Best streaming devices in 2024

Best streaming devices in 2024


We no longer live in a world overrun by cable providers. If you’ve been unhappy with the service costs of companies like Optimum, Verizon, and Comcast, you can ditch your cable plan. Now, the only thing you’ll need to enjoy your favorite movies and shows is the internet and subscriptions to platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. That’s where a streaming device comes in handy.



The best streaming devices support all kinds of apps and are easy to set up and use. Many will even let you control your smart home devices. This list includes options for every kind of streamer, so you can find what works best for you.



Steaming devices for home entertainment

The Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

Best overall

Best device for voice commands

$110 $140 Save $30

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a two-in-one streaming device and Amazon Echo. It’s twice as powerful and features the fastest streaming available today. The octa-core processor allows seamless navigation between programs and channels without any delay, and the 4K resolution and Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos provide an immersive entertainment experience. If you want a streaming device that has it all, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is the perfect choice.

Pros

  • Integrated Alexa Assistant
  • Support for Wi-Fi 6E
  • Smart home controls
Cons

  • More expensive than most competition
  • Larger and more bulky than others
  • Home screen is unorganized

The Amazon Fire TV Cube isn’t just your typical streaming device; it also doubles as an Amazon Echo for your home. This device is twice as powerful as its predecessors and features the fastest streaming available today. In close competition with the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, and at only a fraction of the cost, the only thing preventing the Fire TV Cube from taking its place is the overwhelming number of ads. Of course, even cable TV has commercials and ads, so if that’s no big deal for you, you’ll get a lot out of this.


Read Our Review

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen): Smart, speedy, and packed with ads

Hey, you got your Echo in my Fire TV!

The octa-core processor allows seamless navigation between programs and channels without any delay. You’ll also find yourself fully immersed in every scene with the cinematic 4K resolution and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. The hands-free Alexa Assistant lets you control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers from anywhere in the room. You can also use your Alexa Assistant as a simple smart speaker. If you want a streaming device with it all, you can’t go wrong with the Amazon Fire TV Cube.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro

Nvidia Shield TV Pro

Premium pick

Most powerful streaming device

Nvidia’s Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV hardware you can buy right now. It is a competent set-top box perfect for gaming and streaming. However, updates for this device have been few and far between, making it difficult to compare to other devices. The main thing working against Nvidia’s top-tier Shield TV is the price, which is hard to justify compared to gadgets that cost as much as ten times less.

Pros

  • Great video quality and AI upscaling
  • Game streaming and media server capabilities
  • Excellent support from Nvidia
Cons

  • Most expensive option on the market
  • Pro-features won’t appeal to everyone
  • Remote doesn’t receive updates


Most basic streaming devices often come pre-programmed with specific platforms and features already installed and ready to go, which is great for people who aren’t overly tech-savvy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, Nvidia’s Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV hardware you can buy right now. It’s not just a competent set-top box. It’s also perfect for game streaming and even running a Plex server, something its die-hard fans will be quick to tell you. It’s also running a stripped-down version of the Google TV UI if you’re after a Chromecast-esque experience.

Read our review

Nvidia Shield Pro (2019) review: As powerful as it is expensive

Hint: very


Since the Shield TV Pro debuted in 2019, updates for this device have been few and far between, while other devices, such as the Fire TV Cube, are receiving more regular updates; this might be something you want to factor in. Overall, though, this device can’t compare to many others due to the sheer differences in programming. But really, the only thing working against Nvidia’s top-tier Shield TV is the price. At $200, it’s hard to justify compared to gadgets that cost as much as ten times less.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) against a white background

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023)

Best value

Better than ever before

$40 $60 Save $20

The latest generation of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max adds Wi-Fi 6E support and enhanced streaming speeds to the company’s flagship streaming stick.

