Best streaming devices 2024
Because smart TVs don't always have every app (for example, a TG staffer's set doesn't have Apple TV Plus, which means they have to view it on their laptop or phone), the finest streaming devices are a must-have for your entertainment center. However, once you understand you need a streaming device, choosing the right one for your purposes might be difficult. Should you spend the extra $179? Is the $99 Roku Ultra a good investment? What about the slew of Fire TV sticks?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K, an upgrade to a previous model that increased performance and introduced Dolby Vision, is our current recommendation for the finest streaming gadget overall. It's our top selection for a variety of reasons, including Roku's simplified app-first operating system.
Following the Apple TV 4K, the new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the latest addition to this list (2021). Neither is a significant improvement over the previous model, however the former is speedier in some scenarios and the latter has a much better remote (which you can buy separately). While the Xbox One S was formerly on our list, Microsoft no longer manufactures it, so we've replaced it with the great Xbox Series S.
To watch how the finest streaming devices improve over time, several of us at Tom's Guide possess many items from this list. We not only watch shows and movies from the biggest streaming services on these devices for hours on end, but we also compare them to others with comparable costs to help you decide which is best for your budget.
While Netflix and Hulu are available on all platforms, certain other applications are exclusive to Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV.
Oh, and if you want to watch Apple TV episodes and services but don't want to pay the extra price for one of their streaming boxes, there's good news: the Apple TV app is now available on Vizio Smart TVs.
Small details like progressively quicker performance and smoother streaming on Wi-Fi in bigger homes (when it's not near the router) keep the Roku Ultra (2020) on our list. Using all of these devices often demonstrates the advantages of investing more on your streaming device, since the less expensive Fire TV devices control your whole home screen experience, whilst the Apple TV has no commercials and greater flexibility. Everything you need to know about the top streaming gadgets can be found right here.
1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K
2. Chromecast with Google TV
3. Nvidia Shield TV (2019)
4. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
5. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
6. Apple TV 4K (2021)
7. Roku Ultra (2020)
8. Amazon Fire TV Cube
9. Xbox Series S
10. Roku Express 4K Plus
11. TiVo Stream 4K
12. Xfinity Flex
How to choose the best streaming device for you
It's not difficult to choose the best streaming gadget for your needs. While the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a good place to start, your results may vary. If you're on a budget, the Google Chromecast can stream a lot of entertainment to your TV without the need for a control.
If you have a lot of digital media that you want to view on your TV, the Roku Ultra makes it very simple, and you'll never have to worry about what a media server is again. However, if you prioritize performance and watch a lot of 4K UHD material, the Nvidia Shield TV is the place to start.
