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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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'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.

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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.

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• 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.

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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.

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.

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• 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

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

If you're still rocking a non-smart TV, then one of the best streaming devices will give you access to a much wider range of content than you're likely used to. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more, all on your big living room TV for more movie nights, binging marathons and sports events, all thanks to a little stick that plugs into the back of your TV.

Even for smart TV users they're a great option, with improved user interfaces and other features. For most people, the best option is the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. It costs less than fifty bucks and features excellent picture quality and a clean, simple user interface.

Thanks to Gemini AI inclusion, the Google TV streamer takes the second spot on the list. It's a joy to use, with a simple OS and extra features that make it easier to find your favorite shows and movies.

Here are the best streaming devices for your TV that you can buy today.

The best streaming devices you can find today

Best overall

Roku's streaming devices have topped this list for a long time, and the latest Roku Streaming Stick Plus is only going to cement the brand's place at the top of the tree. The Streaming Stick Plus has loads of features that make it the best option around right now, from fantastic 4K streaming to a simple, slick UI.

This compact wonder brings powerful streaming without taking up loads of room behind your TV. Roku's user interface is amongst the best around, making searching through your favorite streaming services a breeze. The Roku remote that comes with it isn't the fanciest, but it's well laid out and simple to use — even if it doesn't have voice control.

The most important part, of course, is how good it makes your TV shows look. And, despite its lower price, we're happy to report that the 4K output is excellent. We combined it with a Samsung S90D OLED TV, and it looked about as spectacular as you might expect.

Roku has slipped in some funky extras as well. We really like the screensavers — called Backdrops — that play when you're not using the TV. It avoids image retention and burn-in, which is a bonus, but it also makes what could be a big, black rectangle in your room something that actually adds to the decor.

The biggest drawback is the pesky ads. Make sure you turn off the video autoplay, lest you be bombarded by irritating, noisy videos on startup. The ads are otherwise relatively easy to ignore.

Despite the annoying ads, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is an excellent streamer.

• Read our full Roku Streaming Stick Plus review

The best Live TV streaming device

The Google TV Streamer is a huge improvement over the old Google Chromecast. Similar functionalities and OS navigation remain — live TV integration, tons of free content, plus several various broadcast TV services to choose from (YouTube TV, Sling and Philo).

But now, it also packs 4K UHD streaming with support for HDR and Dolby Vision for excellent picture quality, and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. And with Google TV, you have support for the over 6,500 Android TV apps.

That's not all, as the TV Streamer has a slew of smart home integrations that makes it stand out. Directly from your TV, you can now monitor and control all your smart home devices.

We were able to view live streams from our various home security cameras and video doorbells, and also see which lights were still on — and dim them, too. You can even check the temperature on your smart thermostat. It's a step up from what other streaming devices offer and will make smart home enthusiasts gush the world over.

As with most newer TV models,. Google has also incorporated its Gemini AI into the TV Streamer. This will do a variety of tasks, like providing simple summaries of whatever content is on-screen and pull in reviews from both critics and the general public — for better or worse.

You can also use Gemini to create screensavers. Think of (almost) anything and speak it into the remote, and Gemini will create it for you, to amusing (or horrifying) effect.

Yes, the Google TV Streamer costs $99 — twice that of the Chromecast with Google TV — but the upgrades will keep it relevant for years to come.

• Read our full Google TV Streamer review

The best streaming device for Apple users

The Apple TV 4K is priced at a premium most might not be willing to invest in, but it's not among the best streaming devices for nothing. It offers some of the most robust features (made all the better for Apple device users).

The A15 Bionic system-on-chip super-charges the Apple TV 4K, delivering incredibly fast load times, beating even the latest Fire TV Cube and Roku Ultra on loading Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus and Spotify.

The Apple TV 4K also has support for HDR10+ (though this only works if your TV supports it), and the remote has USB-C charging, meaning you can kiss goodbye to all your Lightning wires.

Smart home enthusiasts will also be excited for the inclusion of a Thread support for Matter, which was just added on the new Google TV Streamer. One of the best reasons to get the Apple TV 4K is tvOS, which remains one of the cleanest interfaces out there.

• Read our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

What about the Fire Stick 4K?

Just because something is the most popular device around, doesn't mean it's going to also be the best. The Amazon Fire family of TV streaming sticks is a testament to this, and the Fire TV Stick 4K sits at the top of the tree. Its solid specs list hides some irritating discrepancies, however, like the lack of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

While picture quality is excellent for all your 4K streaming needs, you'll find a half-baked OS in Vega, and a disappointing lack of Wi-Fi 6 holds back download and streaming speeds. For those reasons, it doesn't get a full mention here.

Still, the 4K is a great streaming stick in other key ways. It melds well with the rest of the Amazon ecosystem, and it's super easy to set up and start using. It's speedy to use, and the AI features make searching a breeze.

If you're already buried in Amazon's Alexa and Fire universe, the Fire devices are great options. For everyone else, the options above are the way to go.

How we test the best streaming devices

We test streaming players by looking at both the content they can provide (most are very similar at this point) and how they deliver said content. Any streaming player worth its salt can load a 4K stream, but only a good one possesses straightforward navigation, robust search features and a wide variety of content to suit all tastes.

The first thing we evaluate is the setup, to see how quick and simple it is. From there, we take the user interface for a spin to see what content gets highlighted, what gets hidden, and how easy it is to navigate to our favorite channels.

As live TV service integration becomes a bigger feature in streaming devices, we look at how these sticks and boxes can place your favorites within closer touch.

We'll also watch a few different shows on a variety of channels to gauge the quality of the video and audio, to make sure they look good regardless of if you have one of the best TVs or not. That said? Check out our guide to the best cheap TV deals if you need a discount.

After that, it's onto the extra features, like gaming, voice search and screen mirroring. These factors don't weigh quite as heavily toward the final score, but they're nice to have if they work well, and extremely distracting if they don't.

How to choose the best streaming device for you

Figuring the right streaming device for your needs is pretty easy. While everyone should start with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, your mileage may vary. If your budget is tight, the Roku Express 4K Plus can bring a lot of content to your TV without adding the clutter of a remote.

If you're trying to stabilize your connection, the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K make that process super easy with their dedicated Ethernet cables. But if you're a performance first type, and watch a lot of 4K UHD content, the Nvidia Shield TV or Apple TV 4K is where you should start.

Lastly, folks who already treat Alexa like a member of the family should consider the 3rd Gen. Fire TV Cube, which makes controlling your entertainment as easy as talking. That being said, it's quite expensive, and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus remote also supports voice commands, you just have to click the microphone button, whereas the Fire TV Cube is hands-free.

If you like the Amazon ecosystem and want a cheaper device, consider the Fire TV Stick. Amazon just launched its brand new iteration in the Fire TV Stick HD, which we also tested, and it too could serves as a proper upgrade for those who love its ecosystem.

The best VPNs are now available to download on Amazon's latest Fire TV Stick, the 4K Select.

We've had to wait over one month for Amazon to release a software update enabling compatibility. But it landed on November 28 – just in time to take advantage of Black Friday VPN deals and Amazon Fire Stick discounts.

