Streaming continues to get more expensive between rising platform costs and now streaming devices.

Roku announced that it's raising prices on several of its flagship streaming devices — an ominous sign after Fox just purchased Roku for $22 billion in June.

Here's what Roku devices will cost you now.

In an interview with The Desk, an unnamed Roku executive blamed the price hike on increased RAM prices and supply issues due to AI demand.

From laptops and phones to gaming consoles and now streaming devices, the AI gold rush is impacting and deforming the market for everything as RAM prices and supply continues to be astronomically bad with no end in sight.

How to save money on streaming devices

There is a small bit of good news, however: Currently, Roku is running a sale on its official store that keeps most Roku devices at their old prices. The Roku Ultra, for example, is "on sale" for $99.99.

You can also pick up Roku devices from Amazon and Best Buy, where you might find some for even less. The Ultra is on sale for $90 on Amazon. Best Buy isn't having a sale, but as of this writing, none of the devices are listed at the new prices.

Of course, if you're not inclined toward Roku, the best streaming devices have alternatives like the Google TV Streamer, which costs $99 on Amazon. I would offer the Apple TV 4K, but Apple just hiked prices across nearly every product the company makes, including the set-top box, which now costs $199 — $50 more than the Roku Ultra despite Roku's increase.

Of course, if you want the Stick form, there's always the Amazon Fire Stick HD for only $35, a new slimmer version of which just launched in April.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the ad load on 7 streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video and HBO Max — here’s the worst offender
• Tom's Guide streaming survey reveals the one service people will never cancel, plus the free app 49% of respondents are using
• 30 days without streaming — The money I saved and the shows I was lost without

Prime Day and 4th of July weekend are long gone at this point — but we're still seeing some pretty impressive deals sticking around. One of my favorites has to be the Fire TV sale on Amazon.

From entry-level streamers to premium 4K players and soundbar bundles, a wide range of devices are still discounted, but only for a limited time. For instance, you can grab the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for just $19. Plus, the Fire TV Cube, down to just $109 from its usual $139.

I've rounded up the best Fire TV deals worth snapping up while they're still available. Keep scrolling to check them out.

Quick links

• shop all Amazon device deals
• Fire TV Stick HD: was $34 now $19
• Fire TV Stick 4K Select: was $39 now $21
• Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro: was $34 now $27
• Fire TV Soundbar: was $119 now $99
• Fire TV Cube: was $139 now $109
• Fire TV Ember 43" 4-Series: was $329 now $269
• Fire TV Soundbar Plus: was $489 now $414

Best Fire TV Deals

In the back half of 2025, Amazon introduced its new proprietary, Linux-based operating system, Vega OS which replaces the Fire OS. The old platform was an Android fork based on the Android Open Source Project.

Controversially, the new OS is more locked down lacking sideloading support. In a sprawling interview with the UK-based Cord Busters, Amazon's vice president of Fire TV, Aidan Marcuss, finally explains why the switch was made.

An opportunity to 'innovate'

Marcuss told Cord Busters that Vega OS is an opportunity for Amazon to "innovate and deliver more capabilities, even on the least expensive devices.” He also said that it would make things more secure and private for users, which was "sort of utmost in my mind."

That's a somewhat ironic statement since Vega OS blocks the ability to sideload third-party adblockers, in addition to launchers.

“Apps that facilitate piracy, and other apps, can carry malware,” Marcuss said when asked if sideloading actually causes harm. Marcuss also said that there is “a good amount of evidence that apps can carry unwanted code and behavior on them when they’re sideloaded.”

Piracy and malware are legit

For the unfamiliar, sideloading is the ability for Fire Sticks owners to add modified Android apps to the streaming device. When Vega OS was introduced in October 2025, we noted that it would be the illegal streamer's nightmare.

Notably, soccer streamers like DAZN and Sky Sports, which stream top-league soccer matches, have accused Fire Sticks of enabling piracy. In May 2025, Enders Analysis, a media research firm, released a report that specifically blamed the Fire Stick for easily enabling streaming piracy.

Additionally, malware and fraud have been a problem. In November, Malwarebytes reported that 1 in 3 people who illegally stream in the UK have been victims of fraud or scams. The Fire TV focused AFTVNews found a number of blacklisted apps that could "put your personal data risk." The Amazon support forums are littered with posts about strange cryptocurrency malware or other strange malware.

That said, the blacklist also features apps that let users get around the Fire homescreen, which is increasingly an ad fest.

Vega OS isn't quite ready

Vega OS isn't as robust as Fire OS lacking support for things like Dolby Vision or USB storage. As we found in our review of the Fire TV 4K Streaming Stick Select it isn't quite ready for primetime.

"it feels more like a proof-of-concept at this point rather than a full release when it comes to app integration and other assorted features," we said at the time.

Cord Busters asked Marcuss about the difference between the 3,000 supported apps on Vega OS Fire sticks versus 40,000 on Fire OS ones.

“No customer is actually downloading 50,000 apps. The question is whether the apps they want to watch, the content that they’re looking for are there,” Marcuss said. He added that customers can stream “the vast, vast, vast majority of content” on Vega-OS Fire Sticks.

For most people, the difference between Vega and Fire OS won't matter, but as with many decisions to close down platforms recently, it's more about taking away the choice, not whether or not people are using it.

More from Tom's Guide

• Amazon has a hidden button that connects you with a real customer service agent — here's where to find it
• 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to stream this week — including a dark romance with Timothée Chalamet playing a cannibal (June 30-July 6)
• The best Kindles in 2026: Our top picks tested and rated

Today is the final day of Prime Day, meaning this is your last chance to take advantage of major savings on some of the best Roku and Fire TV streaming devices. From entry-level streamers to premium 4K players and soundbar bundles, a wide range of devices are still discounted, but only for a limited time. Once Prime Day ends, these prices are expected to disappear.

This includes the Roku Ultra Streaming Player, now $86 after a 13% discount, and the Fire TV Cube, down to just $89 from its usual $139. On the streaming side, these devices are built to bring together all your favorite apps in one place, from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV to various free and live TV services. That makes them a simple, all-in-one upgrade for anyone looking to cut costs.

Below are the five best Roku and Fire TV deals worth snapping up before the final hours of Prime Day are over.

Quick links

• See all Amazon Prime Day Deals right now!
• Roku Ultra Streaming Box: was $99 now $79
• Roku Ultra - Ultimate Streaming Player: was $99 now $86
• Roku Streambar SE: was $99 now $92
• Roku Smart TV 32-Inch Select Series: was $179 now $129
• Roku Smart TV 43-Inch Select Series: was $249 now $179
• Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro: was $34 now $22
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max: was $59 now $34
• Fire TV Soundbar: was $119 now $79
• Fire TV Cube: was $139 now $89
• Fire TV 40" 2-Series Smart TV: was $249 now $149
• Fire TV Ember 43" 4-Series: was $329 now $199
• Fire TV Soundbar Plus: was $489 now $379

Best Roku streaming device deals

Best Fire TV streaming device deals

It’s the final day of Amazon Prime Day, and we’re tracking all the best live deals in real time. Check our main live blog so you don’t miss last-minute discounts on everything from kitchen gadgets to TVs.

Looking for the best streaming deals? This is your last chance — we’re rounding up all the top discounted subscriptions on Amazon before Prime Day ends.

As you attempt to watch the World Cup this summer, you may have noticed that YouTube TV isn't performing as usual on your Roku streaming device. It's possible this could be due to a recent May update from Google. It's affecting many of the best Roku devices.

The degraded performance appears to affect Live Guide in YouTube TV, with both a restriction on your Live Guide list and pausing background play when you search in Live Guide.

I dug through the YouTube TV community support forums and complaints started appearing in late May when the last YouTube TV update went live. The complaints concern a shortened Live Guide list going from multiple days out to only a few hours at the worst.

What we found

According to one of the product experts in the forum, YouTube TV intentionally degraded performance and background playback to "prevent crashing and create a more seamless experience for those devices."

"A change was made recently for older and less powerful devices and smart TVs. For these TVs and devices, background play is no longer supported. The amount you can scroll into the future is also impacted," 'Diamond Product Expert' BryanGR86 has posted under multiple threads.

They claimed that it should only affect older, lower-end devices. However, I have seen reports from owners of newer Roku Ultra devices that are having the same problem.

Additionally, BryanGR86 mentions multiple devices including Apple TV 4K, Amazon's Fire Sticks, the Google Chromecast and more, but on the whole it appears this issue is mainly affecting Roku owners.

Recommendations: Consider upgrading

The advice is to upgrade your streaming device to the newest hardware to get the full YouTube TV experience. If you go that route we have picked the best streaming devices that will give you access to a wide range of services beyond YouTube TV.

It's unclear how many streaming devices this degradation actually affects. Google's compatibility page does note that "select devices with 512mb or less of memory may have a slightly different experience and some features may not be available."

Tom's Guide has reached out directly to Google and Roku about the degraded performance. We will update this article if either company responds.

More from Tom's Guide

• Fox is buying Roku — here's what that could mean for your living room
• tvOS 27 cuts off two Apple TV devices — does this mean a new box is coming?
• How to unlock Roku’s hidden Sports mode for a better World Cup experience

This week, media conglomerate Fox acquired Roku in a deal worth a whopping $22 billion. The deal won’t be finalized until sometime in 2027, but as someone who makes a living testing, reviewing and recommending TVs, I can’t help but ponder the short- and long-term ramifications for Roku-centric living rooms.

Beyond Roku TVs — which arrive with the brand’s excellent streaming software baked right into the TV — Roku makes some of the best streaming devices on the market. They, too, are built around the Roku experience, delivering an easy-to-use interface atop a vast library of downloadable apps.

If you use a Roku device on a daily basis for streaming movies, shows and live TV, the next few years of binge-watching and app-jumping could look different. Here are some of the changes that could be on their way.

An expansion of the Roku hardware lineup may be in the cards

This is purely speculation on my part, but we might see new Roku TVs, streaming sticks and several changes to Roku-branded hardware over the course of the next several years. It all depends on how viable Fox sees the Roku brand as a hardware entity, and how effectively its executives believe they can leverage said hardware.

Once upon a time, Roku TVs were, frankly, not very good — at least as far as performance goes. In recent years, Roku-branded TVs have seen substantial improvements. The best Roku TVs today often make use of Mini-LED backlighting, which is partly why their picture quality has gotten better of late.

While it’s tough to read the tea leaves about how this acquisition will reshape Roku’s hardware lineup, I don’t expect there to be a significant reduction in Roku TVs, streaming sticks (like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K) and Roku boxes. The reason for this is simple: Fox now has a direct line to the Roku home screen in millions of people’s homes.

With this connection, Fox can now effectively integrate its own apps and services into our collective Roku experience. It's a benefit that most other media giants don’t have.

The Roku Channel or other apps could be retired

As my colleague Malcolm McMillan outlines in his analysis of the Fox-Roku deal, there are a couple of Fox- and Roku-owned streaming apps that could be in flux.

The Roku Channel, as the name suggests, is a free, Roku-owned streaming app that comes preinstalled in Roku TVs and streaming devices. Tubi — a company acquired by Fox in 2020 — also offers free, ad-based streaming.

My colleagues are right to point out that, with Fox overseeing the entire Roku operation, there ostensibly isn’t much of a business-driven incentive to back two free streaming apps that serve a similar purpose. Given the greater popularity of Tubi, the Roku Channel could be the odd app out.

The same can be said for the Howdy app, which is similar to the Roku Channel but sits behind a three-dollar-per-month subscription. Fox executives may be more reluctant to retire Howdy if its subscription model has proven successful. But, as Malcolm mentions, “we don't have any hard data on how it's performing in terms of revenue or user growth.”

The future of Fox and Roku

As someone who recently made the switch from webOS to Roku for daily streaming duties, the future of this simple-but-powerful software suite is important to me. And, as a TV-reviewer, I’d love to have a clearer picture of where Roku hardware — both its TVs and streaming devices — are headed.

The truth is, we won’t have a deeper understanding of these details for a while. As mentioned, the acquisition won’t be finalized until next year.

On the hardware side of things, it’s likely that we wouldn’t see any shakeups to Roku TVs and device lineups for a few years, as these changes would take some time to develop, logistically speaking.

I suspect that the first bits of Fox-related influence that’ll be felt will come in the form of small changes to the Roku interface. This could be as simple as Fox-owned services getting favorable placement on the home screen (or in the form of dedicated buttons on the Roku remote).

Ultimately, however, I would hate to see this move detract from what I love about the Roku experience: a simple interface with minimal ad placement.

If Fox plays its cards right, Roku could become more popular than ever. I just hope it doesn’t lose its way in the process.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your Roku is hiding these 5 useful features — here's how to find them
• I ditched LG's webOS smart platform for Roku and I'll never go back
• 'The White Lotus' collides with 'Midsommar' in this psychedelic thriller you can stream for free on Tubi

Fox just announced a deal to acquire Roku, and it could shake up the streaming world in a major way. The deal, which is a $22 billion megadeal, is set to go through in the first half of 2027, so its impacts won't be felt right away. But once it closes, it could eliminate one of the best free streaming services entirely.

The issue here is that Fox owns Tubi, which is probably the best free streamer out there at this point. Roku, meanwhile, owns the Roku Channel, which is good, but not quite as good as Tubi.

If Fox does close this deal, it wouldn't make sense for them to have two free streaming services. They would almost certainly shutter one of them, and while Roku is a household name for streaming devices, Tubi has far more brand recognition among streaming services. So it'd likely be the Roku Channel that ends up on the chopping block.

On the one hand, Tubi has a better app, so I won't be heartbroken if the Roku Channel disappears as an icon on my home screen. But these streaming services acquire different shows and movies for their libraries; there's a lot of overlap, but there are plenty of titles only available on one or the other.

So to be clear, losing the Roku Channel would lead to less free streaming content available to consumers. That's a loss, no matter how you feel about the quality of the services themselves. And, it's not the only streaming service that might get shown the door in this massive deal.

What about Howdy?

To recap, with this Fox and Roku deal, we'll likely lose the Roku Channel. We probably won't lose Roku's hardware lineup. Some tweaks might be made, but Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs are surely why Fox bought the company in the first place.

But then, there's Howdy. This is a budget streaming service that gives you 10,000+ hours of shows and movies without ads. It costs $2.99 a month, and it's fairly new. Roku's CEO, Anthony Wood, has been positive about the service in earnings calls, but we don't have any hard data on how it's performing in terms of revenue or user growth.

I've used Howdy a bit, and it's good. I'm not sure I want to pay $3 a month just to eliminate ads, but in terms of the app, the available shows and movies, etc., it's decent enough.

But is "decent" enough to justify Fox keeping the streaming service? That's a trickier question. Especially since Fox relies on carriage fees on cable networks and its new streaming service, Fox One, to generate revenues.

Howdy doesn't really compete with Fox One, which is tailored more around live sports and Fox News. But it could arguably compete with cable for some cord cutters. After all, if you just flip through channels looking for anything to watch, $2.99 is much cheaper than any cable bill.

Ultimately, I think Fox will make a decision on Howdy based on data that we, the public, don't really have. If they look at Roku's books and see Howdy brings in profit, or brings in user base growth, they'll likely keep it around. If it's a money loser and not really growing, they might use the acquisition to shut it down. But it doesn't directly compete with any of Fox's current offerings, so there's no reason it couldn't stick around.

More from Tom's Guide

• These are the 3 best streaming devices we've tested for your TV
• 5 new Netflix movies and shows you need to stream this week (June 15-21)
• Critics hated parts of Denzel’s 1998 action thriller movie, but 28 years later, it hits completely differently

Lately, you may have noticed your Fire TV Stick taking a beat longer to respond, or that the Netflix scrubber lags where it didn't before. Apps hesitate to load where you remember them being snappy. None of that is your imagination, and it isn't the stick aging out, either — both the Apple TV 4K and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max are still among the best streaming devices you can put behind a television.

What's changed, mostly this spring, is what the major streaming services are putting on top of that hardware. Netflix, Disney+ and others have stepped away from native platform players, and instead. have started to ship custom video engines with their streaming sticks.

Those engines are slower, less responsive and bypass the operating system features Apple and Amazon spent years building. The stick itself isn't dragging — the apps are dragging the stick.

Why your streaming stick feels slower

The smoking gun was Netflix's April rollout of a custom video player on Apple TV this year, which dropped the native tvOS AVPlayer it had used for years. FlatpanelsHD broke it down first, and the rest of the Apple press piled on within a couple of weeks.

In practice, the first thing you're likely to notice is a lack of responsiveness. The Siri Remote's touch surface, which on every other app gives you smooth scrubbing, has been demoted to budget-smart-TV behavior. A single back-press no longer skips ten seconds — it pauses, brings up a frame selector and waits for a second click. That extra beat, multiplied across every instance, is the new normal for many people when browsing Netflix.

