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Media Streaming Devices: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Our 9 Top Picks
Best for Alexa Users
4.5
Outstanding
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K adds Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices at the same affordable price as the previous model.
Pros
-
Affordable
-
Fast performance
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Wi-Fi 6
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Speedier Alexa responses
-
Plenty of apps and features
Cons
-
No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast for local streaming
Read Our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) Review
Best for Google Assistant Users
4.5
Outstanding
Chromecast With Google TV (4K)
The Chromecast With Google TV finally adds a remote and on-screen interface with a new and simple menu system to the popular media streamer.
Pros
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Attractive, accessible new Google TV interface
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4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
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Useful Google Assistant and Cast features
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Affordable
Cons
-
Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV
Read Our Chromecast With Google TV Review
Best 1080p Media Streamer for Google Users
4.5
Outstanding
Chromecast With Google TV (HD)
Free Shipping
The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) brings a wealth of streaming services and Google Assistant voice control to 1080p TVs for just $30.
Pros
-
Loads of apps and services on Google TV
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Google Assistant
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Google Cast
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Remote with TV volume control
Cons
-
Limited to 1080p
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No Dolby Vision
Read Our Chromecast With Google TV (HD) Review
Best 1080p Media Streamer for Alexa Users
4.5
Outstanding
Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen)
Amazon's $40 third-generation Fire TV Stick is nearly identical to its predecessor, just a bit faster and equipped with a new Alexa voice remote, which is enough to preserve its status as the best media streamer for 1080p TVs.
Pros
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Affordable
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Faster processor than previous model
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Includes remote with microphone, TV controls, and dedicated service buttons
Cons
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1080p only
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Home screen can occasionally stutter
Read Our Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) Review
Best for Hands-Free Alexa Voice Control
4.0
Excellent
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Free Shipping
The Amazon Fire TV Cube remains one of the most capable media streamers on the market thanks to its hands-free Alexa voice control, and the third-generation model adds Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI pass-through.
Pros
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Hands-free Alexa voice assistance
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HDMI pass-through with Alexa overlay
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Supports Wi-Fi 6E
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Fast performance
Cons
-
Expensive
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Wi-Fi 6E doesn't necessarily offer video benefits
Read Our Amazon Fire TV Cube Review
The Best Media-Streaming Soundbar
4.0
Excellent
Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro is a capable stereo speaker that adds all of the capabilities of a 4K Roku media streamer to the mix, including a voice remote with a headphone jack.
Pros
-
Affordable
-
Solid audio performance
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Lots of media streaming options
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Remote with headphone jack
Cons
-
Relatively weak bass response
Read Our Roku Streambar Pro Review
Best for Affordable AirPlay
4.0
Excellent
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a powerful media streamer for watching 4K HDR content from many streaming apps, and AirPlay support lets you easily mirror Apple devices.
Pros
-
Fast, responsive performance
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Sleek, small design
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Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision
Cons
-
Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV
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No Twitch app available
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5GHz Wi-Fi hiccup in testing
Read Our Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review
Best Remote
4.0
Excellent
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
Free Express Shipping
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ bundles the company's Streaming Stick 4K and Voice Remote Pro into one compelling package for hands-free 4K media streaming.
Pros
-
Plenty of apps and services
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Hands-free voice control
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Headphone jack on remote
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Apple AirPlay support
Cons
-
Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant
-
No Twitch
Read Our Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ Review
Best for Siri Control
3.5
Good
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
Free Shipping
Despite a drop in price and a boost in performance, the third-generation Apple TV 4K is still an expensive media streamer that's best suited for Apple-centric households.
Pros
-
Fast, responsive performance
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Deep integration with Apple devices and services
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Apple AirPlay 2
Cons
-
Pricey
-
Confusing overlap of Apple tvOS and Apple TV app features
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Using Siri requires speaking into the remote
Read Our Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) Review
Latest Media Streaming Device Top Picks
The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2024
Latest Media Streaming Device Reviews
Roku Ultra (2024) Review
4.0
Google TV Streamer (4K) Review
3.5
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Review
4.0
Amazon Fire TV Cube Review
4.0
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023) Review
4.0
Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review
4.0
Latest Media Streaming Device News
Get These Prime Day Deals on Media Streaming Devices Before They Disappear ByJibin Joseph
Best Early Prime Day Deals on Media Streaming Devices ByJibin Joseph
Google TV Streamer Replaces Chromecast in Media Hub Lineup ByWill Greenwald
Google's Next Chromecast Could Be a Set-Top Box, Not a Dongle ByJibin Joseph
Still Going: The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices ByChloe Albanesius
Best Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices ByChloe Albanesius
Best Early Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices ByChloe Albanesius
Microsoft Brings Xbox Gaming to Amazon's Fire TV Sticks ByMichael Kan
Ask Alexa to Create AI-Generated Art on Your Fire TV ByEmily Price
CES 2024: Amazon Now Lets You Cast Streaming Content to Fire TVs ByJoe Hindy
Latest Media Streaming Device How-Tos
How to Turn Off Annoying Apple TV Sports Notifications ByTyler Hayes
How to Access Roku's Secret Screens ByChandra Steele
Set the Channel: How to Add Streaming Apps to Your Roku Device ByRebecca Isaacs
Related Categories
All Home Entertainment Home Entertainment Accessories Blu-ray Players TVs Universal Remotes
Latest Media Streaming Device Stories
The Best Streaming Device Deals For October 2024
All the streaming entertainment in the world, small enough to carry in your pocket. Get big discounts on streaming sticks from Roku and Apple this month
10/14/2024 By K. Thor Jensen
Roku Ultra (2024) Review
4.0
The 2024 version of the Roku Ultra is faster and performs better than the previous model, while offering access to the same robust content-focused platform.
