The Best Streaming Devices: From Roku to Apple TV and Beyond

Streaming devices have revolutionized the way we access entertainment today. They have evolved from simple media players to sophisticated hubs that offer a vast array of content at our fingertips. These devices have simplified the process of watching our favorite shows and movies and introduced a new level of interactivity and convenience to our living rooms, making them indispensable components of modern home entertainment systems.

Recognizing their pivotal role, we aim to meticulously evaluate and compare the leading streaming devices on the market today. This tailored analysis is designed to help you navigate the expanding universe of streaming devices, ensuring you can make an informed decision that best suits your entertainment needs and preferences.

Understanding Streaming Devices

Streaming media devices connect your TV or home theater to the internet, enabling access to a wide range of content from various service providers. Controlled by external remotes or apps, they offer features like voice control and smart home integration, enhancing streaming capabilities. They transform traditional TVs into smart platforms, with some content available for free and others requiring subscriptions. In addition, smart TVs have evolved into streaming devices in their own right, integrating a wide range of online entertainment options.

These devices usually need an internet connection and connect via HDMI. However, some can also connect via USB, and others may offer wireless connectivity options, though this might not always be the recommended method due to potential stability and performance issues. 

Evolution of Streaming Devices

Streaming devices have transformed the media landscape, enabling on-demand viewing and access to a vast array of content, including movies, TV shows, music, and sports broadcasts. They integrate seamlessly with smart home systems and continuously evolve through regular updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest technologies and services.

Choosing a dedicated streaming device offers optimized performance, superior quality standards, and a user-friendly interface. These devices support high-resolution standards like 4K and HDR, offer features like voice control, and regularly update to future-proof against evolving digital media trends, providing a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Streaming Device

• Resolution and HDR Support: The clarity and detail of an image greatly depend on the display resolution. Streaming devices output to your TV or monitor and do not have displays themselves. Thus, it's important to check the maximum supported resolution of a streaming device and whether it has HDR support.
• Operating System and Interface: The user experience of a streaming device is largely defined by its operating system (OS), with popular options including Roku OS, tvOS (Apple TV), Android TV, and Fire OS (Amazon Fire devices). Each OS offers a different interface, app ecosystem, and features. The choice of OS can affect the ease of navigation, available apps, and integration with other devices and services in your home entertainment system.
• Content Availability: The range of available streaming services is critical. Most platforms offer popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, but the availability can vary based on the device's ecosystem. This makes it essential to ensure that your preferred streaming services are supported by the device you choose. Also, this consideration becomes even more crucial if you have specific interests, such as niche streaming services. 
• Connectivity Options: Streaming devices typically connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. While Wi-Fi offers convenience, an Ethernet connection can provide a more stable and faster connection, essential for high-resolution streaming. Bluetooth connectivity is also a factor for connecting peripherals like headphones or game controllers.
• Additional Features: Look for devices that offer unique features that enhance your viewing or usability experience, such as voice control for hands-free operation, intuitive remote control designs, and gaming capabilities for entertainment beyond streaming. Some devices offer unique features tailored to specific needs or preferences, enhancing the overall user experience.

Top Streaming Devices of the Year

Best Overall: Roku Streaming Stick 4K

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K stands out in the competitive market of streaming devices, praised for its impressive combination of performance, content support, and user interface simplicity. The device supports a wide array of HDR formats, such as HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, although it does not include native Dolby Atmos support, opting instead for pass-through. Its compact form, similar to a thumb drive, allows for easy plug-in into an HDMI port, making it a discrete addition to your TV setup. 

Price

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K typically retails for $49.99. However, during promotional periods and sales, it's possible to find it at a discounted price of $39.00, offering savings on its standard cost.

Key Features

• Access a Wide Range of Streaming Services: Enjoy a diverse selection of entertainment apps spanning various genres and interests.
• Built-in Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5: Ensures a stable and fast internet connection with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support.
• Outputs in 4K UHD: Experience crystal-clear video quality with 4K Ultra High Definition output.
• Comprehensive HDR Compatibility: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG for enhanced contrast and color.
• Near-4K Upscaling: Improves the quality of 720p and 1080p content to closely match 4K resolution.
• Voice Control through Popular Assistants: Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri for hands-free operation.
• HDMI Connectivity: Includes an HDMI output for easy connection to your TV or monitor.
• Smartphone App Integration: Control the device using dedicated apps for both Android and iOS smartphones.
• Voice-Enabled Search Functionality: Find content quickly with voice search capabilities through the remote.
• All-in-One Voice Remote: Comes equipped with features to control TV power, adjust volume, and mute directly from the voice remote.