In addition, several useful tvOS features stopped working simultaneously. Automatic Subtitles, the one that turns on captions when you mute or skip back, doesn't fire inside Netflix anymore, and Enhance Dialogue, which pulls speech forward over score and effects, isn't available.

The slide-up info overlay that showed Dolby Vision, Atmos and exact playback resolution has been replaced with Netflix's own UI, which isn’t much use for most people. Even the iPhone Remote app has stopped talking to it properly.

Netflix is the worst offender, though it isn't alone. Disney+ has been running a custom player on Apple TV for some time, which is part of why a few system-level features don't behave there either. Netflix's separate refusal to integrate with the Apple TV app's universal "Up Next" row is unchanged from earlier years — your watchlist looks half-empty because Netflix has chosen not to feed it.

The motive is, in part, cost. Writing fully native apps across tvOS (Swift), Fire OS (an Android fork), Roku (BrightScript), Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS is genuinely expensive at the scale that streamers operate, and a single custom video engine deployed across all of them saves money.

Owning the player layer also keeps the telemetry within the streamer's walls rather than handing it to Apple or Amazon, which matters more than it used to, as ad-supported tiers drive most subscriber growth across every major service. Losing tvOS features must be, from their perspective, an acceptable cost.

Fixes that actually help

1. Turn on Match Content on Apple TV.

Settings > Video and Audio > Match Content > enable Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate

The reason a lot of content judders for no obvious reason is that 24fps film material is being output at 60Hz unless the box is told to switch — and it isn't by default. Match Content is a global setting, but its success works on an app-by-app basis rather than system-wide.

Thankfully, most major services (including Netflix and Prime Video) support it, and the difference is visible immediately in cinematic content. You'll see a brief blank screen at the moment of switching, which is a long-standing HDMI handshake quirk and not a bug. (There are also several other Apple TV settings worth changing at the same time.)

2. You can make similar adjustments on Fire TV.

Display & Sounds > Display > Match Original Frame Rate

This is similarly off by default but worth turning on. Make sure Video Resolution in the same menu is set to Auto — without that, Match Frame Rate has nothing to work with.

3. Set a custom subtitle style at the system level on Apple TV.

Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning > Style

Build a custom style rather than leaving it on Default, and Apple's frameworks will push your preferences down into most third-party apps (Apple TV+, Prime Video and the standard catalogue).

Netflix and Disney+ will keep ignoring you, since their custom players don't respect system-wide accessibility settings. That part is on them.

4. Kill Featured Content autoplay on Fire TV.

Settings > Preferences > Featured Content > disable Allow Video Autoplay and Allow Audio Autoplay

The home-screen previews load in the background as you browse, competing with whatever you're trying to watch for bandwidth. Switching them off is the single biggest responsiveness change you can make on the 4K Max — menus move faster, apps open faster and the whole experience should feel less burdened. (If you want to go further, there are several other Fire TV features worth enabling in Settings.)

What you can't fix from the sofa

Some of this is simply outside of your reach. The Netflix custom player on tvOS — the lost scrubbing, the missing Enhance Dialogue, the broken Automatic Subtitles, the disappeared info overlay, the dead Remote app — none of that can be brought back via a settings menu. They're choices Netflix made in the app and only Netflix can unmake them.

Atmos drops are similar. Apple labels Audio Format's Auto setting "recommended" for a reason, and the manual format options exist as fallbacks for incompatible equipment rather than fixes for app-side problems. If a specific app is downmixing to stereo while Auto is set correctly and the rest of your hardware chain is fine, the bottleneck is the app's handshake — and there isn't yet a switch you can flip to repair it.

The watchlist gap is the cleanest example. No amount of fiddling will get Netflix titles into Apple TV's "Up Next" row, because Netflix has chosen not to expose that data to the API. It looks like a technical limitation, but it's actually just policy.

But if you're tempted to throw $130 at a new streaming box assuming the next one will feel like the demos, I’d hold off. A refreshed, new Apple TV 4K is reportedly due later this year, and the constraints you're hitting aren't in the silicon anyway.

We think that the Apple TV 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max are still the right boxes to own, despite the fact that their ecosystem seems increasingly inhospitable.

More from Tom's Guide

• Is a new Apple TV in the works? Here's how John Ternus' appointment as Apple CEO could benefit Apple's streaming device
• These are the 3 best streaming devices we've tested for your TV
• You're wasting your Fire TV Stick's potential — 7 features to enable right now

Apple spent most of WWDC 2026 revealing the upgraded Siri AI, which left several Apple platforms, including tvOS, seemingly ignored. But there is an update coming, and it may indicate that new hardware is finally coming.

The new tvOS 27 is the first update in years that actually ends support for some older Apple TV streaming boxes. Specifically, the Apple TV HD, launched in 2015, and the first-generation Apple TV 4K, released in 2017, will not be compatible with the update.

That ends a decade and eight years of support, respectively. To be fair, the Apple TV HD hasn't been available for the last four years.

Instead, the update will only be eligible for the second-generation Apple TV 4K, from 2021, and the third-generation models released in 2022.

Since at least 2024, rumors have continuously suggested that Apple was on the precipice of releasing a new Apple TV streaming device.

Clearly, that has not happened. And yet, here we are.

Apple's push into smart home

As long as rumors about a new Apple TV device have surfaced, it's also been expected that Apple will release a suite of smart home devices centered around an AI-powered rebuilt Siri. Apple TV devices are supposed to be part of that program.

That new Siri is finally arriving with iOS 27, which could power how a new Apple TV connects to your smart home.

It's been suggested that Siri and Thread connectivity would allow you to use the new Apple TV as a sort of hub for smart devices. This connects with rumors that Apple might release a set-top box with a camera that would allow for FaceTime calls and gesture-based controls. As far back as 2022, it was rumored that Apple might combine the streaming device with a HomePod.

Unlike the rumored HomePod, it's never been clear if Apple is delaying a refresh because of Siri or for some other reason, despite the growing gap between updates.

What is coming with tvOS 27?

The tvOS 27 update isn't bereft of new features. Here's what we know is coming.

• More responsive Control Center
• Faster AirPlay connectivity
• Improved app launches, animations
• Smarter downloads
• New, larger text accessibility options
• Apple Care details in the Settings app

It is minimal, and Apple hasn't even put up a preview page as it's done with the other 27 OS updates. Even the tvOS 27 release notes that I found on the Apple Developer site mostly feature fixes that Apple is applying to tvOS.

The notes do mention the new HomeKit video recordings, which should improve Apple's just-announced smart home security camera capabilities.

The first tvOS 27 developer beta is available now, and the public beta will launch in July. The full update will most likely be released later this year, in September.

More from Tom's Guide

• Some AI features aren't available on older iPhones, but are you actually missing that much?
• I pitted iOS 27 Clean Up vs Galaxy AI in a 7-round eraser showdown — Apple makes it close, but here's where it stumbles
• Apple spent years fixing Siri — only for ChatGPT to make it irrelevant

Watching the World Cup on your Roku TV should be crisp and clear. Fast-moving action shouldn't blur across the screen or leave trails behind the ball. But if you're using your TV's default picture settings, that's exactly what happens.

Default settings are designed for movies and everyday viewing, not action-heavy sports broadcasts like the World Cup. Two simple adjustments fix this problem immediately: Switch to Sports mode and enable Action Smoothing to reduce blur during fast camera pans.

These settings keep moving objects sharp and defined throughout the match. The difference is noticeable from the opening kick, so here's how to enable these settings on your Roku TV right now.

Bonus tip! 🏆

If your TV supports it, enable "Action Clarity" or "LED Motion Clarity" in the same Advanced settings menu. This keeps soccer balls, footballs, tennis balls, pucks, and other fast-moving objects sharp throughout the game.

Not all Roku TVs have this feature, so it may not appear in your settings. If it's available, turn it on for noticeably sharper motion.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your Roku TV is watching you — 3 settings to change right now
• Try these Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• How to fix Roku freezing and buffering — including a secret remote shortcut

Roku just announced the biggest redesign of its Home menu in over a decade. But the company promises that it should feel familiar to long-time users. The update is coming to the best Roku TVs and the company's streaming devices.

Roku describes the updated Home Screen as a more dynamic and smarter experience with more "relevant recommendations and faster pathways to content."

Roku says the extensive redesign was built via extensive testing and viewer insights.

“When we set out to rethink the Home Screen, we knew we should listen to the people who use it every day. So we talked to the viewers, we tested extensively, and we pushed until the design and the data lined up for a meaningful update,” said Anthony Wood, Founder and CEO of Roku.

In total, it looks like you'll see a change in seven different areas of the home screen. Here's what they are and how they work.

What's new in the Roku Home Screen

One of the more noticeable changes is in the app screen with the new Quick Access that automatically surfaces your most used apps. This is supposed to let you hop right in without scrolling.

Quick Access is AI-powered and Roku says it will "continually adapt" to your routine to get your favorite apps faster. Though you can add or remove any app you want.

Alongside the favorite apps, a new section called Top Picks for You will appear at the top of your Home Screen. This section will recommend shows and movies for you based on what you've watched, what's trending on Roku and what's hot in general.

For You is meant to offer more personalized picks. It's also getting a new "real-time" row called Your Daily Scoop that is AI-powered. The Scoop gives you a curated digest of trends, hot shows and more.

It will offer recommendations from all of your subscriptions in one place when you click on one of the topic cards that the Scoop surfaces.

If you're in the mood for hunting, there's a new "Destinations" section that offers curated hubs and moods. These include genres like "Horror" or "Kids & Family."

Roku says that it's streamlined the Home Screen Menu to stay tucked away until you need it. From there, you can jump to new hubs like Destinations, and your Settings, Inputs and Search menus.

Shortcuts keeps features like Continue Watching, Sleep Timer and Save List easy to find, and Roku says your favorite ones will appear in the Quick Access feed.

Finally, a new Home Screen tile will take you straight to the an interactive version of the Roku City screensaver. This includes Daily Trivia, Roku City Dash, Roklue and more.

Roku Home Screen redesign availability

Roku says the updated Home Screen is rolling out now in the U.S. with more countries to follow. The update should arrive automatically.

Of course, if you're worried that the update might brick your Roku TV, you can try turning off automatic updates until it reaches more people.

Meanwhile, have you received the update? What do you think? Does it feel more intuitive and get you to shows and movies you want to watch faster? Let us know.

More from Tom's Guide

• Don't replace your slow Roku yet — try this 10-second fix first
• Your Roku is hiding these 5 useful features — here's how to find them
• I ditched LG's webOS smart platform for Roku and I'll never go back

Most people use their Roku the same way every day: open an app, watch something, repeat. But that little remote hides some button combinations that unlock menus Roku never exactly advertised.

Some are genuinely useful when something goes wrong, offering diagnostic detail that the standard Settings menu doesn't come close to matching. Others are just deeply satisfying to discover, the streaming equivalent of finding a hidden door in a house you've lived in for years.

Whether you're troubleshooting a buffering issue or just curious what your device is actually doing under the hood, these five secret screens are worth knowing about.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your Roku TV is watching you — 3 settings to change right now
• Try these Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• How to fix Roku freezing and buffering — including a secret remote shortcut

There's a particular kind of evening that feels almost cinematic in itself. The living room is dim, everyone's finally settled, and the TV is yours.

You scroll through your Roku the same way you always do: muscle memory guiding you past the same apps, the same rows, until something decent enough appears and the night begins. It's comfortable. It's familiar. And if you're anything like most people, you've barely scratched the surface of what your device can actually do.

Roku has built a surprisingly thoughtful set of features into its platform. Here are five of my favorites.

More from Tom's Guide

• Try these Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• How to fix Roku freezing and buffering — including a secret remote shortcut
• 5 ways to mount your TV safely without a stud finder

This week, Roku is starting to roll out its major Spring update to the best Roku TVs and best Roku streaming devices. It's unclear if any new features will launch with this update, but it should largely be a boon to performance.

Roku OS 15.2, confirmed by Cord Cutter News, will feature mostly under-the-hood changes. On the front end, that should translate to smoother navigation, faster launches and better video playback.

This update primarily features changes aimed at developers, which should mean improved performance down the line. One update enables identifying which components of an app are most memory-intensive. Those could be optimized to improve performance efficiency.

Roku rollouts are apparently quite gradual, meaning you could receive the update immediately or up to a month from now. This lets the company monitor how the update is affecting devices.

A rough time to launch an update

The Roku OS 15.2 rolls out at a controversial time for Roku. The company and manufacturing TCL are facing a class-action lawsuit over updates that have allegedly "bricked" TCL-made Roku TVs.

Tom's Guide readers responded to the news, with one reader saying, "I just tossed a 43" TCL Roku that just would not come back on after updates."

Roku did tell Tom's Guide that it believed the lawsuit is without merit.

If you're nervous that this update might cause problems with your Roku device, it might be in your best interest to wait until it's more widespread before installing it. That should give the company time to implement any necessary fixes to the update.

However, it's worth noting that Roku devices will typically update automatically when connected to the internet. You can also check for updates in the settings by manually starting a software update check.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch 'The Great American Baking Show' season 4 for free
• Netflix reportedly removes useful library sorting features, making it harder to find the movies and TV shows you want to stream next
• I cut my streaming bill to under $20 a month — here's my 3-step plan to fight the streaming price hikes

With Tim Cook moving on after what's arguably one of the most impressive runs any tech CEO has ever had, Apple is about to get a new leader in the form of John Ternus. Ternus has been at the company for 25 years, spending most of that time deep in Apple's hardware engineering.

So where does that leave Apple TV? Despite being one of the best streaming boxes out there, it's a product that's always felt forgotten. Meanwhile, iPhones, Macs and iPads get all the attention.

With a hardware-first CEO running things and Apple seemingly rethinking its approach to the home, there are genuine reasons to believe the Apple TV might finally get some love. But there are also reasons not to get too excited.

John Ternus: hardware nerd

Ternus isn't someone who's climbed the ladder through finance, marketing or operations. On the contrary, he's a hardware person through and through. In fact, his entire Apple career has been about getting involved with the engineering and manufacturing of physical products.

It's easy to look at streaming devices and think they're simple compared to something like an iPhone. In actuality, building these devices means navigating a surprisingly tangled set of decisions around chips, thermal management, connectivity and manufacturing.

Ternus has been dealing with exactly those kinds of challenges across Apple's full product line for more than two decades. He knows the tradeoffs inside and out, and he’s made this trades for previous Apple TV boxes — arguably the best streaming devices out there.

To be clear, having a hardware-focused CEO doesn't automatically make every product better. However, it could certainly make the process of hardware decision-making more efficient. Whether those decisions actually result in a more compelling Apple TV, though, is a separate conversation.

Apple is already leaning into the smart home space

In recent years, Apple has extended its reach into the smart home through products like the HomePod and the HomePod 2. But both the HomePod and the Apple TV seem to get forgotten — at least compared to other Apple products that get annual refreshes. Sure, you could argue that the Apple TV doesn't need a chip bump, but regardless, rumors indicate Apple is planning a renewed push into the smart home.

Now, that doesn't automatically mean that the Apple TV itself will get more attention. Most of the rumors surround things like a HomePod with a display and potentially even a smart doorbell, but if Apple is indeed pushing deeper into the home, perhaps we'll see other kinds of new products, like an Apple TV soundbar, or even a cheaper Apple TV dongle.

Apple's been down this road before with HomeKit and the HomePod, and the results were mixed at best, of course. But there's a real difference between the smart home being a pet project for some mid-level team and having the CEO personally invested in making it work. Conviction at the top changes things.

The Apple TV has a great track record

Despite a relative lack of upgrades, Apple TV has long been considered the best consumer streamer, and for good reason. Yes, it's more expensive than others from the likes of Roku, and you could argue that streamers in general are on the way out given the fact that most TVs have smart platforms built right into them. That said, if you want a powerful, smart TV platform that integrates with your Apple account, the Apple TV is still the way to go.

It's also technologically advanced. The A15 chip makes the Apple TV 4K feel much faster and more responsive than most other platforms, and the tvOS operating system feels a far more polished than most of the competition.

That's before even mentioning how well it works with things like the HomePod or AirPods. I often use AirPods with the Apple TV to avoid waking up others in my home. When it comes to high-end streaming devices, there's arguably no competition to the Apple TV.

That raises an important question: Why update a product that's head and shoulders above the competition? For this reason, I can easily envision Apple expanding the Apple TV lineup rather than simply updating it.

Perhaps the key to all of this is Siri. Yes, Apple has lagged others when it comes to using generative AI for its smart assistant, but that's seemingly going to change soon, with a Google Gemini-powered version of Siri.

If Apple is able to finally deliver an all-new, powerful Siri, why wouldn't it want that Siri to be more present in the home, too? That could come through new HomePods, sure, but other kinds of speakers, too — the sort that companies like Sonos currently make. The Sonos Arc Ultra is consistently rated one of the best soundbars you can get. I could see Apple wanting to take a shot at that.

