While some of today’s most productive streaming devices are smart TVs with built-in streaming apps, it’s still much less expensive to upgrade your existing TV with a streaming device than it is to buy a new 4K TV.
With a smart streaming device at hand, you don’t have to worry about switching between other streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Our favorite streaming devices and boxes make it a breeze to locate what you need to watch, when you need to watch it.
Image Quality: 4K UHD HDR up to 60fps | HDR Support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS Digital Wrap, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth | Voice Assistance: Remote Control, Google Assistant, Alexa | Ports: HDMI 2. 0b, Ethernet, USB, 3. 5mm audio (on the remote)
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If you want the most productive streaming device under your TV, you want the newest Roku Ultra. This box is a moderate value, and the rechargeable Voice Remote Pro adds some wonderful features. You still get the general Yetton s, voice search, and 3. 5mm headphone jack to pay attention to the TV without disturbing others, but locating your favorite movies and shows is now less difficult than ever. You let your voice out when you shout “Hey Roku” and when you inevitably lose the remote control on the couch cushions. , all you have to do is call it and it will make a sound. By opting for a Roku device, you also get access to the Roku Channel, which is one of the most productive single movie sites on the market lately.
The Roku Ultra is in a position to fit your TV. You get an HDMI 2. 0 port that supports 4K UHD video output with HDR up to 60fps, so you get very good video quality. It supports HDR10/10, HLG, and Dolthrough Vision HDR formats, ensuring it matches the technologies supported by your TV. In addition to HDR support, Roku Ultra also works with some high-quality audio formats. You can enjoy DTS Digital Surround and Dolthrough Atmos depending on what you’re watching and what your TV or soundbar supports. As a bonus, you can even pair it wirelessly with a speaker setup via Bluetooth.
Image Quality: 4K UHD up to 60fps | HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice Assistance: Alexa | Ports: HDMI 2. 1, micro-USB
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You don’t want to spend a lot to load smart and streaming features on your TV. Amazon Fire TV Sticks offer an affordable way to turn any TV or monitor with a loose HDMI port into a smart TV with all the benefits of Amazon’s Fire TV. operating system. You get simple access to a large amount of content, as well as all the data needed to locate that content with Amazon’s Alexa voice. The entire main stream can be downloaded to the device, adding Max, which we know was a factor. a few years ago. Plus, it can be used with other smart home devices, so you can turn on your TV’s doorbell camera or ask Alexa for the weather.
Our favorite in Amazon’s lineup is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It offers all of this at an incredibly affordable price of $59. Get the most out of your TV with 4K video up to 60 fps and wide HDR format: HDR10 and Dolby Vision included. The Dolby Atmos audio is also edited. And, in addition to some internal processor and memory upgrades that allow the Fire TV Stick 4K Max to run faster than its predecessor, this new device also has Wi-Fi 6E. This means you get a faster and stronger connection with an educational router. , making it easier to get those high-definition experiences.
Image Quality: 4K UHD up to 60fps | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS | Voice Assistant: Google Assistant | Ports: HDMI, microUSB, USB-C
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TiVo, the flagship TV DVR of the 2000s, has finally entered the world of media streaming with its TiVo Stream 4K. Priced at around $40 and packed with features, it gives Google’s Chromecast and Amazon’s FireStick a run for your money. You can stream your favorite videos and TV screens in 4K at 60 FPS, and it even supports HDR for some top-notch images on compatible TVs. Dolby Atmos and DTS support also means you can enjoy surround sound.
TiVo Stream 4K runs on Android TV but has its own interface where you can access various streaming apps, get viewing recommendations, and adjust settings. It’s possible to access live TV with Sling or Locast, and you can even stream directly from your phone via Google Cast. Like the other streaming devices on this list, the remote has a built-in handset that uses Google Assistant for undeniable content search.
