Which Streamer Should You Buy
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So you need a new device to connect to your TV and stream video, but you're not sure which one? We've got you covered. This guide will help you find the best streaming device that connects to your TV and streams video -- something you'll likely use every day for hours at a time to watch movies and TV. We've reviewed every major smart TV system and most [/news/best-media-streamer-gifts-for-the-holidays/ streaming] devices on the market today, including [/tags/amazon/ Amazon], [/tags/roku/ Roku], [/reviews/google-chromecast-review/ Chromecast] and [/reviews/apple-tv-4k-review/ Apple TV]. With the exception of smart [/topics/tvs/products/ TVs] that actually run streaming software from Amazon, Google or Roku, these add-on streaming [/news/best-wireless-mouse/ devices] have more apps, simpler remotes, better search and more frequent updates than the smarts built into your set.
If you're looking for the best streaming device to go with that new [/news/4k-1080p-2k-uhd-8k-tv-resolutions-explained/ 4K] HDR TV, or if your current media streaming device is getting long in the tooth, chances are you'll be more than happy with one of these.
Read more: [/news/best-streaming-service/ Best live TV streaming services for cord-cutters in 2021]
[ Best streamer overall]
[ Roku Streaming Stick Plus]
[ ]
Sarah Tew/CNET
[/awards/ ED I T O R S ' C H O I C E Oct 2020]
Roku is our favorite streaming system, with the most streaming app options ([ ]), the simplest interface and the best search. It also has a content-agnostic platform that doesn't push any one media streaming service provider, like Amazon Prime Video or Apple, over another. The Plus is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR, and even if your current TV doesn't support those formats, your next one probably will. And with the [ ], this Roku device is one of the least expensive ways to connect your iPhone or other Apple device to your TV. The Plus might be three years old, but it's still our top pick.
[/reviews/roku-streaming-stick-plus-review/ Read our Roku Streaming Stick Plus review].
[ $46 at Amazon]
[ $47 at Walmart]
[ $50 at Best Buy]
[ Chromecast with Google TV]
[ Second-best streamer overall]
[ ]
David Katzmaier/CNET
The Chromecast with Google TV isn't quite as good as the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, but this TV streaming device comes closer than any other device on the market. It outdoes the Streaming Stick Plus by adding [ ] compatibility -- to get that in Roku TV, you'll need the [ ] -- but its biggest strength is Google Assistant voice search, which works well for finding stuff to watch. We also like the impressive integration with other Google services such as Google Photos and YouTube TV. The interface is more evolved-looking than Roku, but ultimately we prefer Roku's simpler approach and no-nonsense search results. That said, the new Chromecast is a better choice for those already living in Google's world.
[ Read our Chromecast with Google TV review].
[ $50 at Walmart]
[ $50 at Best Buy]
[ $50 at Adorama]
[ Best for Apple fans]
[ Apple TV 4K]
[ ]
The perfect foil to the two $50 streamers above, the Apple TV still costs $180 but is the better choice for people who want to check every feature box -- or who just want an Apple device to use [ ] for gaming or take full advantage of their [ ] subscription bundles. Video purists will appreciate its [ ] while Siri fans will dig its voice extras. For most people, however, Apple's venerable streamer just isn't worth the money, especially now that Roku has all the major apps, AirPlay and the Roku Ultra has Dolby Vision at almost half the price.
[/reviews/apple-tv-4k-review/ Read our Apple TV 4K review].
[ $180 at Best Buy]
[ $179 at Adorama]
[ $179 at Apple]
[ Best budget streamer]
[ Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite]
[ ]
Let's get this out of the way first: If you prefer the simplicity of Roku's app-based menus like I do, you might like the Roku Express better (see below). But the Lite trounces the Express in features-for-the-money. This Fire TV device's biggest advantage is a remote with built-in voice search and control (the cheapest Roku with a voice remote is the Streaming Stick Plus) thanks to Alexa. The Fire Stick's remote also doesn't need line of sight to work. If you can't step up to a $50 player, the Lite is your best bet.
[ Read our Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite review].
[ $35 at Walmart]
[ $22 at Best Buy]
[ $30 at Crutchfield]
[ Best for convenience, wired streaming]
[ Roku Ultra]
[ ]
Sarah Tew/CNET
Roku's most expensive streamer is twice the price of the Streaming Stick Plus, but maybe you'll appreciate its extra features enough to want the upgrade. It offers more conveniences, including a headphone jack and programmable shortcut keys on the remote as well as our favorite feature, a remote finder in case you lose the clicker in the couch cushions. It also delivers Dolby Vision video, faster responses, improved Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet port -- [ ] if your home Wi-Fi is overloaded.
[ Read our Roku Ultra (2020) review].
[ $85 at Amazon]
[ $100 at Walmart]
[ $100 at Best Buy]
[ Second-best budget streamer]
[ Roku Express]
[ ]
Sarah Tew/CNET
We don't like it quite as much as the Fire TV Lite, but it is a Roku. Roku Express delivers all of the goodness of Roku's platform, and it includes a remote, an HDMI port and Micro USB port, an HDMI cable and a little sticker to keep it in place. And it's often on sale for less than $30.
[/reviews/roku-express-2019-review/ Read our Roku Express (2019) review].
[ $29 at Amazon]
[ $29 at Walmart]
[ Best for 4K streamer for Amazon fans]
[ Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K]
[ ]
Sarah Tew/CNET
I don't like it as much as the two other $50 streamers on this list, but Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K makes a lot of sense for people knee-deep in Amazon devices already. Like the Lite, it bakes Alexa right into the remote control. You can use voice control to search for video on Amazon or turn on your Christmas tree. Or both at the same time. Throw in a massive selection of Amazon content as well as Dolby Vision HDR and the Stick 4K is still an excellent choice.
[/reviews/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-review/ Read our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K review].
[ $50 at Amazon]
[ $50 at Best Buy]
[ $44 at Back Market]Refurbished
[ Best soundbar-streaming combo]
[ Roku Streambar]
[ ]
Sarah Tew/CNET
[ ][ ], but we think the new Streambar makes more sense for most people.
[ Read our Roku Streambar review].
[ $99 at Amazon]
[ $137 at Walmart]
[ $110 at Best Buy]
[ Best for gamers]
[ Nvidia Shield TV]
[ ]
Sarah Tew/CNET
Sure, it's an expensive media streamer at $150 -- and that's before adding a game controller -- but if you want a Jack-of-all-trades video streaming player, the Shield is it. In addition to a streaming media player with 4K streaming and HDR, it offers a robust library of games, both console-level and Android, Steam Link, built-in [ ][ ][ ], [ ] and panel pulsa termurah much more.
[ Read our Nvidia Shield TV review].
[ $150 at Amazon]
[ $150 at Walmart]
[ $150 at Best Buy]
Sarah Tew/CNET
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[/topics/media-streamers/ Media Streamers]
[/tags/amazon/ Amazon]
[/google/ Google]
[/tags/nvidia/ Nvidia]
[/tags/roku/ Roku]
[/apple/ Apple]
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