Streaming software and apps are integrated into the majority of the top TVs. Dedicated streaming devices are still very popular, though. According to our experts, this is partly because they can be quicker, more responsive, and simpler to use than the software on your TV.
We talked to electronics professionals about the advantages and disadvantages of the major streaming companies, such as Roku, Amazon, Apple, and Google, in order to find out more about the finest streaming device. Since the majority of the NBC Select staff uses streaming devices, we chose the best products available by drawing on our own experiences with each brand.
SKIP AHEAD Top streaming gadgets for staff in 2024 | Should I buy a streaming device? | Why should I trust NBC Select?
Selected.
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Best overallRoku Streaming Stick 4K
$29.00$49.99Amazon
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Best splurgeApple TV 4K 128GB
$undefined$147.00Walmart
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For Amazon householdsAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
$32.99$59.99Amazon
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For sharing contentGoogle Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
$39.99$49.99Amazon
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How we picked our favorite streaming devices
To learn more about the differences between streaming devices and what’s integrated into your TV, we chatted with experts in technology and retail. We chose streaming devices by taking into consideration the following factors, combining their recommendations with our own experience:
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Resolution
: We recommend selecting a new streaming device that can support 4K resolution. All new streaming products support 4K, and while you can still buy older models made for HD TVs, the 4K versions aren t much pricier. -
Ease of use
: It shouldn t be a headache to dive into your favorite dinner show. We prioritized streaming devices that have an easy setup and simple user interface. That means you should not have a hard time finding Netflix or struggle downloading apps like Disney+. -
Extra features
: Some streaming devices have additional features like ethernet ports, headphone jacks or Wi-Fi 6E support, meaning a faster connection when paired with the latestWi-Fi routers
. We considered and listed additional features at the bottom of each of our recommendations.
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Price
: Most streaming devices cost between $20 and $150. We included a range of price options, but most of our favorites cost around $50.
Related
Thinking about buying a new TV? Here s how to choose between the top brands
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Staff-favorite streaming devices in 2024
Apple, Amazon, Google, and Roku are the top brands of streaming devices available on the market.
Best overall: Roku
In my opinion, Roku is the most user-friendly streaming service. It has never taken me longer than ten minutes to begin viewing shows on Roku devices that I have set up for friends and family. While most of its competitors only work with one smart home device, Roku is interoperable with those from Apple, Amazon, and Google.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
This Roku streaming device is a favorite among several NBC Select employees. I watch TV shows on applications like Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Max, Youtube, Apple TV+, and more when I’m with family using this Roku stick. I adore how little and lightweight it is; if necessary, you can just plug it into another TV. However, the remote can be a bit picky; after a few years of wear and tear, buttons may occasionally require multiple presses to register.
Up to 4K resolution; HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support; Wi-Fi 6 connectivity; voice commands for remote controls; Roku, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home compatibility
Roku Ultra
Roku Ultra
With a few more capabilities than the standard streaming stick, this is Roku’s high-end streaming gadget. For optimal speed, it can be physically connected to your Wi-Fi network using an Ethernet connection. If you want to enjoy your shows without bothering other people, the remote control has been enhanced as well. It is rechargeable and features a headphone jack.
Up to 4K resolution; support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos; connectivity by Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 6; remote controls, music controls, and a headphone jack; compatibility with Roku, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home
Best splurge: Apple TV
Some of the most expensive streaming devices available are Apple TV models. In our experience, the rechargeable remote is among the best; it has a stylish aluminum shell and sturdy, long-lasting buttons. We appreciate that, in addition to clicking, you can control it by swiping on the directional touchpad. Additionally, Apple apps like Music, Photos, Facetime, Fitness+, Apple Arcade, and others are supported and synced with Apple TV devices.
Apple TV 4K (128GB)
Apple TV 4K 128GB
We suggest this 128GB model over Apple’s slightly less expensive Apple TV 4K (64GB). It supports Ethernet for quick, wired connectivity and offers twice as much storage space for games, apps, and pictures. With Thread networking built in, it also functions as a smart hub (read more in our guide to smart home hubs). With their purchase, new customers receive a complimentary three-month subscription to Apple TV+, the company’s content streaming service, valued at $30.
Up to 4K resolution; support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos; Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 6; voice commands and rechargeable remote controls; compatibility with Apple Home and Thread smart homes
For Amazon households: Amazon Fire TV
Think about getting an Amazon Fire TV if your speakers, plugs, and smart doorbell are all controlled by Amazon Alexa. The firm claims that you will be able to operate it through the TV after it is synchronized with a compatible device. Additionally, the streaming sticks are regularly on sale and significantly reduced on occasions such as Black Friday and Prime Day.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Reporter for NBC SelectBecause they are compact, blend in with her other Amazon Alexa-enabled gadgets, and remain hidden behind her TV, Zoe Malinuses Amazon Fire sticks. She currently prefers Amazon streaming devices for Alexa voice controls and Amazon account notifications for things like upcoming orders, even though she used Apple TV in the past.
According to the brand, this 4K max version is faster and more fluid to use than the standard TV Stick 4K, thus we suggest it. Additionally, you can typically find it on sale for less than $50. Consider the Amazon sFire TV Stick HD if you only intend to use this stick with an HD (1080p) TV.
4K resolution, support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, voice commands, and Amazon Alexa compatibility for smart homes
For sharing content: Google Chromecast
One of the earliest streaming devices available was Google Chromecast, which made it simple to transfer anything from your laptop, tablet, or phone to your TV. That remains one of its strongest points to this day. It utilizes Google Voice Assistant and syncs with the Google Home app, just like other Google products.
Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
Since its launch in 2013, Josh Rios, a video producer for NBC Select, has been utilizing Google Chromecast. He streams shows from applications like Max, YouTube, and Paramount+ these days. Casting, which lets him project content from his laptop or phone onto the TV, is still his favorite function. Even though there are sporadic casting issues, such as audio or visual lags, the whole process is straightforward.
The less expensive Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is a good option if you primarily want to stream video to an older HD TV.
Note from the editor: Google just unveiled the Google TV Streamer 4K, a new streaming and smart home hub that the company claims will replace Chromecast. After we’ve completed testing the new streamer, we might revise this suggestion.
Resolution: up to 4K | Supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos | Wi-Fi 5 connectivity | Voice commands as a remote control feature | Google Home compatibility
Related
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Do I need a streaming device?
The smart operating system that powers the majority of contemporary TVs includes apps including Netflix, Peacock, Max, Apple TV+, and Paramount+. But streaming sticks are generally faster than these built-in operating systems, says Carl Prouty, a product specialist in consumer electronics sales atAbt, a national retailer based in Glenview, Illinois. (Since Abt sells streaming devices, we only spoke with Prouty about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.) When you press a button on a streaming remote, there is little to no lag in the response on the screen. Many TV operating systems, by comparison, struggle with this lag, says Prouty.
Streaming devices also have features that many TVs do not. Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K, for example, can use an ethernet cable to get faster and more stable speeds. Depending on where your home Wi-Fi router is, this can be the best way to connect, says Mark Steinberg, the senior technologist atB&H Photo & Video. (Since B&H sells streaming devices, we only spoke with Steinberg about general shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.)
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Carl Prouty
is a product specialist with over 20 years of experience in consumer electronics sales atAbt
.
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Mark Steinberg
is the senior technologist atB&H Photo & Video.
He has decades of experience in electronics sales.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology, with recent stories ontablets,cameras, andkeyboards. For this piece, I spoke with electronics experts to better understand the technical differences between the most popular streaming devices. I also leveraged my experience and the experience of the NBC Select team using streaming devices over the years.
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