Pros

  • Faster streams and UI navigation
  • Wi-Fi 6E support
  • Very affordable
Cons

  • No Chromecast or AirPlay support
  • Fire TV UI is a little ad-heavy

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is proof that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a streaming device to lock down must-have features like lightning-fast performance and an immense trove of movie and TV show content. The new and improved 2023 version of Amazon’s flagship streaming stick also brings Wi-Fi 6E support to the table and manages to check all these boxes (and more) for less than $65! Not to mention, you can usually find it on sale for much less.


Read our review

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) review: Inexpensive and feature-packed

You don’t have to be an Amazon fan to love this streaming stick, but it helps

Admittedly, we’re dealing with the Fire TV OS, which has a reputation for being a bit Amazon-focused. While this mostly comes across as “stream this and that through Prime Video,” giving so much precedence to the brand we’re already using can get annoying. Beyond this single complaint, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max also has excellent HDR support and can be used with Dolby Atmos systems as well.

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) laying next to remote

Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

Best from Google

Most affordable device

The Google Chromecast with Google TV has remained consistent with keeping its Chromecast up to date with software updates and bug fixes. A new device is rumored to be released, but the well-known Chromecast with Google TV is still a great option for home theater. Though it has limited storage space, it’s still a solid buy with a great UI, remote, and audio/video standards.

Pros

  • Great UI and recommendations
  • Excellent remote
  • Cheaper than last-gen Chromecast Ultra
Cons

  • Occasional slowdown on the home screen
  • Limited storage space
  • “Continue watching” list can be glitchy


Although it’s been a couple of years since we’ve seen a new device, Google has consistently kept its Chromecast up to date with software updates and bug fixes. If you already have a Chromecast, I’m sure you can attest that Google really seems to care about providing a quality streaming experience for all its users. So, when we heard talk about Google potentially releasing a new Chromecast device, it was almost like they listened to their users.

As of yet, we don’t have an official release date or too much information on this new device, but the well-known and loved Chromecast with Google TV 4K is still holding its own as a great all-around option for your home theater. Long-term usage has proven a couple of flaws — namely, a limited amount of storage space that can get bogged down with system files and apps — but that hasn’t stopped us from highly recommending Google’s latest puck-shaped gadget. With a great UI, an excellent remote, and support for all the audio and video standards you’d expect, it’s still a solid buy.


The TiVo Stream 4K

TiVo Stream 4K

Strong underrated device

Holds well against competition

$25 $40 Save $15

TiVo was one of the first streaming devices to come to market in 1999 and, since then, has advanced to a 4K media streaming device, the TiVo Stream 4K. It’s powered by Android TV and features a quad-core Amlogic processor, Chromecast, Google Assistant, and a remote with a built-in Google Assistant button. It’s also priced at a fraction of its competitors, making it worth every penny.

Pros

  • Low cost, very affordable
  • Google Assistant compatible
  • Live TV support
Cons

  • Only compatible with Google Assistant
  • Bulky remote
  • Interface a little odd

Maybe you heard of TiVo a long time ago and didn’t realize they’re still hanging on, with a pretty solid grasp at that. TiVo was one of the first streaming devices to come to market, beginning as a DVR in 1999, and has advanced to a 4K media streaming device, the TiVo Stream 4K. This device may look small, but it packs quite a punch. Powered by Android TV, the Stream 4K uses a quad-core Amlogic processor to give you all your favorite channels at a super quick speed.

The TiVo Stream 4K is an Android powerhouse integrating some really great features like a built-in Chromecast to cast photos, videos, and music intstantly. In addition, you can use Google Assistant to control your shows hands-free and voice-controlled easily, and the remote also comes with a built-in Google Assistant button. The best part about the TiVo Stream 4K is that it comes at a fraction of the price of its many competitors. So, even though TiVo is no longer mainstream, their device is nothing to overlook and worth every penny.


The Roku Streambar Pro, front view

Roku Streambar Pro

Best A/V combo

An all-in-one streaming device and soundbar

4K HDR and Roku’s amazing library of streaming apps are just the tip of the iceberg with the Streambar Pro, which also happens to double as an excellent sound system. Use it for Netflix, Disney+, cable TV, and video games.