The Fire Stick Select was released back in mid-October and, at $40, was seen as an affordable 4K streaming option. Arguably the most significant feature was the adoption of Amazon's new Linux-based Vega OS – which some believed was an attempt to combat illegal streaming and "dodgy" Fire Sticks.

However, the novel OS meant the best Fire Sticks VPNs weren't compatible with the new device. Existing apps ran on the Android-based Fire OS and were rendered unusable.

Certain VPN providers rose to challenge and began developing Vega OS apps. These VPN apps can now be downloaded and used on 4K Select devices.

NordVPN was ready first, closely followed by IPVanish. Some providers have confirmed apps are being worked on, while others aren't moving so quickly.

Using a VPN with an Amazon Fire Stick not only protects your online privacy, but allows you to unblock libraries of geo-restricted streaming content.

Time is running out to pick up a Black Friday bargain, but the deals aren't gone yet. If you're still thinking of picking up a Fire Stick Select, why not grab a VPN to go with with it.

NordVPN and IPVanish lead the charge

When it comes to VPN innovation, NordVPN can usually be found leading the way. It's no different for Fire Stick Select support, with the provider having its Vega OS app ready by October 17, 2025.

Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, said the app has been built "from scratch to deliver the same reliable VPN protection our users expect, optimized for the new system's architecture." Briedis added that the team ensured users wouldn't "miss a beat during this transition."

1,000+ Mbps speeds, powerful streaming unblocking capabilities, and 8,000+ servers worldwide, are three reasons why we rate NordVPN as the #1 Fire Stick VPN, and Vega OS support can now be added to that list.

NordVPN is running a Black Friday sale and you can grab a two-year plan, with three months free, for $2.99 per month ($80.73 up front pre-tax).

IPVanish has been a consistent leader in the Fire Stick VPN space, and is the most downloaded VPN app on the Amazon Fire TV Store.

The provider was therefore determined to have its Vega OS app completed for launch day, and it did just that. The app was ready by November 6, 2025, and IPVanish were simply "waiting for Amazon to greenlight VPNs on the new OS."

Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer at IPVanish, said: "We want to make sure that customers who buy any model of Fire TV can get great security and privacy, no matter the operating system running on their device. That’s why we have made sure we will be available on the first day that Vega OS supports VPNs."

Older Fire Sticks will still run on Fire OS and IPVanish has said it will continue to support and update its app for these devices "to make sure those users continue to get IPVanish’s leading security and privacy solution."

A combination of speed, security, privacy, and ease of use makes IPVanish a great choice for your Fire Stick and it has also slashed its prices this Black Friday. A two-year plan will cost $2.19 per month ($52.56 up front), with a 5GB eSIM thrown in as well.

What about other VPNs?

At the time of writing, only NordVPN and IPVanish have downloadable Vega OS apps.

Surfshark confirmed to Tom's Guide that it was "actively working" on a compatible app but couldn't yet share a timeline.

At the end of October, ExpressVPN said it considers the launch of its product on new operating systems "very carefully." It said its policy is "to only support fully released platforms," adding that the developer tools for Vega OS are still in open beta.

As a result, a Vega OS app is not part of the provider's 2025 roadmap but expects "this will change in 2026 after the full version of these developer tools are released."

We reached out to ExpressVPN to see if there has been any change in this stance but received no reply at the time of writing. There was no suggestion that the stance of Private Internet Access and CyberGhost – both owned by ExpressVPN's parent company Kape Technologies – was any different.

Proton VPN confirmed it had contacted Amazon for information regarding Vega OS but did not suggest an app was in active development. As with ExpressVPN, we have contacted Proton VPN to see if this has changed.

Despite the lack of availability at launch, we would expect all these providers, and more, to release Vega OS apps in the coming months.

To download a VPN on your Fire Stick device, navigate to the Amazon Fire TV Store and search for your VPN provider of choice. Ensure the app is compatible with your streaming stick and click download. Once downloaded, sign in with your active VPN subscription and away you go.

If you don't currently have an active VPN subscription then Black Friday 2025 is the perfect time to change that. Our Black Friday VPN deals page has collected our favorite discounts, with pricing starting at $1.11 per month.

Why the change in OS?

You'd be forgiven for wondering if changing operating systems is causing Amazon more trouble than its worth. But some believe it's a decision designed to combat illegal streaming, piracy, and "dodgy Fire Sticks."

Due to the older Fire OS being a "fork of Android," unofficial, and illegal, Android-based apps could be "sideloaded" onto Fire Sticks to create very efficient illegal streaming devices. Users could then stream movies, TV shows, and sports without having to pay for genuine subscriptions.

In switching operating systems, Amazon has made these apps redundant and impossible to download. It hasn't stopped illegal streaming in its tracks because older devices are still fully operational and fully supported. Plus Amazon itself has said it's a "multi-OS company" and "will continue to launch new devices on Fire OS."

However the move could be seen as the start of a more serious effort to crack down on illegal streaming.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Everyone knows that Amazon's Fire TV devices are a perennial favorite when it comes to Black Friday. But what if I told you that there's also a wealth of bargain Black Friday VPN deals just waiting to be snapped up?

Well, you probably wouldn't be that surprised – every brand seems to get in on the act these days. However, if you're planning on picking up either a Fire Stick or VPN bargain this weekend, grabbing both has more benefits than you might think.

Fire Sticks – excluding the new Fire Stick 4K Select – are more compatible with VPNs than just about any other streaming device, and you can use the software to spoof your location and watch regional content on apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. VPNs are also great for privacy, but even I'll admit that's probably not a Fire Stick user's main priority.

Below, I'll shine a light on some of the best VPNs that both work well on Fire Stick, and are also running some unmissable Black Friday deals. Then, I'll highlight what I think are the best Black Friday Fire Stick deals.

The best VPNs for Fire Stick

The best Fire Sticks for VPNs

Why do you need a VPN on your Fire Stick?

I won't lie, you don't need a VPN on your Fire Stick. However, there are a few big reasons why you might want one.

First, and most important, is the fact that VPNs can help your streaming subscriptions go further. Almost all streaming services – Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video included – licence different content in different parts of the world. For example, in the UK, cult comedy Peep Show is available on Netflix. In the US, though, the same show is carried by BritBox.

By connecting to a UK VPN server, you can trick Netflix into thinking you're in the UK, and therefore watch UK-only Netflix shows.

VPNs also help mask your activity from your internet provider and any who might be snooping on your connection, trying to collect information about you. This is done through encryption – which essentially scrambles all your information so it's unreadable. This means your internet provider can't collect that information and sell it to advertisers and data brokers.

Finally, if your internet provider – or even your government – blocks certain things online, using a VPN can often be used to get around these restrictions. This is again thanks to encryption. If the entity doing the blocking can't see what you're trying to access, it can't make the decision to block it.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Roku has launched a new update to its mobile app that makes navigation much simpler than using the previous built-in virtual remote. Roku's new app controls let you use touchscreen swiping for simpler navigation, so you don't have to manually press directional keys like you would on a normal remote.