Image Quality: 4K UHD up to 60fps | HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS-X surround, Dolby Atmos | Voice Assistance: Google Assistant, Alexa | Ports: HDMI 2. 0b, microSD, Ethernet
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Nvidia’s Shield TV is a more expensive option, but it’s by far the most productive 4K streaming device on the market. Heck, it’s one of the streaming devices, if not the only one, that has integrated scaling technology. Through a procedure that Nvidia calls “AI-enhanced exclusive,” the Shield TV can convert everything you watch into 4K video. This includes everything from blockbuster videos to Twitch streams and YouTube videos. There are also for HDR10 and Dolthrough Vision, as well as DTS-X Surround and Dolthrough. Atmos for audio. Also, you get access to many other streaming facilities and the Google Play Store as it runs on the Android TV platform. It even works like a Chromecast, so you can cast content to your TV from your phone or tablet.
The remote that comes with the Nvidia Shield TV is also quite smart. It’s motion-activated, so when you lift it, the buttons light up. In addition, there is voice search, an IR emitter and a built-in remote loss indicator. However, the most impressive feature of Nvidia Shield TV is that you can play games with the device. There are two other ways: if you have an Nvidia graphics card, you can also stream games from your gaming PC to your gaming TV at 60fps. Alternatively, you can stream games directly from Nvidia’s servers using GeForce Now, which lately gives you the power of a Turing-based live desktop.
You can also opt for the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, which is overall a more feature-rich option.
Image Quality: 4K UHD HDR up to 60fps | HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus 7. 1 | Voice Support: Siri | Ports: HDMI 2. 1
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For Apple enthusiasts, the Apple TV 4K is the way to go, with its newer, less expensive styling and improved functionality over its predecessors thanks to the Apple A15 Bionic chip. You lose an Ethernet port for a stressed internet connection, but for $20 more, you can get an edition with what’s on offer, while doubling the 64GB of Thread House storage and network support. As for the remote, it still uses a touchpad for easy navigation and now charges via USB-C, you can still use your iPhone to search for media or pair the streaming box with a Bluetooth controller to play on Apple Arcade.
With Apple TV 4K, you can view 4K UHD images at 60fps with the help of HDR, adding Dolby Vision and now HDR10. Like the new Apple TV 4K, complex sensors on iPhones with Face ID automatically calibrate the video output of the streaming device to adjust color, contrast, and brightness for better viewing on your TV. Beyond help for almost all streaming apps, when adding Apple TV Plus, there’s also iCloud or AirPlay for sharing pictures and SharePlay for viewing screens or videos and listening to music with friends remotely.
Image Quality: 4K UHD up to 60fps | HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Voice Assistant: Google Assistant | Storage: GB | Ports: HDMI, USB-C
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Chromecasts have long been a wonderful way to load a little intelligence into your TV. They allow you to use all of your favorite apps from your smartphone to decide what you need to watch and then stream that selection via the Chromecast to your TV. Now, the Chromecast with Google TV has made Google the choice especially for your TV. It has its own built-in interface similar to Android TV, so you can install your favorite streaming apps right on the device and then get smart recommendations on what to watch from Google. It’s also easy to see where certain things are streamed, so you don’t accidentally choose an option to find out that you’re not subscribed to the service.
The new dongle still plugs directly into the back of your TV with an HDMI connection, where it can provide a 4K/60Hz video signal with HDR. Like the old Chromecasts, you can use your phone to stream media or opt for the new built-in interface. The Chromecast with Google TV also has Bluetooth, so you can pair it with a Bluetooth speaker. A great merit of this kit is the included ler, which can be configured on the Chromecast, your TV and your sound systems. It includes Google Assistant for voice not only for Chromecast but also for smart home devices. Just be prepared to force this device with its own adapter, as it requires more force than the USB port on the back of your TV probably offers. .
Image quality: 4K UHD up to 60 fps | HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | Audio: DTS Digital Surround, Dolby | Voice Assistance: Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, Voice Remote | Ports: HDMI, USB
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Roku products offer a balance between high-quality features and affordability. At $50, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers a 4K/60fps-compatible streaming device with support for the most popular HDR formats, adding Dolby Vision. And since it’s a dongle rather than a box, you can simply plug it directly into your TV’s HDMI port, keeping it hidden on the TV. Don’t worry, it still does everything a streaming box can do and even has improved WiFi diversity compared to its predecessor.