Pros

  • Streaming device and soundbar combo
  • 4K HDR playback
  • HDMI ARC/eARC and USB connections
Cons

  • Pricier than most standalone streaming devices
  • No wireless subwoofer

What’s even less common is the streaming device that also happens to be a soundbar. These devices are made by a few different companies, but our favorite version is Roku’s Streambar Pro. Built for plug-and-play 4K HDR streaming, the Streambar Pro is both a Roku streaming device and excellent two-channel audio enhancement.

Behind the curtain, four powerful drivers deliver room-filling sound on top of some incredible sound features, including surround virtualization, automatic sound balancing, and a lost remote finder. You can connect the Streambar Pro to your TV using HDMI ARC/eARC. There’s also a USB port for music, photo, and video playback from a flash drive or external HDD or SDD.


Beyond its stereo sound capabilities, the Streambar Pro is a terrific 4K HDR player. Roku is home to all the most popular streaming apps, and the included remote can be programmed to work with most TVs. This means you probably won’t need to use anything except the Roku Streambar Pro remote (and maybe a cable box remote).

The Roku Ultra (2022)

Roku Ultra (2022)

Flagship performance

Quad-core at the helm

$90 $100 Save $10

The Roku Ultra (2022) is a blistering-fast streaming device that the company packages with its premium remote control. Along with support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, the Ultra is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. And outside of a few UI bugs, Roku’s flagship device is one of the best ways to stream movies and shows from many a third-party developer.

Pros

  • Voice Remote Pro included
  • Great HDR support
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
Cons

  • UI can get a little glitchy
  • Kind of pricey

The Roku Express 4K+ might be the best entry-level device that Roku makes today due to the sheer pricing factor, but the Roku Ultra knocks it out of the park in every other way. By introducing Dolby Vision and HDR10+, the picture quality alone is worth upgrading. Aside from picture quality, the integration of Apple AirPlay and HomeKit gives users more smart home control options, and the new and improved remote finally includes a voice command button. These differences might not seem significant, but if you’ve been stuck typing in all your movie searches, the voice command button might be a life changer.


With faster loading times, all-around better performance, and unbranded shortcuts, the Roku Ultra is worth the upgrade for most, especially if it is your main streaming device. However, if your Roku Express 4K+ is a secondary room device and is still going strong in the kid’s room, it might be best to let them learn to spell out their favorite shows. Who knows, they might learn a little something themselves.

Nvidia Shield TV

Nvidia Shield

Compact and dynamic

Best for gaming

The Nvidia Shield is a redesigned version of the Shield TV with a tube-based look that’s easy to hide behind your television. It is slightly cheaper than its top-tier sister but still costs around $150. It also offers more storage and faster performance than the Chromecast but won’t function as a Plex server. If you’re looking for a basic streaming stick to watch all your favorite shows, the Nvidia Shield won’t let you down as a small but powerful device.

Pros

  • Cheaper alternative to the Shield TV Pro
  • More powerful than competitors like Google Chromecast
  • Great for game streaming
Cons

  • Can’t act as a media server
  • Still pretty expensive
  • No USB ports


We already know Nvidia has a very different approach to the overall operation of their devices, and the classic Nvidia Shield is no exception. This device has been radically redesigned from the non-Pro version of the Shield TV in 2019, switching to a tube-based look that’s easy to hide behind your television. Naturally, with Nvidia devices, the price does reflect the quality, and while the Nvidia Shield is slightly cheaper than its top-tier sister, you’re still looking at around $150 for the streaming stick. The Nvidia Shield does offer more storage and faster performance than the Chromecast, making it a solid upgrade, but this version won’t function as a Plex server.

Read our review

Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review: The best Android TV box for pretty much everyone

Now if you’re searching for a basic streaming stick to watch all your favorite shows, you probably don’t need to shell out all this money for the Nvidia Shield. Alternatively, if you just can’t get on board with the basic Chromecast, Amazon, or Roku devices, and you’re looking for more customization options and larger storage capabilities, the Nvidia Shield won’t let you down as a small but powerful device.


Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K

Apple powerhouse

Best for Apple users

The Apple TV 4K system sits at around $180 and is arguably one of the most powerful streaming devices available for Apple users. Equipped with an A12 Bionic, the Apple TV 4K receives a significant boost in graphics performance, audio processing, and video decoding. It is missing Cast support, and Apple AirPlay won’t do much for many of our readers until the Android crossover is released, but it is a decent and more cost-effective alternative to the Shield TV Pro.

Pros

  • Powerful and fast
  • Apple Arcade support for gaming
  • Improved remote
Cons

  • No Cast support for Android phones
  • Expensive compared to the competition
  • No remote finder app

I know what you’re thinking: why would Apple TV make this list when it’s exclusive to Apple users? Well, that’s where the game is changing big time. While still in beta testing, Apple has recently announced its plan to bring the Apple TV collection to Android users. So, even though it will be a good while before anything is released to the public, we do have this avenue from Apple to look forward to.

The Apple TV 4K system is priced at around $180 and is arguably one of the most powerful streaming devices you can buy. It comes with an A12 Bionic, significantly boosting graphics performance, audio processing, and video decoding to create a quality entertainment experience right in the comfort of your living room.


Apple Arcade makes for a decent home console replacement, while the redesigned remote again includes a D-pad (after swapping it for a touchpad in previous generations). It is obviously missing Cast support, and Apple AirPlay won’t do much for many of our readers until the Android crossover is released. But if you have Apple devices, the Apple TV 4K is a decent and more cost-effective alternative to the Shield TV Pro.

onn-android-tv-4k-square

Onn Android TV 4K

Cheap off-brand device

Last resort option

The Onn Android TV 4K is a low-cost streaming device with Dolby Vision and a smart assistant built into the remote. It is similar to Google’s Chromecast but has a no-frills Android TV interface while missing some of the flourishes offered by Chromecast. However, it is a great option for multiple rooms and is often on sale. Walmart plans to release a new 4K streaming stick with some great features in the near future.

Pros

  • One of the cheapest options available
  • Smooth and fast performance
  • Very cheap
Cons

  • Some missing standards like HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos
  • Mediocre remote
  • Missing Google TV features found on the Chromecast

Walmart’s own streaming device, the Onn Android TV Box, is one of the most affordable and low-cost options for streaming devices. But with such a low price, it’s not expected to have many fancy features. Like Google’s Chromecast, this TV box supports Dolby Vision and includes a smart Assistant built into the remote. However, you will have to settle for a no-frills Android TV interface, and it’s missing some of the flourishes offered by Chromecast (Dolby Atmos and HDR10+, for example). That said, for a low-cost streaming device often on sale, the Onn Android TV box is a great option for multiple rooms. The TV box keeps you from shelling out tons of money for multiple streaming devices.


Read our review

Onn Google TV 4K Streaming Box: For $20, you can’t go wrong

This streaming device undeniably proves that affordable things also come in compact packages

If you’re less of a fan of big and bulky TV boxes and prefer a small streaming stick, you have this to look forward to soon: According to reports from 9to5Google, Walmart plans to release a new 4K streaming stick to their Onn brand devices with some great features. In the meantime, if you’re looking to pick up a cheap streaming device, the Onn Android TV Box will have you well on your way to streaming your favorites.

Important streaming device features

As you can see, not all streaming devices are created equal. Still, though, there are several important criteria to consider when shopping for a new streamer. To help you hone in on some of these features when you’re scanning shelves or online catalogs, we’ve outlined many of these potential deal-breakers below:


Resolution

These days, most TVs are at least 1080p (some smaller sets are just 720p), but the majority of the LEDs, QLEDs, and OLEDs you’ll find online and in stores are Ultra HD models. This is more popularly referred to as 4K.

