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 Streaming Stick+ ($70) is the way to go. This 4K-compatible device features more than 5,000 channels, a wireless range amplifier 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.
News and Updates (Nov. 2018)
- The new Roku Ultra features minor updates, including better in-box headphones.
- On of Nov. 18, Amazon will mark down the Fire TV Cube by $60 to a pre-Black Friday sale price of $59.99.
- The Nvidia Shield just got Alexa integration.
Thanks to the Roku Streaming Stick+, you no longer have to choose between price and content selection when it comes to 4K HDR streaming players. The Roku Streaming Stick+ cost $70, and provides access to more than 5,000 channels — including the sometimes-elusive Amazon Video. The device is small and unobtrusive, and thanks to a wireless amplifier, it's easy to get a strong signal from anywhere in your home.
Editor's choice
Roku Streaming Stick+
Best Overall
MORE: Top 10 Online Streaming Video Services
Google Chromecast (3rd Generation)
Best Value
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- Number of Apps
- Thousands
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- Size
- 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.5 inches
-
- Weight
- 1.4 oz
The 3rd generation Chromecast 2 is pretty similar to its predecessor, and most streaming sticks. It's portable and doesn't take up much room. This year's model doesn't push the ball much further, though, with slight gains in performance. Even Google is modest -- claiming speed gains of mere 15 percent at most -- about the update. Still, this device takes advantage of the well-designed Chromecast app that makes it easier to find streamable content, highlighting video from apps already installed on your phone. That app needs to carry the weight of an operating system for the Chromecast, though, as there's no on-screen menus to speak of. 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
The Apple TV 4K delivers everything fans loved about the last iteration of the box, but now with 4K HDR support. In addition to watching iTunes movies and TV shows on your big screen, you can watch hundreds of streaming apps, play games, AirPlay content from other Apple devices and even control your smart home devices right from a Siri-enabled remote. The refined voice search gives it an edge over other streaming boxes, but you'll pay a lot for the privilege.
Apple TV 4K
Best for Apple Users
The Xbox One S is only $289, but streams movies and TV in 4K and supports HDR content. It's also going to get Dolby Vision capabilities in the near future, and you can install Kodi on the console, if that's your jam. It also plays 4K Blu-ray movies, unlike any of our other picks.
Xbox One S
Best Game Console for Streaming
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.
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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.