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Almost everything new that’s worth watching is streaming on one of the many video streaming services out there. That isn’t much use to you if you have an older TV that without any smart features, but that’s what media streaming devices are for. Plug one into your TV and you can watch Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, or any other service you want. Even if you have a smart TV, media streamers are a good way to avoid frustration if you don’t like your TV’s specific smart TV platform. We’ve been reviewing media hubs since Roku released its first “Netflix Player” 15 years ago, and since then, we’ve tested every major Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and, of course, Roku device to come out. We’ve seen these media streamers evolve from bulky set-top boxes to tiny sticks you can pop into an HDMI port, and followed their growth from SD to HD to 4K (and SDR to HDR) every step of the way. The 4K versions of the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Chromecast share our top billing with respective 4.5-star, Editors’ Choice ratings, and their 1080p counterparts stack up as the top affordable alternatives. But our list of the best media streamers includes highly rated options for all budgets and preferred platforms, including Apple and Roku. Read our linked reviews for all the details about each one, and check out our buying guide at the end of this article for more on what each streaming platform offers.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)
Best for Alexa Users
Why We Picked ItThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of two competing media streamers that offer incredible value for just $50. It’s loaded with features, including the Alexa voice assistant (you can talk directly into the included remote, or use a separate Echo smart speaker for hands-free voice control). It streams at ultra high-definition (4K) resolution with support for high dynamic range (HDR) content in HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. And it can handle Dolby Atmos as well. The newest version has a faster processor, more RAM, and Wi-Fi 6, though you might not see a big jump in performance unless you have a Wi-Fi 6 router to go with it. Who It’s ForThis is the media streamer to get if you subscribe to Amazon Prime and use Alexa-compatible smart home devices. Prime Video offers tons of content and the Fire TV interface sorts through it quite nicely (while also aggregating many other non-Amazon services). If you already have an Echo and use Alexa to control your lights, a Fire TV media hub carries that flexibility over into the remote. And if you have a Ring security camera or video doorbell, you can bring up its feed on your TV through the stick. Just be aware that it only has Miracast, not AirPlay or Google Cast, so you can’t seamlessly stream your phone or tablet to it like with a Chromecast (for Android devices) or a Roku streamer (for iOS devices). The second-gen Max version of this streamer costs just $10 more and adds the 6GHz band to improve speed and reliability in congested network environments, but you should only get that model if you have a Wi-Fi 6E router.
PROS
Affordable
Fast performance
Wi-Fi 6
Speedier Alexa responses
Plenty of apps and features
CONS
No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast for local streaming
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
Dolby Vision, HDR10
Platform
Amazon Fire TV Store
Built-In Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Learn More
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) Review
Chromecast With Google TV (4K)
Best for Google Assistant Users
Why We Picked ItThis is the other excellent $50 media hub to consider. Google TV is Google’s take on the media-streaming and smart TV platform, and it’s every bit as polished and feature-filled as Fire TV, if not more so. The big difference is that it uses Google Assistant instead of Amazon Alexa, as well as supports Google Cast streaming from your Android phone or Chrome tab. Fire TV supports WiDi/Miracast, while Google Cast is much easier to use for Android users (iPhone and iPad users should consider a Roku device with Apple AirPlay 2 support instead). Besides that, it has all of the same big streaming names, and streams 4K content in HDR10 or Dolby Vision. It’s a lot of media for a little back-of-TV dongle.Who It’s ForDedicated Android users who like Google Assistant will get the most out of the Chromecast With Google TV (4K). If you haven’t committed to a voice assistant or smart home ecosystem yet, you can try both with the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant apps and get a feel for which one you prefer.
