I've been reviewing home entertainment gear for more than a decade, and in that time, I've tested just about every streaming device you can plug into a TV. I've lived with Roku players, Fire TV Sticks, Apple TVs, and Chromecasts. The best streaming devices are quick, easy to navigate, and perfect if you're fed up with a sluggish smart TV interface or still using an older TV without built-in apps.
My pick for the best streaming device overall is the Roku Ultra, which I actually use in my own living room. It supports 4K streaming, comes with a handy rechargeable remote, and has a clean, intuitive home screen that makes it easy to jump into whatever you want to watch. If you're shopping on a tighter budget and only need HD, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is a super affordable option that often drops to only $18.
I've also included streaming players for people who want top-tier speed and performance, with a mix of traditional set-top boxes that sit on your media console and compact sticks that plug straight into your TV's HDMI port. No matter which model you choose, the best streaming devices give you reliable access to a huge library of services.
Our top picks for the best streaming devices
Best overall: Roku Ultra - See at Amazon
Best on a budget: Fire TV Stick HD - See at Amazon
Best for Google users: Google TV Streamer 4K - See at Amazon
Best for speedy navigation: Fire TV Stick 4K Max - See at Amazon
Best high-end: Apple TV 4K - See at Walmart
Best overall
The 2024 edition of the Roku Ultra has a new processor for speedier performance. It also comes with an updated remote with backlit keys and USB-C charging. Like previous models, this flagship streaming device supports 4K playback with HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
What we like
What we don't like
I've tested many streaming devices, but the Roku Ultra is the model I always return to for my own home theater setup. It checks all the boxes I look for, with reliable navigation, 4K video playback, and support for every high dynamic range (HDR) format.
Roku OS features a large library of video apps, including access to all the best streaming services. To get started, just connect the box to your TV via HDMI and install all your favorite apps. Roku's streamlined interface is my favorite, thanks to its simplicity. However, its app-centric design might come across as outdated to buyers who prefer a more content-focused approach.
Like all the best streaming devices, the Roku Ultra supports HDR to deliver a wide range of colors and enhanced contrast. In addition to standard HDR10, it supports the more advanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, which can deliver a more accurate image. Check out our HDR TV guide for more details about different formats.
The latest Roku Ultra was released in 2024 and features a quad-core processor, offering faster navigation than the 2020 model. I can't say I ever had an issue with the previous model's speed, but the new option is slightly quicker when switching between apps. It also adds support for WiFi 6, which can improve connection reliability and speeds in households with numerous smart devices (provided you have a WiFi 6 router).
The 2024 Ultra also comes with Roku's second-generation Voice Remote Pro. Like the first-gen remote, the new one supports voice search, either with a button press or hands-free with a wake word. The remote also offers a handful of extra perks that make it more convenient than most competitors, including a rechargeable battery (via USB-C) and a "lost remote" chime. The second-gen remote is even backlit with keys that light up in the dark. That's something that Google, Amazon, and Apple don't offer on their pack-in remotes.
Compared to less expensive Roku models, the Ultra adds an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, a USB port for local media playback, built-in Dolby Atmos decoding, and Bluetooth support for pairing wireless headphones. This all helps cement the Ultra as one of the most versatile media players in its price range. I also like that it's more universal than Amazon, Apple, and Google devices. There are cheaper alternatives, but the Roku Ultra is the best streaming device for anyone looking for a feature-packed media player with a simple, intuitive interface.
Best on a budget
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick HD is its entry-level streaming device with Full HD (1080p) streaming and HDR support. This model also has an Alexa voice remote that includes TV controls.
What we like
What we don't like
Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD is one of the most affordable streaming devices on the market, with frequent sale prices as low as $18.
To keep the cost down, the Fire TV Stick HD is limited to 1080p playback, but you're still getting a capable streaming stick that pairs well with aging HDTVs that need extra smarts.
Like all of Amazon's streaming devices, the Fire TV HD uses the Fire TV OS, which offers access to every major TV app. Although it's not my favorite interface, Amazon has improved its design in recent years with better organization, which should please fans of content-focused navigation. That said, it does emphasize sponsored content and shopping recommendations more than some of its competitors, such as Google TV and Roku.
Compared to more expensive Fire TV Sticks, this model lacks 4K support and Dolby Vision. It also lacks integrated Dolby Atmos decoding, but since most modern TVs can handle Atmos decoding themselves, this isn't a big deal. However, the Stick HD is a tad slower than the flagship Fire TV Stick 4K Max, so navigation isn't as snappy.
On the plus side, you still get Alexa voice control via the included remote. The Fire TV Stick HD also supports HDR10 and HDR10+. However, HDR support is mostly unnecessary on HD streaming sticks like this since most TVs that support HDR are 4K displays. If you have a 4K TV, you're better off investing in an entry-level 4K player, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K or Roku Streaming Stick Plus.
Best for Google users
The Google TV Streamer is the brand's latest 4K streaming device with an improved processor and new set-top box design. It also boasts integration with Google Home for smart device control, and leverages AI to offer personalized content recommendations.
What we like
What we don't like
Google used to brand its streaming devices as Chromecasts, but the company officially sunset that lineup in 2024. In its place, it launched the Google TV Streamer 4K. The new device replaces the old dongle design of past Chromecasts with a compact set-top box that can be placed on your media console, similar to a Roku Ultra or Apple TV. Google also improved performance with a better processor than its predecessor and added a few new features.
The resulting player is by far the best streaming device Google has ever released. It uses the latest version of the Google TV interface and integrates seamlessly with the brand's broader ecosystem of smart home products and services. A new smart home panel lets you control connected devices like thermostats and doorbells with the Streamer's remote, and view video feeds from smart cameras right on your TV.
For playback, the Streamer supports 4K resolution, all major HDR formats, and Dolby Atmos audio. Navigating through streaming apps and menus is smooth, and performance is noticeably quicker than on the previous Chromecast model. The Google TV system also does a great job analyzing your subscriptions and viewing habits to offer smart content recommendations you'll actually want to watch. I still prefer Roku's navigation style, but I give Google TV an edge over Amazon's Fire TV OS.
The remote is also solid, with a simplified design that feels good in hand. It supports Gemini AI voice search with a button press and even has a lost-remote chime like Roku's remotes. However, it doesn't support hands-free voice control, and it's not rechargeable or backlit. It's also worth noting that the Google TV Streamer 4K uses the older WiFi 5 standard rather than WiFi 6, which most competitors offer.
But despite a couple of drawbacks, the Streamer holds up well against similarly priced rivals from other brands. If you're invested in other Google devices and favor the Google TV interface, this is a good buy.
Read our Google TV Streamer 4K review.
Best for speedy navigation
This is Amazon's top streaming stick. With its powerful processor and GPU, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the fastest streaming device in its price range and now supports console-free Xbox gaming via Game Pass.
What we like
What we don't like
Amazon's best streaming stick is also one of the snappiest streaming devices I've tested. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max plugs into your TV's HDMI port, giving you access to tons of video apps and support for up to 4K playback. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also compatible with all major HDR formats, so people with Dolby Vision or HDR10+ TVs can watch videos in the best available quality.
An Alexa voice remote is included so you can control playback and search for content with spoken commands. While the remote requires you to press a button to activate Alexa, you can also pair it with an Echo speaker for hands-free control. The 4K Max also supports the new AI-powered Alexa+ service, which supports more conversational queries. (Alexa+ is free if you have a Prime membership, but costs $20 a month without one.)
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max works with all of the most popular streaming apps. The interface is decent, but I find Roku OS and Google TV to be a bit more appealing because they let you arrange more apps at the top of the home screen and feature fewer sponsored content recommendations and shopping picks.
