Though most modern TVs have built-in access to streaming apps, separate media players still have their benefits. The best streaming devices often provide snappier performance and extra perks that your smart TV might be missing. They're also a perfect solution if you want to switch to a different interface or digital assistant than the one your TV comes with. Dedicated streaming devices are also ideal for anyone who's still rocking an old "dumb" TV that needs an upgrade.
I've been reviewing home entertainment products for over a decade, and I've used that expertise to recommend the best streaming devices for all needs. The Roku Ultra is my top pick overall, and it's what I use in my living room. It supports 4K video, comes with a handy rechargeable remote, and uses an easy-to-navigate homepage. But if you're on a budget and only need high-definition (HD) streaming, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is a more affordable and compact option.
I've also selected picks geared toward high-end performance and speed, with a mix of set-top boxes that rest on your media console and streaming sticks that hang right out of your TV's HDMI port. No matter which device you go with, these players provide a huge library of services to watch.
Our top picks for the best streaming devices
Best overall: Roku Ultra - See at Amazon
Best high-end: Apple TV 4K - See at Walmart
Best on a budget: Fire TV Stick HD - See at Amazon
Best for Google users: Google TV Streamer 4K - See at Amazon
Best for speedy navigation: Fire TV Stick 4K Max - See at Amazon
Best overall
The 2024 edition of the Roku Ultra has a new processor for speedier performance. It also comes with an updated remote with backlit keys and USB-C charging. Like previous models, this flagship streaming device supports 4K playback with HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
- Slightly faster than previous models
- Remote is backlit, rechargeable, and supports hands-free voice control
- Simple and reliable interface
- Ethernet port for wired internet and USB for media playback
- Pricey compared to streaming stick options
- Boost in performance over older model isn't huge
I've tested many streaming devices, but the Roku Ultra is the model I always return to for my own home theater setup. It checks every box I look for, with reliable navigation, 4K video playback, and support for every major high-dynamic-range (HDR) format. This enables top video quality when paired with the best 4K TVs.
The Roku OS features a huge library of video apps with access to all the best streaming services, with no major omissions. To get started, just connect the box to your TV via HDMI and install all your favorite streaming channels. Roku's streamlined interface is my favorite, thanks to its simplicity. However, its app-centric design might come across as outdated to buyers who prefer a more content-focused approach.
Like all of the best streaming devices I recommend, the Roku Ultra has HDR capabilities to enable a wide range of colors and enhanced contrast. In addition to standard HDR10, it supports the more advanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, which can more precisely tell a TV how to render images on a scene-by-scene basis. Check out our HDR TV guide for more details about different formats.
The latest edition of the Roku Ultra was released in 2024, and it boasts a new quad-core processor to offer faster navigation speeds than the 2020 Roku Ultra. I can't say I ever had an issue with the speed of the previous model, but the new option is slightly quicker when moving between apps. It also adds support for WiFi 6, which can improve connection reliability and speeds in households with lots of connected devices, so long as you have a WiFi 6 router.
The 2024 Ultra also comes with Roku's second-generation Voice Remote Pro. Like the first-gen remote, the new one supports voice search, either with a button press or hands-free when you say a wake word. The remote also has a handful of extra perks that make it a bit more convenient than most competitors, including a rechargeable battery (via USB-C) and a "lost remote" chime. The second-gen remote is even backlit with keys that light up in the dark. That's something that Google, Amazon, and Apple don't offer on their pack-in remotes.
Compared to less expensive Roku models, the Ultra adds an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, a USB port for local media playback, built-in Dolby Atmos decoding, and Bluetooth support for pairing wireless headphones. This all helps cement the Ultra as one of the most versatile media players in its price range. I also like that it's more universal than Amazon, Apple, and Google devices. There are cheaper alternatives, but the Roku Ultra is the best streaming device for anyone who wants a feature-packed media player with a simple and intuitive interface.
Best high-end
The Apple TV 4K is the perfect fit for enthusiasts who want powerful performance, extra storage space, and seamless integration with the rest of Apple's ecosystem.