Nothing is certain

It's probably worth tempering expectations, of course. Rumors of Apple's push into the smart home aside, Ternus himself is unlikely to change things overnight. After all, anything released in the next two years or so would have already been under development since before Ternus took over.

Plus, as head of one of the largest companies in the world, he'll have plenty on his plate already. If Ternus is spending his days wrestling with AI strategy, managing iPhone margins and charting a course for the future of the Vision Pro, the Apple TV could still wind up further down the priority list than its fans would hope.

The fact is, we have no idea if a next-gen Apple TV is in active development, or if Apple plans home theater-related products other than the Apple TV in the future. But the pieces are in place for the Apple TV to get a meaningful lift under Ternus.

Apple TV fans have more reason for hope right now than they've had in a long time — but keeping expectations in check until we see what actually ships is the smart move.

More from Tom's Guide

• I interviewed John Ternus right before he was named Apple’s next CEO — here’s the 5 quotes that stuck with me
• Apple TV 4K is still the best streaming box when it comes to privacy
• Apple has reportedly 'stopped work on the Vision Pro' — here's what we know

Roku knows your guilty pleasures. Every show, every search, every channel you've ever opened has been collected, stored, and used to build an ad profile of you.

Every time you hit play, Roku is quietly logging what you watch, how long you watch it, and which ads you interact with, then sharing that data with third-party advertisers. That's the default setting on every Roku device, and most people have no idea it's happening.

You can't opt out entirely, Roku needs some basic data to function, but you can make yourself a much harder target. A few quick settings changes are all it takes to claw back your privacy without losing any of the features you actually use.

More from Tom's Guide

• Don't replace your slow Roku yet — try this 10-second fix first
• 5 hidden Roku features everyone needs to know
• Can't find your Roku remote? You'll never lose it again after you learn this simple trick

Among the best streaming devices, Google has been the most aggressive in incorporating AI; when the Google TV Streamer launched, you were able to use Gemini to search for shows and movies using natural language, and you could also have it create screensaver artwork based on whatever your imagination could think up.

As of today (April 29), Google is adding a few more AI-assisted features, and will also update the interface to add short-form videos. Here's a quick look at what's coming. These features will be available on Google TV-enabled smart TVs, as well as the Google TV Streamer.

More Nano Banana photo editing — and better photo searching

While you previously were able to use Nano Banana to create AI images from whole cloth, you can now edit or modify the photos you've already taken. So, if there's a picture of you standing in an office building, you can ask Gemini to transplant you to the beach or the Moon.

Or, if you don't like the outfit you're wearing, you can ask Nano Banana to change your threads, add a hat, or sport some new shoes.

You can also take a more artistic approach using Google Photos Remix, which will let you add different artistic styles to your pictures, such as changing them to a watercolor or oil painting.

And, Gemini will now let you search through your Google Photos more easily, so you can perform a natural language search, such as "pictures with balloons" or "photos of cats." Google will then return a page showing all the results, allowing you to comb through your entire catalog more easily.

Veo video generation

If you're bored with all the streaming options, why not create your own? Google TV's integration with Veo will let you do just that, allowing you to make a video from voice prompts alone, or animate an existing still photo from your collection.

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts has become one of the more popular video formats for the platform, so Google will be adding it to the home page of Google TV devices. It's not available just yet — the company said it will be coming this summer to the U.S. — but when it's added, you'll see a row of "Short videos for you," based on your browsing history and preferences.

Outlook

In all, Google broadening the reach of its AI tools to its popular streaming device is a sensible, if inevitable move. While I imagine people will have fun editing and creating videos and photos using Nano Banana and Veo, I suspect that the most popular new features will be the ability to search through your voluminous database of photos to find the ones you want.

Adding YouTube Shorts also makes a ton of sense, even if their vertical format is less suited to a widescreen television than a phone's display. If you're listlessly scrolling through the best streaming services looking for something to watch, there's no better time-killer than a bunch of snackable, short-form videos.

More from Tom's Guide

• I canceled all my streaming services for a month and relied on free streamers — and I’m not sure I want to go back
• I’ve tested 20+ streaming VPNs, but NordVPN is the only one I trust on my own TV
• Google TV just got a gigantic Gemini AI upgrade — 3 new features you must try today

Fire TV Sticks are getting a software overhaul. Amazon's newest streaming stick runs Vega OS instead of the Android-based Fire OS that's powered Fire TV devices for years. All future Fire TV Sticks will ship with this new Linux-based system.

If you already own a Fire TV Stick running Android, this news might sound worrying. Will your device stop working? Will apps stop getting updates? Fortunately, Amazon has committed to supporting existing Fire TV Sticks through December 31, 2030.

The good news is that most Fire TV models sold in recent years will make the cut, but not all of them. Here's how to check if your device is supported and what the software change actually means for everyday streaming.

Fire TV Sticks supported through December 31, 2030

Amazon maintains a public list of devices that will receive ongoing software and security updates. Almost every Fire TV Stick released in the past five years appears on it.

Supported models through December 2030:

• Fire TV Stick 4K Select
• Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max (both generations)
• Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Generation)
• Fire TV Stick HD (both generations)
• Fire TV Stick Lite
• Fire TV Stick (3rd Generation)
• Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)

One model gets less support: the original 2018 Fire TV Stick 4K only receives updates through December 31, 2029, one year shorter than the rest.

Support through 2030 means your Fire TV Stick will continue downloading app updates, receiving security patches, and staying compatible with streaming services.

What the software change actually means

Previously, Fire OS let you install Android apps from outside Amazon's Appstore. Vega doesn't. If Amazon hasn't approved it, you can't have it. Amazon calls this a security and anti-piracy improvement; skeptics might call it a tighter-walled garden.

For most users, it's a non-issue. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube — they're all in the Appstore. You'd only feel the loss if you relied on niche apps or workarounds to install unauthorized software.

Your existing Fire TV Stick will continue working normally through the end of 2030. Apps update, streaming works, nothing changes day-to-day. Vega only ships on new devices going forward. After December 31, 2030, Android-based Fire TV Sticks lose official support which could open up security vulnerabilities.

It's worth noting that Amazon's unusually specific public support timeline probably isn't altruism. The company is currently facing litigation over how long older Fire TV devices received updates. Click the link to see what's going on there.

More from Tom's Guide

• Is your Fire TV acting up? Here's exactly how I fixed mine in under a minute
• You're wasting your Fire TV Stick's potential — 7 features to enable right now
• This Fire TV stick setting causes lag — here's how to turn it off

Something's wrong with your Fire TV Stick and you can't pinpoint exactly what. It still turns on, apps still open... eventually, video still plays, but everything feels wrong. Response times are off. Navigation stutters. The whole experience has degraded from smooth to frustrating.

This vague unresponsiveness is harder to diagnose than a clear error message, but the cause is usually the same: too much software running on too little memory. Fire TV Sticks have limited RAM, and when that memory fills up with cache files and background processes, performance tanks.

Most people live with the lag or buy a replacement. But three simple maintenance steps that take 30 seconds total, clear out the clutter and restore normal performance. Here's what to do.

More from Tom's Guide

• You're wasting your Fire TV Stick's potential — 7 features to enable right now
• This Fire TV stick setting causes lag — here's how to turn it off
• I discovered this Fire TV stick feature by accident — and it's a game-changer

Roku is my go-to when it comes to streaming devices. Simply put, no device is as fun and easy to use as Roku's. Even my non tech-savvy mom has mastered the ins and outs of her Roku TV.

Right now, Best Buy has Roku devices and TVs on sale from $24. Although that may sound like your run-of-the-mill Roku sale, the reason I recommend this sale in particular is because it includes discounts on Roku's 2026 lineup of TVs.

For example, you can get the Roku 65" Select 4K QLED TV for just $399. That's $50 off and the first discount I've seen on the new flagship. I have a 2024 Roku TV in my bedroom and I can't recommend these TVs enough. So below I've rounded up all the Roku deals I'd personally shop in Best Buy's current sale.

Quick Links

• Shop all Roku devices from $24 at Best Buy
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $44
• Roku Ultra 4K: was $99 now $79
• Roku 65" Select 4K QLED TV (2025): was $429 now $299
• Roku 65" Pro 4K QLED Mini-LED TV (2025): was $1,199 now $799
• Roku 65" Select 4K QLED TV (2026): was $449 now $399

Devices

A spinning loading circle that won't disappear. Apps that freeze mid-episode. Menu navigation that stutters and lags. When your Roku starts performing like this, it feels like the device is dying and you need to buy a replacement.

But most Roku slowdowns aren't hardware failures, they're software problems. Cache files accumulate over time, apps run background processes even when closed and unused channels eat up system resources.

Clearing your Roku's cache takes 10 seconds and solves most performance issues immediately. Here's how to refresh your device without factory resetting or buying a replacement.

More from Tom's Guide

• Try these Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• Can't find your Roku remote? You'll never lose it again after you learn this simple trick
• 5 hidden Roku features everyone needs to know

Amazon just launched its newest streaming device: the Fire TV Stick HD. It's the slimmest Fire TV Stick model Amazon has made, designed to fit more discreetly behind TVs without bulky power adapters getting in the way.

The new model costs $34.99 and is available for pre-order starting April 15. Devices ship at the end of April, so you'll have the new Fire TV Stick in time for May. Here's what's different about this model and how to pre-order it.

What's different about the Fire TV Stick HD

The Fire TV Stick HD is approximately 30% slimmer than the previous HD model. The reduced size makes it easier to hide behind wall-mounted TVs or fit into tight spaces where older models stuck out visibly.

It includes a USB-C cable and USB-A connector for what Amazon calls "Direct Power." This lets you power the Fire Stick directly from your TV's USB port instead of using a wall adapter. If your TV has a USB port, you eliminate the need for an extra power cable and outlet.

The stick sits flush behind your TV without a bulky power brick. If your TV doesn't have a USB port, you can still use a standard USB-C cable and wall adapter.

Performance is roughly 30% faster compared to the older Fire TV Stick HD model. Apps open quicker, menus load faster, and navigation feels more responsive.

More from Tom's Guide

• You're wasting your Fire TV Stick's potential — 7 features to enable right now
• This Fire TV stick setting causes lag — here's how to turn it off
• 5 Fire TV settings you should change right now for better performance

Amazon just announced an update to its popular Fire TV Stick HD with a new version that changes a few things. For starters, unlike with many other recent devices, the refreshed Stick is keeping the same $35 price tag.

The ecommerce giant has already opened up preorders for the updated Fire TV Stick HD which starts shipping on April 29.

What's new?

There are two big physical changes to the streaming stick. Firstly, Amazon claims the new model is 30% slimmer than the previous generation.

Per the specs on the product page, the new model measures in at 3.6 x 0.8 x 0.5 inches. By comparison, the first generation measures in at 3.4 x 1.2 x 0.5 inches. So it's slightly longer and skinnier than its predecessor.

The bigger change is in how you power the stick. So long wall adapter. Now, the Stick can be plugged directly into your TV's USB port for power. That said, if your TV lacks a USB port, a standard USB-C charger should also work.

Amazon also says the new Stick is 30% faster than the older model and comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The processor is listed as a quad-core 1.7 GHz, the same as the previous generation, but the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips appear to be new.

Software updates

It will also come with the redesigned Fire TV interface that launched in February of this year. This is a long overdue change, plus Alexa+ is now built in for owners in the US, Canada and UK. This means you can ask it for show recommendations, to look up actors in movies or TV shows and to control your smart home devices.

Amazon promises an adaptive display accessibility feature will launch in the next few months which will enlarge text, menus and on-screen elements. Multiple size options will be available to help customize the interface as needed too.

The new stick ships on April 20 to customers in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand with more regions to come later this year.

More from Tom's Guide

• Amazon is quietly discounting its most popular smart home devices — 29 deals from Blink, Fire TV, Echo and more
• Amazon is abandoning support for all of these older Kindle devices — what it means for you
• Amazon has a hidden button that connects you with a real customer service agent — here's where to find it

Walmart is taking on Google at its own game with the company's take on Google TV streaming devices. After leaks, the devices might be coming out now.

Two weeks ago, a Redditor revealed patent-style drawings of an alleged Walmart Google TV Streamer lookalike. This week, a different Reddit user may have found a new version of Walmart's Onn Google TV streaming stick in the wild.

Reddit user u/JustLook361 spotted the streaming device at their local Walmart. In a comment, they said it was mixed in with other streaming sticks, indicating it may have been shelved accidentally.

Based on the packaging, the new streaming stick appears to support 4K streaming and features a built-in HDMI plug. The box advertises "Google TV with Gemini" and 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and a new quad-core chipset.

I was not able to find the new stick on the Walmart website. However, the side Android TV Guide has a specs sheet which appears to match the box.

The box has an HDMI extender, a voice remote with included AAA batteries and a wall adapter.

The hardware wasn't taken out of the box (but the Reddit user promised a video was coming). They said Walmart sold them the device for $30.

All in all, it appears to be a quality Chromecast replacement, especially as Google has abandoned that form factor.

The Redditor promised an unboxing video today, if they actually provide one we'll update this article with the video.

What's the deal?

According to 9to5Google, Walmart can be erratic with its releases. As an example, the 4K dongle appeared in stores in mid-April 2023 and online two weeks later. However, it wasn't officially announced until mid-May.

The new device fits in with other Onn streaming devices that sell from $25 to $40. All of those devices are out of stock on the Walmart website, suggesting that new products could drop soon.

Who knows, in a couple of weeks, we could start seeing more of these devices and an official announcement.

More from Tom's Guide

• Walmart Plus — everything you need to know
• Walmart's 12 hidden gems to add instant style to your yard this spring — all under $40
• Walmart CEO steps down and he's not the only one — here's how AI is reshaping corporate leadership

Walmart may be developing a series of new Google TV-based devices, including a lookalike set top box and TVs powered by Google's streaming platform.

Prototype drawings were revealed by a semi-anonymous account on Reddit (spotted by 9to5Google). The device they showed appears to be a second-generation version of Walmart's Onn 4K Pro set top box, which looks a lot like the Google TV Streamer box.

Based on the drawings, the box appears to feature a USB-C, USB-A, HDMI and Ethernet ports as well as a reset button and a microphone mute button. Instead of the squarer Apple TV-esque design of the onn 4K streaming box, it appears to be a wider, lower-profile design.

It's not clear where the account sourced the images, but from browsing their posting history, they do have a history of sharing Google TV details and seem to be fairly accurate.

Google TVs

In a comment on the streaming box post, and in a separate post, they also claimed that Walmart's Onn brand will be getting several different Google TV sets based on Bluetooth qualification listings. Simply, these will be Onn-branded televisions that run the Google TV platform.

Based on the listings it appears there will be 55-, 65- and 75-inch versions. There are also two different sets of product codes suggesting a standard version and possibly a higher-end version.

The TVs will be made by a company called KTC which makes its own gaming monitors and acts as an ODM for brands, meaning it designs and builds devices that other companies can put their branding on. It's a surprise since Walmart acquired Vizio in 2024, which offers its own TVs and operating system.

As we reported in January, Onn and Vizio were responsible for 5% of global TV sales in 2025 with Counterpoint Research calling Walmart "Samsung's strongest competitor in North America.”

Mostly that's because Onn devices are marketed squarely at "impulse buyers" with low prices. It's largest 85-inch models sell for $600 compared to Samsung versions that are in the $1,000 and up range.

The rumored streaming box and new Google TVs are another play at affordable devices that should work just fine.

More from Tom's Guide

• Walmart’s outdoor collection is packed with hidden gems — 15 patio picks I love
• Walmart Plus — everything you need to know
• I swapped my Ray-Ban Metas for these $20 smart glasses just to mock them — then they actually impressed me

This week, Google is rolling out a set of new Gemini features for Google TV to help you get more information on topics that interest you. The features include "richer visuals", a "deep dive" button, and sports briefs.

Each feature gives you more detail or information on the topics you prompt Gemini about. Here's how they work:

Visual help

The first feature is a broader improvement of Gemini for Google TV. Now, when you search for things like a recipe or sports scores, it will pull up relevant videos, visuals and text elements to help you.

In the case of sports, for example, you'll get a live scoreboard and know where to watch the game. Gemini can also pull up a recap if needed. If you're cooking, it can pull up recipe tutorial videos and recommendations.

Deep Dives

You can now take in PowerPoint lectures on your Google TV with Gemini. Using Gemini, you can ask the AI model to "Dive Deeper" on a topic or go to the Gemini tab and select "Learn."

Doing so creates visual breakdowns on a number of topics from health & wellness to technology and economics. As you go through the "interactive walkthrough," it will provide follow-up questions you can explore for more information.

