Best streaming devices we tested:
Best streaming device: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Best upgrade streaming device: Roku Ultra (2024)
Best streaming device for Apple users: Apple TV 4K
Best Fire TV streaming device: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Best budget streaming device: Roku Streaming Stick
I love testing all of the best streaming devices because while the best TVs come preloaded with a smart interface, many are clunky and can lag months behind on updates to the services they offer. Meanwhile, these plug-and-play sticks and boxes can enhance even the smartest TV and provide up-to-date access to the services you’re looking for. To help you find the best ones, we’ve spent countless hours with the top streaming boxes and sticks on the market, including Roku, Amazon, Apple, Google and others.
Best streaming device
Even if your smart TV comes with its own apps, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the upgrade you should consider. During our testing, we thought its built-in Wi-Fi extender was a nice touch, and the addition of Dolby Vision is great for those with TVs that support it.
Best streaming device overall: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is our favorite streaming device because it’s the product of many iterative improvements over the years. The latest include a long-range Wi-Fi receiver built right into its power cable. That’s a helpful upgrade when this stick doesn’t allow for the dedicated Ethernet connections of pricier models we cover later in this guide.
Roku offers nearly every streaming service app you could think of or ask for, with everything from Amazon Prime Video to Shudder, plus the free content from The Roku Channel. We love how the Roku interface focuses on just the apps. If you prefer getting suggestions for what to watch, consider the Google TV Streamer. We prefer how the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, like all Rokus, offers a home screen built around a big grid of app icons.
Performance-wise, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K proved snappy. Jumping around between apps and shows, we did not notice any cringe-inducing lag. If you need speed? Check out the Roku Ultra or Apple TV 4K.
But most people just need a streaming stick that works well, and makes the shows and movies they want to see look good — and because not everyone can rely on a Blu-ray player like we do. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K does just that, as Roku added the Dolby Vision premium HDR standard to this model (it also has HDR10+). These specs ensure optimal color quality and contrast, and helped make everything from “Squid Game” to “The Queen’s Gambit” look great in my testing. The Streaming Stick 4K also supports Dolby’s Atmos audio quality, which aims to provide more immersive sound.
Unlike some cheaper streaming devices, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K’s remote comes with TV controls for volume and power. This way, you don’t need to juggle both it and your TV’s remotes, and can just focus on what you’re watching.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K also wins points for being ultra portable, as there’s always room for it in your suitcase (we never travel without one). Why would I do that? In my testing, Roku devices beat their competitors at signing into the weirdly complicated hotel Wi-Fi networks. This way, you’re never reliant on paying premium prices, and that Wi-Fi range extender will come in handy there because who knows where your hotel’s Wi-Fi is coming from.
Other streaming devices we recommend
Best upgrade streaming device
The latest Roku Ultra keeps everything we love about the fastest Roku device, but makes it even faster while also upgrading its wireless connectivity. You also get an improved remote with backlit buttons and USB-C recharging.
Read our review
Best streaming device for Apple users
Less expensive than before, but still pricey, the Apple TV 4K features the best integration into the Apple ecosystem. In exchange for more cash, you get a much faster device, plus a wider variety of apps, including games.
Read our review
Best Fire TV streaming device
Not only is this the fastest Fire stick but its Ambient Experience mode lets you ditch the ads for actually great screensavers. Oh, and Wi-Fi 6E support adds more future-proofing.
Best budget streaming device
The best way to smarten a "dumb" TV (or switch from an OS you don't like), the Roku Streaming Stick has a better design than the Roku Express it replaces.
Read our review
Best streaming device for smart homes
Both an excellent 4K streaming box with all the right audio/video chops and support for Matter and Thread (a must for smart home devices), the Chromecast's successor is a great streaming device for those who live the smart home life.
Read our review
How to choose the best streaming device
Do you have counter space near your TV for a streaming box? If not, your buying decision is all about Roku vs Amazon, the last two companies making streaming devices you can hide behind your TV. If you’ve got a 4K TV, your best bets are the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. I recommend the former over the latter, as it’s got a cleaner interface because Roku doesn’t throw as many ads at you. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is more for the people who are either invested in Amazon’s ecosystem or love to side-load applications that Amazon doesn’t allow in its app store.
If you’re adding a streaming device to a TV with a lower (sub-4K) resolution, then go with the Roku Streaming Stick. It streams in 1080p, is notably cheaper and is still pretty good overall. Yes, Amazon makes a competing 1080p Fire TV stick that’s often discounted to lower prices, but it’s bogged down by a slower performance and ad-filled interface.
Those with 4K TVs and space for a small box on their entertainment cabinet or shelf could still go with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K — unless their demands are a little higher than most. If you have a ton of devices filling up your wireless network at home, you’ll want one of three streaming devices with Ethernet ports for stable streaming. The Roku Ultra is the model that most will find easy to use, but if Roku’s interface is too simplistic for you, I understand. Opt for the Apple TV 4K if you’re all about your iPhone and other Apple devices, or get the Google TV Streamer if you’re all about your connected smart home products.
How we tested
We tested all of these streamers with a range of TVs: a 55-inch LG C2 OLED, 55-inch TCL 6-Series, 55-inch LG CX55, 65-inch Sony A8H, 65-inch TCL 8-Series, 55-inch Vizio V-Series, 65-inch Vizio M-Series and 75-inch Vizio P-Series.
Ease of setup
- Getting started: We focused on what came in the box and the process for getting the device working. In some cases, it was as simple as plugging it in and connecting to Wi-Fi; for others, we held a device nearby for fast pairing.