- Familiar interface for Apple users
- Can serve as a HomeKit hub
- Latest model has 4K upscaling and a rechargeable remote
- Need to buy 128GB model to get Ethernet
- Pricier than Roku options
If you're looking for a high-end streaming device that seamlessly integrates with your Apple account, the third-generation Apple TV 4K is for you.
The device's tvOS interface should appeal to people who already use other Apple products, like an iPhone. It's also the only major operating system that isn't available as a built-in interface on any smart TVs. Though Roku, Google, and Amazon all license their streaming systems to various TV brands, Apple doesn't, so the only way to get the tvOS experience is with an Apple TV device.
The Apple TV 4K can access tons of streaming apps, as well as music, podcasts, and even games via Apple Arcade. You can also mirror content from an iOS or macOS device using AirPlay. In addition, the Apple TV 4K can serve as a HomeKit hub for Apple's smart home ecosystem.
As its name implies, the Apple TV 4K streams in up to 4K resolution. Like the Roku Ultra, it supports every major HDR format, including Dolby Vision and, new for the third-gen model, HDR10+. These formats provide the best image quality on compatible TVs, giving your display scene-by-scene instructions for optimizing color and contrast.
The included voice remote supports Siri, and the newest edition has built-in USB-C charging, so you don't need batteries. The back of the device also has an Ethernet port if you need a wired internet connection, but this feature is only offered on the more expensive 128GB model. The 128GB Apple TV 4K also adds Thread networking support, which enables it to connect other supported smart devices to the internet so they can communicate with each other.
On the downside, the Apple TV 4K is pricier than a lot of competing options from Roku and Amazon. Most people who aren't invested in Apple's ecosystem will be satisfied with the less expensive Roku Ultra. The deciding factor comes down to budget and the OS you prefer.
Best on a budget
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick HD is its entry-level streaming device with Full HD (1080p) streaming and HDR support. This model also has an Alexa voice remote that includes TV controls.
- Most affordable Fire TV Stick
- Good HD streaming performance
- Easy-to-use Alexa voice control
- Doesn't support 4K
- No Ethernet
- Interface has lots of sponsored content
Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD is one of the most affordable streaming devices on the market, with frequent sale prices as low as $18. This model replaces my previous pick in this spot, the now-discontinued Fire TV Stick Lite. The new model is identical, with the exception of offering TV controls on its remote.
To keep the cost down, the Fire TV Stick HD is limited to 1080p playback, but you're still getting a capable streaming stick that pairs well with aging HDTVs that need extra smarts.
Like all of Amazon's streaming devices, the Fire TV HD uses the Fire TV OS, which offers access to every major TV app. Though it's not my favorite interface, Amazon has improved the design in recent years with better organization, and it should please fans of content-focused navigation. That said, it does emphasize sponsored content more than some competitors, like Google TV and Roku.
Compared to more expensive Fire TV Sticks, this model is missing 4K support, Dolby Vision capabilities, and TV controls on its remote. It also lacks integrated decoding for Dolby Atmos audio, but since most modern TVs can handle Atmos decoding themselves, this isn't a big deal. However, the Stick HD is a tad slower than the flagship Fire TV Stick 4K Max, so navigation isn't as snappy.
On the plus side, you still get Alexa voice control via the included remote. The Fire TV Stick HD also supports HDR10 and HDR10+. However, HDR support is mostly unnecessary on HD streaming sticks like this since most TVs that support HDR are 4K displays. If you have a 4K TV, you're better off paying more for an entry-level 4K player like the Fire TV Stick 4K or Roku Streaming Stick Plus.
Best for Google users
The Google TV Streamer is the brand's latest 4K streaming device with an improved processor and new set-top box design. It also boasts integration with Google Home for smart device control, and leverages AI to offer personalized content recommendations.