In the example shown in the GIF above, you could look up the "science of cold plunging". Gemini provides infographics and links to relevant YouTube videos and more throughout the walkthrough.

Timely sports briefs

Finally, Google TV already has news briefs that are designed to help you catch up on the news. That tab is now expanding to cover sports.

It will provide "timely, narrated overviews" of your favorite leagues, teams and players. The sports briefs will provide game summaries, player news and scores.

Google says that the new Gemini features are rolling out starting today (March 25). As with every Google rollout, that doesn't mean you'll immediately have access to them. Give it a day or two, and you should see the update hit your Google TV.

Your device does need to be Gemini-enabled, though Google promises broader device support arriving later this spring.

More from Tom's Guide

• This hidden Android feature will help stop phone snoops in their tracks
• My sense of direction is so bad that even Google Maps can't help — can this $5m local transit app do any better?
• Gemini's new Discover tab could fix one of my biggest issues with AI — what you need to know

To paraphrase Ben Franklin, the only certainties in life are death, taxes, and rising subscription rates. According to a recent survey, subscription rates have gone up by 19% since 2020. That’s nearly five times the average annual inflation rate. The average U.S. consumer now spends $84 per month on 4.5 streaming subscriptions. That’s $1,008 per year. Disney+, for example, originally cost $8.75 per month in 2020 for its ad-free plan; that same plan now will cost you $18.99 per month.

It’s not just the best streaming services. In 2014, an Amazon Prime membership cost just $79 per year; it’s now at $139. Back in 2020, if you wanted professional monitoring with your Ring camera plans, it cost $10 per month. Now, it’s twice that.

I think you’re paying too much. That’s why I’m starting this weekly column, which will look at various ways you can ditch those costly subscriptions, but still get most — if not all — of those same services and features.

Let’s kick things off with cutting the cord. One of the easiest ways to ditch cable is to switch over to streaming services, but, as we’ve seen, the cost can be prohibitive if you still want to get all your local channels. One of the best TV antennas is the best way to circumvent this. You can get a good quality model for less than $50, and still get all of your favorite network shows.

There’s one thing still missing: a DVR. One of the advantages of the ol’ cable box was that you could record programs and watch them at your convenience. Fortunately, there’s a way around this.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been testing a device called the Tablo, which acts as a DVR for over-the-air broadcasts. Even better: It works with Fire TV, Roku, Apple, Google, Samsung, and LG streaming devices and smart TVs. And, you can also stream shows to the Tablo app on your smartphone.

What is the Tablo and what does it cost?

The Tablo connects to an HD Antenna, and not only allows you to stream over-the-air programs, but also record them on the device itself. It has 128GB of storage that can hold upwards of 50 hours of HD footage, but should you want more, you can attach a USB hard drive between 1TB and 8TB to the back of the device.

You can purchase the Tablo with two tuners for $99 or four tuners for $139. If you want to add an antenna, it will add an extra $30 to the 2-tuner device, and $20 to the 4-tuner device.

What I liked

Customizable channels

The app quickly picked up 166 channels — one of the benefits of living in the New York City area. What’s better is that you can remove channels that don’t interest you. I never plan on shopping on QVC or watching Joel Osteen, so why would I want it to clutter up my screen?

Intuitive interface

The interface was easy to navigate; along the left are categories that let you sort by shows, movies, sports, and news, as well as view a grid of what’s currently airing. A Home screen displays highlights of trending shows, as well as upcoming sports and your recordings. And, with recorded programs, you can skip commercials; I wish there were a way to do a 30-second skip, but I'll take what I can get.

However, there are some channels, movies, and shows you can’t DVR due to rights restrictions; I found that out when I tried to record “The Scarlet Pimpernel” on the IFC Films Picks, as well as “Little Shop of Horrors” on the At the Movies channel.

It's very responsive

Scrolling though channels and menus via my Apple TV device was fast; the only time I noticed any lag was when I would press the forward button repeatedly to skip through commercials, but it would catch up after a second or two.

It was just as fast as the best streaming devices I've tested in the past; I was able to cycle through all the menus and screens as soon as I pressed a button on the remote.

What I didn’t like

A wonky setup process

The most tedious part of the setup process was waiting for the Tablo app to download the 14-day schedule, which took a good 30 minutes. The app appeared to hang up while it was downloading the schedule. I then restarted the app, and went through the scanning process again.

That didn’t work, so I had to reset the device and start over from scratch. It again appeared to hang when downloading the schedule, but when I quit the app and then reopened it, the schedule appeared.

Initially, I also had trouble streaming recorded programs, so I plugged the Tablo directly into my router via ethernet, and it cleared up the problem.

It has a shelf life

The 4th-generation Tablo supports the current ATSC 1.0 broadcast standard used by all major commercial broadcasts today. However, it does not support the newer ATSC 3.0 standard, which permits 4K streams as well as Dolby Atmos. While ATSC 1.0 is expected to continue through February 2028 (and perhaps longer for many stations), there will come a time when current Tablo devices won’t be able to pick up broadcasts. The company says it is working on an updated device, but doesn’t have a timeframe for when it will be available.

Bottom line

In the early days of streaming, two of my favorite devices were the Sling Box and the Amazon Fire TV Recast. The former let you view your local TV channels from anywhere you were, and the latter let you record those programs and watch them anytime you want. Unfortunately, both devices have long since been discontinued.

The $100 Tablo is the successor and an improvement on both those devices. While it won’t solve all your streaming issues, you can watch and record shows from all the major networks without having to pay a monthly subscription — cable or otherwise.

Many people plug in a Fire TV Stick, find Netflix and Prime and call it done. That's fine — but Amazon quietly builds a lot more into Fire OS than the setup screen ever tells you. Better performance, smarter controls, features that should be obvious but somehow ended up buried three menus deep.

Some of what's hiding in there fixes the stuff that actually annoys you: the lag, the sluggish menus, the remote juggling. Other features unlock things you'd assume require extra hardware entirely.

Here are seven hidden Fire TV Stick features worth exploring.

More from Tom's Guide

• This Fire TV stick setting causes lag — here's how to turn it off
• I discovered this Fire TV stick feature by accident — and it's a game-changer
• 5 Fire TV settings you should change right now for better performance

Losing your Roku remote is seriously frustrating. Unlike traditional TV remotes that were chunky and easy to spot, Roku remotes are compact enough to disappear into couch crevices, slide between cushions, or get buried under throw blankets without a trace.

Most Roku owners don't realize the company anticipated this problem and built a solution into many devices: Certain Roku remotes contain small speakers that let them emit audible chimes when triggered. You activate this feature from your TV, mobile app, or even via voice commands, and the remote beeps for up to a minute while you track it down by sound.

The catch: only specific Roku remotes support this. Here's everything you need to know about finding lost Roku remotes using the built-in tracker.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 hidden Roku tricks everyone needs to know
• 5 Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• How to fix Roku freezing and buffering

You have less than two weeks to enjoy the Netflix app on your PlayStation 3. Starting on March 2, the streamer is ending support for the long-running app on the nearly 20-year-old console. In addition, various smart TVs that are over 10 years old will be losing support for Netflix, as well as some older set-top boxes.

We haven't seen an official announcement from Netflix, but users on Reddit and X are posting that they're seeing a new message when they attempt to use the app on their PS3.

"Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026. Visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a list of supported devices. (R40)," the message reads.

Netflix and the PS3 go back to 2009, when you had to request a special Blu-ray disc to access the digital service due to an exclusivity deal the company had with Xbox for the 360. That deal expired in 2010 when the app finally became available. Over it's lifetime the PS3 sold more than 87 million consoles.

For a time, gaming consoles were the place to stream for streaming especially Netflix. The cheap price and the inclusion of Netflix sold more Wiis than the gimmicky controllers.

But TVs and streaming devices have become a lot smarter and more available since 2009.

As several Redditors have pointed out, the PS3 was one of the last ways to natively watch TVs and movies natively filmed in 4:3. Meaning you don't get the black bars on the sides of the image that you see on modern TVs.

That said, the PS3 doesn't support more current formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+ or 4K streaming. It's also the last console from that generation to support the app. The Wii was discontinued a while ago, and since Microsoft shut down the 360 store, you can only use the app if you already had it downloaded on your Xbox 360.

Others said it was one of the few ways they could share Netflix with family since it had no location service and no ads.

Other devices losing Netflix

According to Flatpanels HD, smart TVs that are 10+ years old will be losing support for Netflix. This is because older smart TVs don't get the necessary OS upgrades to support newer versions of the Netflix app.k

In addition, Netflix will apparently stop working on various set-top boxes come March 4, 2026. This includes the BT TV Box (Z4) and BT TV Recordable Box (G4) made available from the UK broadcaster. Other older set-top boxes could be affected as well.

Back in 2025 we reported on first-generation Fire TV devices losing support for Netflix, which launched in 2014. So around 10 years seems to be the cutoff point.

Netflix device alternatives

If you haven't upgraded from your PS3 you might want to explore some alternatives and they aren't all as expensive as buying one of the best TVs. Though even the best TVs under $500 have smart interfaces like Fire TV or the Roku smart TV platforms, which can access Netflix.

If you're like me and have a couple of "dumb" TVs still in use, the best streaming devices can be had for relatively cheap. Yes, the Google TV Streamer and Apple TV 4K will set you back at least $100 but I use the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and it's only $40 and regularly goes on sale.

Additionally, the PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series S and X still offer Netflix support. Maybe Nintendo will finally add some streaming support for the Switch 2.

More from Tom's Guide

• Meta’s new digital afterlife patent is the most Black Mirror thing I’ve ever seen — I want to be remembered, not replicated
• Netflix just added a mind-bending psychological drama movie — and it’s a surreal ride full of strange twists
• Netflix has a Jason Statham movie in the top 10 — but his action-thriller on Prime Video is the one you should stream

As someone who spends a ton of time streaming movies and shows for work, Amazon’s own streaming software — Fire TV — has never been one of my favorite interfaces. While it offers plenty of streaming apps and Alexa integration, I’ve never been able to warm up to Fire TV. I find the load times to be lengthy and scrolling to be sluggish. The overall layout can be confusing to navigate.

That's unfortunate because Fire TV can be found across multiple streaming devices (like the Fire TV Stick 4K and the Fire TV Cube) and it’s also the built-in software suite found in a number of popular TVs.

But starting today, Amazon is beginning to roll out an overhaul to the Fire TV operating system across most of the Fire TV lineup. The update — which will eventually reach nearly every streaming stick, box and Amazon-backed smart TV — promises better speeds and an overall visual refresh to the home page. It’s the beginning of a new era for Fire TV, and for some TV owners, it could be a huge improvement.

What's new about the latest Fire TV update?

Amazon announced that it would be making some pretty significant changes to the Fire TV operating system back in January at CES. The news came alongside the announcement of the brand's first lifestyle TV, the Ember Artline.

According to Amazon's announcement, a huge amount of attention has been paid to the software's coding. As a result, the company has reported "20-30% gains" in speed compared to earlier iterations of the operating system.

Amazon has also reportedly spruced up the Fire TV's overall look. In addition to making the platform "cleaner, faster, and better organized," Amazon has touted "a more modern design" for Fire TV OS, "with improved layouts, rounded corners, redesigned color gradients, updated typography, and more optimized spacing."

Content organization is a big part of the new Fire TV experience, too. Press and hold the Home button to access your most-used settings, or pin up to 20 favorite apps to the Fire TV home screen (up from six on previous versions of Fire TV).

The update is hitting the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series first, but will soon roll out to additional devices in the coming months. And, if you're the owner of a smart TV that leverages Fire TV, you could be in line for a huge quality of life improvement.

The new Fire TV experience could make some smart TVs even better

The Hisense U65QF — an entry-level Mini-LED TV — is one of a handful of newly released TVs that leverages Fire TV for all of its built-in streaming features. As we noted in our Hisense U65QF review, the TV’s class-leading brightness, terrific contrast and razor-sharp out-of-the-box color accuracy were undercut somewhat by the presence of Fire TV.

At the time, our reviewer lamented that the Fire TV experience was "less powerful, more difficult to navigate and customize" than a rival software suite like Google TV. With a massive update to Fire TV reportedly on its way to the U65QF, this outlook could change for the better.

The same could be true for Amazon's in-house TVs like the Amazon Fire TV Omni. Amazon's own branded TVs have seen significant hardware updates in recent years, but no overhauls to the Fire TV software experience.

There are also high-end TVs saddled with Amazon's software that could see some quality-of-life improvements, too, like the Panasonic Z95A OLED. Since returning to the US market, Panasonic's OLED TVs have leaned on Fire TV — something my colleagues and I have spent considerable amount of time grumbling about. With a new-and-improved Fire TV experience reaching the masses, are our grumbling days behind us?

I'm anxious to get my hands on the updated Fire TV to give its new interface a spin. It's got a long way to go before it replaces Roku OS as my smart platform of choice, but it's not everyday that a company hears its users' complaints and sets out to right the ship.

More from Tom's Guide

• Amazon’s new Ember Artline TV is a Samsung The Frame rival that’s $200 cheaper
• 5 Fire TV settings you should change right now for better performance
• I discovered this Fire TV stick feature by accident — and it's a game-changer

Most people use their Fire TV Stick exclusively for streaming Netflix, Prime Video, and the rest of the best streaming services. But there’s a hidden feature that turns it into something completely different: a cloud gaming console that plays full AAA games without needing an Xbox, PlayStation, or gaming PC.

I discovered this by accident when I was desperately craving my Fallout fix since Season 2 ended. I’d recently replayed New Vegas and wanted to dive back into Fallout 4 for what would be my umpteenth playthrough. I tried Xbox Cloud Gaming, but it refused to work properly on my not-so-great internet connection. Then I stumbled onto Amazon Luna, a cloud gaming service built directly into Fire TV that I’d completely overlooked.

This feature is a game-changer, literally. If you have Amazon Prime, you already have access to Luna’s rotating game library at no extra cost. Here’s what you need to know and how to set it up.

How to set up Amazon Luna on Fire TV Stick

More from Tom's Guide

• How to set up and use your Amazon Fire TV stick
• Your TV is watching you — how to turn off data collection on LG, Samsung, Roku and more
• 5 ways to stop your smart TV from buffering

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 this afternoon, there's a real possibility that you're using a Fire TV device. While we currently don't have a Fire TV device in our guide to the best streaming devices we've tested, there's no denying they're quite popular. Especially since they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Fire TV device to stream the big game, my top pick is the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus. It's the best bang for your buck, but still includes important features like support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and it works with the newly upgraded Alexa+ AI assistant. Unfortunately, it's not on sale at the moment, but it's what I'd recommend for streaming Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or watching all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Fire TV instead. These TVs integrate the Fire TV OS with all the best features you come to expect from a great TV. Right now, our top-rated Fire TV is the Hisense U65QF Mini-LED TV, which is an excellent TV for under $500.

Once you have the perfect Fire TV device or a new Fire TV, you'll need to know which Fire TV apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will allow you to stream Seahawks vs. Patriots in 4K for just $10.99 a month.

If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

So now, you should have a pretty good idea of what streaming devices and apps you need, but let's dive into the full details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV: Which device is right for you?

When it comes to the Fire TV streaming devices, there are five different devices you can choose from: Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube.

The Stick HD doesn't stream 4K video, and the Cube is nearly $140, so both of those are tough to recommend. For me, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the sweet spot, giving you 4K streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, for $10 less than the Stick 4K Max. The Max is better (I have one), but it's not $10 better.

Right now, you can get the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon for $49.99. It's a great choice for streaming 4K content, and if you like being in the Amazon ecosystem, it's the streaming device I'd recommend.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV in 4K: Which app is right for you?

Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month. If you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point than a live TV streaming service, plus, it comes with tons of other shows and movies to stream after the game is over.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is the top choice. It's great for streaming sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, Tom's Guide is offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Finally, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking for something wallet-friendly, then Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major problem: Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl isn't viable for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: How to watch Seahawks vs Patriots
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 today, there's a good chance you're using a Roku device. Roku streaming devices are among the best streaming devices we've tested, and they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Roku device to stream the big game, our top pick is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It's the perfect device for most people, offering 4K streaming, premium features, all at the affordable price of $34.34 at Amazon (normally $49.99). That leaves you money leftover for pizza and wings for when you stream Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or head to YouTube to watch all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Roku TV instead. These TVs integrate Roku's features and smart TV operating system with a gorgeous Mini-LED display. Right now, the Roku Pro Series Mini-LED TV is our top pick amongst the best Roku TVs, and it's ideal for the Big Game.

Once you have the perfect Roku device or a new Roku TV, you'll need to know which Roku apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will give you a 4K stream of Seahawks vs. Patriots for $10.99 a month. If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

That gives you a good outline, but let's dive into the details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Roku.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: Which Roku device is right for you?