- Installing and organizing apps: We track how easy it is to get your favorite streaming apps on your device, and if the device allows you to easily enter usernames and passwords without clicking over and over again on your remote.
Performance
- App launch and speed: Now that all streaming devices have practically the same apps (Netflix, Max, Peacock, Hulu and the rest are everywhere), we can focus on which device actually loads popular services quickly. There is some variation, but consistency is key here.
- Connectivity: If a streaming device offers Ethernet connectivity, we track how that port changes streaming stability. We also note which Wi-Fi network standards are supported, to help ensure your device is as future-proof as it can be.
Picture and sound quality
- Resolution: We ensured each streaming device was properly calibrated for the TV and then checked out any offered upscaling features. Most importantly, we ensured that it reached 4K UHD or 4K Ultra High Definition.
- Sound and video standards: Not only do we see if streaming devices support the Dolby Atmos audio standard and Dolby Vision HDR spec, but we also look to see what other premium audio/video standards are offerred.
Hardware
- Build quality: We look at the design of each streaming device to get a sense of durability and value. Did the materials live up to the price point?
- Remote: We examine the ergonomic feel of each remote, including button placement. While those branded app buttons may be increasingly ubiquitous, the Apple TV 4K’s remote wins points for having none of them.
- Ports: Some streaming devices offer USB ports for local media files, and we do award points for this rare feature.
Other streaming sticks and devices we tested
Roku's previous Full HD 1080p streaming device doesn't offer HDR support, but it's a sufficient way to upgrade older TVs that don't have their own apps.
Read our review
Roku’s discontinued wedge-shaped streaming device was our previous budget pick, but we’re very happy to see this awkward design fade into obscurity thanks to the new Roku Streaming Stick.
The Onn 4K Pro is the only speedy $50 Google TV streaming device that's out there, plus it has no-touch voice controls for when you can't find the remote.
Read our review
We were as surprised as anyone when we tested the Onn 4K Pro and found Walmart makes one of the best Google TV streaming devices on the block. However, we found its voice controls to be a tad inconsistent.
Supplies are limited on the Chromecast now that it's being replaced by the Google TV Streamer, so get it while it's still here.
The basic Chromecast is a decent streaming device, and while it might not be the fastest Google TV device, it does neatly tuck behind your TV, thanks to its dangling dongle design.
Amazon's 4K Fire TV Stick often goes on sale, and it's one of the cheapest ways to get 4K streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos.
Amazon recently updated its 4K Fire TV Stick, the default streaming device for many shoppers who just want 4K for a frequently discounted price. It provides Dolby Vision and Atmos and a crisp Ultra HD picture. Its performance got a little better this year, but it still isn’t much to write home about, though, and the Amazon Fire TV OS interface is something to be endured rather than enjoyed. You can also hack it to sideload stuff that Amazon doesn’t allow in its store. Don’t need 4K? There’s always the $40 Fire TV Stick (which maxes out at 1080p) and the $30 Fire TV Stick Lite (whose remote has no TV controls), both of which are frequently on sale. Want a better set of screensavers, more speed and better specs? Look at the $60 Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Walmart's $20 4K streaming device always looks like a mirage when we see its price and features.
Somehow, there’s a $20 4K streaming device. Walmart’s budget version of the Chromecast With Google TV has its own quirks, though. It doesn’t work that well with the Google Home app’s virtual remote, showing an inconsistent interface (or no buttons at all). Oh, and it just feels cheap. But for that price? You might be willing to make the sacrifices. Just don’t expect Dolby Vision or Atmos.
Both a speedy 4K streaming device and Alexa speaker, the Fire TV Cube packs a ton into its boxy design.
We really enjoyed our time with the Fire TV Cube, but to a degree, it feels like it’s trying to be too much. The premise? It combines an Alexa smart speaker with a Fire TV streaming device. It’s a square box that’s taller than most streaming devices and has the classic blue light strip on the front. You can ask Alexa to turn on the TV, tune to Hulu or switch your input. It also promises upscaling, but we haven’t seen amazing results there. Performance-wise, it’s fast and it meets the quality standards with 4K UHD and HDR support.
FAQs
The following FAQs have been answered by the reviewer, Henry T. Casey, a veteran tech journalist who’s covered computing for over nine years. Henry’s experience includes over five years of focus on streaming devices and services.
Most people will find the Roku Streaming Stick 4K packs what they need — in terms of functionality, performance and interface — and at a price that won’t make them flinch, either. If your home Wi-Fi network is rather congested with devices, I recommend the Roku Ultra for its built-in Ethernet port. Anyone willing to spend over $50 should also consider the Apple TV 4K if they’re an Apple power user or the Google TV Streamer if they’re big in the smart home world.
In terms of simply watching shows and movies on services such as Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu, yes: many smart TVs sold these days can be your streaming device with their built-in app ecosystem. Speed-wise, most smart TVs don’t hold up in comparisons to the best streaming devices. On top of that, their interfaces are often more complex and annoying to navigate.
While we prefer Roku over Fire TV for their simplicity and comparably lower ad count, Amazon’s devices have their strong suits. Those invested in the Alexa-based smart home ecosystem will prefer Fire TV sticks, for example. The Fire TV home screen may also be preferable if you subscribe to a lot of services via Prime Video.
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about our testing methodology. Personally, I go the extra mile for streaming devices, not just testing them during my work day but living with them at night — which sometimes annoys friends when I’m taking notes during movie night.
We’re made up of an experienced team of editors and writers who have tested various products for years. When necessary, we consult with experts in applicable fields to expand and improve our testing. Electronics writer Henry T. Casey has reviewed tech for a decade, and has an entertainment console full of the best streaming devices that he’s constantly cycling between to find you the best ones.