It's a nice change, making it leagues easier and faster for you to find your favorite content more quickly. The update also brings several other changes, including cosmetic and security updates, to the Roku app to bring it more in line with the rest of Roku's ecosystem. It's already available across major devices, including iOS and Android app stores.

Swipe to navigate

Instead of tapping directional keys, the new Roku app lets you swipe to navigate in various directions, making content curation a breeze.

It's meant to eliminate finger fatigue, which was a common problem for those using the remote regularly. You can now easily navigate the libraries of the best streaming services and even those on Roku's free live channels, all on your phone.

Roku has even added haptic feedback to the swipe functionality, so there's a tactile response. Cord Cutters News claims that Roku's "internal testing showed that users completed navigation tasks up to 30 percent faster," though where they got this information is unclear.

Just note that in order to switch to this navigation method you need to pull up Settings and then toggle the remote type from Traditional to Swipe. And you can choose to move only one position at a time with each swipe or one or more positions depending on the length of your swipe.

Other Roku app upgrades

Navigation is one thing, but Roku has also given its app several cosmetic changes, highlighting a variety of necessary information at the top of the page with handy shortcuts for tons of apps. You'll also know specifically which Roku device you're connected to, which relieves a lot of the previous stress if you own multiple Roku devices in one household.

Roku aims to make the mobile app a one-stop shop for everything within its ecosystem, creating a space that not only looks and feels clean but also is secure and easy to use. A new end-to-end encryption protocol has also been added to the system, ensuring users feel safe in the face of Roku's data breach last year.

All of these changes are available right now in the Roku iOS app and Roku Android app. Check your mobile device's app store to ensure your Roku mobile app is up-to-date.

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• Best Black Friday TV deals — save up to 40% right now
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Big sales events are a great way to save money on the best streaming devices, and the early Black Friday deals are already proving fruitful. The Google TV Streamer 4K has just dropped to its lowest ever price, letting you hook into the Google TV ecosystem with a hefty discount.

The Google TV Streamer 4K is now $74 at Amazon, which is $25 off the usual $99 price tag. That comes with the streaming box itself, a voice-capable remote and the ability to stream and control your smart home devices from the same place. Which is pretty cool if you ask me.

It may have dropped the Chromecast branding, but Google has a strong pedigree when it comes to streaming devices. The Google TV Streamer 4K is the latest one to hit the scene, and while it has its flaws, it has still proven itself to be one of the best streaming devices you can buy right now — and that's when you're paying full price.

The Streamer itself offers access to all your favorite streaming services, with support for 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision. Plus, being an Android TV device, it's also got access to over 6,500 apps. Better still, it has support for live TV, several broadcast TV services and a bunch of free content. Streaming isn't all about pricey subscriptions, after all.

But the above is all pretty common on streaming devices. What sets the Streamer 4K apart from the competition is its support for various Google services and platforms, including Gemini AI and access to smart home controls.

Smart home controls are pretty self-explanatory, and mean you can access live security camera feeds, control lights and monitor temperatures within your home. Gemini also gives you the ability to summarize on-screen content, pull in relevant reviews, and even create your own screensavers — all you need to do is speak into your remote. You certainly don't get that with a Roku.

Of course, the Streamer is pretty big and probably won't fit behind your TV, and the price is still pretty steep. But with 25% off, it's definitely a deal to take advantage of while you can.

Just picked up an Amazon Fire TV Stick? This affordable streaming device transforms any TV with an HDMI port into a smart entertainment center. Setting it up takes just a few minutes, and you'll be streaming your favorite shows in no time.

The Fire TV Stick lineup includes several models at different price points, but they all work similarly when it comes to setup and basic features. I've set up several of these devices for family members, and the process is straightforward enough for anyone to handle, regardless of their technical expertise.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your TV probably has a microphone in it — how to turn it off
• 5 ways to stop your smart TV from buffering
• Netflix secret codes — use these to unlock hidden categories

Amazon's new Fire TV Stick 4K Select packs a ton of features into a small, $40 package. But one thing the Fire TV 4K Select doesn't come with is VPN support.

This missing feature makes services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark inaccessible. Amazon did promise VPN support "soon," but it's unclear when it will arrive.

With this in mind, I've found the three best streaming devices that currently come with VPN support. I've been reviewing streaming sticks for almost three years, so I know what makes a great pick stand out.

Google TV Streamer

The Google TV Streamer nets you a slew of features built on Android and the Google Play Store. You'll have access to quite a few different VPNs on this device, including NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and many more.

The best bet for the Google TV Streamer is ProtonVPN, but NordVPN and ExpressVPN are also fine. If you don't have a Google TV Streamer or don't want to spend more for this kind of streaming device, you can also use a Google Chromecast.

If you do opt for a Chromecast device over the new Google TV Streamer, keep in mind that Google recently discontinued Chromecast devices, so don't expect to see any major updates or future models. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is a solid choice, however, and can still be found at most retailers.

Apple TV 4K

As one of the most powerful streaming devices (and one of the priciest), the Apple TV 4K is an exceptional alternative to the new Amazon Fire TV Stick. As such, you'll find a variety of VPNs in the App Store, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

If it's too pricey, consider the alternative: the Apple TV HD. It comes with access to the same VPNs at a much cheaper cost. However, in addition to its lower resolution, the HD model offers just 32GB of memory, while the 4K model can be purchased in both 64GB and 128GB versions.

Fire TV Stick 4K

While we wait for the all-new Fire TV Stick 4K Select to adopt VPN support, the original 4K Stick, 4K Max and several other options among the best Fire TV devices can already access VPNs. I recommend the second-generation Fire TV Stick 4K as it's Amazon's cheapest 4K model, but you can't go wrong with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, either.

These models support a wide range of VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost and Proton VPN.

An even more affordable option that supports VPNs is the Fire TV Stick HD, but as the name implies, it doesn't offer 4K resolution. If you're using a cheaper TV that's either 1080p or 720p, the Fire TV Stick HD could be a great pick for you.

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On October 15, 2025, Amazon launched its latest Fire Stick, the 4K Select. It's the first Fire Stick to run Amazon's Linux-based Vega OS, a departure from the Android-based Fire OS it has utilized for many years.

As a result, you can no longer "sideload" modified Android apps to create "dodgy" Fire Sticks and illegally stream content.

This will have widespread and significant implications for those partaking in illegal streaming. It could be seen as Amazon cracking down on the behavior, and leaves us wondering whether this is the start of a slow death for pirated live TV and sports on its device.

The new operating system also means the apps of the best VPNs aren't supported. If you're after one of the best Fire Stick VPNs, you'll have to ensure you have an older device model. However, Amazon expects VPN support to come to Vega OS "soon."

A change of operating system

The Fire Stick 4K Select is described as "affordable" and is the first streaming stick to run Vega OS.

In an announcement post, Amazon said Vega OS has been built specifically for its devices. Linux components have been adopted as its foundation and Vega OS is designed to be "scalable across a variety of devices."

Fire OS is "a fork of Android," and therefore older Fire Sticks can be adapted into remarkably efficient illegal streaming devices via the installation of unofficial Android-based apps. These apps can be "sideloaded" onto a Fire Stick, enabling the user to stream movies and sport without genuine subscriptions.

