How we picked the best streaming devices
To select the best streaming devices, we relied on personal testing, starting with the general-use best streaming stick for most people and then sampling some higher-end options for more specific use cases. We also collated additional information from professional and user reviews. As a cord-cutting, media-obsessed millennial that has never had a cable or satellite subscription as an adult, this is a space I’ve followed for years.
What to consider when buying the best streaming device
Support for streaming apps is an increasingly ubiquitous feature. Though we prefer the apps made for streaming devices, all TVs are smart now and have apps that are at least usable. Game consoles like the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S can also serve as fully functioning streaming boxes with all the same apps. (The only console without a full suite of streaming apps is the Nintendo Switch.) Before you decide to buy a streaming device, it makes sense to at least consider whether or not you really need one. Still with us? Good. All of the streaming devices on the market, particularly from big, trusted players like Roku and Apple, have broadly the same capabilities. If you’re already invested in a particular platform ecosystem, such as Apple or Android, that could help make your decision by keeping your digital life more seamless. Beyond that, look for devices that are proven and in your budget, and you can’t really go wrong. Here are our selections for the best streaming devices.
4K support
If you have a modern TV, chances are it supports 4K “ultra HD,” or 3840 × 2160p, resolution. It’s roughly four times the number of pixels versus the previous HD standard, 1080p, and thus demands a streaming device with more powerful hardware. All but one of our recommended options support 4K, and those are the ones you should consider if you just invested in that new OLED TV. Even if you only have an older HD TV with no intent to upgrade to 4K, we still recommend a model that supports it, as those processor upgrades will also lead to smoother performance across the board. If money is tight, however, it’s a cuttable corner.
HDR
Among 4K monitors, the next level of image tech currently jostling for your attention is HDR, or high-dynamic range. HDR enables richer and more accurate colors and notably darker blacks through various degrees of regional control of your TV or monitor’s backlight. The exact quality of how well this works can vary from TV to TV, but support on streaming devices is closer to binary. There are a couple of HDR standards that a streaming device may or may not support. The most common format is an open-source format called HDR10. There’s also a proprietary competitor, Dolby Vision, which offers “dynamic” HDR that can refine your picture quality further. Dolby Vision support has been less common as a proprietary format only showing up on more high-end products, but adoption is spreading. As an alternative, some TV manufacturers have recently adopted HDR10+, an enhanced version of HDR10 with dynamic features similar to Dolby Vision, though it is less common and critics debate whether it’s a strong alternative to Dolby Vision. Dolby Vision support is great to have if your TV supports it, but shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. The differences between it at HDR10+, or even HDR10, are likely only noticeable when you look for them.
Something in the Atmos-sphere
On the audio side, Dolby Atmos support enables spatial “3D” audio, or surround sound that can simulate sonic “objects” coming from all around, above, or below you. There are multiple versions of Atmos, ranging from immensely expensive surround sound systems with ceiling speakers to soundbars and 5.1 speaker systems with “virtual” Atmos that emulates positional audio with fewer speakers. If you are an audiophile, or even just have a newer soundbar, it makes sense to buy a streaming device that supports Atmos so you can get the most out of your audio gear. For more information on Dolby Atmos, check out our explainer in the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
The best streaming devices: Reviews & Recommendations
Media streaming devices–stick, box, or otherwise–are still thriving, with a range to fit any budget, all with broadly the same capabilities. Power over your TV-watching experience has never been more in consumers’ hands, and the best streaming device for you, no matter your needs, is likely here among our selections.
Best streaming device: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Why it made the cut: Roku’s latest streaming stick brings fantastic 4K to a tiny form factor at an accessible price. Specs
Resolution: Up to 4KHDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+Dolby Atmos: NoConnection: Wi-FiPorts: HDMI
Pros
Fantastic performanceSmallRelatively inexpensive
Cons
Proprietary power cableNo Dolby Atmos
At this point, the Roku brand name is effectively synonymous with set-top streaming devices. It’s one of the largest manufacturers in the space and streaming devices are what it does best. The Streaming Stick 4K is the fruit of years of focus, with smooth and zippy 4K performance packed into a wee little thumbstick that’s priced to move. Roku’s solid UI is content-agnostic, so it won’t be pushing any particular services over others in its layout. It supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision but not Dolby Atmos sound, which is a bummer for audiophiles. It has also, unfortunately, switched to a proprietary charging cable in this latest version, which could be a hassle to replace if you lose it. Overall, however, Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K is easy to recommend. It’s highly functional, very affordable, and a well-balanced option for most people. It’s worth pointing out that Roku makes an enhanced version, the Streaming Stick 4K+, which changes the remote to include voice control and a headphone jack for an additional $20. These are features we’ve found we can live without, but you may think they may be worth the slightly higher spend.
