lights while you’re sitting on the couch watching TV. Basic cloud gaming at a low price is also a nice extra.
Best For Cloud Gamers: NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player
Price: $199.00 USD
Platform: Android TV
Size: 1.02 x 6.26 x 3.86 inches
Apps: Netflix, HBO, Vudu, Kodi, Spotify, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Browser, Fandango NOW, etc.
Reasons to Buy:
- AI upscaling for improved visuals
- Storage expansions via 2 USB 3.0 ports
- Built-in Plex media server
- Dolby vision and Atmos
- 4K HDR
- Cloud gaming through GeForce, though you’ll need a compatible TV and a GeForce gaming membership
- Voice control via Google Assistant, which includes sports cores, weather reports, and other information displayed on your TV
- Compatible smart home devices can be controlled with voice command
- NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor increases speeds up to 25% from previous generations
Reasons to Avoid:
- Far more expensive than many other options
- The dedicated Netflix button on the remote is overly sensitive, meaning you’ll be accidentally opening Netflix every time your hand brushes against it
- Ads
- Unintuitive remote layout
Summary:
This is the most expensive option on our list, but it’s also one of the most worthwhile. NVIDIA is a massively respected company that designs and creates various software and graphics technology. PC gamers know and love NVIDIA for all of their heavy-hitting contributions to gaming technology, and now you can experience the same benefits from their media player. NVIDIA’s SHIELD player not only enhances the graphics from television and movies, it also lets you enjoy next-level cloud gaming without a console. Yes, the price is spendy, but you’re getting a media streamer and top-tier gaming device in one. Definitely worth it. Just watch out for that overly sensitive Netflix button.
Best For Affordable Simplicity: Google Chromecast with Google TV
Price: $45.99 to $58.64 depending on if you’re getting HD or 4K
Platform: Google TV
Size: 0.8 x 1.6 x 1.3 inches
Apps: Hundreds, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, Google TV, YouTube, etc.
Reasons to Buy:
- Can choose from HDR or 4K versions
- Voice command capabilities
- Personalized suggestions that consider your viewing habits
- Kids profiles and parental restrictions available
- Over 700,000 movies and television episodes to browse
- Easily installable through Play Market
- Very easy set up
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not as feature-rich as some options
- Currently being discontinued
Summary:
Sadly, this product is actually being discontinued. You can still buy it while supplies last, but thereafter, you’re out of luck. Instead, Google is focusing on their Google TV Streamer, which is twice the price…yikes. Better get the Chromecast while you can. There’s a reason customers love it and that is the easy set-up, intuitive controls, and crystal clear picture. Plus, it’s very reasonably priced and much more powerful than other comparable media streamers. You get a lot of bang for your buck, but that won’t be the case much longer…
Best For Non- 4K Streaming: Amazon Fire TV Stick
Price: $39.99
Platform: Amazon TV
Size: 3.4” x 1.2” x 0.5” (86 x 30 x 13 mm)
Apps: Hundreds, including Netflix, Prime Video, Freevee, YouTube, etc. Stream live TV, sports, news, etc. and play songs from music streaming apps, like Spotify and Pandora
Reasons to Buy:
- Alexa voice remote
- Over 300,000 free TV episodes and movies through ad-supported streaming applications (think Freevee and Tubi)
- Access all of your favorite apps (like Netflix, Spotify, etc.) in one place
- Dolby Atmos audio with compatible systems and content
- Personalized profiles and recommendations
- Over 1.5 million TV episodes and movies available to stream through various services
Reasons to Avoid:
- Doesn’t support 4K streaming
- Can sometimes be a little buggy
Summary:
If you don’t have a 4K TV, you won’t reap the benefits of a 4K media player, so why pay the extra money for one? This simpler media streamer has most of the same benefits of other Fire TV Sticks, but you don’t pay for features you can’t use, like 4K. You still get all the great basics, such as voice commands, Alexa controls, Dolby Atmos audio, and a mind-boggling number of apps.
Best Amazon Fire TV Option: Amazon Fire TV Cube
Price: $139.99 USD
Platform: Amazon
Size: 3.38” x 3.38” x 2.99” (86 mm x 86 mm x 77 mm)
Apps: Hundreds, with all the most popular music, video, and gaming streaming available
Reasons to Buy:
- Twice as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4k Max
- Can connect to other compatible and connected devices, such as webcams, game consoles, etc.
- Alexa voice command controls, even across the room
- Octa-core processor
- Fastest of all the Fire TV products
- 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR
- Wi-Fi 6E support
- Can stream over 1.5 million TV episodes and movies from various media applications (like Netflix, Peacock, etc.)
- Privacy controls and protections are built-in
- Manage smart home devices, including a live view of Ring cameras
Reasons to Avoid:
- Much more expensive than other options
- Complaints about audio quality
- Set up can be a hassle
Summary:
We have three Amazon Fire TV products on our list for a reason. There are numerous features for very reasonable prices, and they’ve been in the industry for years. If you want to know our favorite Fire TV product, though, this is it. It definitely has a higher price tag than the others, but that’s because it’s twice as powerful. With Wi-Fi 6E support, it streams smoother and faster than previous gen products. It also has all the same bells, whistles, and extras as other, Fire TV products. Not to mention, the low-lag cloud gaming. This makes it a top contender as a NVIDIA-alternative for gamers.
Best Fire Stick Alternative: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Price: $49.99 USD
Platform: ROKU
Size: 3.7 in (94.5 mm) x 0.80 in (21.1 mm) x 0.45 in (11.5 mm)
Apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Pandora, Hulu, Vudu, etc.