You’ll find that Roku’s interface is undeniable for browsing and offers almost any and all streaming apps you can dream of. The Streaming Stick 4K has a voice remote, which allows you to search for content using your voice, and there are still all the controls you’d expect from a remote. Overall, the fast processor performance, high-quality image, and undeniable controls ensure that you can watch all your favorite content in no time.
Image Quality: 1080p at 60fps | HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10, HLG | Audio: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos HDMI passthrough | Voice Assistance: Remote, Google Assistant | Ports: HDMI
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If you’re looking for an affordable yet premium streaming partner for your HDTV, look no further as these good little glimpses are a game-changer. For less than $30, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) has the same sleek shape. and easy-to-use remote control like its 4K sibling, the Chromecast with Google 4K.
Using the remote, you can access Google by pressing the button. You can ask Google to locate your favorite shows, answer questions, or even smart home devices, all without lifting a finger!Many entry-level HD streaming devices cut down on hardware features to keep prices low, but this streaming device has everything you want while also being reasonable and cheerful.
Of course, if you’re thinking about future-proofing your entertainment setup with a 4K TV, investing in a 4K streaming device could be a smart idea. But if you’re just looking for a budget-friendly HD streaming solution that doesn’t compromise on functionality or features, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is an option.
Image Quality: 4K UHD | HDR support: Dolby Vision, plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR10, HLG | Audio: Dolby Atmos, 7. 1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo, and HDMI audio up to 5. 1 | Voice Assistance: Remote, Alexa | Ports: HDMI 2. 1 input, HDMI 2. 1 output, IR extender, power, USB-A 2. 0, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port
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This rugged streaming device from Amazon offers 4K UHD streaming in a small and compact format. It’s easy to watch all the videos and screens you want, as well as millions of songs to fill your room. While the Amazon Fire TV Cube is particularly pricier than with a Fire TV Stick, you get a lot more, subsidized through an octa-core processor.
With Alexa at your fingertips, you can use the built-in microphone and speaker on your TV, sound bar, and receivers. Navigating between devices and screens is incredibly easy, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, you may not have any. disorders that use this transmission device.
If your home is connected to other Amazon devices, you can use Alexa to initiate calls, view your Ring cameras, view your shopping list, and more.
Choosing the most productive streaming device can seem a bit complicated with so many features available. Before making a decision about which streaming device is most productive for you, we recommend that you pay attention to some of the key features.
First, take a look at your TV. Does it have 4K resolution?Is it an older HD model? Understanding your TV’s features will help you determine whether you want a basic HD streaming device or one that’s 4K and HDR. Whether you’re a Netflix addict, an Amazon Prime Video enthusiast, or a Disney fan. , make sure that the streaming device you choose is compatible with all your favorite streaming services.
If you’re not tech-savvy, ease of use can make or break your streaming experience. Search for devices with intuitive interfaces, simple navigation, and easy-to-use remote controls. Additional issues if it offers voice control or a smart assistant like Google Assistant or Alexa. A smart remote can enhance your streaming experience.
Some streaming devices offer additional features, such as gaming capabilities, built-in storage, USB ports, or smart home device support. But, depending on your budget, it’s possible (or not) to make room for those extra features.
Choosing the best streaming device is all about finding the best balance between performance, features, compatibility, and budget. Take your time to research and compare other options, read reviews, and your personal tastes and needs.
A streaming device supports streaming like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney and allows you to play them on your TV, even if you don’t have a Wi-Fi-enabled TV. If you don’t have a smart TV or your TV can’t connect to the internet, a streaming device can bridge the gap.
If you already own a smart TV, you may find that it slows down when adding apps. Depending on your location, you may not be able to download some apps. A streaming device can be preloaded with your favorite apps and is portable. allowing you to move it between TVs.
Amazon’s Fire Stick doesn’t require a monthly payment because it’s not a subscription service. However, some of the apps you can access on your Fire Stick possibly require a subscription. This includes Prime Video, which requires an Amazon Prime subscription. However, you can still access all the free TV apps available to stream shows and videos without this subscription.
While reviews on Reddit vary overall, there’s a pretty catchy thread about streaming devices on the r/hometheater subreddit. The most important general comment in this thread mentions Nvidia Shield Pro and Apple TV 4K as the two streaming devices available lately on the market.
Danielle Abraham is an independent, unpaid music historian.