We've test all of the best streaming sticks and devices we can get our hands on to make sure we're only recommending the best. And right now, our top pick among all streaming devices is a Roku. Specifically, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Right now, you can get the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at Amazon for just $34.34. This tiny workhorse is a great choice for streaming 4K content, and its built-in Wi-Fi extender ensures you get crisp, uninterrupted streaming quality throughout the entire event.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku in 4K: Which app is right for you?

If you want to stream the Big Game in 4K, there are a few options. You can opt for a streaming service, like Peacock, or you can use a cable TV alternative like YouTube TV. They have pros and cons; if you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point, but YouTube TV will give you a more cable-like experience with 100 channels, including NBC.

If a streaming service is more your vibe, then you only have one choice. Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is our top choice. It's great for sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, we're offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Now, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking to save some money, Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major catch. Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl is a no-go for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• How to watch Super Bowl 2026 for free from anywhere
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 later this week, there's a real possibility that you're using a Fire TV device. While we currently don't have a Fire TV device in our guide to the best streaming devices we've tested, there's no denying they're quite popular. Especially since they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Fire TV device to stream the big game, my top pick is the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus. It's the best bang for your buck, but still includes important features like support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and it works with the newly upgraded Alexa+ AI assistant. Unfortunately, it's not on sale at the moment, but it's what I'd recommend for streaming Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or watching all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Fire TV instead. These TVs integrate the Fire TV OS with all the best features you come to expect from a great TV. Right now, our top-rated Fire TV is the Hisense U65QF Mini-LED TV, which is an excellent TV for under $500.

Once you have the perfect Fire TV device or a new Fire TV, you'll need to know which Fire TV apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will allow you to stream Seahawks vs. Patriots in 4K for just $10.99 a month.

If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

So now, you should have a pretty good idea of what streaming devices and apps you need, but let's dive into the full details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV: Which device is right for you?

When it comes to the Fire TV streaming devices, there are five different devices you can choose from: Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube.

The Stick HD doesn't stream 4K video, and the Cube is nearly $140, so both of those are tough to recommend. For me, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the sweet spot, giving you 4K streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, for $10 less than the Stick 4K Max. The Max is better (I have one), but it's not $10 better.

Right now, you can get the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon for $49.99. It's a great choice for streaming 4K content, and if you like being in the Amazon ecosystem, it's the streaming device I'd recommend.

Super Bowl 2026 on Fire TV in 4K: Which app is right for you?

Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month. If you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point than a live TV streaming service, plus, it comes with tons of other shows and movies to stream after the game is over.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is the top choice. It's great for streaming sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, Tom's Guide is offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Finally, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking for something wallet-friendly, then Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major problem: Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl isn't viable for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: How to watch Seahawks vs Patriots
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

If you've ever had to use the pre-installed streaming apps on your smart TV, you'll know how terrible they can be. That's why most people, including myself, will suggest one of the best streaming devices instead. They're not expensive and work a heck of a lot better, which is super important when you want to watch big events like the Super Bowl without technical issues.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Roku devices, despite their flaws, and streaming wouldn't be the same without one plugged into my TV.

The good news is that you can pick up a healthy discount on two fantastic Roku devices ahead of Super Bowl Sunday. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is now just $34 at Amazon, which is half the usual price, while the more premium Roku Ultra is now $78 at Amazon — a $21 discount.

There's a lot to like about Rokus, even if they aren't exactly perfect. One of my favorite things is that the software is nice and clean, with minimal effort to push you towards specific services and content. There may be ads, but you don't get constantly pushed towards the Roku Channel the same way you would with an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

I'm also a big fan of the fact that the higher-end models come with dedicated TV controls. Both the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Ultra let you control TV power and volume, with a dedicated mute button to silence everything instantly.

Roku Ultra's Voice Remote Pro takes it a step further, too, with a rechargeable battery, a customizable button, Live TV toggle and backlit keys to make sure you can see what you're doing. The preset buttons are kind of a pain if you don't subscribe to the specific services, but they can be a quick timesaver if you do.

Both streamers support 4K and HDR video playback, but they still offer quite different hardware. The Streaming Stick 4K is designed to be discreet and hidden behind your TV, while the Ultra puts its size to good use with better performance. There's Wi-Fi 6, ethernet for a consistent hardwired internet connection, faster performance, plus a dedicated USB port.

That means not only can you watch the Super Bowl in the best possible quality, you should also get a solid, consistent internet connection to ensure you don't miss a second of the action. If you're not sure where the game is streaming, check out our guide on how to watch Super Bowl 2026 in 4K.

And if you're more interested in the commercials that will be on offer, check out our round-up of all the Super Bowl commercials that have landed so far.

If you're streaming Super Bowl 2026 later this week, there's a good chance you're using a Roku device. Roku streaming devices are among the best streaming devices we've tested, and they all have access to the best streaming services and the best cable TV alternatives.

If you're still looking for a Roku device to stream the big game, our top pick is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It's the perfect device for most people, offering 4K streaming, premium features, all at the affordable price of $34.34 at Amazon (normally $49.99). That leaves you money leftover for pizza and wings for when you stream Super Bowl 2026 in 4K or head to YouTube to watch all the Super Bowl LX commercials and Super Bowl 2026 movie trailers.

Of course, you could ditch the need for a streaming device and get a Roku TV instead. These TVs integrate Roku's features and smart TV operating system with a gorgeous Mini-LED display. Right now, the Roku Pro Series Mini-LED TV is our top pick amongst the best Roku TVs, and it's ideal for the Big Game.

Once you have the perfect Roku device or a new Roku TV, you'll need to know which Roku apps to use to stream Super Bowl LX. Our top (and only) streaming service pick is Peacock Premium, which will give you a 4K stream of Seahawks vs. Patriots for $10.99 a month. If you already have a live TV streaming service, you likely have access to NBC, which will be broadcasting the game. Our top pick is YouTube TV, which streams the game in 1080p normally, but offers a 4K HDR stream with its 4K Plus add-on (for an additional charge).

That gives you a good outline, but let's dive into the details. Here's everything you need to know to watch Super Bowl 2026 on Roku.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku: Which Roku device is right for you?

We've test all of the best streaming sticks and devices we can get our hands on to make sure we're only recommending the best. And right now, our top pick among all streaming devices is a Roku. Specifically, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Right now, you can get the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at Amazon for just $34.34. This tiny workhorse is a great choice for streaming 4K content, and its built-in Wi-Fi extender ensures you get crisp, uninterrupted streaming quality throughout the entire event.

Super Bowl 2026 on Roku in 4K: Which app is right for you?

If you want to stream the Big Game in 4K, there are a few options. You can opt for a streaming service, like Peacock, or you can use a cable TV alternative like YouTube TV. They have pros and cons; if you just want to watch the game, Peacock has a far lower price point, but YouTube TV will give you a more cable-like experience with 100 channels, including NBC.

If a streaming service is more your vibe, then you only have one choice. Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Super Bowl 2026, and right now, you can get it for $10.99 a month.

If you want something that can truly replace your cable package, then YouTube TV is our top choice. It's great for sports, thanks to features like Multiview and Catch up with key plays. If you're looking to stream the game in 4K, that's an option too, though you'll need to spring for the 4K Plus add-on, which costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Right now, we're offering YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's a total savings of $75, which is better than what YouTube TV is currently offering most customers. Plus, if you haven't already signed up for the 4K Plus add-on, you can try it for free right now for 30 days.

Now, if you want the cable TV experience but are looking to save some money, Sling TV is an alternative worth considering. Starting at $29.99 for your first month, Sling Orange & Blue gives over 50 channels, including NBC in some markets. Or, you can check out Sling Select, starting at just $19.99. This package offers a lot less; just 10+ channels. But it also costs a lot less.

While Sling can be great, there is one major catch. Sling might not offer NBC in your market. For example, in Atlanta, I can't get NBC through Sling. So using it to watch the Super Bowl is a no-go for me.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's only one way to watch Super Bowl 2026 lag-free — and all you need is an antenna
• How to watch Super Bowl 2026 for free from anywhere
• HBO Max just moved up the release date of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'Industry' to avoid Super Bowl 2026

As a TV reviewer, a big part of my job is to dive deep into the digital nooks and crannies of every TV I cover. But when I’m done for the day and ready to catch up on my shows from the comfort of my living room, I don’t want to explore software anymore — I just want to stream in peace. I yearn for a frictionless experience, and unfortunately, my LG TV’s built-in webOS smart platform wasn’t cutting it as my daily driver.

Now sure, LG OLED TVs are some of the best TVs you can buy, but in recent years, I’ve found webOS to be a frustrating software suite for everyday streaming. Recently, I made the jump to a dedicated streaming device: the Roku Ultra. I’m now a certified Roku enthusiast, and I’ll never go back to webOS.

Roku isn’t inundated with ads and recommendations

As is the case with all streaming platforms, there are ads nestled into the Roku interface. Unlike the vast majority of its competitors, however, Roku’s ad output is downright minimal.

LG’s webOS is a different story. By default, webOS plasters a gigantic banner ad that takes up about a third of the real estate across its home screen. An entire section of the home screen is dedicated to recommended content.

By comparison, Roku is a breath of fresh air. Typically, there’s a rectangular ad on its home screen, and while it does take up a big chunk of the Roku home screen, you don’t have to scroll through it in order to reach certain menu items. Roku also lets you turn off all of its recommended content, leaving you with just the apps you need across its only screen.

On webOS, some of the sponsored and recommended elements can be hidden or shuffled around by disabling Home Promotion and Content Recommendation via the Home Settings. Unfortunately, the UI still stretches unimportant content across the places where ads and recommendations would be.

Even with a highly customized home screen, the general vibe of webOS is that of a pushy person prodding you into pressing buttons. I don’t need shortcuts to LG’s Home Hub or the User Guide at my fingertips at all times, but webOS seems to think I do.

That brings me to my favorite aspect of Roku: its clean, zippy UI.

A fast and easy interface that makes streaming simple

By setting my LG TV’s Power On Screen setting to Recent Input rather than Home, it brings me straight to Roku’s HDMI input when I turn on the TV. I skip the garish, neon-colored clutter of webOS’s home screen, and instead, I’m treated to the clean, simplistic grid of tiles I’ve come to love about Roku.

On the left of this grid of apps is a straightforward menu with settings and customization options. Everything is laid out where I expect it to be, and the main focus is my curated list of apps.

Now that I’ve turned to a Roku Ultra for every-day use, I probably stream more movies and shows than I did before. I’m willing to chalk that up to the approachability of Roku.

But it’s not just the big tiles and simplistic navigational experience that makes Roku so easy to pick up and learn. It’s also super speedy.

I find most TV operating systems to have somewhat of a chunky feel to them. There are stutters between screens, buttons often require repeated inputs, and sometimes, apps take a while to load. I’ve seen this on webOS, Samsung smart TVs and across Fire TV-based products, too.

Roku, meanwhile, almost never misses a beat. Apps boot up quickly. I’m in and out of menus lickety-split.

When you combine a simple, uncluttered interface with zippy performance, you end up with that flowy, frictionless experience I yearn for when all I want to do is just watch some TV.

Useful (not superfluous) features

Another secret ingredient in this satisfying formula are a handful of Roku features I suddenly can’t live without.

For example, did you know that there’s a physical button on top of the Roku Ultra that, when pressed, prompts the remote control to call out with an unmistakable whistle sound? It’s helped me locate my lost remote on, frankly, an embarrassing number of occasions.

If I’m watching a loud action movie past my partner’s bedtime, I simply jam a pair of wired headphones into the Roku remote’s 3.5mm headphone jack and voila: a private soundscape without the need to fumble with Bluetooth.

Roku’s Universal Watch List feature lets me collect all of my favorite shows into one easy-to-access menu — regardless of which streaming service hosts them.

A few of Roku's best features exist in some capacity on rival operating systems, but none of them blend their usefulness with Roku's simple approach. Meanwhile, many new smart TVs — particularly LG's and Samsung's — are shipping with features I have no use for.

I don't need to make a viewing profile on webOS in order for it to learn my preferences and shove TV show recommendations into my face; I watch "Jeopardy!" every night at 7:30 and baseball games during the spring and summer. I know when a new season of "The White Lotus" is about to start.

I'll be the first to admit that Roku isn't perfect, but it's the best-oiled machine for streaming movies and shows in 2026. Other brands should take note.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 hidden Roku features everyone needs to know
• 7 tips and tricks to make your LG TV even better
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus review

Streaming Sticks make up some of the best streaming devices largely because they're easy to set up while still providing you access to the best streaming services. However, if you have awkward-to-reach or tight HDMI ports, they can be hard to plug in directly.

Fortunately, Roku is quietly offering a free HDMI extender to relieve that annoyance. As reported by Cord Cutter News, Roku doesn't offer extenders with its devices ike the Roku Streaming Stick 4K or Roku Streaming Stick Plus, opting instead for an "on-demand approach."

If you're unfamiliar, the HDMI extender is a short cable that connects your streaming stick to the HDMI port without blocking other ports or requiring an awkward position. It creates a bit of space between your TV and the Stick and could help it perform better by allowing it dissipate heat better thanks to more airflow.

Unlike Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which comes with an HDMI extender, Roku apparently wants to reduce packaging costs. That said, more recent Roku streaming sticks are much slimmer, so you may not need the extender as much.

How to claim your free HDMI extender

It's pretty simple, thankfully. All you have to do is fill out a form.

Click here for the Roku Free HDMI extender short online form. The form will ask for your address, email, the serial number of your device, and a telephone number.

Here are several ways to find your device's serial number:

• Check the bottom of your Stick; it should be labeled SN.
• In the Roku mobile app, go to the devices page, tap the three dots next to your device and then select View System Info.
• On your TV, go to the home screen, then select Settings, then System, and finally About. The serial number will be below the model name.

That's it; you can send the request and get your HDMI upgrade at no cost.

More from Tom's Guide

• If you need a good cry, you have to watch this hidden gem streaming free on Tubi
• Netflix top 10 shows — here’s the 3 I'd binge-watch this week (Jan. 20-26)
• Every 'Game of Thrones' spin-off we've heard about so far

Folks who use one of Amazon’s Fire TV-enabled devices are waking up to dozens of new, free streaming channels thanks to a Roku brand partnership. Users of Amazon’s streaming platform don’t need to sign up for anything to start watching — they’re readily accessible to anyone who uses Fire TV.

While a relatively minor development in the grand scheme of things, it’s the latest step in what seems to be a revitalization effort for Amazon’s streaming platform in 2026. The new channels are refreshingly easy to access, too.

Where to find The Roku Channel on Fire TV

As mentioned, Fire TV-users don’t need to buy or subscribe to anything in order to start watching these free channels. According to TechRadar, around 50 new channels are now available via the newly added Live Guide tab.

From the Fire TV home screen, select the Live Guide button (marked by a small TV icon) to access live channels. This will whisk you away to Fire TV’s main hub for free, live streaming apps, which now includes The Roku Channel.

If you’re unable to find the Live Guide option, you likely need to update your Fire TV software. To check for an update, simply bring up the settings menu, navigate to My Fire TV and locate the Check for Updates button.

Is Fire TV getting better in 2026?

As a TV-reviewer, I’ve had lukewarm feelings about Fire TV for as long as it’s been a regular feature in streaming devices and smart TVs. This is mostly because I’ve found the interface to be cluttered and the navigational experience to be cumbersome.

In fact, when an otherwise-great TV is built around Amazon’s smart platform, I usually frame its inclusion as a caveat. Such is the case with the Hisense U65QF, one of the best budget-friendly Mini-LED TVs you can buy. The U65QF is brighter than just about everything in its class, but unless you’re an avid Alexa user, you might feel the same way that I do about Fire TV.

This year, I’m getting the impression that Amazon is determined to revitalize Fire TV. If it’s successful, Fire TV devices — and TVs that leverage the software, like the U65QF — could see their stock rise.

At CES 2026, the brand tossed its hat into the lifestyle-TV ring with the announcement of the Amazon Ember Artline, an affordable, gallery-inspired TV that competes with Samsung’s The Frame. Along with the Ember’s debut, Amazon promised a full refresh of the Fire TV platform — including a reported 20-30% speed boost and changes to the user interface.

Seeing as how overall speed and usability have been my primary pain points with Fire TV in the past, this update (set to go live in February) could be a game-changer.

When taken as a whole, these developments — the upcoming Fire TV refresh, the launch of a new lifestyle TV and the latest The Roku Channel rollout — signal that Amazon is serious about boosting its reputation among streamers and smart TV owners in the coming months.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 Fire TV settings you should change right now for better performance
• Hisense TV lineup 2026: new RGB Mini-LED TVs and a huge Micro-LED upgrade
• These are the 3 best streaming devices we've tested for your TV

If your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick feels sluggish lately, you're not alone. Navigation lags, apps take forever to load, and buffering circles appear constantly. Before you blame your internet connection or buy a new device, the problem is likely your Fire TV's own software and accumulated clutter.