Sideloading can breach your terms of service and is often illegal.

By switching to a Linux-based OS, these Android apps won't work. This likely won't stop illegal streaming completely, but it appears to be much harder to do on Fire Sticks running Vega OS compared to their Android counterparts.

Is Amazon combating illegal streaming?

Amazon's move to a new OS could be seen as an attempt to combat illegal streaming. Removing support for the apps that facilitate pirating content is an effective way of stopping illegal streaming on the new Fire Stick 4K Select device.

It wouldn't be surprising if future Amazon devices make the switch to Vega OS, although Fire OS isn't going away completely – for now, at least.

Amazon described itself as a "multi-OS company" and said it "will continue to launch new devices on Fire OS." There is no information that indicates older Fire Sticks running Fire OS will lose support, or must transfer to Vega OS.

We may see illegal streamers turn to non-Amazon streaming devices or simply stick to older, modifiable devices.

It's clear that illegal streaming won't go away entirely. But this move could signal the start of a serious effort to stop the practice and may herald the slow death of illegal streaming.

According to a GlobalData 2024 report, the sports industry loses approximately $28 million a year to illegal streaming. The Premier League, England's domestic soccer competition, blocked over 600,000 illegal streams during the 2022/23 season.

The BBC reported on research by Enders Analysis. The UK-based report found that 59% of respondents who watched pirated material in 2024 did so on an Amazon Fire product.

2024 research by Deloitte found that 25% of American consumers watched pirated content or used someone else's password in the previous 12 months. Of that 25%, 7% only watched pirated content and 4% did both.

Respondents gave the following reasons for their actions:

• Access unavailable content
• Quicker access to content
• Access to full or uncensored shows and movies
• Can't afford streaming services
• Don't want to pay for streaming services

The cost of streaming services and sports packages, as well as in-person sports events, can be seen as a significant reason people turn to illegal streaming.

The 2024 GlobalData report said that, in 2023, the average price of a National Football League (NFL) ticket rose by 8.6% to $120. Major League Baseball (MLB) rose by 3.5% to $37.

Research by Goal.com found that the average ticket price for an NFL game in 2024 ranged from $43 (New Orleans Saints) to $250 (Detroit Lions).

The team you want to see play impacts individual ticket costs, alongside factors such as availability and demand.

VPNs and illegal streaming

VPN providers do not support illegal streaming, and the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) has previously said "VPNs are not facilitators of piracy." However VPNs have repeatedly been the target of crackdowns on illegal streaming.

The nature of illegal streaming means users will often use VPNs to encrypt and hide their internet traffic.

Cloudflare began blocking VPN access to pirate streaming sites in July 2025. Canal+ won an anti-piracy lawsuit in May 2025 which ordered VPN providers to block over 200 "illegal sports streaming sites."

Referring to the Canal+ case, the VTI said at the time that "this selective approach is certain to fail, as it targets symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of piracy."

The VTI urged "precision, restrain, and accountability" when it comes to technical enforcement of the internet, and recognized the need to safeguard rightsholders.

VPNs are not supported on Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select devices at launch, due to a lack of compatibility with Vega OS.

Surfshark confirmed to Tom's Guide that it was "actively working to make a supported Surfshark VPN application version" – but it didn't have a specific timeline to share.

NordVPN said its Vega OS app was "ready" and will go live on the Amazon Appstore once Amazon updates Vega OS to include VPN protocol support.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Roku is enhancing its platform with new features, AI functionality, real-time sports alerts and more. The changes not only aim to make search and discovery faster, but also pave the way for Roku OS to remain the best place for content curation and experiencing that content.

Announced on Wednesday in a blog post, Roku is updating its Voice Search with AI, allowing you to make more conversational queries on a wide range of topics. Some examples include: "What kind of fish is Nemo?" and "How scary is the Shining?"

A new "Ways to Watch" button also lets you dive right into content from the trailer. Roku is also adding search functionality to its Live TV Channel Guide and Live TV Zone to simplify content curation even more.

Sports fans can also rejoice with real-time updates that offer dynamic info on their favorite teams at a moment's notice, so you'll never miss that touchdown again. All of these changes and more are available right now with Roku's newest software update. Here's all the new features you need to know.

Voice Search with AI is here

Roku OS is finally getting in on the AI action with a voice integration that will make one of the most streamlined interfaces even easier to use. With the new software update, you'll be able to converse with Roku's voice assistant in various ways, asking questions regarding on-screen content and searching for content far faster.

Mirroring other similar conversational AI algorithms, Roku's new voice assistant will be able to keep up with the queries, so you never have to repeat yourself. If you're asking a question about the best horror movies, then you want to dive into "Halloween," Roku's AI will recognize the flow of the conversation and get you to your content faster.

It's a massive change for Roku users and amplifies the interface against other major competitors, such as Google TV and Fire TV. Additionally, Roku is simplifying content discovery with slight tweaks to the OS, including a "What to Watch" destination that aims to show where content lives across the best streaming services.

Search is also getting added across Roku Live channels, making it easier for you to find trending and on-demand content. You'll find the Search bar in both Live TV Zone and Live TV Channel Guide, allowing you to dive into your favorite broadcasts in a pinch.

Roku lasers in on sports fans

AI and improved search functionalities aren't the only things coming to Roku, as it's also adding real-time sports updates to the list of exciting updates. This will give sports fans simplified highlights of every game, creating less friction when you simply want to kick back and watch the NFL, NHL, or NBA.

The two alerts come in the form of Reminders and Live Scores. Reminders are self-explanatory, alerting you to any upcoming games right on your TV screen. You can also set mobile notifications if you want more direct alerts, so you never miss a beat on game day.

Roku also allows you to set various reminders depending on the content type, whether it's the first pitch in an MLB game, kickoff for NFL or college football, or similar.

Live Scores give you simplified highlights of games from your favorite teams, noting results from a wide range of events, all in one simple location. It's a handy tool for college football fans and anyone keeping track of the NHL standings.

Other big Roku changes

Bluetooth Headphone Mode is finally coming to the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus, allowing you to experience your favorite shows and movies using the best wireless earbuds. Now, you won't have to worry about bothering your roommates or loved ones with seamless audio connectivity.

The Roku Mobile app is getting several notable updates as well. Shortcuts will be added to the app in the coming weeks, as well as various other tools, such as Find My Remote, Closed Captions, Sleep Timer, and Daily Trivia. A new Rate button will also let you Like or Dislike content, making it easier for Roku to serve you better suggestions.

The For You page will also be streamlined for simpler navigation, separating content across categories, such as Sports, Mobiles, and TV Shows. This will make the For You page far more simplified and easier to navigate.

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Amazon could be replacing Android on Fire TV devices with the custom "Vega OS" as soon as next week. The new system is apparently Linux-based and set to launch before the end of 2025.

According to The Verge, Amazon is going to announce Vega OS during its Devices & Services event, which will take place on September 30 in New York. The retail giant announced the event last week, but has remained pretty tight-lipped about what it plans to showcase next Tuesday.