The latest version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max launched in 2023, and this second-gen model has a revised design with rounded edges and an upgraded processor. The previous Fire TV Stick 4K Max was already snappy, but the 2023 model dethrones it as the fastest media stick I've ever tested. It also offers double the storage and supports WiFi 6E routers. Unlike other Fire TV Sticks, the 4K Max supports Amazon's Fire TV Ambient Experience, which lets you display art, photos, and weather and calendar widgets.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also one of the few media devices that has direct access to the Xbox app. This app lets you use a Game Pass membership to stream Xbox games without a console. All you need is a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a Bluetooth gamepad.
People willing to pay more should also consider the latest Fire TV Cube, which has a set-top box design with an integrated speaker and built-in support for hands-free Alexa. This means it can double as an Echo smart speaker. But since the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is often on sale for as little as $30, I don't think the Cube is worth the extra money for most buyers.
Check out our guide to the best Fire TVs.
Best high-end
The Apple TV 4K is the perfect fit for enthusiasts who want powerful performance, extra storage space, and seamless integration with the rest of Apple's ecosystem.
What we like
What we don't like
If you're looking for a high-end streaming device that seamlessly integrates with your Apple account, the third-generation Apple TV 4K is the ideal choice.
The device's tvOS interface should appeal to people who already use other Apple products, like an iPhone. It's also the only major operating system that isn't available as a built-in interface on any smart TVs. Though Roku, Google, and Amazon all license their streaming systems to various TV brands, Apple doesn't, so the only way to get the tvOS experience is with an Apple TV device.
The Apple TV 4K can access tons of streaming apps, as well as music, podcasts, and even games via Apple Arcade. You can also mirror content from an iOS or macOS device using AirPlay. In addition, the Apple TV 4K can serve as a HomeKit hub for Apple's smart home ecosystem.
As its name implies, the Apple TV 4K streams in up to 4K resolution. Like the Roku Ultra, it supports every major HDR format, including Dolby Vision and, new for the third-gen model, HDR10+. These formats deliver the best image quality on compatible TVs, providing your display with scene-by-scene instructions for optimizing color and contrast.
The included voice remote supports Siri, and the newest edition has built-in USB-C charging, so you don't need batteries. The back of the device also has an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, but this feature is only available on the more expensive 128GB model. The 128GB Apple TV 4K also adds Thread networking support, which enables it to connect other supported smart devices to the internet so they can communicate with each other.
On the downside, the Apple TV 4K is pricier than a lot of competing options from Roku and Amazon. Most people who aren't invested in Apple's ecosystem will be satisfied with the Roku Ultra, which is less expensive. The deciding factor comes down to budget and the OS you prefer.
How we test streaming devices
To determine the best streaming devices, our reviewers rely on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by more than a decade of experience covering the home entertainment market. We evaluate several factors, including video and audio playback support, navigation speed, app selection, interface ease of use, and remote-control features such as voice search.
When reviewing performance, we live with each streaming device for an extended period, gaining a sense of what it would be like to actually own and use it as our daily media player. We test the same assortment of apps on each model to compare speed and playback quality.
We also consider additional perks, such as whether a device has exclusive support for a specific app or features a rare capability. For example, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of the few streaming devices that supports the Xbox app. Meanwhile, the Apple TV 4K is one of the few options that has built-in Thread support for smart home device communication.
Learn more about our review process in our breakdown on how we test tech products.
What to look for in a streaming device
App support: First, confirm that your chosen device has access to all the services you want. All of the best streaming devices support popular apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, but certain brands may be missing some niche services.
Video and audio formats: You'll also want to consider the specs of your TV and sound system. Not all streaming sticks and boxes are compatible with Dolby Atmos, 4K, or HDR. If you have a 4K TV or an Atmos speaker setup, you'll want a device that can take advantage of your system's capabilities and support all the formats it supports. Likewise, if you don't have a 4K TV, you'll be better off opting for a more affordable device that doesn't include those extra features.
Smart home integration: Consider the type of interface and digital assistant you prefer, as well as the ecosystem you're most connected to. For example, Android and Google Home users will get more use from an Android or Google TV device, while iPhone or Mac users with Apple Home might prefer Apple TV, and Alexa fans might opt for a Fire TV model.
