Best streaming devices in 2024 | Tom's Guide

Get the most out of your TV using one of the best streaming devices

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The best streaming devices are easy to use, affordable, and come with ways to watch just about any content imaginable. Whether you have an older display, one that might not be among the best TVs, or you're looking for an upgrade over your current TV interface, a streaming device grants access to all of your favorite entertainment.

We test these products across a wide range of use cases, looking not only at general value and features, but ease of use, as well. When searching for a new streaming device, you'll want to consider what type of ecosystem you want to leverage and which speaks to you the most, from the likes of Roku, Google TV, tvOS, and Prime Video.

Our top pick among the best streaming devices is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, a worthy addition to any TV in need of refreshing. With access to over 24,000 apps, yet costing all but a mere $40, Roku's Streaming Stick 4K is a delight to use and nets users access to its beloved Roku City concept.

But maybe you're not a fan of Roku's interface (or its severe lack in cybersecurity), which means you could always go with either an Apple TV 4K or Google TV Streamer for any additional levels of comfort you need in your entertainment needs.

Here's a quick overview of the best streaming devices you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. And keep up on scrolling if you want to see our in-depth analysis of all the top streaming devices for every user and budget.

Best overall

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K does a lot for just a mere $40 streaming device. Not only does it provide snappy performance and a clean interface on Roku's beloved OS, but its Wi-Fi range extender will be valued and its Dolby Vision upgrade is long overdue.

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Best value

For just a little less than its Streaming Stick rival, the Roku Express 4K is the same beloved experience for much cheaper, all while still keeping Roku's user-friendly interface. This model also comes with an upgraded remote so you don't need a line of sight to your TV.

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Best for Live TV

Google TV sets itself apart with its interface that leans towards surfacing live TV, but it's also is the best for controlling smart home devices, with a window that shows live views from your security cameras. And, Google added AI to generate show summaries and to let you make your own screensavers.

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Best for Apple users

Our testing has shown that the Apple TV 4K opens most apps faster than all of the competition. iPhone users will love the it, as it fits right into the Apple app ecosystem and its Remote app can be opened from the lock screen.

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Best Android

The Nvidia Shield TV may look like a phone charger, but it packs a ton of streaming smarts — plus several interesting gaming capabilities. Our testing also showed rapid 4K load times, and we appreciate its handy remote with backlit buttons.

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Best Fire TV

Yes, you can always find a deal on a cheap Fire Stick, but we recommend you wait until you see a deal on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It's faster than the rest of Amazon's sticks, which makes its ad-heavy interface easier to manage. It's also a solid pick if you use Alexa a lot.

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Roku has announced the new Roku Ultra (2024), which the company says is 30% faster than the previous model. It will retail for $99 and be available in the coming weeks.

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Our expert review:

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a small, but noteworthy, upgrade over the Streaming Stick Plus it replaces. The king stays the king, though, because little changed — and only improvements came with. Most notably, we've finally got Dolby Vision on this Roku stick, so your favorite streaming shows will have the right color balance and contrast (provided your TV supports it, too).

As one of the best streaming devices and our personal favorite, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the perfect balance of price and performance, costing $50 (often discounted to just $40) while still providing snappy navigation and smooth streaming. It's got all the apps you could need, too. Since Roku's platform is a delight to use and beloved by many, it's an easy win for those looking to snap up a great deal with tons of value.

The only reasons you might want to consider spending any more might be for a hard-wired Ethernet connection (if your living space demands it), which is available on the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K.

When we tested the Streaming Stick 4K, we saw content crispness jump to 1080p and then 4K in short amounts of time. We also noticed app loading that's comparable to the Chromecast with Google TV. Roku wins overall though thanks to its streamlined interface, which puts apps above content. But the Roku Streaming Stick 4's dominance isn't by the widest of margins, as evidenced by our tightly contested Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV face-off. We also recommend this Roku streaming stick for travel, as it's a perfect addition to your next hotel or Airbnb room's TV, while taking up minimal space in your bag.

Read our full Roku Streaming Stick 4K review.