The reveal was spotted in a since-altered job listing that confirms both the existence of Vega OS and its potential release window.

"The Prime Video Fire TV organization is seeking an engineering leader that will help in building a Vega OS product that will delight customers worldwide. With the app launching in 2025, you will get to shape the future of this product as well as the culture of the team," the job listing reportedly read.

Amazon apparently edited the job listing after being contacted about Vega OS, and declined to comment on the post.

What's happening with Vega OS?

Amazon has been attempting to move on from Android for a while. Several reports form 2023 claimed that Amazon was building its own OS, codenamed Vega, with tests being done on Fire TV streaming sticks as well as the 3rd generation Echo Show 5.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Amazon is "courting major publishers" to bring their apps onboard Vega.

The Verge's report claims that Vega will only be available on new Fire TV devices, so Amazon won't be completely divorced from the forked version of Android in FireOS just yet. Allegedly, Amazon is also going to let TV manufacturers continue making Android-based Fire TVs for some time as well.

A Reuters report from August said that Amazon is revamping its Fire Tablet lineup by fully embracing Android in its tablets. However, it was also reported that some "lower-priced tablet" might utilize Vega OS.

A split lineup of Android and Vega devices seem counterintuitive to Amazon's plans but LowPass claimed that Amazon is struggling to get developers excited about Vega OS, as it's another system for them to create apps.

Despite reports that next week's event will be "low-key," it seems likely it could be where we see Vega OS for the first time.

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Apple's suite of operating systems received updates this past Monday (September 15), with everything from iOS 26 to macOS Tahoe getting new features and a unified interface. That spate of updates also included tvOS 26, the latest version of Apple's software for its Apple TV set-top boxes.

Like the other software updates, tVOS 26's big update is the new Liquid Glass visual redesign that brings a fresh look to the system. Unfortunately, if you own an older Apple TV streaming box you might not get Liquid Glass or some other new features.

Every Apple TV unit, including the HD and 4K ones, are capable of running tvOS 26 which does bring some nice features like PS5 DualSense controller support, Dolby Atmos updates and new Aerial customization settings.

The new Liquid Glass aesthetic is separate, apparently, and only available for the second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K models, released in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Of course, as we've found with iOS 26, not everyone is excited about Liquid Glass. For some it may be a boon if Liquid Glass doesn't show up on their Apple TV.

Additionally, the new Apple Music Sing karaoke mode is only available on the 2022 Apple TVs and only on iPhones that can run iOS 26, starting with the iPhone 11 or the third-generation iPhone SE, which debuted in 2022.

It's time for an Apple TV 4K update

UnlikeiPhones and MacBooks, the Apple TV is on one of Apple's longer refresh cycles. We're three years out since the last model came out and it's starting to get long in the tooth.

A fourth-generation Apple TV set-top box has been rumored to launch since last summer, with rumors claiming the device would support Apple Intelligence features and updated Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7 standards.

More than likely the next Apple TV will ship with Liquid Glass out of the box, and should be a much smoother experience on a potentially more powerful device.

Current leaks point to the next Apple TV launching this year, but with WWDC and the iPhone 17 launch in the rear view mirror, we're running out of time in 2025. There's a possibility of one last Apple event, possibly in October, which is when we sometimes see new MacBooks.

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A new report suggests that Apple's refreshed set-top box could be kitted with the A17 Pro chip, which was used in the iPhone 15 Pro, allowing it major gains in performance.

As reported by MacRumors, the updated processor should give this fourth generation Apple TV 4K as much as a 15% to 30% boost in both CPU and GPU workloads. Aside from that, the A17 Pro processor also supports Apple Intelligence, which could be a major game-changer for the new Apple TV 4K.

The current third generation hardware, released in 2022, still uses the A15 bionic chip, and neither its RAM capacity nor its underlying software infrastructure allows it any compatibility with Apple Intelligence. But, it's still unclear what Apple even wants to do with its AI. Specifically, when it comes to set-top boxes and Apple TV Plus.

The Apple TV 4K gets a big boost in processing power

Rumors have been circulating for months on the potential launch of a refreshed Apple TV 4K, which would make sense, seeing as we haven't seen a new model in nearly three years. Still, it's not quite like the third generation Apple TV 4K is showing its age, but several improvements would definitely be fitting.

A major upgrade being tossed around for the new set-top box is a new processor in the A17 Pro chip, which was first made available on the iPhone 15 Pro. MacRumors claims it saw code references that point to the A17 Pro, allowing the streaming device 15%-30% improvements in benchmarked CPU and GPU performance.

Other huge advancements purportedly arriving on the new streaming device include an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is being referred to internally as "Proxima." It's suggested this chip will support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, or even Wi-Fi 7 as some other insiders theorize.

If these upgrades already wouldn't shoot it to the top of the best streaming devices list, the potential inclusion of Apple Intelligence on-device most certainly would. This has been a long-sought-after upgrade for several Apple products, but its debut on the fourth generation Apple TV 4K could be a major game-changer.

But the most important question still remains: what exactly would Apple Intelligence be good for on this new set-top box?

Apple's AI plans are still in the air

Apple still doesn't quite have a plan for its AI just yet, at least in terms of its use case on something like the Apple TV 4K. The potential is definitely staggering, especially when you look at both Google Gemini and Amazon Alexa Plus and what they both bring to the table for navigation, search, and recommendations. Even Gemini's AI wallpaper generation is pretty fun to play with.

As for Apple, though, mum's still the word. Even when it comes to more basic implementations, Apple has yet to really voice what Apple Intelligence could be good for aside from summarizing notifications, translations, and more general writing advancements.

Apple's Visual Intelligence definitely wouldn't translate at all to the Apple TV 4K, unless it worked in a way that read what's on the screen for certain information, like shopping for the sunglasses Brad Pitt is wearing in F1 or giving you location data on where a particular shot takes place. That would actually be pretty nifty, but it's hard to say if that's what Apple is going for with Apple Intelligence on its new set-top box.

Apple is also working on completely overhauling Siri for new underlying features, as well. That could also prove pretty remarkable if implemented on the device, but this new version of Siri is slated for debut in 2026.

However, Apple's AI functionality takes shape on the new streaming box, it is clear that a refresh for the Apple TV 4K is sorely needed. We won't know if these rumors prove accurate until early September, when Apple shows off all its new products, including the Apple iPhone 17.

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Apple is set to release a new Apple TV 4K model later this Fall, according to a new report from MacRumors. The report claims an unnamed source revealed that Apple is "highly likely" to update its streaming box before the end of 2025.

Additionally, the current model will be discontinued.

The Apple TV 4K debuted in 2022 and featured an A15 Bionic chip, HDR10+ support, plus a new Siri Remote with USB-C charging. Apple has traditionally updated its streaming device every three years.

New features and upgrades

Unlike the yearly iPhone, we haven't come across many rumors or leaks regarding the updated Apple TV. Here's what we do know so far.

Most rumors have tied the streaming device to Apple's delayed smart home push that was supposed to kick off with a new HomePod 3, which also might still launch in late 2025. The Apple TV would be able to integrate via a smart display or be controlled by the smarter HomePod.

