The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy
The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
The Insider Pick:
-
A media streaming device can transform your so-called dumb TV into a smart one that plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and other streaming services. The best of the bunch is the Roku Premiere+ with its easy-to-use interface and 4K video streaming.
The world is changing. Gone are the days when a cable subscription was necessary to watch all the latest and greatest TV shows. These days, the best TV shows are coming out on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Of course, the best way to take advantage of services like Netflix is by streaming shows straight to your TV.
There are plenty of streaming devices out there to help you connect the latest and greatest video streaming services to your TV, and they’re not all created equal. Before buying, you’ll want to consider a few different things.
For starters, you’ll want to think about whether you want a fully-fledged streaming box, which comes complete with its own operating system and allows you to download and install apps. The alternative is a device like the Google Chromecast, which basically streams content from your phone or computer. With a streaming stick, instead of installing Netflix on your TV-connected device, you’ll install it on your phone or computer and then stream from your phone to the streaming stick, which is plugged into your TV's HDMI port.
Next up you’ll want to keep in mind the specs of your TV. Not all streaming sticks and boxes are able to handle 4K content, so if you have a 4K TV, you’ll want to get one that can stream 4K videos. Last but not least, it might be worth considering the ecosystem you’re most plugged into. For example, Android users might be able to get more use from an Android TV device, while those using an iPhone and Mac might prefer the Apple TV.
We've done the research to find the best streaming sticks and boxes to turn your dumb TV into a smart one that can access videos from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more. Read on to see which of our picks is best for you.
Although the Roku Premiere+ is our top pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the NVIDIA Shield, the Apple TV 4K, the Google Chromecast Ultra, and the Roku Streaming Stick. We're also looking forward to the new Amazon Fire TV, which arrives on October 25, and the new Roku streaming sticks and boxes, which arrive on October 8.
The best streaming box overall
Why you'll love it: The Roku Premiere+ is affordable and it offers excellent features like 4K streaming and HDR.
Looking for the be-all-and-end-all of streaming devices? Not only is the Roku Premiere+ relatively affordable, but it’s able to handle high-quality 4K and HDR content, meaning even those of you who are lucky enough to own expensive 4K TVs will still be able to enjoy all your TV has to offer.
Roku may not necessarily be linked to your Google or Apple account, but it can still connect to all the streaming services you enjoy. You’ll be able to install Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, and more using Roku's operating system. Just connect the box to your TV via the HDMI port (4K video requires HDCP 2.2 HDMI), and connect all your favorite streaming services to get started.
As mentioned, the device also supports HDR, which basically means that it’ll show richer colors and better contrast, which is always a good thing for TV lovers. The device even supports video at 60 frames per second, which is something most media streaming devices don’t currently support.
Of course, to take advantage of that 4K content, you’ll need a decent connection. Thankfully the device can connect to your internet through Ethernet or over Wi-Fi. The box also comes with a remote control.
We aren’t the only ones that love the Roku Premiere+. The device scored 4/5 on TechRadar, while the likes of CNET and PCMag went a step further by giving it 4.5/5.
Pros: Affordable, 4K and HDR streaming, comes with a remote
Cons: None
Buy the Roku Premiere+ on Amazon for $79.82 (originally $89.99)
The best streaming stick
Why you'll love it: The Google Chromecast Ultra is quick to set up, easy-to-use and works great, but best of all, it costs just $70.
The Google Chromecast is arguably the original streaming stick, and it’s loved around the world for its simplicity and excellent price. The Chromecast Ultra is different than many of the other devices on this list, largely because it’s built solely to stream content from your phone or computer to your TV. That means there’s no user interface, no apps to install — nothing. Just find the content on your phone and hit the “Cast” button.
Chromecast was first introduced a few years back, and it has gone through a couple of updates since then. Now, the flagship Chromecast is the Chromecast Ultra, which sets itself apart from other Chromecasts with its ability to handle 4K streaming, which is a pretty big deal. You’ll need a good internet connection, though.
One of the great things about the Chromecast Ultra is that it interacts with your other Google devices. For example, you can tell a Google Home speaker to search videos on YouTube or play music on your TV through the Chromecast.
Then there’s the affordable price. The Chromecast Ultra costs just $70 — a price many reviewers, including us, love. TechRadar gave the Chromecast Ultra 4/5, while Pocket-Lint went a step further with a 4.5/5 star review.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy-to-use, works with smart speakers
Cons: No interface might frustrate some
Buy the Google Chromecast Ultra on Jet for $69.00
The best streaming box for Android TV
Why you'll love it: The NVIDIA Shield doesn’t just run Google’s Android TV, it also supports 4K streaming and even has a controller for Android gaming.
If you’re more plugged into the Android ecosystem, you might want something that comes pre-loaded with Google’s Android TV. If so, there’s no better device than the NVIDIA Shield, which was first launched a few years ago and has been updated a few times since then.
Like our top pick, this media streamer supports 4K content, including videos from Google Play Movies and TV, which is great news for Android users. On top of that, NVIDIA announced that it will soon be getting integration with Google Assistant for voice control.
The Shield is also the best device for gamers. Not only does it have a standard TV remote control, but it also has a gaming controller, so if you’re into the games on the Google Play Store, you’ll be able to game to your heart's content. The downside here is that the controller probably wouldn’t be considered console-quality.
As an Android TV device, this streamer relies heavily on the likes of YouTube, but you’ll also be able to install Netflix, Hulu, and all your other favorite media streaming services.
TechRadar gave it 4.5/5 stars, while Trusted Reviews and PCMag both gave it 4/5 stars. The main drawback? The fact that it’s a little expensive, coming in at $199.99.
Pros: 4K support, gaming controller, Android TV operating system
Cons: Expensive
Buy the NVIDIA Shield on Amazon for $199.99
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
No comments: