There are lots of ways to stream online content directly to your TV, including simple set-top boxes, compact streaming sticks and powerful game consoles. For the largest selection with minimum fuss, the Roku Ultra ($130) is the way to go. This 4K-compatible device features more than 3,500 channels, a remote control with a headphone jack and a powerful search feature that trawls multiple services to help you pinpoint your favorite content.
If your tastes skew minimalist, you can also check out the newly redesigned Google Chromecast ($35), which matches a streamlined feature set with a low price tag. (There's also a 4K option, the Google Chromecast Ultra, for $70.) At the other end of the spectrum, an Xbox One ($300) costs a pretty penny, but gives you access to plenty of streaming services, plus blockbuster video games and Blu-ray discs.
MORE: 6 Cheap 4K TVs (Under $500), Ranked from Best to Worst
One thing to keep in mind is that if you own a smart TV and stick to the big streaming channels (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, etc.), you probably do not need a separate streaming device. Smart TVs tend to have these channels built in and are compatible with services like SlingTV, so you won't need to buy a new device to see Marvel's upcoming Defenders series on Netflix or the new season of the critically-acclaimed Difficult People on Hulu.
Streaming Device News
Update August 7: Apple is rumored to be launching an Apple TV this fall that supports 4K and HDR content. So we strongly suggest holding off on purchasing the current Apple TV.
How We Test Streaming Devices
Testing streaming players is usually a simple process that prioritizes content over performance. Any streaming player worth its salt can play video well, 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. We'll also watch a few different shows on a variety of channels to gauge the quality of the video and audio.
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.
The Roku Ultra is one of the few media players on the market that will let you watch Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video and similar channels in full 4K resolution with support for HDR color and Dolby audio protocols. This small, quiet player can do so much more, though. With access to more than 3,500 channels, the Roku Ultra is also a gateway to obscure movies, original online content and niche channels, from cooking, to cardio, to cartoons. The remote control offers an audio jack for private listening and a mic for a voice search that trawls more than 100 providers, so you’ll never lack for things to watch.
Editor's choice
Roku Ultra
Best Streaming Media Player Overall
MORE: Top 10 Online Streaming Video Services
Google Chromecast 2
Best Streaming Stick
-
- Number of Channels
- 1,000+
-
- Size
- 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.5 inches
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- Weight
- 1.4 oz
Like any good streaming stick, the Chromecast 2 is concealable, portable, and doesn't take up much room. A recent redesign even adds a splash of color to the device. But the best changes to the Chromecast are under the hood -- it supports 802.11ac and features an adaptive antenna system -- and in the app you use to control the streaming device. Google revamped the Chromecast app to make it easier to find streamable content, highlighting video from apps already installed on your phone. The addition of support for Spotify helps Chromecast close the gap with Roku's Streaming Stick and the $35 price tag makes the Chromecast your most affordable streaming option. Those with 4K TVs should look into the Google Chromecast Ultra instead.
Chromecast Ultra
The Nvidia Shield splits the difference between a streaming box and a gaming console, and has a lot to offer on both fronts. In addition to enjoying your favorite shows and movies on apps like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon (the only Android TV player that has it), you can download high-end Android games or stream top-tier PC titles from the GeForce Now program. The Shield can act as a Plex Media Server, and will eventually be able to control smart home tech through voice commands. Add in 4K HDR support, as well as the ability to play your own media via USB, and the Shield is one of the most versatile streaming players available.
Nvidia Shield
Best Android TV Player
At first, the Dish AirTV Player may seem like a device exclusively to watch Sling TV. That's not the case. In addition to providing a full roster of Android TV apps, the AirTV Player also incorporates broadcast channels right from an HD antenna. If you want a whole host of live channels — some from Sling, some from your local antenna — the AirTV will deliver your favorites in real time.
Dish AirTV Player
Best Live TV Streamer
MORE: How to Stream Video from a Mobile Device or Computer to a TV
While you probably shouldn't run out and buy a game console just for streaming online video, if you want both games and streaming services to take center stage in your living room, the Xbox One is the way to go. With more than 50 streaming apps, a library of excellent games, a built-in Blu-ray player and the ability to route your cable or antenna feed through it, the Xbox One is about as comprehensive as entertainment centers get.
Editor's choice
Xbox One
Best Game Console for Streaming
The Apple TV has come a long way since its debut in 2007. The 2015 version of the Apple TV is still the most convenient way to play iTunes content on a big screen, but it's also now one of the easiest streaming devices to navigate. A powerful Siri search allows users to communicate conversationally with the Apple TV ("I want to see TV shows with Patrick Stewart"), as well as give follow-up instructions ("Just his new ones") about movies, actors, directors, studios, age ratings and more. Apple TV offers hundreds of apps, ranging from videos and music to real estate and fitness, as well as a handful of great games.
Apple TV (2015)
Best Streamer for Apple Users
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About the author
What the boxes such as Apple, Roku boxes excel at is streaming paid video and not much more while the media boxes that I mentioned offer you the use of unrestricted applications use, the streaming of media through applications such as XBMC (KODI) ,and a lot more interaction with your media.
Many of these boxes have quad-core processors and powerful video processors that put Apple and Roku boxes to shame in terms function and even usability.
So, tech reviewers will soon be forced to make a distinction between specialized video
watch boxes and real media streaming boxes.
The Problem ROKU is hardwires the decoder.. NO upgradable Codecs are used.. thus any updates to Converter's Coders can not be upgraded to ROKU, and this unit is already years out of date.. Older files may work, but don't count on downloading newer files and having them work... THIS WILL ONLY GET WORST!
Next Problem: RESETS.. Seems that ROKU will on occasions.. especially in USB mode.. FREEZE and RESET..... This will drive you crazy.. Again.. Primary software is hardwired and very little update capability was put into this old unit...
BOTTOM LINE.. The ROKU 3 you by today is IDENTICAL to the units built 4 years ago.. Some minor software is updated as is the software in these older units.. but Major changes CAN NOT BE CORRECTED by software due to design. Considering inexpensive microprocessors and min. memory used. RODU could have used a software system that was fully upgradable also a good Upgradable Decoder COULD HAVE BEEN USED along with CODECS instead of limited hardwired Codes.. This would have allowed for ALL formats to be played and upgraded as changes are made...BASICALLY: They saved a buck in this $99 unit at the consumers COST!
I FEEL THAT PLACING this old unit at the top of the list is irresponsible of this site.. SIMPLE SELLS NuMBERS does not make the Better Product....
Move along... move along...
The article gets re-written each year, but keeps the same URL and the same comments.