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A media streaming device can transform your so-called dumb TV into a smart one that plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and other streaming services.
The best of the bunch is the Roku Ultra with its easy-to-use interface, 4K video streaming, voice control, and simple remote.
The world is changing. Gone are the days when a cable subscription was necessary to watch all the latest and greatest TV shows. These days, the best TV shows are coming out on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Of course, the best way to take advantage of services like Netflix is by streaming shows straight to your TV.
There are plenty of streaming devices out there to help you connect the latest and greatest video streaming services to your TV, and they're not all created equal. Before buying, you'll want to consider a few different things.
For starters, you'll want to think about whether you want a fully-fledged streaming box, which comes complete with its own operating system and allows you to download and install apps. The alternative is a device like the Google Chromecast, which basically streams content from your phone or computer. With a streaming stick, instead of installing Netflix on your TV-connected device, you'll install it on your phone or computer and then stream from your phone to the streaming stick, which is plugged into your TV's HDMI port.
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Next up you'll want to keep in mind the specs of your TV. Not all streaming sticks and boxes are able to handle 4K content, so if you have a 4K TV, you'll want to get one that can stream 4K videos. Last but not least, it might be worth considering the ecosystem you're most plugged into. For example, Android users might be able to get more use from an Android TV device, while those using an iPhone and Mac might prefer the Apple TV.
We've done the research to find the best streaming sticks and boxes to turn your dumb TV into a smart one that can access videos from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more.
Here are our top picks for the best streaming boxes and sticks:
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.
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
Why you'll love it: The Google Chromecast Ultra is quick to set up, easy-to-use and works great, but best of all, it costs just $70.
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
Why you'll love it: The new Amazon Fire TV Stick streams video in 4K straight to your TV for $50.
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
Why you'll love it: The Apple TV 4K is well-designed, easy to use, and integrates well with the rest of your Apple products.
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
Why you'll love it: The NVIDIA Shield doesn’t just run Google’s Android TV, it also supports 4K streaming and even has a controller for Android gaming.
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
Why you'll love it: The Roku Streaming Stick offers a great interface, is super easy to use, and costs less than $50, and the Stick+ even has 4K for a little bit more money.
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.