Our expert review:

So, you want to get 4K streaming at the lowest price possible, but you're worried about cutting too many corners? Check out the new Roku Express 4K Plus, which is the replacement to the flawed Roku Premiere. We like this model a lot more because of its improved remote. Previously, you needed a direct line of sight — and to point your remote directly at the Roku device — for it to work. This way is a lot better, so you don't need to think when you click the paddle. That, plus UHD image quality and snappy performance means that the Roku Express 4K Plus is one of the best streaming devices for those on a budget.

We wish it were a little heavier, though, as you may wind up spending a minute fiddling with its HDMI cable to make it sit flat on a surface. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus doesn't have that issue. And if you love A/V standards such as Dolby Vision or Atmos Audio. you may need to look elsewhere. Want something cheaper? Our Roku Express (2022) review dives deep on its performance gains.

Read our full Roku Express 4K Plus review.

Our expert review:

The Google TV Streamer has been completely redesigned from the older Chromecast with Google TV 4K, which it's replacing. You still get excellent live TV integration, with a whole section for free TV and select paid live TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Sling and Philo). It also packs 4K UHD streaming with support for HDR and Dolby Vision, for excellent picture quality, and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. And with Google TV, you have support for the over 6,500 Android TV apps.

But, the Google TV Streamer has a few new features, too: We really liked the new smart home interface, which let us monitor and control all our smart home devices right from our TV: We were able to view live streams from our home security cameras and video doorbells, see which lights were on — and dim them, too — and even check the temperature on our smart thermostat. It's a step up from what all other streaming devices offer.

Google has also incorporated its Gemini AI into the TV Streamer. When you're looking for a show to watch, it will provide summaries of the show and pull in reviews from both critics and the general public — for better or worse.

What we found more entertaining is how we could use Gemini to create screensavers. Think of (almost) anything and speak it into the remote, and Gemini will create it for you, to amusing or horrifying effect.

While the Google TV Streamer no longer nestles behind your TV — you'll need to find a space for it in front — it does have an Ethernet port, but oddly, just Wi-Fi 5. However, there is a button on the device that, when pressed, will cause the remote to emit a chime, which we found really handy when it got lost in our couch cushions. Only Roku has a similar feature.

Yes, the Google TV Streamer costs $99 — twice that of the Chromecast with Google TV — but the upgrades will keep it relevant for years to come.

Read our full Google TV Streamer review.

Our expert review:

We absolutely love the Apple TV 4K (2022) at $129, which is $50 lower than before. Yes, that price is still a incredibly high for the industry, but this price drop makes one of the best streaming devices (especially for Apple users) even more accessible. Apple's super-charged the Apple TV 4K with its A15 Bionic system-on-chip, delivering some of the fastest load times we've seen on any streaming device. For example, it beats the latest Fire TV Cube and Roku Ultra on loading Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus and Spotify.

On top of that, HDR10+ is finally supported (though this only works if your TV supports it too), and the remote can charge over USB-C, not Lightning. Smart home enthusiasts will be excited for the inclusion of the Thread support for Matter, and some may be annoyed you need to spend $20 more for an Ethernet port. The Roku Ultra, for example, includes one by default at just $99.

That said, one of the best reasons to get the Apple TV 4K is tvOS, which is still the cleanest interface out there. But as much as I love the Apple TV remote, I've recently come into a weird problem where it stops being able to use my TV's volume controls. Check out our guide on how to fix an Apple TV for how I solved it.

Also, Apple TV Plus-broadcasted sports for MLS and MLB games will — on the Apple TV 4K — now allow you to watch up to four streams at once. Look for the grid icon button in the interface to add multiple streams.

Read our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review.

Our expert review:

The Nvidia Shield TV is a power user's Android TV device. But it doesn't look like any other of the best streaming devices we've ever seen (it's more like a mobile power charger). This tube for your tube is great at speedily spitting out UHD 4K content, and its thousands of apps means you're getting practically everything you could watch. Its small size also ensures it will fit discretely into the ever-crowded space around your TV, or work as a companion piece as your entertainment engine when on any trips away from home.

This Shield TV also includes a remote control, rather than a game controller. We love this remote because it illuminates when you pick it up in the dark, so we're not only relying on remembering where buttons are and what shape they are. You won't miss the lack of a packed in controller, thanks to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controller support. That all adds up to the best streaming device for those willing to spend just a bit more for some added gaming thrown in the mix.