PROS
Attractive, accessible new Google TV interface
4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Useful Google Assistant and Cast features
Affordable
CONS
Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
Dolby Vision, HDR10
Platform
Android TV
Built-In Voice Assistant
Google Assistant
Learn More
Chromecast With Google TV (4K) Review
Chromecast With Google TV (HD)
Best 1080p Media Streamer for Google Users
Why We Picked ItIf you have a 4K TV, you should get a 4K media streamer because native-resolution content always looks better. If you don’t have a 4K TV though, you can save some money with an HD streamer. The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) works just like the Chromecast With Google TV (4K). It includes the same Google Assistant and Google Cast features, and offers access to the same lineup of major streaming apps and services. You even still get a remote that can control your TV’s volume. It’s $20 cheaper than the 4K model because it outputs at only 1080p and doesn’t support Dolby Vision. Who It’s ForThe Chromecast With Google TV (HD) is for anyone who hasn’t upgraded to 4K yet. It’s a cheap and powerful way to breathe new life into an older 1080p TV.
PROS
Loads of apps and services on Google TV
Google Assistant
Google Cast
Remote with TV volume control
CONS
Limited to 1080p
No Dolby Vision
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
1080p
HDR
HDR10
Platform
Google TV
Built-In Voice Assistant
Google Assistant
Learn More
Chromecast With Google TV (HD) Review
Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen)
Best 1080p Media Streamer for Alexa Users
Why We Picked ItNot everyone has a 4K TV and that’s fine because Amazon has a 1080p alternative that’s a bit cheaper than the Fire TV Stick 4K. It’s effectively the same device with the same features, just with a resolution limited to 1080p. Who It’s ForIf you haven’t upgraded to a 4K TV yet, you don’t need to spend $50 for good media streaming capabilities. The Fire TV Stick costs even less than the Fire TV Stick 4K and offers the same sprawling selection of content as well as access to the Alexa voice assistant. This is an economical way to breathe new streaming life into aging 1080p TVs that might not have many (or any) streaming capabilities. The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) is $10 less, but the Fire TV Stick is a worthwhile alternative if you use Alexa.
PROS
Affordable
Faster processor than previous model
Includes remote with microphone, TV controls, and dedicated service buttons
CONS
1080p only
Home screen can occasionally stutter
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
1080p
HDR
HDR10
Platform
Amazon Fire TV Store
Built-In Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Learn More
Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) Review
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Best for Hands-Free Alexa Voice Control
Why We Picked ItThe Fire TV Cube remains the most powerful Fire TV media streamer available. It has one big advantage and a few small ones over the cheaper Fire TV Stick 4K that helps justify its much higher price. First, it has far-field microphones that let you interact with Amazon’s Alexa assistant hands-free, which is much more convenient than picking up the remote, holding the voice button, and speaking into it. It’s effectively an Echo speaker and a Fire TV Stick 4K mashed into one device. It also now has HDMI pass-through, so you can get Alexa visual information on your TV while you use your set-top box or game console. Finally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E, though anything over Wi-Fi 5 is a bit overkill for the bandwidth 4K HDR content requires.Who It’s ForLike the Fire TV Stick 4K, this is best for dedicated Amazon users. Even if you aren’t already deep in Amazon’s device ecosystem, this is an excellent starting point to go hands-free with your home theater and begin using smart home devices. Neither Apple nor Google offers a media streamer with far-field microphones, though some televisions with the Google TV platform on board have hands-free Google Assistant.
PROS
Hands-free Alexa voice assistance
HDMI pass-through with Alexa overlay
Supports Wi-Fi 6E
Fast performance
CONS
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E doesn’t necessarily offer video benefits
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
Dolby Vision, HDR10
Platform
Amazon Fire OS
Built-In Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Learn More
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) Review
Roku Streambar Pro
The Best Media-Streaming Soundbar
Why We Picked ItThe Roku Streambar Pro is a soundbar that doubles as a Roku-powered 4K media streamer. It offers all of the features and functionality of a Roku Streaming Stick 4K, including Apple AirPlay, and serves as an inexpensive way to significantly enhance your TV’s audio.Who It’s ForThe Streambar Pro is for anyone who wants to get a soundbar as well as a media streamer, without spending a lot of money on either. You can even expand it to a full 5.1-channel surround system with Roku Wireless Speakers and Roku Wireless Bass, and even throw in the Roku Voice Remote Pro for hands-free voice control—all of which still costs less than $500.
