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Best Streaming Devices of 2024

Plug in and start streaming.

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 donโ€™t need to sign any contracts to access your favorite shows. And streaming devices make it all possible.ย 

Whether youโ€™re a loyal Apple customer or you want the best device for Prime Video content, thereโ€™s a streaming device that can speak your language. To make your search a little easier, weโ€™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

BenefitsDrawbacks
Ethernet and USB portsLarger than most other Roku devices
Voice remote with headphone modeNo 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 itโ€™s more expensive than many alternatives because of its features and Wi-Fi range. Itโ€™s super fast, and you donโ€™t even have to touch the remote to use it. If you say โ€œHey Rokuโ€ 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

BenefitsDrawbacks
Compatible with Apple apps like Apple Music and Apple Fitness PlusMore expensive than competitors
Incredibly responsive remoteOnly compatible with HD TVs
Higher model has 128 GB of storage

About Apple TV 4K

If youโ€™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+. Starting at $129.99, this is one device that has actually come down in price a little bit over the last several years. Youโ€™ll even get three months of Apple TV+ for free when you buy your device. The more expensive option has an ethernet port.ย 

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 donโ€™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

BenefitsDrawbacks
Supports Wi-Fi 6EOnly 16 GB of memory
Supports Xbox cloud gamingHeavily 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, itโ€™s affordable and has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. If youโ€™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. 

Youโ€™ll be served recommendations for a lot of Amazon content on the home screen, but that doesnโ€™t mean you canโ€™t download your other apps like Netflix. Over time, youโ€™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 youโ€™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

BenefitsDrawbacks
Control other Google Home devices with remoteDoesnโ€™t support many live TV apps
Create a watchlist from your Google browserSome user experience complaints
Can play sound through Nest speakers

About Chromecast with Google TV HD

Chromecast was many usersโ€™ first streaming device, but itโ€™s really graduated in terms of features and reliability since it first hit the market. The HD model is very affordableโ€”coming in at just under $30โ€”and itโ€™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 thatโ€™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

BenefitsDrawbacksย 
Totally hands-freeExpensive
Supports Wi-Fi 6EOnly 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. Itโ€™s the highest-priced Amazon streaming device at over $100, but the convenience factor makes it worth your money if youโ€™re constantly losing your remote. Just say โ€œHey Alexaโ€ 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 theyโ€™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."

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