Read our full Nvidia Shield TV 2019 review.

Our expert review:

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) inclusion is noteworthy in its inclusion in this list. In our testing, we saw that Amazon improved performance and speed, especially in load times for certain apps. It also supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, which is great — if you have an advanced router.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen), otherwise, isn't a huge upgrade. It has all the apps you need, the matte black dongle is nearly invisible and picture quality is top-notch. We just wish it was slightly less expensive (which it might be during sales events) and the interface featured less blatant and constant Amazon content promotion. Still, those who want an Amazon Fire TV streaming device should go with this model. It may cost a little more, but it's worth the investment to nab one of the best streaming devices.

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) review

Our expert review:

While it may be hard to find in stock at the moment, the onn 4K Google TV streaming box is actually pretty great for its price. As the first $20 4K streaming device — and that's the price before any sale — this little puck offers Ultra HD streaming at a shockingly low price.

It also delivers all the same apps you can get on the Chromecast with Google TV, another option among the best streaming devices. The only problems are that its Google Home remote app integration is a little inconsistent, and we wish the Google Assistant search options were a little smoother.

Read our full onn 4K Google TV streaming box review.

Our expert review:

The Chromecast with Google TV HD is a streaming device that sort of explains itself. It's just like the recent 4K Chromecast, but it's not outputting video in 4K. Instead, it tops out at 1080p. These days, that means you're primarily buying it to smarten up a 'dumb' TV or display, or because you'd rather save $20 than stream in 4K.

That means it still has the same great new Chromecast design, and the new Chromecast remote. The Chromecast with Google TV HD is no slouch, either, as it still packs HDR (high dynamic range) support for better contrast — which the Roku Express does not. Performance-wise, it's comparable to all the other devices at its price range. Speaking of which, we prefer the Chromecast with Google TV HD over the $29 Amazon Fire TV Lite (which also has HDR) because the Chromecast's home screen packs fewer ads. So, if you want a $29 streaming device, we'd push you in this direction. It also packs Nest support for controlling smart home devices.

Read our full Chromecast with Google TV HD review.

Our expert review:

So what if you want the best streaming device with the best remote Roku makes? Then you can save $10 with this bundle, which takes the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and pairs it with the Roku Voice Remote Pro. The remote's big perks include — as its name implies — always-on voice commands, so you can control your TV even if you can't find your remote. It just needs to be within a shout's distance. Also, this remote is rechargeable, reducing the need for batteries. Plus, it's got a headphone jack for private listening over wired headphones, and programmable buttons so you're not stuck with just the four branded app buttons on the remote.

And as we said with the regular Streaming Stick 4K, this is a fantastic streaming device by itself. You've got Roku's simple, customizable interface, snappy performance and a ton of apps, which is pretty much everything you could ask for, though YouTube TV is buried in YouTube at the moment. The big upgrade on this model is Dolby Vision, which will have your content looking as it should.

Read our full Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus review.

Our expert review:

The new Roku Ultra is pretty much still the great streaming box it's always been, just with a couple of tweaks — and keeping most of the perks you'd expect for $100 (4K HDR video and fast performance for starters). For example, they've also added Dolby Vision, a must for those streaming high-quality movies and TV shows. Plus, it's still got a USB port which allows for folks to play back their own library of movie files on their TV. Yes, you don't even need to learn what a media server is, or how to set one up. This year's model also offers a faster processor and better wireless streaming. It even packs a button on the side to make your remote chirp when you can't find it.

The other big boon of this model is that you can program the Roku remote's two customizable buttons to open your favorite channels, in addition to the pre-programmed ones for Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV and Vudu. The included earbud headphones sweeten the deal, as they plug right into the remote control for private listening. This is highly important to those who want to watch TV without disturbing the other people in the room.

Recently, Roku finally added the Voice Remote Pro to the Roku Ultra. Though quite an expensive option in the throes of the best streaming devices, it's arguably the best pick in Roku's lineup if you're willing to make that large an investment.

Read our full Roku Ultra (2020) review.

