The 10 Streaming Devices Best, Tested And Researched
Whether you’re in the mood to stream your favorite shows, catch up on the latest episodes of your favorite shows or simply enjoy a movie from your mobile device, a streaming media player is the perfect option for you. Streaming devices are becoming more popular than ever before, and for good reason too. They let you watch movies and TV shows from various sources such as satellite and digital cable services, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and many more with ease.
Streaming devices are designed to stream multimedia content from the internet. They connect to other wired or wireless devices in order to access online media content. These types of devices can connect directly to a television set via an HDMI port or they can also connect to a set-top box (STB). In this article, we’ll discuss the best streaming devices so that you can find one that suits your needs.
We think Roku Streaming Stick 4K 2021 is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Roku Streaming Stick+ as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.
RELATED: We discovered 10 media players streaming from 11,293 evaluations from former users. Check it out here and find the best.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![Roku Streaming Stick 4K 2021 | Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Roku Voice Remote and TV Controls]()
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Breathtaking picture: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
TOP Choice #2
![Roku Streaming Stick+ | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Device with Long-range Wireless and Roku Voice Remote with TV Controls]()
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy picture quality that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Automatic software updates: Get the most up to date software including all the latest features and available channels without even thinking about it
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- Private listening on mobile: Use the free Roku mobile app to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house
- Setup is a cinch: Plug it in, connect to the internet, and start streaming—it’s that simple
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your streaming all with one remote—use your voice to quickly search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
- Endless entertainment: Stream what you love, including free TV, live news, sports, and more. It’s easy to stream what you love and cut back on cable bills with access to 500,000+ movies and TV episodes across thousands of free and paid channels
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels
- Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room Backyard movie night Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
TOP Choice #3
![Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (2021) Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Roku Voice Remote Pro, Black]()
- Rechargeable voice remote: Keep your Roku Voice Remote Pro powered for months on a single charge so you can say goodbye to batteries
- Hands-free voice controls: Say “Hey Roku” to find your lost remote, play entertainment, control your streaming, and power up your TV from across the couch
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection that’s great for streaming in the best picture quality
- Find your lost remote: Simply say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” and your Roku remote will play a sound
- Private listening: Plug your headphones into the Roku remote with headphone jack or use a wireless pair with the Roku mobile app to listen without disturbing a quiet house
- Super-fast startup: Plug it into your TV for a simple setup and start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 275+ Live TV channels for free on The Roku Channel
- Breathtaking picture: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Live and free TV - Watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb TV, YouTube and more.
- Just ask Alexa - With the built-in speaker, ask Alexa to check the weather, turn off the lights, and more – even when the TV is off.
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
- Designed to protect your privacy - Built with privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.
- The most powerful Fire TV streaming media player - the ultra-powerful hexa-core processor delivers a fast, fluid 4K streaming experience.
- Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Alexa Voice Remote - Search and launch content with your voice. Get to favorite apps quickly with preset buttons. Control power and volume with one remote.
- Control the TV with your voice - Control compatible soundbar and A/V receivers, and change live cable or satellite channels with your voice.
- Hands-free entertainment - Put down the remote and dive right into your favorites with just your voice.
- Find your lost remote: Simply press the button on your streaming device and your Roku remote will play a sound
- Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the Roku voice remote
- Our best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi or choose to wire up over Ethernet
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- Cinematic streaming: Roku Ultra is the centerpiece of your home theater with spectacular 4K and Dolby Vision picture plus immersive Dolby Atmos sound
- Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming device with one Roku voice remote
- Private listening: Plug headphones into the Roku remote with headphone jack or use a wireless pair with the Roku mobile app to listen without disturbing a quiet house
- 【Remote Control】Control your smart home devices conveniently. With the Google Assistant, you can quickly access entertainment, get answers and control devices around your home. Just press the mic button on your remote to get started.
- 【Easy to Connect】Our Mi box S Supports Wired & Wi-Fi connections. Get up and running in 3 simple steps. Step 1. Attach Mi Box to TV. Step 2, Connect to internet. Step 3. Start streaming.
- 【Cinematic Experience 】High Clarity 4K HDR . Xiaomi Mi Box S wiht features the latest 4K HDR technology and high-speed 4K processing for up to 60fps playback. Enjoy an ultra high-definition, lifelike viewing experience. Premium Audio puts you in the action. Dolby and DTS deliver crisper, three-dimensional surround sound.
- 【Powerful Streaming Media Player 】Our mi box streaming media player delivers a fast, fluid 4K streaming experience. Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful player ever.
- 【High Performance with Storage Capacity】2GB RAM + 8GB Storage. Install tons of awesome apps, watch extended cuts, and play more games while enjoying faster performance and stability.
- 🎁[Plug & Play] No drive or APP needed, without messy wires.It’s easy to connect and pair TV and will not affect other wireless devices, Wirelessly mirror and share all contents on the big screen.