Performance and User Experience

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers improved processing power with a quad-core processor that's up to 30 percent faster when compared to previous models of Roku streaming devices, contributing to a smoother and more responsive user experience. The device's user interface benefits from the Roku OS 10.5, making navigation more intuitive and enhancing the speed of streaming service implementations. 

Roku OS 10.5 enhances the user interface with intuitive navigation and faster streaming service access, thanks to voice entry enhancements for email, password, and PIN on on-screen keyboards, and sound setting adjustments via the Roku mobile app.

Content Availability

Subscription-Based Platforms:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime Video
• Live TV streaming services like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Philo, offering access to networks such as AMC and ESPN.

Free Content Channels:

• The Roku Channel: Roku's own streaming app featuring free movies, TV shows, and live channels.
• Pluto TV: Offers over 100 channels and thousands of movies.
• Tubi: Provides a vast selection of genres for free.
• Crackle: For TV shows and Hollywood movies without cost.
• Xumo: Includes more than 190 channels with live TV and on-demand streaming.
• Fawesome: Features movies and TV shows across various genres for free.

Overall, Roku users can access over 4,000 different streaming services and apps, making it one of the most versatile streaming platforms available.

Unique Selling Points

Roku's approach to content has evolved, reflecting a balance between neutrality and promoting its own services, especially evident in Roku OS 9.1 updates:

• Introduction of Features Favoring Roku's Content: Automatic playback of The Roku Channel content in specific search scenarios. It has a more prominent display of Roku's free content in search results.
• Maintaining a Degree of Neutrality: Ensures unbiased search results where The Roku Channel cannot be favored, promoting user choice in viewing options.

Despite these updates, Roku continues to offer a platform where users have access to a wide range of content choices, balancing its role as a content provider and a neutral platform for various streaming services.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Outstanding 4K HDR image quality
• Supports Dolby Vision
• Quick device performance
• Includes almost every app you could want
• User-friendly interface and home screen
• Voice-enabled entry for user ID and password

Cons

• Lacks Dolby Atmos support
• Home screen may lack detail compared to competitors
• Included cables may be too short

Best Value: Roku Express 4K

The Roku Express 4K offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking quality streaming without a high cost. It supports 4K HDR content, dual-band Wi-Fi for flexible and bandwidth-rich streaming, and a wide range of apps and services. Although it lacks some features like Dolby Vision and a voice remote, its competitive price, excellent picture quality, and simple user interface make it a strong contender in the budget streaming device market​​.

Price

The Roku Express 4K, initially priced at $39.99/£39.99 in both the US and UK, may offer even more value during sales periods.

Key Features

• Crisp Visuals in 4K UHD: Delivers exceptionally sharp and detailed images.
• Enhanced Quality with HDR10: Brightens colors and deepens contrasts for superior picture quality.
• Easy Navigation with Simple Remote: Streamlines your streaming experience with straightforward controls.
• Private Listening: Enables audio streaming directly to your app or headphones for an intimate viewing experience.
• Free Entertainment on The Roku Channel: Offers a wide array of series and films at no extra cost.
• Stream with Apple AirPlay 2: Seamlessly cast content from iOS devices to your TV screen.

Performance and User Experience

The Roku Express 4K+ stands out as a highly affordable 4K streaming player, offering notable performance for everyday streaming needs. It supports 4K HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+, ensuring a vibrant and clear viewing experience. Despite its lower price, it does not compromise on performance, providing a smooth and responsive interface that rivals more expensive models. The setup process is straightforward, making it easy for users to start streaming quickly. Its compact size, combined with a simple remote that now includes TV controls, enhances user convenience​​.

Content Availability

• Access to Major Platforms: Includes Netflix, Disney Plus, Spotify, Now, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, All4, My5, ITV Hub, Sky Store, and Britbox, offering a comprehensive range of viewing options.
• The Roku Channel: A free streaming service that features a selection of original material and films like "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Hannibal Rising", enriching the content library.
• Extensive Catalogue: Provides a broad array of content, though the very latest blockbusters might not be available, ensuring a diverse streaming experience.

