The best streaming devices can take your smart TV and home theater systems to the next level. With crisp, high-quality images and immersive audio filling your lounge, it’s easy (and affordable) to make every movie night feel like a trip to the cinema. Whether you're a movie buff, a sports fanatic, or a binge-watcher of the latest TV series, there's a perfect streaming device out there just for you.
TL;DR – Our top streaming device picks:
Although some of the best streaming devices these days are smart TVs with streaming apps built in, it's still a lot cheaper to upgrade your current TV with a streaming stick than to purchase a new 4K television.
With a good streaming device on hand, there’s no need to worry about switching between different streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Our overall favorite streaming sticks and boxes, make it super easy to find what you want to watch, when you want to watch it.
Best Overall Streaming Device
Best Budget Streaming Device
Best Ultra Cheap Streaming Device
Best 4K Streaming Device
Best 4K Streaming Box for Apple Households
Best Android TV Streaming Stick
Best Streaming Stick
Best HD Streaming Device
Most Powerful Streaming Device
Choosing the best streaming device can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. Before you decide which streaming device is right for you, you should consider some of the key features to keep your eye on.
First things first, take a look at your TV. Does it support 4K resolution? Is it an older HD model? Understanding your TV's capabilities will help you narrow down whether you need a basic HD streaming device or something with 4K and HDR support. Whether you're a Netflix junkie, an Amazon Prime Video enthusiast, or a Disney+ fan, make sure the streaming device you choose supports all your favorite streaming services.
If you’re not particularly tech savvy, ease of use can make or break your streaming experience. Look for devices with intuitive interfaces, easy navigation, and user-friendly remotes. Bonus points if it offers voice control or a smart assistant like Google Assistant or Alexa. A good remote can enhance your streaming experience significantly.
Some streaming devices offer extra bells and whistles like gaming capabilities, built-in storage, USB ports, or compatibility with smart home devices. But, depending on your budget, you may (or may not) be able to make room for those extra features.
Picking the best streaming device is all about finding the perfect balance between performance, features, compatibility, and budget. Take your time to research and compare different options, read reviews, and consider your personal preferences and needs.
When do streaming devices go on sale?
If you're looking to pick up a new streaming device at a discount, there are really only a few times throughout the year when that happens. The two best times to buy a streaming device are on Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, both of which usually see discounts across on every device. Fire TV devices especially will get discounts from Amazon during Prime Day.
What does a streaming device actually do?
A streaming device takes streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ and allows you to play them on your TV, even if you don’t have a Wi-Fi enabled TV. If you don’t have a smart TV or your TV isn’t able to connect to the internet, a streaming device can bridge the gap.
Do you need a streaming device if you have a smart TV?
If you already have a smart TV, you may find it slows down when adding multiple apps. Depending on your location, you may not be able to download certain apps. A streaming device can be pre-loaded with your favorite apps, and is portable, allowing you to transfer it between TVs.
Is there a monthly fee for Fire TV Stick?
Amazon’s Fire Stick doesn’t require a monthly fee as it’s not a subscription service. However, some of the apps you can access on your Fire Stick may require a subscription. This includes Prime Video, which requires you to have an Amazon Prime subscription. You can still access any of the free TV apps available to stream shows and movies without that subscription, however.
What is the best streaming device according to Reddit?
Although opinions across reddit vary overall, there's a pretty decent thread about streaming devices in the r/hometheater subreddit. The overall top comment in this thread mentions the Nvidia Shield Pro and Apple TV 4K as the two best streaming devices currently on the market.
Where to Get the Best Streaming Box in the UK
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
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