PROS
Affordable
Solid audio performance
Lots of media streaming options
Remote with headphone jack
CONS
Relatively weak bass response
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
HDR10
Platform
Roku OS
Built-In Voice Assistant
Search
Learn More
Roku Streambar Pro Review
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Best for Affordable AirPlay
Why We Picked ItAmazon Fire TV and Google TV have a bit more whole-home power because of their fully functional voice assistants, but Roku is still an excellent platform purely for media streaming. And the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is an ideal choice in the lineup. It’s another $50 media hub that plugs into the back of your TV and offers 4K media streaming with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision with a big benefit Fire TV and Google TV lack: Apple AirPlay support. That integration lets iPhone, iPad, and Mac users stream their screens to the TV via the Streaming Stick 4K.Because the Roku interface is so focused on media and doesn’t have many non-media features like smart home control or voice assistants, it’s also much more accessible to users who don’t want to build their home theater into a hub for everything in their home.Who It’s ForApple users should get plenty of use out of the Streaming Stick 4K because of its AirPlay support (at a quarter of the cost of an Apple TV 4K). Its simple interface should also appeal to less tech-savvy users who want to stream their favorite shows without dealing with extraneous features.
PROS
Fast, responsive performance
Sleek, small design
Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision
CONS
Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV
No Twitch app available
5GHz Wi-Fi hiccup in testing
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
HDR10, Dolby Vision
Platform
Roku OS
Built-In Voice Assistant
Search
Learn More
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
Best Remote
Why We Picked ItThis is the same media streamer as the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but with an upgraded remote. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ features the Roku Voice Remote Pro instead of the standard Voice Remote. Both remotes let you search for content by speaking into their microphones and can control your TV volume, but the Voice Remote Pro goes further. It has a mid-field microphone that lets you control the Streaming Stick 4K+ and your TV hands-free, along with a headphone jack for private listening. Both are nice bonuses on top of an already solid media streamer.Who It’s ForThe Voice Remote Pro is a solid upgrade over the standard Voice Remote. If the idea of controlling media playback and adjusting volume with only your voice appeals to you (and you don’t mind the lack of smart home and informational features a full voice assistant like Amazon Alexa would provide), this is a good pick. Even if you don’t care about hands-free control, the headphone jack on the remote is extremely useful for listening to whatever you’re watching without disturbing anyone next to you, which makes the Streaming Stick 4K+ an ideal media hub for a bedroom TV.
PROS
Plenty of apps and services
Hands-free voice control
Headphone jack on remote
Apple AirPlay support
CONS
Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant
No Twitch
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
HDR10, Dolby Vision
Platform
Roku OS
Built-In Voice Assistant
Search
Learn More
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ Review
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
Best for Siri Control
Why We Picked ItLet’s be completely honest. The Apple TV 4K is an overpriced media streamer that has gotten less relevant as both Apple AirPlay and the Apple TV app have become available on other media streamers and TVs (including all Roku devices). This doesn’t mean it’s completely useless, though. It’s still a capable media streamer and can serve as an Apple HomeKit hub if you prefer that ecosystem for your smart home devices, and it’s the only device that lets you use Siri rather than Alexa or Google Assistant (though only through the remote, since there’s no hands-free model like the Fire TV Cube). Of course, the HomePod Mini smart speaker can also function as your HomeKit hub, as well as offers hands-free Siri.Who It’s ForThis is for dedicated Apple users. If you have an iPhone, an iPad, a Mac, prefer to use Siri, and all your smart light, lock, and thermostats support HomeKit, this ties them together in your living room. It’s too expensive for non-hardcore Apple fans, though.
PROS
Fast, responsive performance
Deep integration with Apple devices and services
Apple AirPlay 2
CONS
Pricey
Confusing overlap of Apple tvOS and Apple TV app features
Using Siri requires speaking into the remote
SPECS
Name
Value
Resolution
4K
HDR
Dolby Vision, HDR10
Platform
Apple tvOS
Built-In Voice Assistant
Apple Siri
Learn More
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) Review
Buying Guide: The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2024
What Does Amazon Fire TV Do?Amazon’s Fire TV platform is a modified version of Android that puts Amazon’s Prime content right at your fingertips, including Prime Video and Music Prime. Plenty of other content services are available through the Fire TV platform as individual apps, such as Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube.Amazon equips Fire TV devices with Alexa, the same voice assistant in the company’s Echo smart speakers. It’s a handy tool to use with the voice remote that current Fire TV Sticks include. And, if you want hands-free Alexa with your Fire TV, the Fire TV Cube features a far-field microphone array that can pick up your commands just like a standalone speaker.
