Even if you have a smart TV, these devices can make streaming better.
Have you ever turned on your TV and found it can’t access the streaming service you wanted to watch? Or maybe you’re frustrated by the slowness and unresponsiveness of the user interface. If so, then you’re almost certainly someone who could benefit from a new streaming device.
-
Amazon
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
Best Overall Streaming Device
-
Google
Chromecast with Google TV
The best device for casting and streaming
-
Amazon
Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation
The best value streaming device
-
Year
Roku Express 4K
The Best Value Roku Streaming Devices
-
apple
Apple TV 4K (2022)
Best Apple Streaming Devices
How to use your phone as a Roku TV remote
Whether you’ve lost your remote or want a more streamlined navigation experience, using your phone to control your Roku TV is a game-changer.
Streaming dongles and boxes are an easy way to get a massively upgraded experience on almost any TV or monitor, and many of them are small and convenient enough to hide behind your TV. They allow you to easily access apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without spending a lot of money.
The best streaming devices to buy right now:
-
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
Best Overall Streaming Device
The top version of Amazon’s 4K stick is a wonder, having all the major streaming apps in one place and being fast and responsive to use. This model includes future-proof Wi-Fi standards to ensure its long life. Its 4K output is reliable and fast, the sticks themselves are discreet enough, and the remote is equally intuitive.
-
Chromecast with Google TV
The best device for casting and streaming
Google is back in the streaming world with the launch of Chromecast with Google TV. The software experience is great and being able to cast to the device is very helpful. If you’ve ever used an old Chromecast, you know how satisfying it is to use its simple interface to throw stuff from your phone to your TV. With Google Home, you can cast content to your TV just by using your voice.
-
Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation
The best value streaming device
This is a great option if you want Amazon’s streaming experience but don’t have a 4K TV or think you don’t want to spend that much on 4K support. It’s Amazon’s complete package, just without the 4K capabilities, and it works great too. If you think the move to 4K will be coming soon, we’d probably be shelling out for the pricier version. If you want to save even more, check out the Fire TV Stick Lite.
-
Roku Express 4K
The Best Value Roku Streaming Devices
Roku is known for making low-cost streaming devices that are easy to use, and this Puck is no exception. It’s reasonably priced and has an easy-to-use user interface. Plus, it includes all the major apps to ensure you can watch whatever you want, even in 4K. This is a strong package and a top contender. Roku also makes many other great models that are more affordable.
-
Apple TV 4K (2022)
Best Apple Streaming Devices
The latest 2022 version of Apple TV 4K is perfect for anyone who uses an iPhone, iPad, or Mac in their daily lives, with great integration and the ability to cast via AirPlay 2. It’s also ideal for wider streaming, with 4K streaming quality and simple setup making it a breeze to use. It’s more expensive, but if you have HomeKit smart home devices, you can also use the Apple TV 4K (2022) as a home hub to control your devices remotely.
-
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
Best Dolby Vision Streaming Devices
One thing the Roku Express 4K doesn’t offer is support for Dolby Vision, a high dynamic range (HDR) technology that displays a wider range of tones, providing better contrast and brighter highlights. Unlike some HDR standards, Dolby Vision dynamically optimizes settings based on the scene. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K can play Dolby Vision content if you have a compatible TV.
-
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Best Value 4K Amazon Streaming Stick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers most of the features of the Fire Stick 4K Max, with some exceptions. Wi-Fi 6E is not supported and the processor is slightly slower. It still offers the same great 4K HDR quality and streaming apps, and it’s $10 cheaper than its big brother. If you can’t take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, you might prefer to save a few bucks and still get a great streaming experience.
-
year streaming
Best sound streaming device
You can stream shows and movies in high-quality 4K HDR, but if the sound quality is poor, your experience won’t be great. Soundbars are an effective way to get high-quality sound that matches the image, but that often means buying another device. The Roku Soundbar offers the best of both worlds, with Roku streaming built into a decent compact soundbar. However, Dolby Vision is not supported.
FAQ
Q: Why not settle for apps on your TV?
Many new smart TVs have apps like Netflix built in, or can be easily downloaded if they aren’t already installed. Some remotes even have a dedicated Netflix button on them. But the convenience of using the app on a smart TV doesn’t mean it’s the easiest way to use it. Rewinding and forwarding are important controls that are usually easier on a streaming remote than on a controller primarily intended for TVs.
Q: Should I buy a streaming device with remote microphone control?
Likewise, few TV remotes have built-in microphones, while the Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and others have smart remotes that let you control the stick with your voice at the touch of a button. There are other advantages that TV doesn’t have. For example, with Apple TV, when you miss a conversation, you can press a button and ask, “What did he say?” The Apple TV set-top box responds by rewinding 15 seconds and replaying the video with subtitles, after which the subtitles turn off again.
Q: Do I need other apps besides streaming channels?
For example, how about playing games? There are many games built into Apple TV. It’s true that the Apple remote isn’t meant for gaming, but it’s compatible with a variety of console controllers, which makes it the best of both worlds. Gaming is the main reason Apple TV boxes come with different storage capacities, so you can download and store games instead of just streaming them like movies. In addition to apps like Netflix, you can rent or buy the latest movies or TV shows.