Getting rid of your cable service and its equipment fees has never been easier. With so many live TV streaming services ready to deliver both live and on-demand content, you don’t need to sign any contracts to access your favorite shows. And streaming devices make it all possible.
Whether you’re a loyal Apple customer or you want the best device for Prime Video content, there’s a streaming device that can speak your language. To make your search a little easier, we’ve rated the top five streaming devices in various categories.
How we chose
These devices have all been heavily tested by reviewers and actual consumers. When we chose our top streaming devices, we considered price, features, and customer ratings. We also took into account the typical needs of a user who wants a streaming device, including streaming speed and ease of use.
Top streaming devices
- Best overall: Roku Ultra
- Best for Apple users: Apple TV 4K
- Best for Alexa users: Fire Stick 4K Max
- Best for smart home control: Chromecast with Google TV HD
- Best for hands-free streaming: Amazon Fire TV Cube
Best overall: Roku Ultra
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Ethernet and USB ports | Larger than most other Roku devices |
| Voice remote with headphone mode | No built-in speakers |
| Compatible with Siri, Alexa, and Google |
About Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra has some nice upgrades compared to other devices in the Roku family. The user interface is intuitive, and the remote has a lot to offer, including voice search, headphone mode, lost remote finder, and hands-free voice controls. The Roku Ultra also has a companion app, so you can use your phone as a remote if you want to.
Other appealing features of the Ultra include an ethernet port, 50 percent more Wi-Fi range, more than 400 free live TV channels, Cinematic Dolby Vision picture, and Dolby Atmos sound. The Ultra is compatible with Siri, Alexa, and Google voice assistance. Even though this player is pretty big, you can still put it on a shelf without drawing too much attention to it.
Why is it the best?
We think the Roku Ultra is the best streaming device overall on our list, even though it’s more expensive than many alternatives because of its features and Wi-Fi range. It’s super fast, and you don’t even have to touch the remote to use it. If you say “Hey Roku” from across the room, the remote will activate and allow you to search for content or change channels.
Best for Apple users: Apple TV 4K
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Apple apps like Apple Music and Apple Fitness Plus | More expensive than competitors |
| Incredibly responsive remote | Only compatible with HD TVs |
| Higher model has 128 GB of storage |
About Apple TV 4K
If you’re already locked into the Apple product universe, this is probably the best streaming device for you. It seamlessly connects to other Apple apps like Apple Music and Apple Fitness+. This is one device that has actually come down in price a little bit over the last several years. You’ll even get three months of Apple TV+ for free when you buy your device. The more expensive option has an ethernet port.
Users can pair their Apple TV 4K with HomePods to create a surround-sound experience. And, if your smart cameras are compatible with HomeKit, you can also get a picture-in-picture display of any activity right on your TV. Catching up on your favorite show at midnight? You can stream sound right to your AirPods so you don’t wake anyone up.
Why is it the best?
One of the highlights of the Apple TV 4K is the remote. The Siri Remote is very responsive to touch; the top half of the remote operates a lot like a mouse pad. This feature is efficient for scrolling and great news if you want to fire up Apple Arcade to play a game. You can even use the remote to fast forward or rewind with a quick swipe of your finger. The Apple TV 4K also supports 4K video, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
Best for Alexa users: Fire Stick 4K Max
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Supports Wi-Fi 6E | Only 16 GB of memory |
| Supports Xbox cloud gaming | Heavily promotes Amazon content on home screen |
| Ambiance mode lets you display art and photography |
About Fire Stick 4K Max
The Fire Stick 4K Max is small, portable, and super easy to plug into most TVs. Plus, it’s affordable and has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. If you’re locked into Alexa products like the Echo, this is the best option for streaming. If you have a Wif-Fi 6E router, this Fire Stick is compatible. Even if you don’t, the interface generally works really fast.
You’ll be served recommendations for a lot of Amazon content on the home screen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t download your other apps like Netflix. Over time, you’ll start to get recommendations from those apps as well. Turn on the Fire TV Ambient Experience, and you can display pieces of art or your own photographs on the TV.
Why is it the best?
The Fire Stick 4K max is compatible with all Alexa-enabled remotes from Amazon. You can also pair it with your Echo to boost your sound and create an Alexa home theater. Add Alexa widgets like Calendar or Weather to your Fire Stick, and you’ll get a snapshot of your day right on the home screen. Plus, this device supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, plus the new 6 GHz band, which can improve 4K content.
Best for smart home control: Chromecast with Google TV HD
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Control other Google Home devices with remote | Doesn’t support many live TV apps |
| Create a watchlist from your Google browser | Some user experience complaints |
| Can play sound through Nest speakers |
About Chromecast with Google TV HD
Chromecast was many users’ first streaming device, but it’s really graduated in terms of features and reliability since it first hit the market. The HD model is very affordable and it’s ideal for households that use Google Assistant instead of Alexa. Chromecast now organizes your content by show instead of streaming app or channel, helping you return to your favorite titles fast.
Chromecast also makes it easy to cast straight from your phone. You can play recorded videos, display a slideshow of photos, or display nearly any iOS or Google Play app on the big screen. The Chromecast also supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Why is it the best?
Chromecast with Google TV HD allows you to access many features of Google Assistant and integrate them directly into your television and app streaming experience. You can do everything from turn off the lights to lock your front door with just your TV remote. If you have a smart thermostat that’s compatible with Google, you can also use your Chromecast remote to change the temperature in the room.
Best for hands-free streaming: Amazon Fire TV Cube
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Totally hands-free | Expensive |
| Supports Wi-Fi 6E | Only compatible with Alexa |
| Sleek design |
About Amazon Fire TV Cube
If you really want to dive into the future of streaming, you may love the Amazon Fire TV Cube. Another Alexa-enabled device, it has a sleek design and is compatible with Wi-Fi 6E routers for super speeds. You can pair the device with an Amazon remote if you prefer, but you can also exclusively use voice commands to reach your favorite shows and apps. You can even use your voice to pause or turn off content.
The Amazon Fire TV Cube has a processor that is twice as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and can link up with other Alexa devices, including your home security system. A privacy feature allows you to disable the microphones when your Cube is not in use.
Why is it the best?
Not only is the Amazon Fire Cube incredible for streaming TV, but you can hook up a webcam to your television and use voice controls to initiate a video call using Alexa Communications or Zoom. It’s the highest-priced Amazon streaming device, but the convenience factor makes it worth your money if you’re constantly losing your remote. Just say “Hey Alexa” from anywhere in the room to control your viewing experience. The Amazon Fire Cube supports Dolby Vision, plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Atmos audio. It has an ethernet port in the back, too.
FAQ
What’s better than a Firestick?
Many people prefer Roku devices rather than Firesticks thanks to their ease of use, free channels, and the absence of Amazon ads. Apple users may prefer Apple TV.
Is Roku better than Apple TV?
Roku devices are more affordable than Apple TV devices, and they’re compatible with more voice assistants. Therefore, they may be better for people who are not totally committed to the Apple product universe.
What is the #1 streaming device?
Roku devices are among the most popular and best-selling streaming devices. The Ultra has features like 400 free live TV channels, a Cinematic Dolby Vision picture, and Dolby Atmos sound.
"We often receive complimentary products to review at Sportsnaut. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team."