- Improved performance with quick navigation speed
- You can play a sound to find the remote
- Interface has personalized recommendations and a smart home control panel
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos support
- HDMI cable isn't included
- Remote lacks backlit keys, rechargeable battery, and hands-free voice control
- Encountered glitches when setting up the Google Home control panel
- It uses WiFi 5 rather than the newer WiFi 6 standard
Google used to brand its streaming devices as Chromecasts, but the company officially sunset that lineup in 2024. In its place, it launched the Google TV Streamer 4K. The new device dumps the old dongle design of past Chromecasts in favor of being a compact set-top box that you can rest on your media console, just like a Roku Ultra or Apple TV. Google also improved performance with a better processor than its predecessor and added a few new features.
The resulting player is by far the best streaming device Google has ever released. It uses the latest version of the Google TV interface and fits in seamlessly with the brand's larger ecosystem of smart home products and services. A new smart home panel lets you control connected devices like thermostats and doorbells with the Streamer's remote, as well as view video feeds from smart cameras right on your TV.
When it comes to playback, the Streamer supports 4K resolution with all of the major HDR formats and Dolby Atmos audio. Navigating through streaming apps and menus is smooth, and performance is noticeably quicker than it was on the last Chromecast model. The Google TV system also does a great job analyzing your subscriptions and viewing habits to offer smart content recommendations you'll actually want to watch. I still prefer Roku's navigation style, but I give Google TV an edge over Amazon's Fire TV OS.
The remote is also solid, with a simplified design that feels good in hand. It supports Google Assistant voice search via a button press and even has a lost remote chime like Roku offers on its remotes. However, it doesn't support hands-free voice control, and it's not rechargeable or backlit. It's also worth noting that the Google TV Streamer 4K uses the older WiFi 5 standard rather than WiFi 6, which most competitors offer.
But despite a couple of drawbacks, the Streamer holds up well against similarly priced rivals from other brands. If you're invested in other Google devices and favor the Google TV interface, this is a good buy.
Read our Google TV Streamer 4K review.
Best for speedy navigation
This is Amazon's top streaming stick. With its powerful processor and GPU, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the fastest streaming device in its price range and now supports console-free Xbox gaming via Game Pass.
- Compact build
- Fastest navigation and loading times of any streaming stick we've tested
- Fire TV interface has too much sponsored content
- Not a huge upgrade over previous model
Amazon's best streaming stick is also one of the snappiest streaming devices I've tested. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max plugs right into the HDMI port on your TV, adding access to a ton of video apps with support for up to 4K playback. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also compatible with every major HDR format, so people with Dolby Vision or HDR10+ TVs can watch videos in the best quality available.
An Alexa voice remote is included so you can control playback and search for content with spoken commands. Though the remote requires you to press a button to activate Alexa, you can also pair the device with an Echo speaker for hands-free control.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max works with all of the most popular streaming apps. The interface is decent, but I find Roku OS and Google TV to be a bit more appealing since they let you arrange more apps up top on the home screen and feature fewer sponsored content recommendations.
The latest version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max launched in 2023, and this second-gen model has a revised design with rounded edges and an upgraded processor. The previous Fire TV Stick 4K Max was already snappy, but the 2023 model dethrones it as the fastest media stick I've ever tested. It also has double the amount of storage and adds support for WiFi 6E routers. Unlike other Fire TV Sticks, the 4K Max supports Amazon's Fire TV Ambient Experience, which lets you display art, photos, and widgets for things like the weather and your calendar.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also one of the few media devices that has direct access to the Xbox app. This app lets you use a Game Pass membership to stream Xbox games without a console. All you need is a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a Bluetooth gamepad.
People willing to pay more should also consider the latest Fire TV Cube, which has a set-top box design with an integrated speaker and built-in support for hands-free Alexa. This means it can double as an Echo smart speaker. But since the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is often on sale for as little as $30, I don't think the Cube is worth the extra money for most buyers.
Check out our guide to the best Fire TVs.
How we test streaming devices
To determine the best streaming devices, our reviewers rely on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by more than a decade of experience covering the home entertainment market. We evaluate several factors, including video and audio playback support, navigation speed, app selection, interface ease of use, and remote control features like voice search.
When reviewing performance, we live with each streaming device for an extended period of time, getting a sense of what it would be like to actually own and use it as our daily media player. We test the same assortment of apps on each model to compare speed and playback quality.