- 🎁[High Performance Output] Equipped with dual antenna, 5GHZ high-speed transmission efficiency will be faster and more stable without dropping frame. Built-in VGA and HDMI interface, this wireless HDMI extender will meet the different needs to users.
- 🎁[Wireless Transmission] The receiver adopts HDMI+VGA dual port,By using WiFi transmission technology and through the point-to-point connection between transmitter and receiver equipment.Any scene that requires high-quality display. Stream 4K 3D movies, TV shows, video, transmits from your laptop, PC, smartphone , gaming console, satellite box , HDSLR camera to HDTV , projector and monitor.
- 🎁[Fashion Design & Portable] Auminum alloy frame and lighting effects, stylish and beautiful.Compact body, easy to carry and use.This wireless HDMI dongle is an ideal accessory for family entertainment and office business meetings.
- 🎁[4K Ultra HD Resolution] The resolution can reach 4K, the screen image is delicate, and all kinds of details are restored more perfectly.The Wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver can be used for home, office, education, party, gardening display, etc.
- 500, 000 plus movies and TV episodes. Free mobile app for iOS or android
- Powerful and portable
- Free Roku mobile app for private listening, voice search and more; TV Compatibility HD TVs Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up scaling from 720p; TV must have an HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2
- Voice remote with TV power and volume
- Refer installation manual before use
- Easy to use remote, intuitive navigation, search Across top channels
9
![Roku Ultra | Streaming Media Player 4K/HD/HDR with Premium JBL Headphones]()
- Automatic software updates: Get the most up to date software including all the latest features and available channels without even thinking about it
- Enjoy free TV: Stream live TV, 24/7 news, sports, movies, shows, and more on The Roku Channel, plus a huge collection of free entertainment from top channels on Featured Free
- Take control of your TV: Use your voice to set personal shortcuts for one-touch control, search across channels, turn captions on, and more with the enhanced voice remote; plus, enjoy private listening with the included Premium JBL headphones and TV controls
- Power, picture, performance: Roku Ultra lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet; right on your 4K TV; Roku’s top of the line media player with a quad-core processor and our best wireless, Roku Ultra is perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR
- Fully loaded: It’s got all the bells and whistles, including channels that launch in a snap, lost remote finder, USB and micro SD ports; You can stream from movies and series on Apple TV, Netflix, Disney +, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV
- New! Disney+ and Apple TV are now streaming on all Roku devices
- The free Roku mobile app: Turn your iOS or Android device into the ultimate companion; control your Roku media player or Roku TV, use voice search, enjoy private listening, and more on iOS and Android
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite TV in stunning detail and clarity; Perfect for HD, HDR, and 4K streaming, enjoy picture that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Ultimate connectivity: No matter what you’re streaming, enjoy a strong connection with dual-band wireless or use the Ethernet port for wired streaming
- Endless entertainment: Stream it all, including free TV, live news, sports, and more; never miss award-winning shows, the latest blockbuster hits, and more; access 500,000+ movies and TV episodes; stream what you love and cut back on cable TV bills
10
![Naim Uniti Atom Compact High End All-In-One Streaming Device]()
- UNITI SYSTEM: This revolutionary Uniti player combines seamless digital technology with analogue soul for a sound thats unmistakably Naim. Play, stream, rip and store entire music collections in flawless high-resolution. Then use the custom-designed software to bring out every note of your music with true high-fidelity sound
- BRINGING UNITI TO LIFE: From the finned aluminum heatsinks to the brushed black aluminum casing, the new illuminated signature volume control and the beautifully lit base every minute detail has been considered to deliver a beautiful aesthetic packed with features and technology whilst achieving reference-level sound quality
- UNDER THE SKIN OF UNITI ATOM: Weve gone to extraordinary lengths to maximize the sound quality from such a compact all-in-one player. From the substantial transformer, which ensures that the power supply is always smooth and stable, to the sophisticated, hand-wired analogue and digital circuitry, every element of the design in Uniti Atom has been considered for its effect on sound quality
- GLASS DISPLAY AND INTUITIVE REMOTE CONTROL: Uniti Atom features a full-color 5-inch LCD glass display with a proximity sensor that wakes up on approach, accompanied by a bidirectional intelligent remote control that works in harmony with the units volume control. Giving you complete freedom of movement, Uniti is a joy to use
- IMPROVED NAIM APP: The new intuitive Naim App gives you effortless control over individual or multiple Uniti products. You can access all of your music, including your favorite radio stations, streaming services and playlists, or explore artist discographies and biographies. Furthermore, you can now update your system wirelessly with a single tap
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a streaming devices best?
A valuable product is determined by many factors (included below). The process of researching the streaming devices best is pretty significant because of these features related to the products. However, rest assured that we are here to support your challenges.