Over time, temporary files build up, apps run in the background hogging memory, and unnecessary tracking features consume system resources. A few quick settings changes can improve performance without requiring a factory reset or technical expertise.

Here are five practical Fire TV settings adjustments that make the biggest difference in speed and responsiveness.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to permanently stop your smart TV from buffering
• 7 tips and tricks to make your Fire TV even better
• 5 free ways to upgrade your smart TV right now

We've finally entered a new year, and once again, we are without an upgraded Apple TV 4K streaming device. The most current version was released in 2022, and after four years, it's the longest gap between refreshes since Apple's streaming box debuted nearly a decade ago.

Due to the long delay, the Apple TV 4K could be due for a number of significant upgrades.

Here's what we expect to arrive at some point this year.

Stronger chips and Siri

In August 2025, a code leak suggested that Apple could kit out the next Apple TV with an A17 Pro chip, used in the iPhone 15 Pro. This would give it major performance boosts while allowing it to utilize Apple Intelligence features.

Apple will likely integrate AI in some fashion with the next streaming box. Beyond the updated Siri 2.0, which is supposed to launch with iOS 26.4 this spring, it's not clear what other AI features Apple wants on your TV.

Apple finally added Dolby Atmos support in 2025 and updated it in the fall. With the A17 Pro chip, Apple could add Dolby Vision 2 support, which we should start seeing on 2026 TV models.

The device could also get the N1 chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 series. The N1 is used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity, meaning it will improve performance between Apple devices.

FaceTime

Surprisingly, it's been rumored since 2022, when the current Apple TV 4K launched, that Apple hinted the next Apple TV would combine with a HomePad and a FaceTime camera. It's a rumor that won't go away as Apple added a FaceTime app to tvOS 17 in 2023, and added FaceTime tweaks this year.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in 2024 that Apple was developing a set-top box with a camera, suggesting it would use gesture-based controls.

Potential release date

If we're being honest, we've been tracking Apple TV 4K refresh rumors for nearly two years now. We rounded up rumors at the end of 2024, which featured some slightly different leaks.

There were multiple suggestions that Apple would launch the set-top box at various points throughout 2025, from alongside the iPhone 16e, to WWDC 2025, to the iPhone 17 debut, and even, gaspingly, at some point this past fall as the year waned.

None of those panned out.

Currently, rumors indicate the Apple TV 4K could debut this spring with a slate of new Home products, including the HomePod Touch (or HomePad). Largely, that launch is predicated on Apple finally figuring out Siri's new AI abilities.

iOS 26.4 is supposed to launch around March, so we could see a new Apple TV device then or in April.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 new Apple products for 2026 that will change everything — iPhone Fold, cheap MacBook, Apple glasses and more
• Apple Vision Pro production reportedly cut due to underwhelming sales — here's what we know
• 7 iPhone apps you should download to start the new year off right

Most Roku users undoubtedly launch apps, watch shows, and maybe use the search function once in a while. But your device has shortcuts, hidden menus, and features buried throughout the interface that make streaming significantly easier.

I've only recently discovered some of these tricks that save time and solve common frustrations. Some require specific button combinations on your remote, others are tucked into settings menus you've probably never opened, and a few are accessible right from the home screen but easy to overlook.

All of them are genuinely useful once you know they exist and take just seconds to use. Here are the five best Roku shortcuts everyone should know about.

More from Tom's Guide

• Try these Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• How to fix Roku freezing and buffering — including a secret remote shortcut
• 5 ways to mount your TV safely without a stud finder

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a tale told in two parts. Although it offers snappy navigation and 4K HDR visuals that would suit most buyers looking to get one of the best streaming devices, it’s built on a brand-new Linux-based operating system, called Vega OS, which feels like it’s still in active development rather than a fully finished product.

What’s good about it is that you get access to many of the best streaming services with HDR10+ support and Alexa Plus AI baked in. Out of the box, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select looks and runs identically to the regular Fire TV experience, with smooth search functionality and bespoke AI capabilities across smart home and content curation.

For $40 (pricier than the Roku Streaming Stick Plus), however, it’s got some drawbacks.

One major setback is that some apps on the 4K Select are cloud-based, which can lead to intermittent issues and poor performance, depending on your home network speeds. Additionally, the absence of beloved features creates roadblocks for long-time Fire TV users familiar with the platform.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select nails the basics and is worth a pickup for anyone interested in Alexa+, but folks who aren’t bought into Amazon’s ecosystem could spend a bit less and do better with the 4K Select’s main competitor, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus.

Fire TV Stick 4K Select review: Price and availability

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select was announced on September 30 and released on October 15, 2025. It launched at $39, which is $20 less than the Fire TV 4K Max and just $10 more than the Fire TV 4K Plus.

The Fire TV Stick Select attempts to hold the middle ground for value-conscious buyers and those who expect some premium features, but it’s missing much of what makes the Fire TV Stick Max such a great value. Without Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support, and higher-speed Wi-Fi protocols like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e, it makes a few too many trade-offs.

In terms of the competition, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is nearly identical in specs and price to the new Roku Streaming Stick Plus, which similarly offers 4K and HDR10+ support. However, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is currently $29 at the time of writing, which makes it an overall better value.

Fire TV Stick 4K Select review: Design

Amazon has kept the design of most of its Fire TV sticks nearly identical, a trend that continues for the new 4K Select. In fact, if you put the 4K Max, 4K Select, and 4K Plus all side-by-side, you wouldn't be able to tell them apart. They’re all built on a rectangular design with a somewhat bulky frame and a black matte finish.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select just has a Micro-USB input for power and a male HDMI connector. I dislike that the stick still uses Micro-USB as opposed to the more common USB-C port found on many newer devices. It’s not a major blunder, but it would be nice to have the more advanced input for additional connectivity options.

The streaming stick also comes with an HDMI extension cord, which makes it effortless to place in tighter spaces behind a TV. It’s a great addition and feels like the one spot in which the Amazon Fire TV Streaming Stick Select out-values Roku. You also get a Fire TV remote that’s lightweight and just a bit larger than the streaming stick itself.

I’m a fan of the Fire TV remote, even if it’s a bit rudimentary. It has a button to talk to Alexa+ at the top, and is equipped with four main quick-access buttons to Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. You also have a simple volume rocker smack dab in the middle of the device. I love this design, but if I were to add anything to it, it would have to be backlit buttons. That would make the Fire TV remote perfect in my book.

Fire TV Stick 4K Select review: Setup

Setting up the Fire TV Stick 4K Select was relatively simple, although I encountered one minor issue immediately after turning it on: During the setup process, the Select needed to download the latest software to proceed, but it was getting stuck for longer than necessary. (If this happens to you, all you have to do is unplug the 4K Select from the power for a few seconds, which worked for me.)

Beyond this minor issue, setup is straightforward. You can sign in using the remote or a QR code, which is the easiest method. After that, the Select saves your Wi-Fi, and you can choose various other settings, like child protection services, if you want them. You can also apply audio settings depending on your setup, but since I’m not using a soundbar or an AV receiver, I chose the TV audio output option.

The whole process took no more than 20 minutes, even with the minor updating snafu. However, I wish the Fire TV Select allowed you to automatically download your favorite apps from the get-go to streamline the whole process, similar to Google TV and Tizen OS. That way, you don’t have to wait after everything is finished downloading and installing during initial setup before jumping into whatever you want to watch.

Fire TV Select review: Performance and interface

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select looks and operates identically to its predecessors despite axing Android in favor of Vega OS. The Fire TV experience is basically the same with no variances in the general interface, and it ran smooth as silk for me with no major hindrances.

Movies and shows look great, too. While it is rated up to 4K, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select can still be used with 1080p and 720p TVs, though I wouldn’t recommend it. I paired the streaming stick with a Samsung S90D OLED TV, which was particularly suitable as it only supports HDR10+, not Dolby Vision — just like the 4K Select.

Everything from “Star Wars: Visions” to “Sinners” looks incredible on the device. In terms of picture performance and navigation, I have no complaints. The stick and Fire OS are responsive, run as intended, and additional search functionalities through Alexa+ make it even easier to use.

This is one of the key features that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select has over its competitors: next-level AI controls that extend beyond search and wallpaper generation. With Alexa+, you can jump to specific scenes in movies when using Prime Video, which is neat but not the most practical feature.

Despite these bright spots, the 4K Select’s Vega OS isn’t without some issues: It’s susceptible to network hindrances, which can persist quite a bit on this device. Due to this, it feels more like a proof-of-concept at this point rather than a full release when it comes to app integration and other assorted features.

Another major problem is Vega OS’s reliance on cloud-hosted apps. Anytime you want to watch something from these services, the Fire TV Select has to retrieve it from the cloud. This can make load times slower if you suddenly encounter a dip in network performance, which you wouldn’t experience if the device had enough built-in storage.

You also can’t sideload apps on the 4K Select like you can on the Fire TV 4K Plus and Fire TV 4K Max. This means you won’t be able to add your own apps to the device and are stuck with whatever is available in the store, which again are either cloud-hosted or missing entirely, such as select VPN services.

This was a major issue for the 4K Select at launch, and while it has been rectified, only two VPNs are available right now, including NordVPN and IPVanish. You also can’t even access gaming services as advertised, like Xbox Game Pass. I tried using the service, and in its current state, it won’t work correctly. (We’ve reached out to Amazon for clarity on this issue, and we’ll update this review when we hear back.)

Fire TV Stick 4K Select review: Verdict

For $40, the Fire TV 4K Streaming Stick Select delivers 4K visuals with HDR10+, and its snappy interface and improved search functionality make it slightly above average in a cutthroat market. However, its minimal extras, such as Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, and lack of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos make it hard to recommend compared to the competition.

Vega OS also remains in its infancy. Although it ran smoothly for me and operated fine for the most part, the same might not be true for every user. It’s also only equipped with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which doesn’t feel adequate for a $40 device.

If you’re not wedded to the Amazon Fire TV ecosystem, I’d recommend checking out Roku OS devices like the Roku Streaming Stick Plus or even the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which are just $29, and the latter even offers Dolby Vision support.

However, if you’re an Alexa fan user and want to stick with Amazon’s family of devices, the Fire TV 4K Streaming Stick Select isn’t the worst option… It’s just outshined by its lower- and higher-priced stablemates, the Fire TV Stick HD and Fire TV Stick Max.

When it comes to enjoying your favorite TV shows, movies and streaming apps, Roku is a brand with must-have devices for any home entertainment enthusiast. That's why we're super excited for Roku's epic holiday sale happening now at Amazon.

That's right — Amazon is knocking up to 40% off our favorite Roku TVs and streaming devices. If you're looking to upgrade your TV, I recommend snagging the Roku 55" Pro Series 4K QLED TV, which is now $300 off. In the market for a streaming stick? You can't beat the Roku Streaming Stick HD for the low price of $19.

Ready to take advantage of streaming deals this holiday season? Here are the 7 best Roku products I’d shop right now. For more gift ideas and sales, check out our holiday gift guide and best Christmas deals roundup.

Quick Links

• shop all Roku holiday deals at Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick HD: was $29 now $19
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $29
• Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Player: was $99 now $75
• Roku 4K HDR Streambar SE & Wireless Bass Bundle: was $229 now $149
• Roku 40" Select Series 4K TV: was $229 now $149
• Roku 65" Plus Series 4K TV: was $649 now $549
• Roku 55" Pro Series 4K QLED TV: was $899 now $598

Roku Deals

If your Roku has been freezing, buffering, or stuttering through your streaming sessions, you're not alone. Even the best Roku TVs suffer from performance issues that often stem from accumulated cached data, temporary files, and digital clutter that build up over time.

The good news is that these issues usually have simple fixes that take just a few minutes. A quick restart or cache clear often solves the issue entirely, targeting the most common culprits behind sluggish streaming. Even if you've had your Roku for years, these troubleshooting steps can restore it to smooth performance.

Here's how to fix a freezing Roku without buying a new one.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 hidden Roku tricks everyone needs to know
• Try these Roku tips to instantly improve your TV experience
• 5 ways to mount your TV safely without a stud finder

Amazon just upgraded Alexa Plus with a new long-awaited feature that lets you instantly jump to your favorite movie scenes — all via a simple phrase.

Called "find a scene," the new feature makes it easier for you to jump to your most prized movie moments without fast-forwarding. Alexa Plus uses enhanced visual understanding to find the specific scene in Prime Video, even if you don't state the movie title in your query.

The new feature is now available to Alexa Plus subscribers and currently only works on Fire TV devices with Prime Video content. Several other updates to Alexa Plus also make it easier to find content recommendations across your favorite services.

How Alexa Plus scene-jumping works

Ever wanted to show a friend your favorite scene from a particular film? Now, you can simply state a movie scene into the microphone, and Alexa Plus takes care of the rest. Some of the examples Amazon gives in its blog post include:

• “Jump to the card scene in Love Actually”
• “Jump to the scene in Red One where Santa flies over the city”
• “Jump to the scene where Deloris Jordan says ‘a shoe is just a shoe until my son steps into it’”
• “Jump to the scene when John McClane says ‘come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs’”
• “Jump to the scene where Joshua asks, ‘shall we play a game?’”
• “Jump to the Ozdust ballroom scene in Wicked with Glinda”
• “Jump to the scene in Mamma Mia where Sophie sings ‘Honey Honey’”
• “Jump to the boulder chase scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Using sophisticated artificial intelligence, Alexa Plus identifies the specific movie moment and jumps to it without needing to fast-forward. Alexa Plus captures a variety of elements from a particular movie, such as captions and visuals, and analyzes them to gain a broader understanding of the plot and sequencing.

Amazon claims the new feature is a combination of Anthropic Claude and Amazon Nova, combining "a variety of large language models." For the feature to work, the movie in question must be included with a Prime Membership or a video you purchased/rented through Prime Video.

It's unclear if the feature will be extended beyond Prime Video. Tom's Guide has reached out for clarification, but it will most likely remain an exclusive feature for Prime Video content only.

Amazon has also upgraded Alexa Plus with additional discovery features, making it even easier for you to find new content. Alexa Plus uses contextual awareness for even better suggestions, so you can say, "Hey Alexa, find us more action movies like the one we watched last weekend," and it takes care of the rest.

You can even find out more about specific actors and actresses, so you'll never be confused about what movie or show you might know them from ever again. The same applies to sports stars and events, with Alexa Plus now offering you scores from your favorite teams and stats across services like DirecTV, Sling TV, Prime Video, and more.

Which devices support the new Alexa Plus features?

Currently, only a handful of Amazon products can leverage Alexa Plus. Amazon has a handy list of devices with Alexa Plus compatibility, and of these, only those under the Fire TVs section can leverage the new feature. Such devices include the newest addition to the Fire TV Stick lineup, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, the popular Fire TV Stick 4K Max, the Hisense U6QF Mini-LED TV, and select Panasonic models.

You'll need an Alexa Plus subscription and a Prime Video subscription if you're not already an Amazon Prime subscriber. Separately, Alexa Plus costs $19/month, and Prime Video costs $8/month, or you can pay $14/month for the complete Amazon Prime package. Currently, Alexa Plus is free because it is in early access, but it will become paywalled after January 2026.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best Black Friday TV deals — save up to 40% right now
• Samsung RGB MicroLED TVs are coming — but should OLED makers be worried?
• Hisense’s TriChroma LED tech could transform LED TVs — here’s how it works

As we hurtle further into December, Netflix’s top 10 will likely be decked out with Christmas movies, with both old classics and newly-released favorites taking over its most-watched ranking. However, if you’re not in the mood for some festive celluloid just yet, you might enjoy "Caught Stealing".

A fairly new title with an August 25 theatrical release earlier this year, this black comedy crime film was added to Netflix’s library on November 29 and now occupies its 8th spot. Its success is likely down to the casting of charismatic leading man Austin Butler, fresh from major and scene-stealing turns in "Elvis", "The Bikeriders", and "Dune 2".

Notably, "Caught Stealing" marks a highly unusual about-turn in directorial duties for auteur Darren Aronofsky, whose previous cinematic work included "The Wrestler," "Black Swan," and "Requiem for a Dream".

What is ‘Caught Stealing’ about?

"Caught Stealing" adapts the first of a trilogy of violent crime novels by writer Charlie Huston.

Following a drunken car crash that left a promising baseball career in tatters, Henry "Hank" Thompson now works as a bartender in New York. Tasked by his neighbor Russ (Matt Smith) to look after his cat while he’s away, Hank is confronted by Russian mobsters looking for his friend to settle a debt.

He soon finds himself neck-deep in a drug plot that involves the police, a Puerto Rican gunman, a pair of Hasidic gangsters, and $4m in cash. In a frantic race against time with enemies converging from all sides, Hank needs to find a way out of this sticky situation while protecting himself, girlfriend Yvonne (Zoë Kravitz), and innocent kitty Bud.

