The best streaming box overall
Roku's Ultra is more streaming box than most people need. It supports 4K video at 60 frames per second and HDR content for less than $100. If you have a 4K TV, this is the streaming device you want. We tested it and were deeply impressed by the quality.
Roku may not necessarily be linked to your Google or Apple account, but it can still connect to all the streaming services you enjoy. You’ll be able to install Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, and more using Roku's operating system. Just connect the box to your TV via the HDMI port, and connect all your favorite streaming services to get started.
As mentioned, the device also supports HDR, which basically means that it’ll show richer colors and better contrast, which is always a good thing for TV lovers. The device even supports 4K video at 60 frames per second, which is something most media streaming devices don’t currently support.
Of course, to take advantage of that 4K content, you’ll need a decent connection. Thankfully the device can connect to your internet through Ethernet or over Wi-Fi.
The Ultra also comes with a remote control so you can adjust the volume, turn on your TV, and search for content with your voice.
The Roku Ultra is perfect for most people with a 4K TV. And for less than $100, it's a steal. Expert reviewers give the Ultra high marks.
Pros: 4K and HDR streaming, affordable, good remote, lots of apps, improved Wi-Fi connection, Ethernet, microSD port
Cons: Pricey
Buy the Roku Ultra on Amazon for $82.99 (originally $99.99)The best Chromecast
The Google Chromecast is arguably the original streaming stick, and it’s loved around the world for its simplicity and excellent price. The Chromecast Ultra is different than many of the other devices on this list, largely because it’s built solely to stream content from your phone or computer to your TV. That means there’s no user interface, no apps to install — nothing. Just find the content on your phone and hit the “Cast” button.
Chromecast was first introduced a few years back, and it has gone through a couple of updates since then. Now, the flagship Chromecast is the Chromecast Ultra, which sets itself apart from other Chromecasts with its ability to handle 4K streaming, which is a pretty big deal. You’ll need a good internet connection, though.
One of the great things about the Chromecast Ultra is that it interacts with your other Google devices. For example, you can tell a Google Home speaker to search videos on YouTube or play music on your TV through the Chromecast.
Then there’s the affordable price. The Chromecast Ultra costs just $69 — a price many reviewers, including us, love. TechRadar gave the Chromecast Ultra 4/5, while Pocket-Lint went a step further with a 4.5/5 star review.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy-to-use, works with smart speakers
Cons: No interface might frustrate some
Buy the Google Chromecast Ultra at Walmart for $69.00The best Amazon Fire TV
Amazon's brand-new Fire TV Stick comes with 4K Ultra HD and HDR support. This slim dongle plugs into the HDMI port in the back of your TV and comes with a remote control for easy access to play, pause, stop, volume up/down, and more.
Fire TV works with Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, and many other video streaming apps. You can download all your favorite apps on it to play shows on SlingTV, PBS, and more. Since it's part of Amazon's ecosystem, Fire TV works with Alexa voice controls. You can tell your TV to play "Game of Thrones" without lifting a finger.
The streaming stick has a faster processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi to ensure smooth streaming on your TV without any annoying glitches. So long as your Wi-Fi is good, you shouldn't have a problem.
If you're a Prime subscriber and an Echo fan who needs a streaming stick, it's a great buy. Expert reviewers from The Verge, CNET, TechRadar, and Engadget gave it high marks as an affordable, 4K streaming option.
All of the reviewers more or less agreed that Alexa voice search works well and it's very affordable for a 4K streaming stick. The only downside is the current lack of 4K content, but if that's what you're really looking for, you'll have to pay more and grab an Apple TV.
Pros: 4K streaming, Alexa voice control, affordable, easy to use
Cons: Pricier than budget sticks
Buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick on Amazon for $49.99The best streaming box for Apple fans
If you’re looking for a device to better integrate with your iTunes account, iPhone, and other Apple devices, then you’ll want to look into getting an Apple TV. The new Apple TV 4K boasts a number of great features, but as the name suggests, it now offers streaming in 4K, which is great for those of you who have 4K TVs.
As you would expect from an Apple device, it’s well-designed and will look right at home amongst your other home entertainment devices, even the more premium ones. On the back of the device, you’ll get a power input, HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. That way, you can have a more stable internet connection for streaming 4K video.
One of the best things about the Apple TV is Apple’s tvOS, which is super easy to use, especially with the included remote. As mentioned, it can stream in 4K and has HDR support, too. You can watch your favorite content with great contrast and bright colors.
In early reviews, Engadget called it "almost perfect," while CNET called it the most high-end 4K streaming experience. However, it was universally acknowledged that the Apple TV is for hardcore Apple fans who can afford it, and most people will be more than happy with the Roku Premiere+ instead.
Pros: Well-designed, great interface, 4K and HDR support
Cons: A little pricey
Buy the Apple TV 4K at Walmart for $179.00The best streaming box for Android TV
If you’re more plugged into the Android ecosystem, you might want something that comes pre-loaded with Google’s Android TV. If so, there’s no better device than the NVIDIA Shield, which was first launched a few years ago and has been updated a few times since then.
Like our top pick, this media streamer supports 4K content, including videos from Google Play Movies and TV, which is great news for Android users. On top of that, NVIDIA announced that it will soon be getting integration with Google Assistant for voice control.
The Shield is also the best device for gamers. Not only does it have a standard TV remote control, but it also has a gaming controller, so if you’re into the games on the Google Play Store, you’ll be able to game to your heart's content. The downside here is that the controller probably wouldn’t be considered console-quality.
As an Android TV device, this streamer relies heavily on the likes of YouTube, but you’ll also be able to install Netflix, Hulu, and all your other favorite media streaming services.
TechRadar gave it 4.5/5 stars, while Trusted Reviews and PCMag both gave it 4/5 stars. The main drawback? The fact that it’s a little expensive, coming in at $199.99.
Pros: 4K support, gaming controller, Android TV operating system
Cons: Expensive
Buy the NVIDIA Shield on Amazon for $187 (originally $199.99)The best budget streaming stick
The Chromecast Ultra may be inexpensive, but there’s a streaming device that’s even cheaper – the new 2017 Roku Streaming Stick. Not only that, but for the money, you’re getting a capable streaming stick with a built-in user interface and remote.
Perhaps the best thing about the Roku Streaming Stick is how easy it is to use. The interface is well-designed and extremely easy to navigate. Since it uses a built-in operating system, you can install apps like Netflix without having to stream from your phone or computer.
Of course, there are downsides to the Roku Streaming Stick. For example, it does not offer 4K streaming or HDR. If, however, your TV doesn’t offer those features anyway, it won’t be such a big deal. The Streaming Stick+ costs a bit more with ann original price of $69.99 but it does support 4K and it goes on sale for as little as $49 sometimes.
Most reviewers, including Tom's Guide, argue this is among the best streaming devices out there. We agree, having tested it ourselves. Guides Editor Malarie Gokey uses it with a 1080p BenQ projector in her home.
The $30 Roku Express and $40 Express+ are even more basic and affordable, but still good. You can read more about these budget devices in the next slide.
Pros: Cheap, easy-to-use, built-in OS
Cons: No 4K or HDR
Buy the 1080p Roku Streaming Stick on Amazon for $45.65 (originally $49.99) Buy the 4K Roku Streaming Stick+ on Amazon for $49 (originally $69.99)
