ttnl_wpadmin
It’s a great time to buy a streaming media device, whether you’ve cut the cord or are looking to supplement your TV package with an online video service like Netflix, Hulu, or a newcomer like Apple TV+ or Disney+. Compared to the typical smart TV, standalone streamers like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and the new Nvidia Shield TV tend to have larger app selections, faster performance, and more features. And with so much competition among device manufacturers, hardware is getting faster, more capable, and more affordable.
We constantly test all the latest devices, including Roku players, Fire TV devices, Android TV devices, Apple TV, and Chromecast. We review each new generation of hardware and constantly review the selection of software and applications so that we can help you determine which platform is right for you. Here are our picks for the best streaming boxes and sticks, along with all of our latest product reviews. Our recommendations will change over time as new products come onto the market.
Best budget 4K HDR streaming device
runner-up
You might not expect one of the best budget streaming players to come from Walmart, but it’s true. This 4K player runs Android TV, which offers a stylish streaming menu, powerful voice search, and the ability to stream videos from your phone. It also has a feature-packed remote that lets you switch between live TV channels, change inputs, and control your A/V equipment. Best of all, it’s only $30, which undercuts comparable players from Roku, Amazon, and Google. Just keep in mind that if you need Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, or HDR10+, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
If the second-generation Apple TV 4K didn’t cost $179, it would have been our top pick in this category. It’s a fabulous piece of hardware with a feature set no competitor can match, and its foil-wrapped remote is as sleek as the competition’s is plasticky. And while our review focuses on its media streaming capabilities, it should also be mentioned that it can also serve as a HomeKit smart home hub and a Thread edge router. Finally, Apple is unique in its efforts to protect the privacy of its users. But you will have to pay to play.
The apple tv high definition it’s very expensive at $149, even if it comes with the same new remote that came with the even more expensive Apple TV 4K. This 1080p streamer is a good choice for people who have dedicated themselves to the Apple ecosystem, including the Apple TV+ streaming service (you can read our Apple TV+ review here), but can’t pull the trigger on the second $179 Apple TV 4K generation (or who don’t have a 4K TV to take advantage of.
Other options to consider
Chromecast with Google TV it’s an intriguing alternative, and you’re no longer dependent on using your smartphone or tablet as a remote control. Best of all, the hardware now incorporates the Android TV operating system that strives to pack all of your streaming options into one comprehensive guide. It does not live up to its ambition, but it comes very close.
The Nvidia Shield Android TV it’s relatively expensive at $149, but a new processor and AI-powered 4K upscaling make it a compelling choice for power users.
The Nvidia Pro Shield the version is even more expensive at $200, but it can be configured to stream your personal media library to all your other devices; connected to an HDHomeRun network tuner for use with Plex DVR, allowing you to record and watch free over-the-air broadcasts; and you can even plug in a USB stick and use the set-top box as a Samsung SmartThings smart home hub.
The Of The Year Ultra (2020) now supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It can stream music via Bluetooth and has a faster processor. The company hasn’t taken away any of the Ultra’s best features, including its remote control with a built-in headphone jack for private listening, programmable home buttons, and voice control. We’re not all that excited about Roku’s decision to stick with its approach of showing apps, rather than showing content. Maybe next year?
The Roku Express 4K+ it’s one of our favorite budget-priced 4K streaming players. It includes a point-anywhere remote with voice, volume, and power controls, plus it includes dual-band 802.11ac for faster connectivity to newer wireless routers. At $40, it beats Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV for $10 with no big compromises. That said, it lacks Dolby Vision HDR support and there’s no universal guide to help users understand all of their streaming options.
Sling TV subscribers who are also interested in receiving over-the-air television broadcasts might be interested in watching the AirTV Player + AdapterAlthough we found it a disappointment.
What to look for in a streaming media device
Still trying to decide between all these options? Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision, followed by a chart that compares the features of the boxes we’ve mentioned above.
Performance: In general, set-top boxes are faster than streaming devices, and the amount you spend correlates pretty well with the loading speeds and smoothness you’ll get.
Playback quality and resolution: If you have a 4K or 4K HDR TV, you’ll probably want a streaming box that takes full advantage of those capabilities. But these days, you won’t find any modern device that doesn’t support at least 1080p resolution.
Application selection: Traditionally, this has been the biggest factor when choosing a streaming device, but over time, the selection of apps has started to become pretty similar no matter which device you choose, at least among the major streaming services. Our app matchup chart will help you with any particular service you’re interested in.
Links with the ecosystem: Apple apps and services are only available through Apple TV, while Fire TV devices are the most convenient way to watch Amazon Prime videos, and Google’s video and music services are generally best accessed through Apple TV. from Chromecast or Android TV. Roku is more of a neutral party, offering apps for Amazon, Google Play Movies & TV and several other competing video services, but it lacks the fancy virtual assistants and smart home controls you’ll get with other platforms.
Content discovery features: Streaming media devices are starting to evolve beyond a static list of apps. Features like the Roku Feed and Apple TV’s “TV” app help you keep track of new arrivals, while Amazon embeds recommendations right on the Fire TV home screen. Read about these approaches to decide which one sounds more appealing.
Private listening options: Many devices support Bluetooth headsets for when you don’t want to disturb your spouse or children. Roku players also support wired headphones through the Roku mobile app and through the remote on their more expensive set-top boxes.
Captive portal support: If you plan to take your streaming device on the road, you may run into Wi-Fi networks that require a web browser to log in. This is known as “captive portal” and not all streaming devices support it.
Remote Control Features: Some remotes are loaded with buttons for fast forward, rewind, and other special functions, while others take a more minimalist approach. Some remotes can control the volume of your TV, and some include microphones for voice commands. However, no remote is perfect, so take a look at the ones that come with each box to decide what’s most important to you.
Audio Codec Support: An increasing number of streaming services support object-based soundtracks, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which add height cues to surround sound. If your home audio system can take advantage of it too, and even many of today’s soundbars can, you’ll want to give it a listen.
Connectivity: Do you plan to connect a USB storage device, an Ethernet cable, or a sound system via an analog or digital optical audio cable? Make sure your transmission box has the proper connections. You’ll also want a device with 802.11ac Wi-Fi if you’re concerned about bandwidth on a crowded home network.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
www.techhive.com