Should you stream ‘Caught Stealing’ on Netflix?

From first impressions, "Caught Stealing" seems to blend the kinetic action of "Snatch," the slapstick yet darkly comic tones of the Coen brothers’ work (think "The Big Lebowski"), with a classic case of mistaken identity, a la "Lucky Number Slevin".

It’s set in 1998, so it captures a grimmer, grittier side of New York, replete with seedy bars and rundown apartment buildings with peeling paint. It’s like you can still smell the freshly sprayed graffiti.

Austin Butler also pulls a star–making turn as the grounded yet intense Hank, and his chemistry with Kravitz’s Yvonne will undeniably sizzle on the screen.

"Caught Stealing" also has a respectable score of 6.9 out of 10 on IMDB, and critics gave the thriller a solid thumbs up with a Certified Fresh rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. Surprisingly, audiences are in uncharacteristic agreement, conferring the movie with a Popcornmeter score of 83%.

Philip Concannon of Sight & Sound magazine said, “It seems like Darren Aronofsky is finally having fun, and for a brisk 107 minutes, so are we.”

That noted 107-minute runtime seems rare in this age of bladder-busting 2-hour-plus blockbusters. So you’ll likely have time to squeeze this one in, particularly for the couch-snoozers among you.

Despite its plaudits, "Caught Stealing" unfortunately flopped at the box office, raking in only $32 million globally despite its $40 million budget. That said, it’s looking like it may garner some success on Netflix, following this top 10 appearance. And, as noted, it could be the perfect alternative to Christmas rom-coms.

And if you’re unconvinced, be sure to check out our Netflix streaming page, covering all the latest additions and updates from the streaming giant.

Stream "Caught Stealing" on Netflix now.

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 best streaming devices we've tested for your TV
• The Amazon Fire Stick Select now supports VPNs
• How to set up and use your Amazon Fire TV stick

Netflix has silently sunsetted mobile casting to the majority of modern TVs and streaming devices.

In a move that has already frustrated many, the streaming giant has, without warning, dropped the feature that lets users beam content from their mobile Netflix app to most flat panels and smart displays.

According to Android Authority, some users started noticing the change back in mid-November, when they reported that their "Cast" button could no longer be found on their app.

It means many subscribers are now forced to stop using their mobile apps as a controller for the service. Instead, they’ll need to use their remotes to navigate the Netflix app installed natively on their TV or display.

Which devices still support Netflix mobile casting?

While Netflix has stopped short of officially announcing the move, it said there is a limited number of TVs and smart displays that retain this feature. On a page buried within its Help Center, the streaming platform confirmed that the following devices still support mobile casting:

• Chromecast devices (3rd gen or older) without a physical remote
• Google Nest Hub smart displays
• Select cast-enabled Vizio TVs
• Select cast-enabled Compal TVs

However, that still leaves many of those with modern smart TVs and devices in the dark. “If it isn't listed, you'll need to use a physical remote to navigate the Netflix app,” the blog page added.

It’s a feature many people relied on, particularly holidaymakers and business travellers who log into smart TVs in hotels without needing to enter their login details on an unsecured device. It’s also going to annoy those who use it for convenience, particularly busy parents and those who have simply misplaced their TV remotes.

“Casting from my iPhone while on holiday was a super helpful feature to the TV in the hotel room. What a stupid choice,” commented one disgruntled user on Reddit. “This explains my hotel experience last week,” said another subscriber. “This is a personal line in the sand for me. I do not enter security credentials into devices that I do not control. I just don't.”

It’s a surprising but not unprecedented move from Netflix, which is consolidating users back onto its native app. Back in April 2019, the streaming platform killed support for Apple AirPlay, citing “technical limitations.”

So, if you want to watch the latest and final season of "Stranger Things," you’ll need to dig out your TV remote from under your couch.

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 best streaming devices we've tested for your TV
• The Amazon Fire Stick Select now supports VPNs
• How to set up and use your Amazon Fire TV stick

Cyber Monday is now over, and we don't know how many deals on the top streaming services will still be around this week. So if any of the following deals look appealing to you, we have some advice — grab it.

The biggest offer still available is Paramount Plus Premium, which has dropped to $2.99 for your first two months. Be quick though, because these deals are starting to vanish, with the Hulu and Disney bundle already back to full price.

I’m always on the lookout for good streaming deals, but this time of year is when the serious savings land. If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your entertainment lineup, now's the time to make the move. Here are the best streaming deals still available.

Best Cyber Monday streaming deals right now

• Paramount Plus Premium: now $2.99/month
• Disney, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited: now $29.99
• YouTube TV: now $62.99/month
• Peacock Premium or Paramount Plus Essential: free w/Walmart Plus (now 50% off)
• Starz: now $2.99/month

Top Cyber Monday streaming deals right now

Cyber Monday streaming bundle deals

Cyber Monday streaming device deals

Welcome!

Welcome to our live rundown of the standout Cyber Monday streaming offers. This is the final round of deals, so it’s your last chance to snag a great offer. From Apple TV to Disney Plus, plenty of major services are dropping their prices, and more discounts may still pop up. I’m rounding up today’s top deals to help you stream more without spending more!

Disney Plus and Hulu bundle is the one to beat

The Disney Plus and Hulu bundle at $4.99 a month for a whole year, down from the usual $12.99, is honestly one of the best streaming deals I’ve seen in a long time. You get access to so many popular shows and movies for a fraction of the price. It’s rare to see a discount this steep, and it really makes building a streaming library feel achievable. The deal ends today though, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to grab it.

• Disney Plus/Hulu bundle: was $12.99/month now $4.99/month

Don’t forget about the best Amazon streaming devices!

Even with all the massive streaming deals happening right now, it’s worth remembering that the devices you use can make just as much of a difference to your viewing experience. That includes Amazon’s own Fire TV Sticks, which remain a simple, affordable way to boost your streaming setup without any fuss!

• Fire TV Stick HD: was $34 now $17 @ Amazon
• Fire TV Stick 4K (2023): was $49 now $24 @ Amazon
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max: was $59 now $34 @ Amazon

I’d highly recommend grabbing Apple TV

Apple TV at just $5.99 a month is an absolute steal right now. A huge draw is the popular new show “Pluribus,” which everyone’s talking about and can only stream on Apple TV with it being an original.

Beyond that, you can finally check out fan favorites like “Slow Horses” and “Severance” if you’ve been curious but haven’t subscribed yet. With a lineup this strong and a price this low, it’s the perfect moment to dive in before the deal disappears. Plus, you can finally tell everyone who’s been bugging you about these shows that you’ve finally started watching them (guilty as charged).

• Apple TV: was $12.99/month now $5.99/month

HBO Max is still only $2.99 a month!

Getting HBO Max (with ads) for $2.99 a month is a rare chance, and “IT: Welcome to Derry” alone makes the deal worth it. This prequel to the “IT” movies completely shocked me and ended up being my favorite show of the entire year. So yes, I’d gladly pay full price for HBO Max just for the show, so this Cyber Monday deal is incredible value.

On top of that, you’ve got must-watch hits like “Succession” and “White Lotus,” plus recently added 2025 movies like “Superman” and “Weapons.” Given how much quality content is available for so little, now’s the time to get on board.

• HBO Max (ad-supported, 12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month

The only streaming deal that costs less than a dollar right now!

Frndly TV at just $0.99 a month for three months might be the most budget‑friendly streaming deal around right now — you’re talking less than $3 for live TV and on‑demand content. Despite being a lesser‑known service, it delivers over 50 channels including family‑ and nostalgia‑friendly staples like Hallmark Channel, The History Channel, Lifetime and more.

You get live TV, access to a library of older shows and movies, and options like cloud DVR or on‑demand viewing if you want to catch something later. If you don’t need big‑budget originals or sports, this tiny price with a solid, cozy lineup makes it a ridiculously good value especially during the holiday season.

• Frndly TV: was $8.99/month now $0.99/month

Our top pick for live TV streaming is still discounted

YouTube TV made headlines recently when Disney channels were pulled from the platform, but now there’s some good news. The service is back in action and currently on sale for $62.99 per month, which is a solid $20 off the regular price. Deals like this really don’t come around often, and it’s even better than the standard offer most subscribers see. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to jump in or return, now is definitely the time to act since this deal won’t be around for much longer.

• YouTube TV: was $82.99/month now $62.99/month

Don’t miss Paramount Plus for only $2.99

With season 2 of “Landman” finally dropping, there’s never been a better time to check out Paramount Plus. Both the Essential and Premium plans are just $2.99 per month for the first two months, giving you access to tons of shows and movies at the same low price.

With “Landman” season 2 finally here, now’s the perfect moment to dive into Paramount Plus. Right now, both the Essential and Premium plans are only $2.99 per month for the first two months, letting you stream a huge lineup of shows and movies without breaking the bank.

• Paramount Plus Premium: was $12.99 now $2.99 at Paramount Plus
• Paramount Plus Essential: was $7.99 now $2.99 at Paramount Plus

There’s also a huge Roku sale on Amazon!

Right now, Amazon is running a big Roku sale for Cyber Monday, making it the perfect time to upgrade your streaming setup. From Roku sticks to Roku TVs, you can score discounts across the lineup. Whether you’re starting fresh or replacing an old device, these deals make streaming easier and more affordable!

• Roku Streaming Stick HD: was $29 now $15 @ Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus: was $39 now $19 @ Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $24 @ Amazon
• Roku Ultra 4K streaming device: was $99 now $68 @ Amazon
• Roku Streambar SE: was $99 now $75 @ Amazon
• Roku 50" Select Series 4K TV: was $299 now $228 @ Amazon

Why aren’t there any Netflix deals?

If you were hoping to snag a Netflix deal this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you might be out of luck. Netflix rarely offers seasonal discounts, even during the biggest shopping days of the year. They prefer keeping their pricing steady worldwide and rely on their huge library of shows and movies to attract subscribers.

The closest you’ll get are discounted gift cards or bundles through certain carriers, but direct subscription deals basically don’t exist. So while other streaming services slash prices, Netflix tends to sit this one out.

Prime Video’s add-on channels still have deals

Prime Video’s add-on channels still have some great deals right now, making it easy to stream all your favorites in one place. You can grab Apple TV for just $5.99/month, Starz for $2.75/month, HBO Max for $2.99/month, and more through Prime Video.

If you already have Prime Video, these add-ons let you access content from multiple services without juggling separate apps or subscriptions. It’s a simple, convenient way to keep all your shows and movies under one roof while saving money!

• Prime Video add-on subscriptions: deals from $1.50/month @ Amazon
• MGM Plus via Prime Video (2 months): was $7.99/month now $1.99/month @ Amazon
• AMC Plus via Prime Video (ad-free, 2 months): was $9.99/month now $2.50/month @ Amazon
• Starz via Prime Video (2 months): was $10.99/month now $2.75/month @ Amazon
• HBO Max via Prime Video (12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month @ Amazon
• Crunchyroll - Mega Fan via Prime Video (2 months) was $11.99/month now $2.99/month @ Amazon
• Apple TV via Prime Video (6 months): was $12.99/month now $5.99/month @ Amazon

Hulu has 2 great add-on deals right now

Hulu is offering two fantastic add-on deals right now, making it even easier to expand your streaming options. You can get the HBO Max add-on for just $2.99 a month, and the Starz add-on is also only $2.99. These deals are perfect for anyone who already streams a lot on Hulu and wants to mix in some extra shows and movies without juggling multiple subscriptions.

• HBO Max via Hulu (12 months, with ads): was $10.99 now $2.99 @ Hulu
• Starz via Hulu (12 months): was $10.99 now $2.99 @ Hulu

The Cyber Monday shortcut to saving on Peacock

Peacock hasn’t rolled out its usual Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal this year, but there’s still a way to score it. If you subscribe to Walmart Plus for $49 for a year, you can get Peacock Premium included for free (or choose Paramount Plus instead). Walmart Plus is also 50% off for Cyber Monday, and with the included streaming perk plus other benefits, it’s easily one of the best deals of the season.

Watch all of 'The Walking Dead' franchise on AMC Plus for $2.50

AMC Plus has plenty to offer, but for many, it's the home of "The Walking Dead." This zombie show has been running since 2010 and now encompasses the main show, which comprises 177 episodes across 11 seasons, and numerous spin-offs, including the popular "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon" and "Fear The Walking Dead" (which itself ran for eight seasons). If you want to dive into enough zombie action that you'll still be watching well into 2026, AMC Plus is just $2.50 when added to a Prime Video subscription.

• AMC Plus via Prime Video (ad-free): now $2.50/month

'Tis finally the season for Christmas movies!

December is nearly here and many households are already dipping into holiday-themed movies and shows. When it comes to seasonal content, Hallmark is the ruler of the roost, with a packed slate of more than 20 new Christmas movies.

You can add Hallmark to your Prime Video subscription for just $2 a month (was $7.99), letting you enjoy all the cheesy holiday movies you wish over the festive season.

• Hallmark (via Prime Video): was $7.99/month now $2/month

There's still time to score half a year of Apple TV+ for over half off!

Apple TV is the talk of the streaming world at present thanks to the launch of its new show "Pluribus." It's already being hailed as one of the best shows of 2025 and is available on Apple TV+ alongside hits like Severance, Twisted Metal and more!

And you've still got some time left to score six months of Apple TV+ for six bucks a month, which is over half off the usual price of this killer streaming service!

• Apple TV: now $5.99/month

Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift is returning to Disney Plus

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ran for nearly two years, thrilled millions of fans, and broke pretty much every record in the book. I went to one of the stops and it was truly magical. I also watched the first concert film on Disney Plus, and you'd better believe I will be sat for the upcoming second film (which includes "The Tortured Poets Department" set) and the six-episode docuseries that goes behind the scenes of the tour, both premiering on Dec. 12.

If you want peeks into the process of creating the tour, Swift's collaborations with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Ed Sheeran, and her relationship with Travis Kelce, you'll need to get Disney Plus. And right now, you can get Disney Plus bundled with Hulu for just $4.99/month for 12 months.

The bundle usually costs $12.99, so this Black Friday deal is one of the best out there. You get access to both libraries, which includes Hulu originals like "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building," as well as Disney Plus shows like "The Mandalorian."

• Disney Plus, Hulu bundle: was $12.99 now $4.99/month

Watch live sports for less

December is packed with sports — the NFL, college bowl season, the NBA in full swing, the Premier League, as well as NCAA hoops and hockey. It's convenient to have one streaming service where you can watch them all. You can do just that for only $54 with this Fubo Cyber Monday deal, which gets you nationally televised games across ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as collegiate and professional sports across many other networks. But it's just for one month, so you'll have to pay full price after.

Fubo (1 month): was $84/month now $54.99/month @ Fubo

Why not use this chance to try out BritBox?

BritBox is a goldmine for anyone who loves British TV, packed with years of dramas, comedies, mysteries, and documentaries from the BBC and ITV. Whether you’re revisiting classics like "Fawtly Towers" and "Doctor Who" or discovering newer hits such as "Lynley" and "Code of Silence," there’s something to suit every mood. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in British storytelling, and right now you can grab the add-on subscription via Prime Video for just $2.75 a month.

• BritBox via Prime Video (2 months): was $10.99/month now $2.75 @ Amazon

MGM plus deserves the spotlight too

MGM Plus has a Cyber Monday deal on Prime Video that’s too good to pass up. For a fraction of the regular price, you can stream popular shows like Stephen King’s "The Institute", the new "Robin Hood," and my personal favorite, the intense thriller "From." It’s the perfect opportunity to settle in on the couch and binge suspenseful drama. Don't wait too long, because once Cyber Monday ends, so do these streaming deals!

• MGM Plus via Prime Video (2 months): was $7.99/month now $1.99/month @ Amazon

You really shouldn't miss out on the Hulu/Disney Plus bundle!

If anyone asked me what streaming deal to get right now, I’d recommend the Hulu/Disney Plus bundle in an instant. Because the bundle packs in two massive streaming libraries — from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more on Disney Plus to Hulu’s originals, hit shows, and current TV picks — it’s basically a one‑stop shop for nearly everything you could want to watch.

Plus, right now the deal makes it far cheaper than buying each service alone, which is a solid win if you care about variety and value. This deal ends when Cyber Monday wraps up, so I highly urge you to grab it now if you’re interested!

• Disney Plus/Hulu bundle: was $12.99/month now $4.99/month

Stream the last season of 'Outlander' with this unbelievable Starz deal

The Droughtlander won't last much longer. "Outlander" will return for its 8th and final season in March, and you won't want to miss the conclusion of Claire and Jamie's epic, time-traveling romance.

Which is why you should absolutely jump on this Starz Cyber Monday deal that gives you the annual plan for just $12. That's an incredible 82% off and one of the best sales we've seen yet. Sign up and you can binge "Outlander" seasons 1-7 before the final season premieres on March 6, 2026.