Video Streaming Services: What You Should Know
What Does Google TV Do?Android TV was Google’s dedicated Android-based media streamer menu system, which is different from the heavily modified version of Android that Amazon’s Fire TV products use. The capable platform is still available on the TiVo Stream 4K, but Google TV is slowly replacing it.Google TV is an updated, streamlined version of Android TV. It offers all of the same apps and services, plus Google Assistant for voice control and Google Cast for local streaming. It first arrived on the Chromecast With Google TV in 2020, and is now available on most Hisense, Sony, and TCL TVs (along with many other manufacturers’ TVs). The system offers all of the benefits of the outgoing Android TV platform, but with a more intuitive and useful interface complete with better content suggestions.It covers all of the streaming media bases that Fire TV does (including Amazon Prime Video), with Google Assistant instead of Amazon Alexa. Google Cast is also a useful benefit for Android phone users.What Does Roku Do?Roku calls the services and apps available on its devices Channels and currently offers thousands of choices in the Roku Channel Store. All of the big streaming media names are available, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and Sling TV, along with many smaller, niche apps and services for movies, sports, weather, news, and international content. It also has Apple AirPlay support.The Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Streaming Stick 4K+, and Ultra all stand out as top choices. Each offers 4K video with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. The Streaming Stick 4K+ and Ultra feature Roku’s Voice Remote Pro, which boasts hands-free voice control, a remote finder function, and a headphone jack for private listening. The Ultra is the most expensive, but it’s the only model with Ethernet (for wired network connections) and USB ports (for playing media directly from a USB drive).On top of dedicated media streamers, Roku also offers a soundbar with media streaming functions, the Roku Streambar Pro ($179.99). It’s expensive as a media hub, but that price is more than reasonable for a modest stereo soundbar with the additional benefit of streaming 4K video. If you’re looking for a smaller package that still has all of the features (but not the audio power) of the Streambar Pro, check out the Roku Streambar. You can pair either device with the Roku TV Wireless Speakers for surround sound and the Roku Wireless Subwoofer for more rumble.Roku has also established itself as one of the biggest companies for smart TV platforms with Roku TV. The company both makes its own TVs and offers its technology to manufacturers to incorporate into their screens. A dozen companies including Hisense use it on some of their TVs. Roku TVs work just like Roku media streamers, except that they are built directly into the sets.Is an Apple TV Worth Buying?Apple’s content and AirPlay 2 support are available on many smart TVs and media streamers, but the company still sells the Apple TV 4K, the latest iteration of which includes a faster CPU and a new remote. It also offers the ability to Color Balance your TV with a compatible iPhone. Still, it seems less and less necessary, in light of its high price and Apple’s continual expansion of services.
Recommended by Our Editors
If you simply want to access iTunes content on your TV and already have an iPhone or iPad, your TV might be able to do that without a media streamer. All TVs that use Roku TV, along with Hisense, LG, Samsung, TCL, and Vizio’s TVs, support Apple AirPlay 2. AirPlay lets you stream media from your iOS device directly to your TV over Apple’s platform, which is part of the big appeal of Apple TV in the first place.The Apple TV app also provides access to most Apple-purchased movies and shows, including Apple TV+ content, on other devices. It’s available on all major smart TVs and media hubs, and even PlayStation and Xbox game consoles.Apple TV is expensive compared with alternatives, but it still offers some benefits for dedicated Apple users: It functions as an Apple HomeKit hub and includes a remote that lets you talk to Siri. Those are the only real advantages of the Apple TV device over the Apple TV app, however. For the same price, you could get an Apple HomePod mini and another media streamer on this list.Can I Stream 8K?What about 8K, you might be wondering? Don’t worry about it. Seriously, there’s no consumer 8K streaming service or even consumer 8K media, available. 8K TVs have begun to trickle out, but they won’t be much more than novelties for at least a few more years.
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