It will likely feature a newer chip, possibly the A19 that will go in the iPhone 17 or maybe the current A18 processor. It's supposed to have support for Wi-Fi 7 and an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, part of helping it sync with smart home devices better.

Some wilder ideas include Apple introducing a built-in camera to the box, which was teased by tvOS 17, adding a FaceTime app.

There were also rumors that Apple is building its own OLED TV, despite shelving a similar idea years ago.

Last year, it was reported that Apple might release an upgraded but less expensive version of Apple TV, which would sell for under $100, about $30 less than the 64GB Apple TV currently available.

Currently, the rumor mill has Apple releasing the new device in a wide window between September and December of this year.

It's possible it could debut during the September iPhone 17 launch event or shuffle out on its own later in October when Apple typically releases the newest MacBooks.

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Nothing kills the vibe during your favorite show quite like that spinning asterisk of doom. Your Roku TV starts buffering mid-scene, stutters through dialogue, or freezes completely at the worst possible moment.

Before you consider replacing your device, try these quick fixes that can restore your streaming experience to its former glory. Even the best Roku TVs accumulate digital clutter over time: temporary files and cached data that gradually slow performance.

The good news is the majority of streaming issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps that take just minutes to complete. These methods target the most common culprits behind sluggish performance and improve your experience.

Here's five ways you can instantly improve your Roku TV experience.

Now you've learned how to improve your Roku TV experience, why not take a look at some of our other useful guides?

Check out how to access the secret Roku menus and how to use screen mirroring on Roku. And if you want to know the best Roku channels to stream on your device, we have an article for that.

Fire TV streaming devices are great. They're consistently among the best streaming devices and come loaded with features and apps for all the best streaming services.

They're so good that you might still use some old versions of Amazon's streaming devices. If you are, then Netflix might have bad news for you.

In an email to select subscribers, Netflix announced that it was ending support for first-generation Fire TV streaming media players (h/t Heise).

"According to our usage data," the email begins, "you have used Netflix on a first-generation Fire TV streaming media player in the past 12 months. Netflix will discontinue support for these streaming media players on June 2, 2025."

First, let's get into the bad news. If you have a first-generation Fire TV streaming box or a first-generation Fire TV Stick, including models with voice remotes, you're going to lose the ability to watch Netflix starting June 2.

The good news is that these devices are old. They launched in 2014 and lost software and security update support from Amazon years ago (Amazon only guarantees support for devices for four years from their date of sale).

So chances are, you either aren't using these devices anymore, or you had some idea this day could come.

Unfortunately, if you are still using your first-gen Fire TV devices, there's nothing you can do to avoid Netflix ending support for your version of its Fire TV OS app. You'll need to buy a new streaming device if you want to keep watching Netflix.

That might be a blessing in disguise, though. Right now, every new Fire TV streaming stick is on sale, so there's never been a better time to upgrade.

To replace your old first-gen Fire TV, you could go with the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD. Right now, you can get it at Amazon for $19.99, which is 43% off the list price.

The Fire TV Stick HD will give you everything you had with your first-generation Fire TV device and more, but if you're looking for an upgrade, you could go with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K instead.

Right now, you can get it at Amazon for $19.99, which is 40% off the list price.

Or get a serious upgrade and get the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $39.99. It's pricier, but it's the Fire TV Stick I use and the one I recommend to anyone with a 4K TV.

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Roku's back at it again with a whole new entry in its ever-growing lineup of streaming devices. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus, a redesign of its 2021 model of the same name, is a serious new entry that leverages Roku's interface to excellent precision.

Built as a 4K/60fps HDR powerhouse at just $39, the new Streaming Stick Plus delivers where it counts. It's one of the sleekest, cheapest, and slimmest devices on the block, with Roku claiming it's as much as 35% smaller than its rivals.

Even despite that size, it's still a potential shoe-in among the best streaming devices thanks to its slew of awesome features, like HDR10/HDR10+ support, Roku Smart Home compatibility, and Backdrops, to name a few. Let's get into what makes the Roku Streaming Stick Plus a considerable step up over not just its predecessor but several of its rivals.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Price and availability

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus went on sale on May 6 for $49/ £39. It’s currently available at Roku's online store in the U.S. and will be launched in EU regions come June 2. It serves as a major refresh over the original Streaming Stick Plus that launched in 2021 at $49.

Roku also launched a new $29 Roku Streaming Stick, which drops 4K HDR support. You'll know the difference between the two aesthetically as the base Streaming Stick spells out "Roku" on the body of the device in purple versus the more transparent black tones on the Plus model.

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus launches as one of the cheapest streaming devices in the market. It's cheaper than Amazon's newest Fire TV Stick 4K (though, that's currently on sale for $29), and the $99 Google TV Streamer.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Design

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is not just Roku's smallest device but one of the slimmest streaming sticks in the market. It weighs just 0.90 ounces (26.0 grams) and measures 3.7 inches by 0.80 inches with an added 0.45 inches of thickness.

Roku wasn't kidding when it called this 35% slimmer than most of its rivals. Compared against the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus shows its thinness, but that doesn't mean it can fit into every crevice behind the screen.

On the front-facing side, which bears the Roku typeface, there’s a small status light to show when it's active. As for ports, the streaming device features an HDMI output and USB-C power port, which can be plugged into the TV for greater efficiency.

It would be nice if Roku also added in an HDMI extension, like Amazon does with its Fire TV Stick 4K, in times where its device might not fit into tighter inputs. Given its extreme slimness, I'll give Roku a pass here.

Roku's also packed within the box a rudimentary remote that requires two AAA batteries (which it supplies inside). The same layout and functionalities remain the same, with navigation keys at the top below the Power, Home, and Back buttons. You also have quick access to some of the best streaming services, namely Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and Prime Video.

It's a bit of letdown, seeing how much we love the Roku Voice Remote Pro, but given the pricing here it makes sense. You can always buy the second gen Pro remote for an extra $29 to get the best possible Roku streaming experience (and never have to worry about batteries again).

Another letdown is no Bluetooth compatibility. Neither the device itself nor the remote offer wireless listening, which means you have to rely on the TV for this functionality. It's a major blow to parents of newborns or users who might like watching content late after their significant other has fallen asleep.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Setup

It's as plug-and-play as it gets with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, made all the better given it can use your TV's USB port for power delivery. This means you don't need to find a power outlet that's close to the screen, keeping your home entertainment setup looking relatively wire-free and the device itself tucked neatly behind the TV.

Once the device is plugged into your TV, you'll need to pair the remote and then go through the set up process. This should only take maybe ten minutes or less, depending on if you already have an account with Roku or not. I recommend using the QR code step, so you can do most of the heavy lifting on your smartphone or tablet as opposed to typing things out using the remote.

The longest bit for me was waiting for the device to fully reboot and download a software update, but again it shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes at most. You will have to sign into all of your streaming apps, which might take a few extra minutes.