So what does that mean when it comes to buying a streaming device? It means you should be considering 4K models for a couple of reasons. First, many 4K streaming devices offer picture upscaling. This means that any lower-resolution content will be enhanced, giving you a final picture that’s closer to 4K.

Second, most streaming devices are 4K compatible. There are a handful of products (some in our roundup) that only deliver up to 1080p HD, and while these might be cheaper buys in the short term, it might be worth spending the extra few bucks upfront. That way, if you decide to upgrade your TV down the line, you’ll have a streaming device to match the pixel count of your new screen.


HDR

Over the last few years, the term ‘HDR’ has popped up a lot, especially when referencing TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles. HDR, which stands for High Dynamic Range, is an advanced picture codec (essentially a set of instructions for your TV, streaming device, etc.) that allows TVs to display high peak brightness levels and ultra-rich colors.

If you want to make sure you’re getting the absolute-best picture from your streaming device to your TV, you’ll want to choose a model that supports as many HDR codecs as possible. HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG are arguably the most popular codecs, and if the streaming device you’re looking at supports at least three of these four standards, you’re in good shape.

Surround sound

Similar to HDR, not all streaming devices are the same when it comes to audio support. Well, sort of. You see, every streaming device supports stereo playback, but not all hardware is as good at supporting surround sound codecs.


These are standards like Dolby Digital and DTS for traditional 5.1 surround sound, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for more advanced surround configurations, like 7.1.4. Again, the more audio formats your streaming device supports, the better it will be at delivering surround sound. Of course, you’ll also need a soundbar or actual surround sound system to get true surround playback.

Apps

A solid app archive is what a lot of people are after when buying a streaming device. Fortunately, hardware from the likes of Roku, Apple, and Amazon are particularly great choices for apps and streaming variety.

Game consoles, Blu-ray players, and third-party streaming devices tend to offer less content, though. So, if you’re buying an Xbox Series S for all things movie and TV show-adjacent, you may want to think again.

Voice assistants

Many streaming devices can be controlled by today’s leading voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Some hardware, like the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), even have voice assistants built right in, so you can use the streaming device as a smart speaker, too.


Versatility is the name of the game here. Most streaming devices will support at least one voice assistant, but if you plan on switching over to Siri from Alexa or plan on having more than one voice assistant operating in your home, the more, the merrier!

Internal storage

Believe it or not, the lion’s share of today’s streaming devices don’t include much internal storage. 4GB to 8GB is pretty standard, but if you plan on using your streamer as a storage tank for movies and shows you’ve downloaded, a device like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro (which comes with 16GB, and can be expanded via USB flash drive or external HDD/SDD) might make more sense.

Stream your favorite shows

Streaming devices are everywhere these days, and that’s a good thing! We want as many hardware options as possible when it comes time to start playing our favorite movies and shows from services like Netflix and Disney+. Based on our research and hands-on experience, we think most folks will be pleased with the chart-topping performance of the Amazon Fire TV Cube.


The newest version of this peripheral includes an HDMI input. This means you’ll be able to plug in devices like set-top boxes and game systems while using your Fire TV Cube as a bonafide AV receiver. But as far as streaming goes, the Fire TV Cube’s Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and blistering-fast Wi-Fi performance make it one of the strongest streaming device options on the market.

But if you want the strongest, we recommend investing in the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. While most streaming devices cost less than $50, the Shield TV Pro goes for a whopping $200. But it’s also one of the only streaming gadgets that can be used as a Plex client. It also has a surprising amount of internal storage, and a terrific Android-powered UI.

If you need to save a few bucks, we definitely suggest checking out the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. For less than $50, this popular plug-and-play device gets you access to your favorite 4K movies and shows. That’s on top of Wi-Fi 6E and top-shelf HDR support.


The Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

Best overall

Best device for voice commands

$110 $140 Save $30

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is one of the fastest and most powerful streaming devices on the market. It’s also top-notch when it comes to HDR support, and even has a built-in HDMI input.



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