Unique Selling Points

• Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi Connectivity: Offers enhanced flexibility for network connection, allowing users to choose between frequencies for optimal streaming performance. Additionally, it provides potential for increased bandwidth, supporting smoother streaming of high-quality content without buffering.
• Improvement Over Previous Models: Represents an upgrade from Roku's other models like the Express and Premiere, which are limited to single-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, enhancing overall streaming experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Vibrant picture quality with HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG support
• Comprehensive streaming service selection
• User-friendly and versatile companion app
• Affordable 4K HDR streaming
• Smooth interface for easy navigation
• Platform-agnostic feature access

Cons

• Awkward device design
• Absence of voice remote
• Lacks Dolby Vision support
• Remote requires direct line of sight for operation
• Limited casting capabilities

Best for Android TV: Chromecast with Google TV 4K

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K integrates seamlessly with the Android TV platform and the wider Google ecosystem. It supports a wide range of apps and services, including mainstream streaming platforms and local media servers. The device features a simple setup process using the Google Home app, includes a compact remote with voice control via Google Assistant, and offers convenient features like HDMI-CEC for controlling TV functions.

Price

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K’s standard price is $49.99.

Key Features

• Color Variants: Choose from three elegant finishes - Snow, Sky, and Sunrise - to match your style or living space.
• Video Quality: Enjoy crystal-clear visuals with up to 4K HDR resolution at a smooth 60 fps for an immersive viewing experience.
• HDR Support: Enhanced picture quality through Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, and HLG, ensuring vivid and dynamic imagery.
• Audio Capabilities: Superior sound with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos via HDMI passthrough for an enveloping audio experience.
• Enhanced Memory: Comes with 2 GB of RAM, providing 25% more memory than the HD version for faster performance.
• Voice Remote with Google Assistant: Enables voice-controlled search and navigation for an effortless streaming experience.
• Connectivity Option: Ethernet support available via a separate adapter for stable, high-speed internet connections.

Performance and User Experience

The Chromecast with Google TV offers a simple yet effective user experience, supporting most mainstream audio and video formats. It's praised for its convenient shape and size, excellent remote, and support for Ultra-HD, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The device is very easy to set up and use, although it's noted as somewhat expensive​​.

Content Availability

• Access to a Broad Range: Aggregates a wide array of apps and services into one easy-to-use interface.
• Extensive Library: Seamlessly browse over 700,000 movies and TV episodes across multiple platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube, all presented in stunning 4K HDR quality.

Unique Selling Points

• Personalized Recommendations: Utilizes Google's algorithms to suggest content, ensuring relevant viewing options are always within reach.
• Integration with Google Services and Smart Home Devices: Enhances user experience by allowing for voice commands through Google Assistant and control of smart home devices directly from your TV, creating a connected smart home ecosystem.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact design for easy placement
• Superior remote control functionality
• Supports Ultra-HD, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos
• Simple and straightforward setup process
• Integration with smart home technologies

Cons

• Relatively high price point

Best for Apple Users: Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K, especially its third-generation model, is a premium streaming device that is particularly appealing to users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Despite criticisms regarding its gaming performance compared to traditional game consoles, it excels in streaming quality and user experience, making it an ideal choice for Apple users looking for a high-quality streaming box that integrates seamlessly with other Apple services and devices​​.

Price

The new Apple TV 4K starts at $129 for the base model. There's also a version that includes Wi-Fi plus Ethernet connectivity, which is priced at $149.

Key Features

• Enhanced Performance: Incorporates the A15 Bionic chip with HDR10+ support for superior processing power and visual quality.
• USB-C Siri Remote: Offers convenient USB-C charging, streamlining the user experience.
• Sleek Design: Features a fanless, lightweight black box design for unobtrusive setup.
• Superior Visuals: Supports 4K resolution, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and high frame rate HDR for stunning picture quality.
• Improved Efficiency: Delivers up to 50% better CPU and 30% better GPU performance while using 30% less power.
• Intuitive Remote: Redesigned Siri Remote enhances navigation with gesture support.
• Advanced tvOS 17: Runs on tvOS 17, introducing features like FaceTime, a revamped Control Center, and more for an enriched TV experience.

