Best Streaming Device - Top Picks in 2024

The streaming device is a device that streams videos and audio to a TV, computer, or mobile device. It is also called a media player.

The first streaming devices were created in the early 2000s. They were used to stream video content over the internet and often required an additional subscription to a cable or satellite service. Nowadays, many devices are able to stream content from numerous sources of online video and music providers such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Spotify etc.

However, picking a streaming device may be somewhat challenging. To help you choose the best streaming device among various options on the market, our staff has evaluated and tested a number of top models available to pick the top 14 products, which are listed in this list. Keep pulling down for details.

1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Product’s Specifications

• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi

• Connector Type: HDMI

• Resolution: 4k

• Supported Services: Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, Hulu

• Controller Type: Remote Control, Voice Control

Product’s Highlights

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K ranks top in our list thanks to the balance between affordable price and performance, offering quick navigation and lag-free streaming. . that replaces the Streaming Stick Plus and offers a little but noticeable improvement. It supports various services for streaming like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, etc. Most importantly, Dolby Vision is also now available on this Roku stick, ensuring that your favorite streaming shows have the ideal color balance and contrast (provided your TV supports it, too).

When we put the Streaming Stick 4K to the test, we noticed a temporary rise in content sharpness from 1080p and then 4K. We discovered that app loading can compare to Chromecast. Even yet, Roku emerges victorious overall because of a flawlessly optimized user experience that prioritizes the app over the content. Additionally, the enhanced private listening experience provided by the Roku app with wireless headphones is a pleasant perk if you need to watch your shows in peace.

We advise utilizing this Roku streaming stick when you're on the trip because it fits easily in your pocket and is the ideal complement to the TV in your hotel room or next Airbnb.

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Pros

• Fairly affordable 

• Full 4K HDR support 

• Support Dolby Vision

Cons

• No smart home control

• Limited voice assistant 

• Not support gaming services

2. Chromecast with Google TV

Product’s Specifications

• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)

• Connector Type: HDMI

• Resolution: 4k

• Supported Services: Amazon Instant Video, Google TV, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube

• Controller Type: Remote Control, Voice Control

Product’s Highlights

The Chromecast with Google TV is a complete version of the streaming device for TVs version compared to other previous models. It offers 4K HDR streaming with a greater visual quality and richer audio experience. 

Additionally, it has Google TV, an interface that supports the approximately 6,500 Android TV apps. In other words, in addition to Netflix or Disney plus, you have more choices to watch, even Peloton is there too. This feature is unrivaled by many other streaming gadgets.

The remote size is quite similar to the palm of your hand, which can fit comfortably when holding it. The remote also includes some shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Google Assistant for your convenience.

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Pros

• Practical design

• Supports a lot of streaming services

• Includes a remote

• Smart home features

Cons

• Not work with all TVs 

• Require a Google account

• Slow operation when changing apps or using voice control

3. Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device

Product’s Specifications

• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 

• Connector Type: HDMI

• Resolution: 2160p, 1080p and 720p up to 60 fps

• Supported Services: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, etc.

• Controller Type: Remote Control, Alexa Voice Remote

Product’s Highlights

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max primarily serves Amazon Prime subscribers and owners of smart homes that use Alexa, but it is still an impressively powerful gadget at a reasonable cost. Even if search is a problem and we don't like how Amazon incorporated advertising on the front page, we still believe this is the greatest streaming option for Amazon Prime members.

The streaming stick form factor is an advancement in  the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which provides quicker speed and support for the most modern Wi-Fi standards.

The user interface for Amazon's newest streamer,but still the same as prior models and primarily focuses on Amazon Prime Video.

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Pros

• Quick performance

• Support all of the apps

• Well integrate wi+4K HDR streaming

• Access to Amazon Luna

• Voice remote with Alexa

• All of the apps

Cons

• Annoying sponsored ads

• Low-res home screen preview

• Search need improvement

4. 2021 Apple TV 4K

Product’s Specifications

• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 

• Connector Type: HDMI Type A

• Resolution: 4K

• Supported Services: Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more

• Controller Type: Touch Control

Product’s Highlights

Even though the new Apple TV 4K (2021) is excellent and works flawlessly, if you currently own the previous model, it might not be worthwhile to update. The second-generation Apple TV 4K resembles its predecessor externally. The A10X processor was replaced with an A12 Bionic as part of the interior changes, which are completely internal. Performance appears to be somewhat improved, and the Apple TV 4K 2nd generation supports 4K at 60 frames per second with HDR as opposed to 30 frames per second. Although there aren't many applications that even provide that kind of content yet, mostly sports and other fast-paced action, it will become more popular.

The updated Siri Remote is the coolest feature of the new Apple TV 4K. Many people detested the outdated remote and its annoying touch interface. The updated remote still uses touch and gestures, but it still has real buttons and a jog wheel that works like the previous model did. However, the cost remains the largest disadvantage.

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Pros

• Upgraded  remote

• High frame rate HDR 

• No ads

Cons

• Pricey

• No noticeable update compare to the first-gen

5. NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Streaming Media Player

Product’s Specifications

• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 

• Connector Type: HDMI Type A

• Resolution: 4K

• Supported Services: Netflix, Pandora, HBO, Disney +, Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Browser

• Controller Type: Voice Control

Product’s Highlights

One of the greatest streaming gadgets overall is the Nvidia Shield TV Streaming Media Player 2019, which doesn't look like any other streaming device we've ever tested. It resembles a mobile power charger instead. This device is excellent at quickly spewing out UHD 4K material and  provides you with access to hundreds of applications, allowing you to view everything you want. 

Instead of a gaming controller, this Shield TV also comes with a remote control. We like this remote since it glows, helping you find it easily in the dark, instead of depending only on memory of the locations and shapes of the buttons to use it. Thanks to compatibility for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers, you will no longer need the included controller. The greatest streaming gadget for those prepared to spend extra is what all of that adds up to.

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Pros

• Excellent for streaming games 

• Quick rendering of UHD content

• Support a lot of great apps

Cons

• Upscaling the AI doesn't really contribute anything

• Quite expensive

1. Does my 4K TV require a 4K streaming device?

Yes, if you want to stream 4K content, a 4K-compatible streaming device is necessary. This kind of model often covers the majority of laptops, game consoles, streaming gadgets, and smart TVs. The newest products from well-known manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, and LG frequently include 4K capabilities.

2. Does each TV require its own streaming device?

If you use one TV at a time, you can transfer the streaming device to another TV if you want. But when you use 2 TVs at a time, you might need to get another device to use. 

3. Is cable required to stream?

With the advancement of technology now you can stream TV without a need of a cord. All you need is a streaming device, and strong internet access to watch your favorite shows.

Streaming devices are an excellent way to save money on cable bills. They allow you to watch all your favorite TV shows and movies for a fraction of the price. But how can you find the best streaming device for your needs?

There are many different factors that go into choosing the best streaming device. It’s important to know what you want from a device before you start shopping around. In this buying guide, we provide you with all the information that you need to know before making a purchase. If you have any questions and need support, don’t hesitate to contact us.