Roku devices, on the other hand, are the most versatile since they work well with a variety of ecosystems. On the downside, Roku devices lack integrated support for Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant/Gemini, but you can pair them with separate smart speakers that use those platforms. Check out our guide to the best smart speakers for recommendations.
Meet the expert behind this guide:
Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I oversee tech buying guides and hands-on reviews of the latest home entertainment devices for Business Insider's Reviews team. I've been putting streaming devices through their paces for over a decade, including models from pretty much every major brand. I personally own several of the picks in this guide and use them every day — they're hooked up in my own living room and bedrooms right now. I also test smart TVs year-round, so I know exactly how built-in TV systems compare to standalone streaming boxes and sticks. All of that hands-on experience helps me find the streaming devices that truly deliver the best performance and value in real-world use.
Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.
Streaming device FAQs
Do I need a streaming device if I have a smart TV?
If you have a smart TV, chances are your display already offers access to most, if not all, of the streaming services you want. However, even the operating systems on the best TVs tend to be a bit slower than those on many stand-alone streaming devices. Likewise, some people may prefer to use a different interface or digital assistant than the ones that come built into their display.
If you find your smart TV's OS to be lacking, a separate streaming stick or box is a good investment.
For more details on smart TVs, check out our various TV buying guides:
- Best 4K TVs
- Best TVs for picture quality
- Best OLED TVs
- Best sports TVs
- Best frame TVs
- Best gaming TVs
- Best budget TVs
- Best TVs under $500
- Best 100-inch TVs
- Best 85-inch TVs
- Best 75-inch TVs
- Best 65-inch TVs
- Best 55-inch TVs
- Best 50-inch TVs
- Best 43-inch TVs
- Best Hisense TVs
- Best Sony TVs
- Best TCL TVs
- Best LG TVs
- Best Samsung TVs
- Best Roku TVs
Which streaming device interface is the best?
Each streaming device brand uses a different operating system, with many opting for their own proprietary interface. Though they all offer the same core features, some people may prefer one platform's visual design and organization style over another.
Here's a rundown of different streaming device brands and the current interfaces they use:
- Roku: Roku OS
- Amazon: Fire TV OS
- Google: Google TV
- Onn: Google TV
- Apple: tvOS
- Nvidia: Android TV (similar to Google TV but an older system)
I generally prefer Roku's interface because it's the simplest and most reliable, but some may find its visual style outdated compared to other systems that use a more modern, content-focused approach to organization.
Every OS has its own advantages and drawbacks, with a lot of its appeal coming down to personal preference. However, no matter which one you choose, they all deliver the same basic streaming capabilities.
Should I get a streaming stick or a box?
When shopping for the best streaming device, you typically have two options: a set-top box or a stick/dongle. The difference mostly comes down to size and design. Set-top boxes are larger and typically sit on your media console, connecting to your TV with an HDMI cable. Streaming sticks are compact and plug directly into your TV's HDMI port.
Sticks are generally more convenient since they're small, don't take up shelf space, and don't need a separate cable. But entry-level models can be slower than pricier boxes and often skip extras like Ethernet or USB ports. Depending on your TV's layout, a stick may be easy to hide — or left visibly dangling from the side.
Set-top boxes are ideal if you want a high-end device, such as the Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra, with all the premium features. Sticks are typically the better budget pick, but top-tier versions, like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, now offer navigation speeds that rival — and sometimes surpass — those of full-size boxes.
Do streaming devices offer live TV and sports?
All of the best streaming devices include access to live TV apps. Some free apps, such as the Roku Channel, offer numerous internet stations without a subscription. However, apps that include popular cable and network channels require a paid subscription. Check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services and best sports streaming services to see our top recommendations.
Viewers seeking free access to network channels should consider purchasing a digital TV antenna to complement their streaming device. As long as you have reliable reception in your area, an antenna can pick up local channels like Fox, ABC, and NBC for free. Check out our guide to the best TV antennas for our top picks.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may 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 team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