10/10/2024 By Will Greenwald
Get These Prime Day Deals on Media Streaming Devices Before They Disappear
If you're looking to upgrade your home theater setup without breaking the bank, just scoop up one of these killer Prime Day discounts before midnight tonight.
10/09/2024 By Jibin Joseph
Google TV Streamer (4K) Review
3.5
The Google TV Streamer adds an Ethernet port and support for Matter and Threads, but it doesn't do much the Chromecast can't do for half the price.
10/09/2024 By Will Greenwald
Best Early Prime Day Deals on Media Streaming Devices
Streaming devices bring new meaning to the phrase 'plug and play,' but on Prime Big Deal Days, it's time to plug and pay...a whole lot less money to update your home entertainment center.
10/07/2024 By Jibin Joseph
How to Turn Off Annoying Apple TV Sports Notifications
Inundated with sports notifications on Apple TV? Tweak these settings to curb the interruptions.
9/03/2024 By Tyler Hayes
How to Access Roku's Secret Screens
Your Roku has a handful of hidden features you can't find on the Home screen. Here's how to access them with a few remote clicks.
8/31/2024 By Chandra Steele
27 Hidden Roku Tips and Tricks You Won't Find in The Instruction Manual
Whether you've had the same Roku for years or just nabbed a new model, there's more to know about these media streaming devices than meets the eye.
8/27/2024 By Chandra Steele
20 Things You Didn't Know Your Google Chromecast Could Do
Google might have discontinued the Chromecast but if you have one, you can still get the most out of it.
8/22/2024 By Chandra Steele
Save 40%: This Wireless CarPlay Adapter Is Like a Roku for Your Car
Ditch the frustration of wires and stream Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu on lunch breaks and road trips.
8/17/2024 By StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)
Google TV Streamer Replaces Chromecast in Media Hub Lineup
The $99 device swaps the hanging dongle for a set-top box and adds Gemini AI, but it lacks the most up-to-date Wi-Fi standard and leaves Google without a budget streamer.
8/06/2024 By Will Greenwald
Google's Next Chromecast Could Be a Set-Top Box, Not a Dongle
Google may also drop the Chromecast branding and call its device the Google TV Streamer.
7/23/2024 By Jibin Joseph
Still Going: The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices
Streaming devices from the likes of Amazon and Roku bring new meaning to the phrase 'plug and play,' and these streamers are still available at their Prime Day prices. Grab them while you can.
7/18/2024 By Chloe Albanesius
Best Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices
Streaming devices from the likes of Amazon and Roku bring new meaning to the phrase 'plug and play,' but on Prime Day, it's your chance to plug and pay...a whole lot less money.
7/17/2024 By Chloe Albanesius
Best Early Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices
Streaming devices from the likes of Amazon and Roku bring new meaning to the phrase 'plug and play,' but on Prime Day, it's your chance to plug and pay...a whole lot less money.
7/14/2024 By Chloe Albanesius
The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2024
Who needs cable? We pit the highest-rated streaming boxes and sticks against one another to find out which one is best for watching shows, movies, and more on your TV.
7/10/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Review
4.0
The $30 Fire TV Stick Lite is the most affordable way to add streaming media and Amazon's Alexa voice assistant to your 1080p TV.
7/03/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Cube Review
4.0
Editors' Choice
The Amazon Fire TV Cube remains one of the most capable media streamers on the market thanks to its hands-free Alexa voice control, and the third-generation model adds Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI pass-through.
7/01/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K adds Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices at the same affordable price as the previous model.
7/01/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023) Review
4.0
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max one-ups the standard model with Wi-Fi 6E support, though you'll only notice its speed and reliability improvements with a compatible router.
7/01/2024 By Will Greenwald
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