Best 4K streaming device: Apple TV 4K
Why it made the cut: Apple brings its signature quality to set-top streaming devices, with a top performer at a premium price. Specs
Resolution: Up to 4K HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+Atmos: YesConnections: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, BluetoothPorts: HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet
Pros
Fantastic performanceDolby Vision and AtmosApple product integration
Cons
ExpensivePrioritizes Apple content
At 4 x 4 x 1.5 inches, the latest Apple TV 4K is actually fairly large as far as streaming devices go, but it packs a lot of power into that glossy little square. It’s one of the most responsive and smooth-playing devices out there, supporting HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos sound. We don’t love that the UI prioritizes content from within the Apple TV ecosystem over other content, though that can include movies and shows from other services if you sign into them through Apple. On the plus side, it naturally also integrates seamlessly with other Apple products like your iPhone (an always-handy remote as well as an additional streaming source) and services like Apple Arcade, making it a useful hub if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. For those of us already living that Apple lifestyle, the Apple TV 4K is a solid, if spendy, investment. Specs
Resolution: Up to 1080p/HDHDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+Atmos: YesConnections: Wi-Fi, BluetoothPorts: HDMI, MicroUSB (power)
Pros
Solid performanceAffordable
Cons
No 4K
Best game console to use as a streaming device: Xbox Series S
Why it made the cut: Microsoft’s newest entry-level Xbox is a great streaming device that’s also a perfect console for new and returning players. Specs
Resolution: Up to 4K HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+Atmos: YesConnection: Ethernet, Wi-FiPorts: HDMI, USB-A (2)
Pros
Fantastic streaming performanceDolby Vision and Atmos in addition to HDR10+Accessible contemporary gaming console
Cons
More expensive than a dedicated streaming device
If you’re in the market for a streaming device and also want a new game console, the Xbox Series S is the most affordable way to kill both birds with one stone. The Series S can play all new Xbox games, including major releases like Elden Ring and exclusives like Halo Infinite. At $300, it is considerably less expensive than the PS5 and Xbox Series X and only a moderately higher price than the Apple TV 4K, considering how much extra functionality it offers. Realistically, any of the three new consoles—Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PS5—would make for fine alternatives to a streaming device. Picking which one of them is right for you will come down to factors that extend far beyond streaming. Though it limits games to 1440p, the Series S can play video in full 4K with Dolby Vision and Atmos. You get a controller, rather than a remote, but that’s one of many Xbox accessories you can add if you feel inclined. For gamers, a controller may feel more comfortable anyway. Specs
Resolution: Up to 4KHDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+Atmos: YesConnections: Ethernet, Wi-FiPorts: HDMI, Micro USB, Infrared
Pros
Fantastic streaming performanceDolby Vision and AtmosAlexa voice controlControl whole media center
Cons
Best soundbar that doubles as a streaming device: Roku Streambar Pro
Why it made the cut: Roku’s Streambar Pro stands out from the handful of integrated soundbars and streaming devices as a solid and accessible entertainment system. Specs
Resolution: Up to 4KHDR: HDR10Atmos: NoConnections: Ethernet, Wi-FiPorts: HDMI-ARC, USB 2.0, Toslink optical
Pros
Easy setupSolid audio for priceVirtual surround sound
Cons
Sluggish performanceNo Dolby Vision/Atmos
Wouldn’t it be a shame to spend all that money on a nice, new 4K TV and streaming media player, only to find your TV doesn’t sound as good as it looks? If you’re still using your TV’s speakers, you need a soundbar, folks. One of our favorite budget soundbars, the Roku Streambar Pro combines Roku’s great, content-agnostic UI and app ecosystem with a great-for-the-price soundbar that will almost certainly feel like a substantial upgrade over your TV’s native speakers. By audiophile standards, the bass is a bit weak, but the sound comes in clean and can be expanded with an optional subwoofer and wireless speakers for true surround sound. As a streaming device, the Streambar Pro is a touch slow compared to our top performers, taking a moment longer to load up apps and the like. Also, while it offers virtual surround sound, it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, specifically. Still, it’s an easy way to upgrade two aspects of your TV-watching life with a single device.
