Looking to replace your slow cable? Want to declutter and get rid of satellite boxes? Then you should buy one of the best streaming devices. Not only do they have a number of built-in apps, but they also have dedicated support for all your streaming services.
More importantly, the best streaming devices are painless to install. In addition, they have many customization features that allow you to customize your streaming to your liking. Not all streaming devices are created equal.
For example, some devices have high-end hardware that caters to the most demanding streaming needs, such as viewing 4K HDR content. On the other hand, some will be very simple.
Want to make the right choice? Below you will find descriptions of some of the best streaming devices that can be found on the market.
Roku Express 4K Plus is the ultimate streaming device
If you're looking for the best 4K streaming devices without the hefty price tag, the Roku Express 4K Plus is the right choice. While this streaming device is cheaper than some 4K-compatible devices, it doesn't cut too many corners.
To be precise, the streaming device does a great job with 4K streaming. More importantly, thanks to the fast and powerful hardware, it can handle easily 4K HDR content.
The Roku Express 4K Plus also comes with a very handy remote control. Compared to some other devices, you don't need to have direct line of sight or point the remote directly at the streaming device.
However, note that it does not come with Dolby Vision. No support either Dolby Atmos. But if Roku were to integrate them into this streaming device, it would be quite expensive. So, for its price, the Express 4K Plus is a great choice.
Main points
- Excellent 4K HDR performance
- Comes with a convenient remote control
- It has an intuitive interface
Chromecast with Google TV 4K is the ultimate streaming device for the Google ecosystem
Chromecast with Google TV 4KOwn a Google Pixel? Do you have other Google devices at home? In this case, you are deeply immersed in the Google ecosystem. And it doesn't make sense for you to buy a non-Google streaming device.
But Chromecast with Google TV 4K isn't just any streaming device. It also has great live streaming integration, allowing you to easily access all the channels you're used to watching over your cable or satellite connection. There is also a large free TV section.
You can also access Sling, Philo, YouTube TV and other paid live TV services through this streaming device. While the Chromecast with Google TV 4K isn't as minimalistic as the previous Google Chromecast device, it can certainly replace your TV remote. Its remote control has everything you need.
All that said, the performance of Chromecast with Google TV 4K can be considered average at best. Menus can be very slow in some cases. However, it should be noted that Google is constantly updating this streaming device to improve its performance.
Main points
- Has free live TV
- Comes with a universal remote control
- Compatible with many streaming services
Nvidia Shield TV (2019) is the best streaming device for Android
Although the Nvidia Shield TV is a fairly old streaming device, it still has what it takes to satisfy the demands of power users. And if you want to stream games to your TV, the Nvidia Shield TV is essentially a win-win.
So what exactly makes this streaming device so good? Well, it has powerful internals that can handle UHD 4K content with no problem. And because it comes with Android TV, you have access to thousands of apps. In other words, with Nvidia Shield TV you have practically everything you could possibly watch.
Let's not forget to mention how cool the design is. It is unlike any other streaming device on the market. It also has a simple setup process. In addition, the Nvidia Shield TV comes with a remote control that is very easy to use. It even has a backlight feature that makes it easy to see the buttons in the dark.
However, a streaming device cannot properly enhance the image quality, even if it claims to be flawless. Also, it is a bit expensive.
Main advantages
- Smooth game streaming
- Provides excellent playback quality of UHD content
- Supports all necessary programs
Apple TV 4K (2022) is the ultimate streaming device for the Apple ecosystem
If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem and looking for the best streaming devices, you should stop your search here. Apple TV 4K (2022) is basically what you've been looking for all along!
One of the first highlights of this streaming device is that it is powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chipset. Yes, this is the same SoC that Apple used in the iPhone 13 line. This means that the Apple TV 4K (2022) is almost as powerful as the iPhone 13. As a result, you get the fastest performance.
In addition to this, the Apple TV 4K (2022) comes with HDR10+ support. This feature will take your movie watching experience to the next level. In addition, the remote control is now much easier to use than its predecessors. It finally charges via USB-C instead of Lightning. Support for many applications has also appeared.
However, the Apple TV 4K (2022) is a bit pricey. If you don't really need its features and are more comfortable with other streaming devices, you might want to consider the Roku Express 4K Plus.
Main points
- It comes with a powerful Apple A15 SoC processor
- Flawless streaming performance
- Supports many applications
