There are so many options to choose from, and we’ll help you decide which device is best for you and your family. But rest assured, the highest-rated devices are highlighted here because of their picture quality, ease of use, fair pricing, and voice control. HDR means “High Dynamic Range,” which means you get more contrast between brights and darks. Basically, things stand out better. Also, if you’re new to the streaming world, our guide on how to stream TV might be of help.
4K Ultra HD 8 GB storage Dolby Atmos surround sound Search and launch content with Alexa voice remote Works with Wi-Fi 5 One-year limited warranty and service included, or option to upgrade to a 2-year warranty for $5 and a 3-year warranty for $8 (yes, a one-time purchase. Not another monthly subscription we have to worry about.)
Plug it into the HDMI port behind your TV, go through the steps of setting it up, connect it to your internet, and voilà! Dolby Atmos is a nice bonus because who doesn’t want to feel immersed in the scenes with home theater audio? (Keep in mind that this function only works with Dolby Atmos-compatible home audio systems.) The Fire TV Stick also comes with an Alexa voice remote to request a streaming service, like Prime Video, or a song through Spotify, and can seamlessly integrate a VPN into your streaming experience. Then you’ll have to resort to using the unfriendly way of typing with the little remote.
1080p HD 215 MB storage (can add an SD card for more storage) Simple remote with TV power, volume, and play/pause buttons Works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant Includes high-speed HDMI cable Free Roku mobile app
With this Roku Express, you can also find hidden gems, free news channels, and free streaming services. The app works as a second remote (or your main remote if you tend to lose remotes like me). It allows you to listen privately with wireless headphones (this is also nice if your significant other tends to watch movies at a deafening volume level). Apple fans will have to dish out a bit more for the Apple TV 4K than for the Roku Express HD, but the Apple TV will sync up with your stuff easier and result in a more connected home.
Siri voice control 32–128 GB for $105–$150 Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Can use Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, AirPlay, and Apple Music Private listening with up to two pairs of AirPods Includes four free subscriptions A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics for a better game and app experience
Plus, if you have a ton of movies and music on Apple Music or iTunes, this is the only streaming device that makes integrating effortless. If you want to switch from DVDs or Blu-Ray and go digital, the Apple TV keeps your purchased movies in a neat library organized by genres. I particularly like this feature because if I’m feeling like laughing, I can easily search the handful of comedy movies I have.
fuboTV for 30 days (new subscribers only) Apple TV+ for three months (for new and returning subscribers) Apple Music for four months (for new and returning subscribers) Apple Arcade for four months (for new and returning subscribers)
Besides fuboTV and AppleTV+, you’ll get over 17,000 other apps on your new streaming device like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, and ESPN+.
“The remote or device stopped working.” Solution: You might have received a faulty device, so exchange it as soon as possible for a new one. “It’s hard to download third-party apps as an Android user.” Solution: Well, the Apple TV is made for Apple users or for those who don’t mind not connecting it to an ecosystem. An Android user would benefit from the Google Chromecast or NVIDIA SHIELD (scroll down a little to see those). “The remote is hard to control/use.” Solution: Admittedly, the Apple TV remote can make navigation a little tricky. Luckily, Apple gives you the option to use your phone as a remote!
This streaming device might be the priciest on your list, but it’s very much worth it—especially for Android users and gamers. But if you’re not either, don’t let us stop you from ordering this bad boy. The built-in Chromecast 4K allows you to stream from your smartphone. You’ll have one place to go to on your phone to stream all of your services. This is nice if you want to save space on your phone instead of downloading each individual app for Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Disney+, and Google Play Movies. With the NVIDIA SHIELD, you can tell Alexa, “Turn on Disney+” or “Hulu.” And, remember, you can use it as a game console. Not only will you get to bring your games to life, but your movies will look realistic with Dolby Vision HDR for lifelike and bright picture quality. And the Dolby Atmos surround sound will immerse you into your game or film like no other. We don’t know about you, but the price tag for this streaming device/ game console doesn’t look so bad anymore.
“The remote control is good … but will burn through batteries at least once a week with moderate usage.” “Absolutely the best remote available.” “I’m sure it’s great, but the remote it came with doesn’t even work.” “Pairing the remote to the TV’s IR was straightforward … [but] you have to hold the remote at a particular angle to the TV.” “The remote has completely replaced my keyboard, and it’s so quiet and small, you don’t notice it’s even there. Easily a cord-cutters dream.”
You spent your hard-earned money on this $175 device, so don’t sit on a faulty remote!
4K HDR 8 GB Voice control with remote Compatible with Google Assistant Compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port Can connect with 2.4 or 5 GHz network It comes with four free subscriptions It has three features the other streaming devices on our list don’t have
The second feature is helpful for those with children in the house. You can create a kids profile to access movies and shows for the family. This includes picking a fun avatar and theme, setting parental controls to restrict what streaming services can be shown, limiting watching time, and setting a bedtime. And the third feature is more like a bonus: the Chromecast with Google TV is made with recycled materials. It’s a minor step to feeling green, but it’s something! You’ll also get to enjoy four free subscriptions:
6-month subscription to Peacock Premium 3-month subscription to YouTube Premium (for new subscribers) 30-day subscription to fuboTV (for new subscribers) 3-month subscription to AppleTV+ (for new or returning subscribers)
On Best Buy, consumers say the Chromecast is an excellent product, easy to install, has a great price, works flawlessly, and it’s totally worth it. So, take the reviews with a grain of salt. And again, if your device has any problems … exchange it, exchange it, exchange it. Enhance your streaming device of choice with one of the best internet providers for seamless streaming or one of the best VPNs for streaming so you can access streaming content that’s not usually available.