As for settings, I recommend turning off the "Auto-play video" option under the Accessibility tab so ads don't start playing in menus. And, although it is automatic, I'd head to "Display type" to make sure the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is properly set to the resolution and HDR format provided by your TV.

It would be a killer feature if Roku (and other streaming devices) offered you the ability to move settings and even app sign-ins across devices. Some might see this as a privacy concern and it's likely few users switch their streaming devices as often as I do, but it would streamline this entire process.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Performance and interface

There's so much to love about Roku's interface. It's super simplified, easy to navigate, and lets you customize it to suit your liking. For instance, I like jumping into my favorite apps immediately upon turning on the device, so I tend to set the Recommendation rows to "hide" in the settings.

This makes my apps the first thing I see when I turn on the device. However, I will note that powering on is a bit time consuming. I'm more accustomed to instantly jumping into the Roku OS as I use the Roku Ultra in my bedroom, but the Roku Streaming Stick Plus does take a minute or two to boot up over rivals.

It's also a bit slower and can skip on navigation every now and again. These drawbacks don't ruin the overall experience, though, they're just minor inconveniences I noticed while using the device over time.

Roku's added a bit extra flavor to its OS, too. These new options include Sports and Daily Trivia. While the latter isn't for me, it is a nice touch and something of a way to add legs to its interface in the face of limited gaming options. There's also a new What to Watch section that lets you dive into regularly-watched content across your favorite streaming apps.

One of Roku's biggest draws is its free channels, which proves a major selling point here. The Roku Channel is home to a wide swath of free content to enjoy in the event that you're all caught up on shows like "Andor" and "The Last of Us" twice over.

While there isn't anything like Google's Gemini powering movie and TV show summaries, Roku's adept voice controls are a major highlight. Commands like "Open Netflix," or "search for horror movies" brings me directly to the content I want to see and that's a serious improvement over middling rivals like Samsung's Bixby assistant.

With AirPlay support, you're also not locked into the content on offer solely bound to the device. I could easily cast content from my iPhone without any constraints and it worked flawlessly. It's a huge enhancement to older sets that might be missing modern features you've longed for.

I paired the Roku Streaming Stick Plus with my Samsung S90D OLED TV, which was a stellar option largely due to the device's HDR10+ support. Where it might fall flat for some is in its foregoing of both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, but picture performance still remains strong with this device.

Plus, the Streaming Stick Plus even offers 4K upscaling for TVs that support it. This means that 720p and 1080p content can be upscaled to 1080p and 4K, respectively, in certain scenarios. That's a major win if you're running a much-less powerful set but still want ample picture performance.

As for audio, it merely has support for DTS Digital Surround and Dolby-encoded audio via HDMI, which might seem lacking but is par for the course on this type of device. Most users probably won't be running premium surround sound systems with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, so it's not a major boon.

Of course, you will have to contend with a myriad of ads on Roku OS. It's not so bad, but they can be in your face at times. Like I said, make sure to turn off automated videos so you aren't bombarded with audio-intensive ads on startup and you should be fine.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Backdrops

Don't expect any fancy AI generated art or something on the level of Samsung's Art Store when it comes to the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. Instead, you'll find a neat Backdrops feature that will replace the blank, black screen with a fresh screensaver that can be tailored to your liking.

I've discussed my love of Backdrops before and it's no different here. It's an ingenious new addition for Roku, providing loads and loads of art for users to personalize their TV standby settings in a myriad of ways.

Backdrops can be selected across a wide variety of different verticals, including general photos, artists, photographers, and institutions. Some of my favorite artworks include the "Morning after a Snowfall at Koishikawa" by Katsushika Hokusai, "El Jaleo" by John Singer Sargent, and "Impressions, Sunrise" by Claude Monet.

The list is quite extensive, and you can set different favorites so you never lose them or set various art as your Backdrops so it always shows up when the TV's idle. It might not be some AI-infused creation, but that's honestly what makes this so much more gratifying. As a lover of pure art, it's a welcome change against the current focus on all things artificial.

It's important to note that if you're using one of the best OLED TVs with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, be careful using Backdrops. OLED burn-in is a serious issue on these types of sets, and Roku does a great job of warning of this very issue when setting it all up.

And, even if Backdrops isn't your cup of tea, you've always got Roku City to lose yourself in.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Smart home controls

Unfortunately, Roku's smart home accessibility is sorely lacking in comparison to other major rivals, namely Google. But that doesn't mean the Roku Streaming Stick Plus can't still have its own smart home concepts, which rears its head in the Roku Cameras app.

It's here where you can check up on your Roku camera devices, like the Roku Indoor Camera SE, viewing feeds and Events, which are essentially favorited recordings. You'll have to pay a monthly fee of $3.99 per camera or $9.99 for all cameras to gain access to Events, but live feed is free and works with a Roku Streaming Stick Plus so long as it's a Roku camera.

Beyond cameras, there's little else you have control over. It would be nice if Roku added a bit more leeway to its smart home ecosystem when it comes to its streaming devices and TVs, especially given just how intuitive voice controls are on the platform.

Unlike with the many Google smart home devices on offer in tandem with Google Home, Roku doesn't let you dim lights or set automations around the home. And it's not like Roku isn't ripe with its own slew of smart home gadgets. The major issue is that you can't use other options with its devices; you're relegated to Roku's own smart home models, which limits its overall scope.

If you're not a huge smart home enjoyer, this won't matter too much to you, but it would be nice if Roku gave Google a run for its money. Especially as Google Assistant is losing features to make way for Gemini.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Bottom line

The world of streaming devices is a large one, but it's packed with a multitude of overpriced options you really don't need. Everything from the $149 Apple TV 4K to the $99 Roku Ultra have their uses, but the Roku Streaming Stick Plus packs most of the features you'd need on a 4K TV at just $39.

Add to that the fact that it's one of the smallest designs yet and you've got a serious winner. It not only serves as a perfect at-home solution for either non-smart and smart TVs, but it's also an apt travel companion, allowing you to bring all of your apps wherever you go. That's incredible versatility.

But maybe you want a device that casts a wider net for HDR support? You can always go with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which not only has Dolby Vision support but also Dolby Atmos for improved surround sound. And it's just $10 more (on sale at just $29 at the time of writing).

If you're looking to spice up an older TV or simply want to replace an existing one with the Roku interface, you can't go wrong with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus.

April showers may bring May flowers, but the best streaming services are already blooming with plenty of great new movies to watch this weekend. But when you're spoiled for choice, narrowing down which movies are worth the hype can be tough.

That's why we're highlighting all of the hits and none of the duds to make your next movie night one to remember.

My weekend watch list is topped by a new French action thriller on Netflix, "Banger," that looks to bring some high-octane twists and turns.

There's also "Paddington in Peru," which makes it debut on video-on-demand platforms, A24’s teen apocalypse comedy "Y2K" on Max, and a musical biopic on Peacock that will take you right back to the '80s: "Girl You Know It's True."

So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies on streaming to watch this weekend.

'Paddington in Peru' (PVOD)

Everyone's favorite marmalade-loving bear is back in his biggest adventure yet. "Paddington in Peru," the third installment in the beloved children's series, sees the adventurous bear head back home to pay a visit to his Aunt Lucy. Or at least, that was the plan.