We also consider extra perks, like whether a certain device has exclusive support for a specific app or has a rare feature. For example, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of the few streaming devices that supports the Xbox app. Meanwhile, the Apple TV 4K is one of the few options that has built-in Thread support for smart home device communication.
What to look for in a streaming device
Before buying a streaming device, there are a few key factors you should consider.
App support: First, confirm that your chosen device has access to all the services you want. All of the best streaming devices support popular apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, but certain brands may not include some smaller services.
Video and audio formats: You'll also want to consider your TV and sound system's specs. Not all streaming sticks and boxes can handle Dolby Atmos, 4K, or HDR. So if you have a 4K TV or Atmos speaker setup, you'll want to get a device that can take advantage of your system's capabilities and all of the formats it supports. Likewise, if you don't have a 4K TV, you'll be better off going with a cheaper device that doesn't have those extra features.
Smart home integration: You should also consider the type of interface and digital assistant you like most, as well as the ecosystem you're most plugged into. For example, Android and Google Home users will get more use from an Android or Google TV device, while those using an iPhone or Mac with Apple Home might prefer the Apple TV, and Alexa fans might want to opt for a Fire TV model.
Roku devices, on the other hand, are the most versatile since they work well with a variety of ecosystems. On the downside, Roku devices lack integrated support for Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, but you can pair them with separate smart speakers that use those platforms.
Streaming device FAQs
Do I need a streaming device if I have a smart TV?
If you have a smart TV, chances are your display already offers access to most, if not all, of the streaming services you want. However, even operating systems on the best TVs tend to be a bit slower than many stand-alone streaming devices. Likewise, some people may prefer to use a different interface or digital assistant than the ones that come built into their display.
If you find your smart TV's OS to be lacking, a separate streaming stick or box is a good investment.
What streaming device interfaces are there?
Each streaming device brand uses a different operating system, with many opting for their own proprietary interface. Though they all offer the same core features, some people may prefer one platform's visual design and organization style over another.
Here's a rundown of different streaming device brands and the current interfaces they use:
- Roku: Roku OS
- Amazon: Fire TV OS
- Google: Google TV
- Apple: tvOS
- Nvidia: Android TV (similar to Google TV but an older system)
I generally prefer Roku's interface because it's the simplest and most reliable, but some may find its visual style outdated compared to other systems that use a more modern, content-focused approach to organization.
Every OS has its own advantages and drawbacks, with a lot of their appeal coming down to personal preference. But no matter which one you go with, they all deliver the same basic streaming capabilities.
Should I get a streaming stick or a box?
When shopping for the best streaming device, buyers have two primary types to choose from: a set-top box or a stick/dongle. The main differences between them are size and external design.
Set-top boxes typically have a rectangular build and can be placed on a media console and connected to your TV via an HDMI cable. Streaming sticks or dongles are more compact devices designed to hang directly out of your TV's HDMI port.
In general, streaming sticks can be a bit more convenient since they're smaller, don't take up space on your TV stand, and don't require a separate HDMI cable. However, entry-level sticks tend to be slower than more expensive streaming boxes and omit extra features like Ethernet and USB ports. Though many TVs house their HDMI connections in an area that makes it easy to hide a stick from view, some displays leave sticks easily visible while hanging out from their sides.
Set-top boxes are a better choice if you want a high-end streaming device, like an Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra, with all the bells and whistles. But streaming sticks are usually better options on a budget, and some flagship models, like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, are now capable of navigation speeds that match or even exceed set-top boxes.
Do streaming devices offer live TV and sports?
All of the best streaming devices include access to live TV apps. Some free apps, like the Roku Channel, offer tons of internet stations without a subscription. However, apps that include popular cable and network channels require a paid subscription. Check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services and best sports streaming services to see our top recommendations.
Viewers looking for free access to network channels should also consider purchasing a digital TV antenna. As long as you have good reception in your area, an antenna can pick up local channels like Fox, ABC, and NBC free of charge. Check out our guide to the best TV antennas for our top picks.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