Reasons to Buy:
- Very fast startup to stream immediately
- Voice control and search options
- 4K, HDR10 Plus, and Dolby Vision options
- Access to over 350 free live TV channels
- Can control with Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri
- Built-in Roku streaming platform
- Easy to set up
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not as feature-rich as the more expensive options
- Some popular apps aren’t preloaded (like YouTube), and must be downloaded directly
Summary:
Roku is a big name in the streaming device industry. If you’re not into Fire TV Sticks, this is a great alternative. This Roku isn’t particularly fancy, but it does have great video quality, a great price, and is extremely intuitive to use and set up. If you want simple, affordable, and a more-than-fair price, you are good to go.
Best Roku Alternative: Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ Streaming Device
Price: $49.99
Platform: ROKU
Size: 3.7 in (94.5 mm) x 0.80 in (21.1 mm) x 0.45 in (11.5 mm)
Apps: Hundreds, including all the most popular apps, like Netflix, Prime Video, AppleTV, etc.
Reasons to Buy:
- Super-fast startup
- Effortless to set up
- Comes with Roku streaming
- Voice controls, including a handy lost remote feature, activated by saying, “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” The remote will make a sound in response
- 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 plus
- Remote is rechargeable
- Long-range Wi-Fi
- Mobile headphone capabilities
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not as powerful as some more expensive options
- Not travel-friendly to set up on hotel Wi-Fi
- Rechargeable remote can eventually drain quickly, necessitating frequent recharging between uses
Summary:
Similar to our other Roku option, this has many of the same strengths, such as easy set-up and 4K compatibility. The difference between the two products is that the 4K+ also has programmable shortcut buttons, hands-free voice control by keeping the microphone active, and rechargeable batteries. Considering it is the same price, it’s really up to you which of the two Roku options are best. However, availability for the regular Roku 4K version is a little easier to come by.
How to Choose the Best Streaming Devices
There are certain features you should look for when trying to pick the best TV media streaming device. Here’s a quick list to keep in mind, as well as why they are important.
Smartphone Compatibility
Most TV streaming devices are compatible with modern smartphones, even if just through an app. Still, it’s useful to confirm this before buying. If the remote for your streaming device gets lost or breaks, you may still be able to use your phone as a temporary remote. Moreover, small detail like being able to iOS AirPlay mode can hugely improve any streaming session. If the device isn’t natively compatible with your phone, though, find a good third-party app that lets you pair the two.
Additional Features Besides Streaming
Most media streaming devices have bonus features that go beyond just streaming music and movies. How much more functionality you want will play a big part in your selection. If you want something that can control all of your smart home devices, do your research. You can save money by picking something with robust smart home and media streaming capabilities. If cloud gaming is an additional must-have function, find a media streamer that has strong gaming qualities. Choose the most important extras and go from there. You may not find everything in one device, but you can usually have at least two heavy hitting features in one product.
Resolution of Your TV
If you have an older TV, there really isn’t a reason to spend a lot of extra money on a 4K streaming device. The limitations of your television will keep you from fully experiencing the benefits of an advanced streaming product. That said, some say the improved user interface in 4K devices is still beneficial, even with an older TV. It’s up to you, however, to decide if you want to spend extra on something that is too advanced for your current setup.
Additional Channels/Content That Comes With The Device
Most streaming devices will give you access to the same popular apps. Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Others, like Roku, will give you exclusive access to additional content, like the Roku channel. Yes, you can technically watch the Roku channel without a Roku through your web browser or another work-around. However, if you want to easily watch content that is natively available with the device, see what product has the most bang for your buck.
Controls and Layout
This is one that you can usually customize to your liking, regardless of how the device is set up, but it can make a difference. If there are no dedicated buttons to frequently used apps, that can be annoying. Furthermore, if the button sensitivity is too high, you’re going to get aggravated every time you open the wrong app. It may not be a dealbreaker if you like the rest of the service, but if you’re trying to pick between two very close choices, this feature may help you pick a winner.
FAQs
Do I need a streaming device with a smart TV?
That depends on you. Many smart TVs come with apps already accessible through your actual TV. That said, you typically get far more apps and choices through a streaming device. Pay attention to what apps your TV comes with. If you’re happy as-is, you can save a few bucks. If you want a ton more options, however, streaming devices are usually pretty affordable.
How do I set up my streaming device?
Instructions may vary depending on the individual streaming device. However, in general, you should:
- Be sure the remote has batteries
- Connect the power adapter and the device to the USB cable
- Plug the device into your TV’s HDMI port. You can use an HDMI extender cable if needed
- Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet. Don’t plug the USB cable directly into your television
- Turn on your TV
- Go to the HDMI input/source (you should be able to use your television remote for this)
- Follow the prompts on the screen to connect to your Wi-Fi
- If you’re using an Amazon Fire TV stick, you can sign in to your Amazon account and input the verification code, if applicable
- On screen-options will let you set up devices for peripherals, such as speakers, soundbars, etc.
What is the best free streaming device?
There really isn’t so much a free streaming device as there are free streaming services. Unless a friend happens to give you theirs, you’re not likely to get something like an Amazon Fire TV Stick for free. That said, if you have third-party apps, or you use your web browser, there are many media streaming services you can use without paying. Examples include the Roku channel, Freevee, Tubi, etc. Just keep in mind these will almost certainly be ad-supported.
