The Best Streaming Devices of 2024

Cut cords with the cable companies and stream your content to your TV

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Besides cutting down on unnecessary cables and other clutter, a streaming device allows you to watch just about anywhere as long as you have an HDMI-compatible display and a stable internet connection.

The form factor is the most apparent difference between these devices but is far from your only concern. Another consideration is the streaming services or apps offered on a particular platform and what formats (like 4K or HDR) are supported.

Best Overall

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Amazon

Pros
  • Fast performance

  • Great streaming quality

  • 4K and HDR

Cons
  • No YouTube app available

  • User interface can feel cluttered

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K wants to upgrade your tried-and-true entertainment experience. It has over 500,000 movies and TV shows from providers like Hulu, Netflix, STARZ, SHOWTIME, HBO, Prime Video, and live TV if you have subscriptions like Sling TV and Hulu. Users can access millions of websites like Facebook and YouTube, music streaming services, podcasts, and live radio stations like Amazon Music and Spotify. For the ultimate visual and audio experience, the stick is compatible with 4K Ultra HD, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.

The Fire TV Stick’s latest iteration also features Amazon Alexa, which is capable of everything from helping you select what show you should watch to controlling the lights, checking live camera feeds, and monitoring the weather. The stick features a powerful 1.7 GHz processor, and our testing revealed rapid loading times. The physical volume controls and power buttons mean you no longer have to deal with multiple remotes to control one device.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Best Budget

Roku Streaming Stick+

Roku Streaming Stick+

Amazon

Pros
  • Great value

  • Tons of different apps

  • Remote also has TV controls

Cons
  • Cheap build

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is our favorite low-cost streaming device. Whatever kind of subscription services you use, this little device will likely have an app. Like many other devices on this list, the Roku plugs directly into the HDMI port on your TV and connects to your home's Wi-Fi signal using a long-range wireless receiver.

The Roku is a great way to consolidate all your different platforms into one place, allowing you to switch from live TV on Sling to your favorite shows on Netflix and Disney+. It even has content from Apple TV. This eliminates the need to create a patchwork of different streaming devices you have to switch between on your TV. The Streaming Stick+ has also built TV controls into its remote, which means you can turn on and adjust your TV's settings without switching back and forth.

Best Features

Roku Ultra

Roku Ultra

Amazon

Pros
  • Solid 4K HDR performance

  • Easy to setup and use

  • Voice remote with headphone jack

Cons
  • No Dolby Vision support

  • Doesn’t include HDMI cable

  • Limited voice assistant

Roku's flagship, the Ultra, is a fantastic choice for streaming fans looking for the best-featured option. At 4.9 x 4.9 x .8 inches, the square-ish Ultra can support both 4K and HDR picture quality with a powerful quad-core processor. The 4K Ultra HD streaming is handled at 60fps, or four times the resolution of 1080p HD, and, thanks to its upgraded design, runs without fans. There's an HDMI port, an Ethernet port (plus 802.11 a/c), digital output, a microSD slot for additional storage, and a USB port. Unfortunately, there's no HDMI cable included, which is a strange omission.

A powerful processor makes navigating Roku's already friendly menu system a cinch. Channel selection is front and center and shows apps that have been downloaded. Like many other Roku devices, the Ultra offers voice search, which works well overall. Speak the show's name, actor, director, or app into the remote control or mobile app (Android and iOS), and your results will appear. The remote is standard Roku fashion with the colorful Purple direction pad and a slew of shortcuts to big-name apps and other controlling functions.

There is a 4K spotlight app that highlights UHD content across a variety of services. Night mode is a welcome addition that tones down big explosions and highlights dialogue so you can let the rest of the house sleep while you watch late at night. The combination of the speedy processor, 4K, and HDR streaming, plus one of the most expansive channel selections, means the Ultra won't disappoint.

Best Apple Device

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Apple TV 4K

Amazon

Pros
  • Siri voice remote

  • 4K HDR support

Cons
  • Expensive

The latest version of the popular Apple TV streaming devices comes with 4K support and built-in Siri functionality. Gone are the days of the frustrating click-wheel remote — you can use voice commands to find your favorite content effortlessly. The Apple App Store gives you access to apps for all your streaming services, including YouTube (finally).

As with all Apple products, you’ll get the most out of the Apple TV if you’re already in the brand’s ecosystem. Apple TV effortlessly syncs to your Apple Music, iTunes, and Photos accounts and lets you seamlessly mirror content from your MacBook or iPhone to your TV. Support for 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos sound will make your media look and sound fantastic — a definite bonus if you’re already invested in some quality gear for your entertainment center.

Runner Up

Google Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV

Amazon

Pros
  • Easy to set up and use

  • IR voice remote

  • Google Assistant

  • 4K, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos

Cons
  • No Ethernet port

  • Wouldn’t power with only USB

  • Missing some apps

Unlike past generations of Google’s Chromecast, the Chromecast with Google TV includes a remote control that makes the device much easier to use. The remote can control your TV, receiver, and soundbar in addition to your Chromecast, and it features Google Assistant for voice searches, asking questions, and controlling compatible smart home devices. If you have the Chromecast with Google TV, you don’t need a smart speaker in your TV room, as you can turn off your smart lights using Google Assistant on your remote.

With 4K resolution and HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, you’ll get stunning picture quality on your 4K TV or projector and support for Dolby Atmos sound. The Google TV interface—a version of Android TV—combines all your streaming services into one main menu. You’ll find content from services you subscribe to all in one place without having to click into the individual apps, whether you subscribe to Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, YouTube TV, or several others. 

The Chromecast with Google TV comes in three color options: snow, sky, and sunrise. It has a small profile and is easy to install and set up. Plus, with a price tag of around $50, it’s an excellent value too.

Chromecast with Google TV

Erika Rawes / Lifewire

What to Look For in a Streaming Device

4K Resolution

If you have a 4K television and a fast internet connection, then a television streaming device that supports 4K is the perfect way to watch ultra-high-definition content. If you don’t have a 4K television, getting a streaming device with a 4K resolution will future-proof your setup.

Ethernet Connectivity

Streaming devices typically connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, but plugging in a physical Ethernet cable is much more dependable. If you want to avoid annoyances like buffering, ensure you can use Ethernet when needed. Some TV streaming devices have an optional Ethernet adapter for just this reason.

App Availability

Most TV-streaming devices support most video-streaming services, but don’t take it for granted that this will always be the case. If you already subscribe to any streaming services, make sure the streaming device you choose has apps for them.

FAQ
  • If you already own a smart TV, do you need another streaming device?

    Depending on who makes your TV and which services you subscribe to, you may not need a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast. Most Smart TVs can access various streaming applications, although some models feature curious omissions. LG TVs, for example, currently lack support for Discovery Plus and other fringe services.

  • What kind of internet connection do you need for your streaming device to be effective?

    With the vast majority of content being streamed at least 1080p, a minimum of a 5 Mbps internet connection is necessary. Of course, having better bandwidth will allow you to stream 4K content without interruptions.

  • Will a streaming device work in your country?

    Yes. While some services and shows may be region-locked or region-specific, you can still get around these restrictions by using a VPN.

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