Our expert review:

Amazon's Fire TV Cube just got smarter, partially through a new octa-core processor that makes it one of the fastest streaming devices on the market. In our testing, that improved speed has it neck and neck with the Roku Ultra (2020) and Apple TV 4K (2021). But this streaming device is more about its voice commands, as it also functions as an Alexa speaker. Not only does it let you control a cable box (or a live TV service if you cut the cord), but it's also able to control your TV volume and inputs.

This year's model is also better because it offers an HDMI-IN port for those of us juggling all the devices, and puts a USB-A port and Ethernet inside as well, so no adapters are necessary for webcam connections or more stable streaming. That said, don't expect Amazon's new Super Resolution Upscaling feature to remaster your content, as it's more about providing smaller upgrades to non-4K content.

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Cube (2022) review.

Our expert review:

The excellent (and actually available) Xbox Series S is $299, and is probably the best modern consoles that can also function as a streaming device. While it can't render games in 4K, it can run streaming media apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus and more. If you know what Kodi is, you'll be happy to know you can put it on the Xbox Series S. The rest of us will be happy to know that it also supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision HDR and Movies Anywhere.

But since the Xbox Series S is the same price as six Chromecast with Google TVs, it's good that it also comes with a fantastic console. Capable of outputting games at 1440p, and running the gamut of all the goodies on Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox Series S is seen as a solid alternative to the much-more expensive Xbox Series X. Its only major drawback aside from not hitting 4K gaming is its 512 GB SSD, which can fill up fast with major games, and might require you to uninstall titles often.

Read our full Xbox Series S review.

Our expert review:

A ton of streaming apps? Check. An affordable price? Check. Support for your own media on external storage too? You bet. At just $40, the Tivo Stream 4K is one of the best streaming devices and deserves a place in this hall of fame. And unlike some streaming devices, it actually comes equipped with HBO and Peacock support. Sling users will appreciate its live TV integration, and Google Assistant is there to follow through on all of your voice commands.

Our one wish is that the Stream 4K had a better interface for its Stream app that aggregates content, and that its recommendations were a little more on the nose. Plus, Hulu with Live TV and Fubo TV don't get the red carpet treatment that Sling and YouTube TV get.

Read our full TiVo Stream 4K review.

Figuring the right streaming device for your needs is pretty easy. While everyone should start with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, your mileage may vary. If your budget is tight, the Roku Express 4K Plus can bring a lot of content to your TV without adding the clutter of a remote.

If you're trying to stabilize your connection, the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K make that process super easy with their dedicated Ethernet cables. But if you're a performance first type, and watch a lot of 4K UHD content, the Nvidia Shield TV or Apple TV 4K is where you should start.

Lastly, folks who already treat Alexa like a member of the family should consider the 3rd Gen. Fire TV Cube, which makes controlling your entertainment as easy as talking. That being said, it's quite expensive, and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus remote also supports voice commands, you just have to click the microphone button, whereas the Fire TV Cube is hands-free.

If you like the Amazon ecosystem and want a cheaper device, consider the Fire TV Stick.

We test streaming players by looking at both the content they can provide (most are very similar at this point) and how they deliver said content. Any streaming player worth its salt can load a 4K stream, but only a good one possesses straightforward navigation, robust search features and a wide variety of content to suit all tastes.

The first thing we evaluate is the setup, to see how quick and simple it is. From there, we take the user interface for a spin to see what content gets highlighted, what gets hidden, and how easy it is to navigate to our favorite channels. As live TV service integration becomes a bigger feature in streaming devices, we look at how these sticks and boxes can place your favorites within closer touch.

We'll also watch a few different shows on a variety of channels to gauge the quality of the video and audio, to make sure they look good regardless of if you have one of the best TVs or not. That said? Check out our guide to the best cheap TV deals if you need a discount.

After that, it's onto the extra features, like gaming, voice search and screen mirroring. These factors don't weigh quite as heavily toward the final score, but they're nice to have if they work well, and extremely distracting if they don't.

Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!

Kelly is the streaming channel editor for Tom’s Guide, so basically, she watches TV for a living. Previously, she was a freelance entertainment writer for Yahoo, Vulture, TV Guide and other outlets. When she’s not watching TV and movies for work, she’s watching them for fun, seeing live music, writing songs, knitting and gardening.

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