Performance and User Experience

The Apple TV 4K, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, does not introduce significant enhancements to gaming compared to consoles, despite its fast loading times and gameplay capabilities. The new Siri Remote, featuring a USB-C charging port and ergonomic design, remains largely unchanged from its predecessor but introduces welcome improvements in navigation and user interaction. Despite these updates, the device maintains its position as a leading streaming box, offering a seamless integration with Apple services and a fluid user experience​​.

Content Availability

Comprehensive Entertainment Experience:

• High-Quality Performance: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip for superior picture and sound quality.
• Live TV Access: Supports live broadcasts from major networks and channels, including sports and news.

Integrated Apple Services:

• Apple TV+: Offers award-winning series, movies, documentaries, and kids’ content.
• Apple Fitness+: Provides a variety of immersive workouts and fitness programs.
• Apple Music: Streams millions of songs, playlists, and music videos.
• Apple Arcade: Features a collection of exclusive games without ads or additional purchases.

Unique Selling Points

• AirPlay Support: Allows streaming and mirroring content from Apple devices to the TV, enhancing content sharing and viewing experiences.
• HomeKit-Enabled Device Control: Enables the management of smart home devices directly from the living room, offering a centralized solution for smart home setup.
• Seamless Interaction with Apple Services and Accessories: Emphasizes convenience by integrating with various Apple services and smart home accessories, thus enhancing the overall user experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast A15 Bionic Chip
• Improved Siri remote
• Extensive app library
• tvOS's multitasking capabilities
• Lower price than previous models
• Outstanding audio and video quality
• HDR10+ inclusion
• USB-C on Siri Remote
• High performance and rich features

Cons

• Ethernet only on the $149 model
• Some features exclusive to Apple users
• No AirTag-like location tracking for the remote
• Siri usage requires speaking into the remote
• Lack of full Netflix integration
• No USB-C cable or HDMI in the box

Making the Right Choice: Aligning Your Streaming Device with Your Lifestyle

Factors to Consider Based on User Needs

• Budget: Consider the initial cost and potential subscriptions. Devices range from affordable sticks to premium boxes. Also, consider in-app purchases and monthly service fees to ensure the choice fits your financial plan.
• Ecosystem Preference: Align the device with the ecosystem you're already invested in (Apple, Google, Amazon). Compatibility with your existing services and devices enhances convenience and user experience.
• Primary Usage: Determine if your focus is on streaming movies, playing games, or general web browsing. Some devices excel in specific areas, such as high-definition content, gaming capabilities, or versatile app support.
• Compatibility: Check device support for your preferred resolutions (4K, HDR) and services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime). Also, consider the compatibility with your existing TV and audio systems for seamless integration.
• Hardware Setup: Evaluate the connectivity and physical setup, including HDMI ports, network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and power requirements. The ease of installation and the device's footprint can also influence your decision.

Tips for Future-Proofing Your Purchase

• Look for 4K and HDR Support: Ensuring your device supports 4K resolution and HDR will provide you with the best visual experience, offering sharper images and more vibrant colors. This is crucial as more content becomes available in higher resolutions​​​​.
• Consider the Update Cycle: Devices that receive regular software updates are more likely to stay compatible with the latest apps and security features. Manufacturers committed to updating their devices ensure they adapt to changing technologies and remain secure against vulnerabilities​​​​.
• Check for Connectivity Options: Look for a device that offers various connectivity options, such as HDMI, USB ports, and possibly Ethernet for wired internet connections. This flexibility allows for easy integration with other devices and a stable internet connection for streaming​​.
• Consider the Built-in Storage Capacity: Some streaming devices come with significant built-in storage. While these might be more expensive upfront, they could provide a better value in the long run if you plan to download apps or content that requires substantial space.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the Streaming Device Landscape

Streaming devices have significantly altered the landscape of home entertainment, offering a plethora of content at our fingertips. The right device can unlock a world of movies, shows, and games, tailored to our personal preferences and viewing habits. As the market continues to expand, understanding the features that matter most to you—be it 4K and HDR support, ecosystem compatibility, or update frequency—is vital.

Acknowledging your specific needs and preferences is crucial in this diverse market. Whether you prioritize high-definition viewing, seamless integration with other smart home devices, or affordability, there's a streaming device out there for you. Considering these factors not only ensures you get the most value for your money but also enhances your overall viewing experience, making it as personalized and convenient as possible.