Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices

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Whether you’ve completely cut the cord on cable or not, a streaming device affords a new level of flexibility and freedom if you want to keep up with the latest TV shows and movies. You can use one device to access your Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Shudder, Crunchy Roll, and more streaming accounts—like a smart TV, but much cheaper.

The good news is that your options for streaming devices are more capable and affordable than ever. Whether that means streaming shows and movies from your favorite subscription service or using it as a stand-in for a bulky cable box, streaming devices have become all-in-one hubs for content, and even gaming, through your screens.

That being said, there are more streaming devices on the market than you can easily distinguish between. To help you out, we have rounded up some of the best options out there, from the most affordable to premium quality for TV bingers, occasional browsers, and everyone in between.

The Best Streaming Devices

• Best Overall: Roku Ultra Streaming Device

• Best Value: Amazon Fire TV Stick Streaming Device

• Most Convenient: Google Chromecast Streaming Device

• Best Integrated Streaming Device: TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV

• Best for Apple Users: Apple TV 4K Streaming Device 128GB Storage (3rd Generation)

What to Consider

Content Access

When looking to purchase a new streaming system, the most important thing to keep in mind is what streaming services you want access to. Most devices come with Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime already downloaded, along with free-to-watch apps like YouTube and Vudu. But if you’re looking for a wider range, like a niche game streaming service or an exercise service like Peloton, make sure that it’s compatible with your platform by checking the manufacturer’s app marketplace.

This also applies for cable service providers. Many providers have official apps you can download onto a streaming device, instead of installing an additional cable box. If you plan on using your streaming device in this capacity, make sure it has your cable network provider as one of its official apps.

Device Size and Features

The size and style of the streaming device does not have a major impact on its functionality, but does make a difference in many small ways. Stick models are perfect if you have a large or mounted TV and want to install and forget about it, while slightly larger models are great if you expect to rely on the device for more than just TV.

You will also want to take into account some of the smaller features like a headphone jack—useful for late-night binges—or an ethernet port. The ethernet port is particularly important if you don’t have the strongest Wi-Fi, as it helps to bring strong, steady internet directly to the device to help cut down on lag time.

Remotes

Nearly all streaming devices come with a wireless remote that serves are your main access point. This means that if you want to find a specific show or movie that isn’t directly visible on the home screen of your subscription service, you need to search for it using the remote. For many remotes, the difficulty or tediousness of doing this is noticeable, especially if the buttons aren’t totally responsive or if there is a slightly delay between the remote and the TV.

Some streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick can respond to voice commands and even function as a virtual assistant—something to consider if you want to operate a TV somewhere you might not have a free hand, like a kitchen or workshop. There are also apps for some devices that function like remotes, but include a keyboard option for typing in passwords or searching.

How We Selected

In order to make this list, we researched several options from different brands and at different price points. We made our final selections based on functionality, access to streaming channels, ease of use, and integration with other devices. We also took into account hundreds of verified customer reviews alongside our own personal experience using streaming devices. Our list represents both the highest quality options as well as those with the best interfaces for users with unique needs or limited budgets.

Ultra Streaming Device

If you’re looking to step things up a bit from more entry-level streaming devices, this top-of-the-line Roku Ultra should fit the bill nicely. It comes with 4K Ultra HD streaming (with HDR), and some other handy features you won’t get with the cheaper Roku Streaming Stick or Streaming Stick+.

This streaming device also has a headphone jack on the remote for easy watching late at night, and an Ethernet port on the unit itself (a must if your home Wi-Fi isn’t reliable enough for streaming).

Consider this option for your living your or main entertainment center.

Fire TV Stick Streaming Device

As with Apple’s and Google’s devices, you don’t necessarily have to be invested in Amazon’s product ecosystem to buy one of its streaming sticks. This Fire TV Stick streaming device will carry all the top channels like Netflix, Hulu, and Max, as well as of course Amazon Prime Video.

It also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, which lets you control streaming (and do anything else you would with another Alexa-enabled device) with voice commands.

Though this Fire stick is admittedly quite similar to previous models, it has become quite a bit faster while keeping its ease of use. For a few dollars less you can grab the basic Fire Stick Lite or for a few dollars more for the Fire Stick 4K.

Chromecast Streaming Device

Previously remote-less, this updated Chromecast from Google comes with a remote that not only works with the streaming device but can even replace your primary TV’s clicker thanks to its power button.

It also has an input switch button, which you’ll want when swapping over to a gaming console. Chromecast remains one of the more affordable streaming devices at only $50 and provides just about every app you could hope for, including Peloton’s.

At the same time, you can use the device to cast directly to your TV from a phone, laptop, or tablet.

50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV

Forget connecting a streaming device to your TV. Instead of buying a completely separate item for your home, combine the two with this smart TV from TCL.

This smart TV comes already loaded with Roku TV, so as soon as its connected to your Wi-Fi, you're ready to start streaming. At the same time, you don't have to worry about the resolution quality of a separate streaming device either as the TV is built with 4K resolution and a Dolby Atmos sound system to ensure a powerful watching experience.

This TV is also compatible with virtual assistants such as Alex and Google Assistant.

TV 4K Streaming Device 128GB Storage (3rd Generation)

Apple’s streaming devices are never going to be the most affordable options, but they do have some considerable advantages. Most notably, this device has direct access to the App Store and support for iTunes, as well as AirPlay mirroring.

So, the most integrated Apple products are into your current smart home, the more versatile this streaming device becomes. The latest generation supports 4K streaming and is available with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

The main streaming box is also ethernet capable, so you can keep your streaming speeds blazing fast.

Streaming Stick+

Roku’s Streaming Stick+ is a great option if you don’t want yet another box sitting by your TV, or you want a streaming device you can take when you travel. The discreet stick plugs directly into an HDMI port and sets up on your TV almost just as easily.

The basic Streaming Stick came out a few years ago and is still on sale if you prefer something for basic streaming. But if you jump up to the Streaming Stick+, you’ll get 4K resolution and a wireless receiver built into the power cord, which boosts the signal if, say, your device is on the other side of your TV from your router and you’re running into buffering issues.

The remote also comes with shortcuts for the most popular streaming services, so you can hop directly where you want to go with just one press.

Shield Android TV Pro Streaming Device

If gaming is your thing but you still want to be able to watch your favorite shows, consider this streaming device from Nvidia. While it’s on the pricier end, this device has multipurpose functionality.

Alongside streaming TV and movies, it also comes with up to 200 games available to play through Android TV and even more through Shield TV, which allows you to stream PC Games on your TV screen.

It no longer comes with an Nvidia controller, but you can still purchase one which will seamlessly connect. Just know that the remote that it does come with works with both Android and Shield, so a separate controller isn’t necessary.

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