Streaming has become a very accessible commodity due to certain devices that allow it. In 2024, streaming has become the number one source of TV entertainment in the United States.
Services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are probably names you’ve heard of and use. However, we mentioned that devices exist that allow you to stream your favorite shows and movies.
In this article, we are going to give you an extensive review of these devices, discuss their capabilities, and what makes them stand out from the rest.
Without further ado, let’s start.
1. Roku Streaming Stick+
The Roku Stick+ is a device that gives users access to thousands of applications for a very affordable price. Amazon is the service that Roku works best with since it allows access to exclusive Amazon content.
With more than 5,000 channels and dozens of features, the Roku Stick+ makes home entertainment accessible and easy. The device works wirelessly, has excellent signal, 4k HDR capabilities, and a fully customizable interface. One thing that the Roku Stick+ could improve is the search option.
2. Google Chromecast – 3rd Generation
The Google Chromecast is entering its 3rd generation with probably the most impressive streaming device Google has ever made.
The Chromecast 2 is a far better option for home entertainment than previous versions due to a number of reasons.
Firstly, it possesses an unprecedented library and intuitive interface that makes browsing a piece of cake. The design is something that, unfortunately, Google hasn’t managed to address since a lot of users find it boring and uninspiring, which is surprising for a company of Google’s standards.
But, Chromecast 2 is 15% faster than previous generation streaming devices and comes with a lot of functionalities and features. You can connect the Chromecast 2 with your smartphone and watch shows and movies on your TV straight from your phone. You can highlight and save videos and shows to watch later, as well as, an extensive on-screen menu that makes navigation easy.
Another thing that the Chromecast 2 is missing is a 4K HDR video quality setting. Fortunately for all of you 4K users, you can get the Google Chromecast Ultra instead.
3. Nvidia Shield TV
Nvidia is a company that all of you gamers know. You might not love their GPU prices, but the Nvidia Shield TV is something that everyone can get behind.
One thing you’ll instantly notice is the rounded design that resembles a JBL Bluetooth speaker. The design is highly praised for the Nvidia Shield TV.
But if the design doesn’t convince you that this is one of the best buys you can make, then the UHD 4K capabilities certainly will. What the Nvidia Shield TV also offers you are thousands of app to download, a remote controller with extensive how-to-use support, and hundreds of options for content.
The highest praised feature of this device is the fact that there is no better for streaming gaming-related content. As with any Nvidia product, a huge downside is a fact that is can be somewhat expensive.
If you’re interested in streaming the latest movies and TV shows from your new streaming devices, then all you have to do is find the right service. For the best possible selection of content, make sure to watch here.
4. Amazon Fire TV Cube
Amazon isn’t a stranger to this industry and they’re making huge moves to be one of the leaders in it.
Their latest plan is to make the streaming world fully accessible and compatible with their long-line of products. So, because of it, Amazon has created the Fire TV Cube to be competitive in the streaming market.
The Fire TV Cube offers you hundreds of channels and is fully compatible with Alexa. It bolsters 4K HDR capabilities and an extensive library that will satisfy your needs for home entertainment.
The device is super-fast thanks to a new processor that makes commanding literary instantaneous. Another highly praised feature is the lively interface that makes browsing quite enjoyable.
If there is one negative thing we could say about the Amazon Fire TV Cube is the fact that it is quite expensive compared to the others on this list. The Amazon Fire TV Cube and the Nvidia Shield TV fall in the same category of price, compared to the others.
5. Dish AirTV Player
If you ever wanted to stream live TV such as Sling TV than the Dish AirTV Player is the device you need in your life.
This piece of joy bolsters more than 600 channels that all come in HD quality. It also has an extensive library and access to hundreds of apps that make home entertainment more enjoyable.
One thing that doesn’t go in its favor is the poorly designed remote control. The confusing navigation is also a negative trait for the Dish AirTV Player, but the robust Sling TV options make up for it.
6. Apple TV 4K
It was only a matter of time before Apply got into the streaming device game.
The Apple TV 4K, as the name says, bolsters 4K capabilities that fans absolutely love. It is also one of the few that actually have a fully integrated iOS platform setting.
Simply said, if you’re an Apple user, then this is the box you need in your life. You can connect it to your already existing Apple ecosystem to watch iTunes, shows, movies, and videos.
You can download your full library and integrate every app you own on your Apple phone to make the experience more enjoyable. It is fully compatible with AirPlay and even Siri gets in on the action. It bolsters an impressive, and very accurate, voice search that few have implemented.
But if we’re waxing lyrical on how great it is, why have we ranked it the lowest on this list? Simply said, the Apple TV 4K is only for Apple users. If you don’t have an iOS phone or laptop then there is no point in buying it. Also, it is the most expensive device on this list.
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV
- Seamless streaming: Enjoy a smooth streaming experience with a faster wireless network connection
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device all with one remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- Upgrade to Roku streaming: Enjoy a customizable home screen with your channels front and center, plus automatic updates
- Hides behind your TV: The stick design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Stream your favorite channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more in a snap
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- 50% more powerful than the previous generation for fast streaming in Full HD. Includes Alexa Voice Remote with power and volume buttons.
- Stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs....
- Watch your favorite live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Use the Guide button to see what's available and...
- Access over 300,000 free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Amazon Freevee, Tubi, Pluto TV and more.
- Listen on Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and others. Subscription fees may apply.
- Fast and powerful: Enjoy a seamless HD streaming experience that’s perfect for new users yet powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick guided setup: Just plug it in to your TV and connect to the internet to start streaming, no power adaptor needed
- Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 400+ free live TV channels
- Standard remote: The included remote has only the buttons you need to stream, including shortcuts to popular channels
- Always up to date: Get the latest features, newest channels, and more with automatic software updates
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Play Xbox games with no console required - Stream Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Palworld, and discover hundreds of other high-quality games directly on...
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Enjoy smoother 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
- The first-ever streaming stick with Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you display over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art and photography.
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance.
- Play Xbox games with no console required - Stream Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Palworld, and discover hundreds of other high-quality games directly on...
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
- Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and more....
Related:
FAQ:
Q: What are the top rated streaming devices?
A: Key considerations. The streaming device market is crowded,but you can narrow down your search by making a few decisions about how you’ll use yours. Streaming device features. … Essential accessories. … Streaming device prices. …
Q: What streaming device is best?
A: Best overall streaming device: Roku Ultra ($89.91, originally $99.99; amazon.com) We previously named the 2019 version of the Roku Ultra CNN Underscored’s best overall streaming device.
Q: What is the best television streaming device?
A: – Performance is as speedy as ever – Excellent video and audio quality – Only $5 more than the original 4K model
Q: What is the best Android TV streaming device?
A: Roku Streaming Stick 4K. Weight: 0.7 oz … … Chromecast with Google TV. A Chromecast with a remote? … Nvidia Shield TV (2019) Weight: 4.8 oz … … Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. … Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus. … Apple TV 4K (2024) Weight: 15.0 oz … … Roku Ultra (2024) Weight: 8.0 oz … … Amazon Fire TV Cube. … Xbox One S. … Roku Express 4K Plus. …