• Starz annual plan: was $69.99 now $11.99

Have you seen this Roku Streaming Stick deal?!

The Roku Streaming Stick is one of the best streaming devices on the market and it's 50% off right now.

• Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025: was $39 now $19 at Amazon

DirecTV is on sale for Cyber Monday

DirecTV is discounted to some of its lowest prices right now across bundles. If you're looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, DirecTV is a solid choice, offering several tiers for sports and entertainment fans. This is perfect if you want live TV for a budget price.

• DirecTV Entertainment bundle: was $89/month now $49/month
• DirecTV Choice bundle: was $94/month now $59/month
• DirecTV Ultimate bundle: was $124/month now $89/month

Check out the full selection of Prime Video add-on deals

Throughout this live blog, we've been highlighting the best Prime Video add-on deals, but don't forget to browse the full selection just in case we've neglected one that speaks to you. From Apple TV and HBO Max to Crunchyroll and Hallmark, these channels supercharge your Prime Video account and will give you tons of extra movies/shows to watch over Thanksgiving and into the holiday season.

• Prime Video add-on subscriptions: deals from $1.50/month

Stream one of the biggest movies you've (probably) never seen on HBO Max right now

Chances are, you've never seen "Ne Zha," the Chinese animated fantasy movie about the young boy who is revealed to be the reincarnation of the demon orb. You've also probably never seen its sequel, "Ne Zha 2." So it might shock you when I tell you these movies have made nearly $3 billion combined.

If you're now curious to stream these films, I have good news. Right now, you can get HBO Max (with ads) for $2.99 a month and stream "Ne Zha" today. Then, stream "Ne Zha 2" when it hits HBO Max later this month.

• HBO Max (ad-supported, 12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month

This YouTube TV deal is perfect for cutting the cord

YouTube TV recently was in the news for all the wrong reasons. It nearly lost its NBCUniversal networks and then lost Disney-owned networks for weeks before striking a deal. A fair amount of Spanish-language channels also disappeared until recently.

But the good news is, all those channels are now back, and (at least for now) the price didn't go up. Even better, right now you can get YouTube TV for just $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's $100 in savings, but only if you use our link. Otherwise, you might only be eligible for $10 off a month (deals limited to new customers only).

• YouTube TV: was $82.99/month now $62.99/month

There's only one way to save on Peacock this Cyber Monday

First, the bad news. Peacock hasn’t rolled out its usual Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal this year. Given it's now just over nine hours to midnight on Cyber Monday, I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for that to change.

Now, the good news: there’s still a way to save on Peacock. Right now, if you subscribe to Walmart Plus for $49 for a year, you can get Peacock Premium included for free (or choose Paramount Plus instead). That's 50% off the Walmart Plus annual plan, which includes perks like free shipping, free local delivery on groceries and prescriptions and more, and you get Peacock Premium for free, which is normally $10.99 a month or $109.99 a year.

• Walmart Plus (includes Peacock Premium or Paramount Plus Essential): was $98 a year now $49 a year

Football fans — this is the deal for you

If you're an NFL fan, then you probably know about NFL Sunday Ticket. This NFL-specific streaming service gives you access to livestreams for every Sunday afternoon out-of-market game. If you're trying to watch every game, it's a must-have.

Normally, Sunday Ticket will break the bank. A subscription at the start of the NFL season will set you back hundreds of dollars. But for a limited time, you can score NFL Sunday Ticket for just four monthly payments of $12. Pair it with YouTube TV and watch your local team alongside out-of-market games with Multiview.

• NFL Sunday Ticket: was $37.50/month now $12/month

Stream this year's Best Picture Oscar frontrunner: 'One Battle After Another'

This time of year not only brings the holidays, it's also awards season. A slew of prestige movies will hit theaters over the next few weeks, but the Best Picture Oscar frontrunner is already available to stream at home.

"One Battle After Another" opened in U.S. theaters in September. I saw it then, and I loved it. It's a hefty two hours and 46 minutes, yet it truly flew by — the movie is just so well-done on all fronts.

If you missed it in theaters, now's your chance to stream it. Rent "One Battle After Another" on Prime Video for just $1. (or you can buy it for $7.59). Your next movie night is gonna be lit.

• "One Battle After Another": Rent on Prime Video for $1

Binge Hallmark Christmas movies for just $2

Lacey Chabert rightly has a claim to the title of "Queen of Christmas" thanks to her 20+ appearances in Hallmark Christmas movies. You can binge them all — and many others — with this Cyber Monday deal just in time for the holidays.

Right now, you can get Hallmark Plus for $2/month via Prime Video channels for two months. That's a massive discount from the usual price of $7.99. It's the most wonderful time of year to watch holiday romances!

• Hallmark Plus (via Prime Video): $2/month for two month

Spy dramas don't get better than 'Slow Horses' — binge it for less with this Apple TV deal

"Slow Horses" is a primo example of a well-crafted spy drama and one of the best shows on television this year. It's a treat to watch Gary Oldman as the slovenly, grumpy, yet brilliant Jackson Lamb, the head of a band of MI5 misfits.

If you've missed out on "Slow Horses," this is the perfect chance to catch up because Apple TV is discounted for Cyber Monday. Get Apple TV for $5.99/month for six months, a 53% drop. Jump on this deal right away, because it won't last, and Apple TV rarely goes on sale.

• Apple TV: $5.99/month for six months

Simplify streaming with this 75-inch Roku TV — it's just $499

If you're tired of dealing with devices and you'd rather rely on your TV for daily streaming duties, you should keep an eye on this deal on a Roku Select Series TV. The entire Roku experience is built right into this TV's software, and the 75-inch Roku Select Series is on sale for $499 at Best Buy.

The newest version of the Roku Select Series features a 4K display and adds support for Apple AirPlay, and Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It comes with two HDMI ports for consoles or other devices. The TV's best feature, though, is its Roku functionality, which puts all of the most popular apps in an easy-to-navigate user interface.

• Roku 75" Select Series 4K LED TV: was $599 now $499 @ Best Buy

HBO Max is a scary good deal on Cyber Monday

With shows like "Welcome to Derry" and "Peacemaker," home improvement programs, and tons of live sports, HBO Max is a solid streaming service with a well-rounded set of content (wrestling fans, don't forget AEW is on it). The discounted plan includes ads and supports 2 devices at once, which should be sufficient for most people.

• HBO Max Ad-supported subscription: was $10.99 now $2.99

My favorite holiday movie is streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus

Forget "Love Actually" — the best Christmas rom-com is 1) actually romantic, and 2) actually funny. It's "While You Were Sleeping," the 1995 movie starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. There's a meet-cute, a zany family and some dramatic complications. Just what you need to get into the holiday spirit.

"While You Were Sleeping" is streaming on Disney and Hulu, which are on sale for Black Friday. Right now, get both bundled together for just $4.99/month for 12 months. Treat yourself this holiday season with this fantastic deal.

• Disney Plus, Hulu bundle: $4.99/month for 12 months

Don't forget about Fox One this Cyber Monday

Fox One might be a streaming service you're not especially familiar with, in no small part due to the fact that it's essentially brand new. But if you're looking to cut the cord, it's worth considering.

For $19.99 a month, you get every channel that Fox has to offer, from Fox News to FS1. For a little extra, you can combine it with Fox Nation or Big Ten Plus. There's also a bundle with ESPN Unlimited. Right now, you can save a lot on Fox One, but you'll have to act fast. New users can save 50% on their first 2 months, but this deal expires tonight at midnight.

• Fox One: was $19.99/month now $9.99/month

Get Paramount Plus now and start binging 'Landman'

Right now, you can get Paramount Plus Essential or Paramount Plus Premium for just $2.99 per month for your first two months. That lets you binge all of 'Landman' season 1, and start catching up on season 2 before episode 4 this Sunday.

• Paramount Plus Premium: was $12.99/month now $2.99/month
• Paramount Plus Essential: was $7.99/month now $2.99/month

Get our top-rated streaming stick for 50% off!

If you look at our guide to the best streaming devices we've tested, at the top of the list is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It supports HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and packs tons of features at a great price.

Well, that price just got even better. Right now, get the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for just $24.99 at Amazon in this incredible Cyber Monday deal. But hurry; it's gone at the stroke of midnight.

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49.99 now $24.99

Are you ready for 'Monday Night Football'?

In less than 30 minutes, Giants vs. Patriots will kick off on Monday Night Football. And if you want to watch it without cable or a live TV cable alternative, then you'll want ESPN Unlimited.

Right now, you can get ESPN Unlimited for its list price of $29.99 or get the Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle and get all three streaming services for $29.99. That's three streaming services for the price of one.

Even better, this promotional rate is good for an entire year. But act fast and get it before kickoff, or at least get it before it's gone.

• Disney Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads), ESPN Unlimited Bundle: was $35.99 now $29.99

Go all-in with this Samsung OLED TV deal

Tom's Guide's Managing Editor of TV/AV Nick Pino here. I've been chasing the best TV deals all day, and the one that keeps coming up over and over is the Samsung S84F OLED. Now I know you're probably here because you want a deal on the best streaming services, but if you've also been thinking about upgrading your screen for Cyber Monday, don't miss this deal.

Samsung 65" S84F 4K OLED TV: was $1,999 now $899 @ Best Buy

Deals will be ending in just a few hours!

Consider this the closing call on Cyber Monday streaming deals. You've still got a little time left to shop, but the deals will be closing soon. And when they're gone, they're gone.

Time's running out on Apple TV

Apple promotions don't have a habit of lingering, so if there's on Cyber Monday streaming deal to jump on, it's the offer that drops the monthly cost of Apple TV to $5.99 for six months before the regular $12.99 monthly rate kicks in. Five months is a lot of time to catch up on the back catalog of "Slow Horses" and "Severance," not to mention the original movies exclusive to Apple's service.

• Get Apple TV for $5.99 for six months

There are still some deals left today!

If you didn't get the chance to grab a streaming deal during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, don't worry, because there are still some left. But they really won't be around for much longer.

Right now, you can still get the HBO Max ad-supported plan for just $2.99 and Apple TV for only $5.99. There's also Paramount Plus Premium for $2.99 for two months, so if you've been thinking about grabbing one, now is your last chance.

Prime Video still has the HBO Max add-on discounted

Even though most of Prime Video's add-on subscriptions have gone back to standard price, there are still some great deals left after Cyber Monday, including HBO Max. This is likely because the streaming service itself is still running the deal, so act now before it's gone!

• HBO Max add-on subscription via Prime Video (12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month @ Amazon

You can still grab these discounted streaming devices

Even though Cyber Monday has passed, some deals are sticking around. Amazon still has select Roku devices at discounted prices, so you can upgrade your streaming setup without paying full price. Don’t wait too long because these offers won’t last forever!

• Roku Streaming Stick HD: was $29 now $15 @ Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus: was $39 now $19 @ Amazon
• Roku Streambar SE: was $99 now $75 @ Amazon
• Roku 50" Select Series 4K TV: was $299 now $228 @ Amazon

Don’t let this deal float away — grab HBO Max now!

Because “IT: Welcome to Derry” streams exclusively on HBO Max, a subscription is the only way to stream it and catch every terrifying twist as it premieres weekly. The series is a gripping prequel to the “IT” movies, directed by the same creatives behind them, diving deep into the dark origins of Pennywise and the doomed town of Derry (perfect for horror fans and longtime followers of the saga).

HBO Max also bundles other great content — not just horror, but movies, shows, maybe even future sequels — so the subscription isn’t just about one series, it’s about access to a broader library with quality content. It’s actually our favorite streaming service for that very reason.

• HBO Max (ad-supported, 12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month

Paramount Plus still has a really good deal

With “Landman” season 2 finally here, now’s the perfect moment to dive into Paramount Plus. Both the Essential and Premium plans are just $2.99 per month for the first two months, letting you stream a huge lineup of shows and movies without breaking the bank!

• Paramount Plus Premium: was $12.99 now $2.99 at Paramount Plus
• Paramount Plus Essential: was $7.99 now $2.99 at Paramount Plus

Apple TV's deal has now ended, but these discounts are still active

Even though the Apple TV offer is now over, you can still score big savings on other top streaming services. Don’t miss your chance to grab these Cyber Monday deals before they disappear too!

• HBO Max (ad-supported, 12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month @ HBO
• Fubo (1 months): was $84.99/month now $54.99/month @ Fubo
• Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN Unlimited bundle (12 months): was $35.99/month now $29.99/month @ Disney
• HBO Max add-on subscription via Prime Video (12 months): was $10.99/month now $2.99/month @ Amazon
• Fox One (2 months): was $19.99 now $9.99 @ Fox

One of our favorite streaming sticks is still on offer!

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a game-changer for anyone who loves streaming. It’s small and easy to use — just plug it in and start watching in crisp 4K with HDR. The voice remote makes finding shows super easy, and you get access to almost every streaming app out there. It’s simple, fast, and makes your TV feel smarter without spending a fortune. Grab this deal while you still can!

• Roku Streaming Stick Plus: was $39 now $19 @ Amazon

Get all three of Disney's streaming services bundled at a discount

One of remaining Cyber Monday streaming deals is a bundle of all three of Disney's streaming services. Get the Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle for just $29.99/month, discounted from its usual price of $35.99. You'll get family-friendly content, hit dramas and comedies, and live sports all in one package.

• Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle: $29.99/month

Jump on this crazy-good Starz deal to stream the final season of 'Outlander'

"Outlander" will kick off its 8th and final season on March 6, 2026, and you won't want to miss a moment of the conclusion of Claire and Jamie's epic, time-traveling romance.

So, act fast and grab this Starz deal that gives you the annual plan for just $12. That's an incredible 82% off and one of the best sales we've seen yet. Sign up and you can binge "Outlander" seasons 1-7 before March.

• Starz annual plan: was $69.99 now $11.99

Upgrade your TV for the best streaming experience

Looking for a big, bright screen that will make movies and TV shows pop? The Hisense U8QG is the brightest Mini-LED TV we've tested all year, and the massive Cyber Monday price drop is still in effect for the 85-inch model. In fact, this is the lowest price to date on the 85-inch version of the U8QG.

In addition to its searingly bright display, the U8QG also comes with three HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K gaming up to 165Hz. Google TV is here, too.

• Hisense 85" U8QG 4K Mini-LED TV: was $2,497 now $1,697

There's only one way to get a Peacock deal

Peacock never rolled out a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal, but the good news is that there's another way to get a discount on the streaming service. Right now, if you subscribe to Walmart Plus for $49 for a year, you can get Peacock Premium included for free (or choose Paramount Plus instead). That's 50% off the Walmart Plus annual plan, which includes perks like free shipping, free local delivery on groceries and prescriptions and more, and you get Peacock Premium for free, which is normally $10.99 a month or $109.99 a year.

• Walmart Plus (includes Peacock Premium or Paramount Plus Essential): was $98 a year now $49 a year

It's time to finally cut the cord with this YouTube TV deal

YouTube TV is our top live TV streaming service because it has all the top channels, a slick interface, features like multiview, and peak performance. Right now, you can get YouTube TV for just $62.99 a month for your first five months. That's $100 in savings, but only if you use our link. Otherwise, you might only be eligible for $10 off a month (deals limited to new customers only).

• YouTube TV: was $82.99/month now $62.99/month

Get Paramount Plus now and stream 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' on Dec. 4

There's never been a better time to check out Paramount Plus, because right now, you can try out the premium tier of Paramount Plus for the same price as the base plan. For a limited time, get Paramount Plus Premium for just $2.99 a month for your first two months. Get it now, then stream "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" when it hits the streaming service on Dec. 4.

• Paramount Plus Premium: was $12.99/month now $2.99/month

There's still time to grab these Roku deals

Amazon still has a Roku sale running, but prices are slowly creeping back up. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your streaming setup, now’s a good time to grab one before the deals disappear!

• Roku Streaming Stick HD: was $29 now $19 @ Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus: was $39 now $29 @ Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $29 @ Amazon
• Roku Ultra Streaming Player: was $99 now $79 @ Amazon
• Roku Streambar SE: was $99 now $79 @ Amazon
• Roku 50" Select Series 4K TV: was $299 now $258 @ Amazon

Paramount Plus is still going strong!

Paramount Plus is still offering its Cyber Monday deal, letting new subscribers grab either the Essential or Premium plan for just $2.99 a month for the first two months. It’s a rare chance to try out the service and access its full lineup of shows, movies, and live content without paying full price. However, there’s no clear end date for the deal, and prices could snap back at any moment. If you’ve been on the fence about subscribing, now is the time to act before this discount vanishes.

• Paramount Plus Premium: was $12.99 now $2.99 at Paramount Plus
• Paramount Plus Essential: was $7.99 now $2.99 at Paramount Plus