When Aunt Lucy goes missing from her retirement home, the ever-polite Paddington Bear and the London family that adopted him (Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer) set out on a jungle safari to find her.

Their journey brings them face-to-face with an age-old treasure hunt, an eccentric river guide (Antonio Banderas), and a guitar-playing nun (Olivia Colman).

While it may not quite capture the enchanting charm of the much-loved "Paddington 2," Paddington's threequel is a wonderfully fun adventure with plenty of the series' signature warmth, humor and heart that fans have come to love.

Buy or rent now on Prime Video

'Banger' (Netflix)

If subtitles aren't a deal-breaker for you, "Banger" looks like a must-watch for action movie buffs.

This French action-comedy stars Vincent Cassel as Scorpex, a burned-out DJ who's been mixing beats long enough to realize that his career is on life support. But his fortunes change when he's recruited to bust a quirky criminal gang with ties to one of his music scene rivals, Vestax (Mister V).

Narcotics agent Rose (Laura Felpin) uses Scorpex's mounting debt as leverage to strong-arm him into becoming an informant. But as he infiltrates the gang, he realizes he may just have one banger left in him, and he'll risk it all to relaunch his career.

"Banger" looks like a pretty formulaic B-movie action comedy, but with enough twists and turns and a solid performance by Cassel to keep things interesting.

Watch it now on Netflix

'Y2K' (Max)

A24’s teen apocalypse comedy "Y2K" hasn't gotten the best reviews (it's currently sitting at a 42% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes) but y'know, sometimes bad movies are just as fun to watch as good ones.

Written and directed by Saturday Night Live vet Kyle Mooney, it follows two high school wallflowers (Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison) who score an invite to the most popular kid in school's New Year's Eve party in 1999.

But their hopes at climbing the social ladder are dashed when all the conspiracy theories surrounding Y2K come true and '90s tech springs to life and starts killing people. Mayhem ensues, and what starts as the hottest party of the year devolves into a campy, horror survival story.

Watch it now on Max

'Girl You Know It's True' (Peacock)

A great pick for music lovers this week is "Girl You Know It's True," a musical biopic that dives into the infamous rise and fall of Milli Vanilli, offering a fresh perspective on one of the industry's most controversial stories.

Step back into the '80s when the German R&B duo became an international sensation with their debut album “All or Nothing.”

Their success was undeniable, but that fame came at a cost. When the news broke that its members, Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, weren't actually singing any of their music but lip-syncing instead, their shot at stardom came crashing down.

Directed by Simon Verhoeven, "Girl You Know It's True" tells the surreal story of the duo’s rise to fame and the scandal that shattered it, with Tijan Njie and Elan Ben Ali portraying Pilatus and Morvan.

Watch it now on Peacock

'Insidious: Chapter 2' (Netflix)

The Insidious series is one of my favorite horror franchises to date, and "Insidious Chapter 2" might just be the scariest of the bunch.

After the Lambert family — Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) — wrenched their young son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) from the clutches of a demonic force in the first movie, "Chapter 2" reveals that what happened to their son may be no coincidence. And that the family's ties to the mysterious, otherworldly Further may be stronger than they thought.

Part ghost story and part detective story, "Chapter 2" kicks off right where the first left off. The family is desperate to move on with their lives, but the spirits have other plans.

When Josh starts behaving oddly, Renei teams up with his mother Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) and her ghost-hunting friends to investigate the past to save the family's future.

Watch it now on Netflix

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Google Chromecast users rejoice, there's finally a way to get one of the best streaming devices back up and running, particularly for those who factory reset their model.

The issues first cropped up several weeks ago, with users of 2nd generation Chromecast and assorted audio products incapable of authenticating their devices when trying to connect. Many users were plagued by a message stating "untrusted device," though it's unclear why it happened in the first place.

Just a few days later, Google was able to right the mistake with a simple firmware patch, but users who already factory reset their device were left out of the mix, simply due to the fact that they couldn't set up their device.

As per a new Google forum post, those issues have been amended and users can now finally set up their Chromecast devices using Google Home on either iOS or Android. Read on below to get your Chromecast back in working order.

Here's how to fix your Chromecast

If you already went through the process of factory resetting your Chromecast device, there's nothing to fear. Google has a clean and simple process for you to bring your Chromecast back to working order and it all starts with Google Home.

That being said, if you don't already have the application downloaded on your smartphone, make sure to get it from the applicable storefront on either Android or iOS. Once downloaded or if it's already on your device, make sure its on version 3.30.1.6 (Android) or 3.30.106 (iOS).

Follow Google's set of instructions from here, which specify the setup process dependent upon of its the Chromecast (2nd Gen) device or a Chromecast Audio product. These will be pretty straightforward and shouldn't take too long to get going.

Google states in its community post that app update is rolling out gradually and that it "may take a few days to roll out for everyone," so keep checking the Home app if you don't see the proper version yet. A confirmation of a full global rollout will be announced by Google once it's fully released.

Google also added, "We sincerely apologize for this disruption and any inconvenience it may have caused, and we are committed to ensuring all users are back up and running as quickly as possible." The company has yet to state what specifically caused the malfunction, but many are claiming it has something to do with expired security certifications given the malfunctioning devices were all from 2015.

More from Tom's Guide

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Over the weekend, Google Chromecast 2nd generation and Chromecast Audio devices gave up the ghost, much to the concsternation of many Chromecast owners.

Users across the globe found that the Chromecast couldn't be authenticated when trying to connect. Google appeared surprised by the issue, but spokespeople confirmed to Tom's Guide and on Reddit and that a fix was in the works.

More recent Chromecast 3rd Gen and Chromecast Ultra devices appear to have been unaffected by the issue.

Google is now saying that a fix is ready to go, with the patch rolling out in the next few days.

Though Google isn't saying why the Chromecasts suddenly self-destructed, there is speculation that the devices' certificate expired, which caused the inability to authenticate when connecting.

"We have started to roll out a fix for the problem with Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio devices, which will be completed over the next few days. Your device must be connected to receive the update," a community manager wrote in a thread dedicated to the issue.

No luck with a reset

There is a slight catch to Google's fix.

When the issue first popped up a number of Chromecast owners reported that they had factory reset their devices, a common trick for dealing with borked tech. However, on Monday (March 10), Google insisted that people refrain from doing that.

Unfortunately, if you did factory reset your Chromecast, there's no available fix yet. Those devices cannot reconnect in their current state, which means they can't receive the update.

"You may still be experiencing an issue where you cannot re-setup your device," the Google thread reads. "We are working to resolve this as soon as possible."

We saw some Reddit posters and commenters on the official support thread saying they were able to manually change their smartphone date to last week or earlier, before the outage.

Allegedly, this lets your phone connect to the Chromecast and reconfigure it as needed. It's a potential fix you could try if you did do a factory reset. Otherwise, keep an eye on the support thread for when an official Google fix comes through.

More from Tom's Guide

• Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now
• Android 16 beta 3 arrives — all the newest features
• At least 5 North Korean spy apps have been found on Google Play — what you need to know