Having a closer look at the following factors would benefit you a lot. These are the most important things among various ones you need to consider:
Connectivity
Are you planning to connect a USB storage device or ethernet cable or a sound system using an optical or analog audio cable? You should ensure that your streaming box supports the correct connections. If you are concerned about your home network's bandwidth, you will also need a device that supports 802.11ax Wi Fi (or WiFi 6),
Ecosystem Tie-ins
Apple TV is the only way to access pple services and apps (like Apple Arcade or Fitness+), although Apple TV has an Apple TV app that allows you to view Apple TV+ content and rent videos from iTunes. Fire TV is the best way to access Amazon Prime Video. Google's music and video services can be accessed through Chromecast and Android TV. Roku offers apps for Amazon and Google Play Movies & TV. However, it is not as sophisticated and has fewer smart home controls than other platforms.
App Selection
This has always been the main factor when choosing a streaming device. However, app selections have become more similar, at least for major streaming services, and it is now easy to choose an app. The app list will show you which service is available.
Remote Control Features
While some remotes have buttons that allow you to fast-forward, rewind and perform other functions, others are simpler. Remotes that can turn on your TV's volume and have microphones to allow you to speak commands. There is no perfect remote, but you can look through the included ones to determine what is most important.
Streaming Stick Vs Box
Although the difference is not significant, a stick refers to what you would imagine. It is a stick-like device which plugs into your television. Some designs have evolved over the years so dongles are now called dongles.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.
Performance
Set-top boxes load faster than streaming sticks and your spending will affect the speed and smoothness of the process.
Captive Portal Support
You might encounter Wi-Fi networks which require you to log in using a web browser if your streaming device is being taken on the road. It is also known as "captive portal" and it does not support all streaming devices.
Content Discovery Features
The media-streaming device is evolving beyond static apps. Roku Feed, the Apple TV's TV app (TV), and Amazon recommendations are available directly from the Fire TV Home screen. These approaches can be compared to help you decide which is most attractive.
Private Listening Options
Bluetooth headphones are supported by many devices. This is useful for those times when you don’t want to wake your children or spouse. Roku devices also allow wired headphones via the Roku mobile application and the remote control of its set-top boxes.
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. You can future-proof your set by purchasing a streaming device that supports 4K resolution if you do not have a 4K TV.
RELATED: We make a detailed review of best 4k streaming to help you stop confusing and save time and effort.
FAQs
What Kind Of Internet Connection Do You Need For Your Streaming Device To Be Effective?
A minimum 5Mbps internet connection is required to stream the majority of streaming content at 1080p. You will be able to stream 4K video without any interruptions if you have more bandwidth.What Is The Point Of A Streaming Stick If You Have A Smart TV?
Although many smart TVs today come pre-installed to run a variety of apps, it is true that external streaming devices almost always enhance the interface for a particular app.Amazon's Fire Stick gives you more control over your TV than standard Amazon TV apps. Other products from Amazon come with Alexa, giving you additional options to use your voice to control your TV.
A smart TV may not come with every available streaming service. Apple TV Plus is a rare app that comes preinstalled on smart TVs. This is why you need Apple's 4K HDR streaming device, which Panasonic TVs do not support.
Will A Streaming Device Work In Your Country?
Yes. Yes. You can use a VPN to bypass restrictions on certain services or shows.Do Streaming Devices Have Monthly Fees?
No. No. Monthly fees are not charged for streaming devices. You will need to pay monthly fees to watch certain channels, such as Netflix and HBO Max.Do You Need A Streaming Device With A Smart TV?
Not necessarily. Smart TVs often come equipped with their own streaming platforms that allow users to download top apps such as Netflix or Hulu. Samsung smart TVs have a lot of options. TVs are now compatible with major streaming services like Roku, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV.How Much Data Does TV Streaming Use?
This depends on the resolution and platform you are streaming from. Based on data collected from major streaming platforms, bandwidth usage can drop to hundreds of megabytes an hour for low definition (480p) videos. However, streaming services that stream standard HD/1080p video report between 2 and 3 gigabytes an hour. You can expect to see 4K video at 7 to 8GB an hour, depending on the video.What Is A Streaming Device And How Does It Work?
A streaming device, or streaming stick, allows you to stream (i.e. You can stream (or streaming stick) entertainment content, such as movies, TV series, music or photos. It is usually connected to an HDMI port.The apps that you will have access to depend on which streamer you are using. It's worth noting, however, that a subscription does not automatically come with a service. If you wish to view Netflix for example, you'll need to purchase it separately. However, there are some deals available for certain streaming services.
Can I Get All The Channels I Want On Any Device?
Each streaming device can access major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max. However, all streaming services may not have the same access. The Spectrum TV app is a good example. Although it is accessible on all platforms, the app is not available for Amazon Fire TV devices. Before you make a purchase, it is a smart idea to check that the device supports all of your apps. You might find yourself in a difficult situation if your phone doesn't support one of your favourite services.As a normal, we keep researching and updating new information when possible to streaming devices best. So, you should verify our website more regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to catch up with the updates and modifications.
Besides the list of streaming devices best of 2025, we can also assist you out. Whenever you require solving product-related issues, contact us!
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