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Media Streaming Devices: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Our 7 Top Picks
Best Overall
4.5
Outstanding
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K adds Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices at the same affordable price as the previous model.
Pros
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Affordable
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Fast performance
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Wi-Fi 6
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Speedier Alexa responses
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Plenty of apps and features
Cons
-
No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast for local streaming
Read Our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Review
Best for Old TVs
4.5
Outstanding
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD
Amazon's low-cost Fire TV Stick HD is the best 1080p media hub, thanks to its capable software platform and competent hardware.
Pros
-
Affordable
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Full-featured Fire TV platform with Alexa voice control
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Supports HDR10 and Dolby Atmos
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Remote has volume controls
Cons
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Occasionally choppy interface
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Uses Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6
Read Our Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Review
Best for Hands-Free Alexa Voice Control
4.0
Excellent
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Free Shipping
The Amazon Fire TV Cube remains one of the most capable media streamers on the market thanks to its hands-free Alexa voice control, and the third-generation model adds Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI pass-through.
Pros
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Hands-free Alexa voice assistance
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HDMI pass-through with Alexa overlay
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Supports Wi-Fi 6E
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Fast performance
Cons
-
Expensive
-
Wi-Fi 6E doesn't necessarily offer video benefits
Read Our Amazon Fire TV Cube Review
Best Roku Streamer
4.0
Excellent
Roku Ultra (2024)
Free Shipping
The 2024 version of the Roku Ultra is faster and performs better than the previous model, while offering access to the same robust content-focused platform.
Pros
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Fast performance
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Wi-Fi 6 support
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Ethernet port for wired connections
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Hands-free voice control
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Apple AirPlay
Cons
-
Expensive
-
Voice features lag behind competitors
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Remote lacks a headphone jack
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No Twitch app
Read Our Roku Ultra (2024) Review
Best for Affordable AirPlay
4.0
Excellent
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a powerful media streamer for watching 4K HDR content from many streaming apps, and AirPlay support lets you easily mirror Apple devices.
Pros
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Fast, responsive performance
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Sleek, small design
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Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision
Cons
-
Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV
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No Twitch app available
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5GHz Wi-Fi hiccup in testing
Read Our Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review
Best for Siri Users
3.5
Good
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
Free Shipping
Despite a drop in price and a boost in performance, the third-generation Apple TV 4K is still an expensive media streamer that's best suited for Apple-centric households.
Pros
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Fast, responsive performance
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Deep integration with Apple devices and services
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Apple AirPlay 2
Cons
-
Pricey
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Confusing overlap of Apple tvOS and Apple TV app features
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Using Siri requires speaking into the remote
Read Our Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) Review
Best for Google Assistant Users
3.5
Good
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV Streamer adds an Ethernet port and support for Matter and Threads, but it doesn't do much the Chromecast can't do for half the price.
Pros
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Fast, smooth performance
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Ethernet port for wired connectivity
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Works as a Matter hub and Threads border router
Cons
-
Expensive
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No Wi-Fi 6
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Lacks hands-free voice control
Read Our Google TV Streamer (4K) Review
Latest Media Streaming Device Top Picks
The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2025
Latest Media Streaming Device Reviews
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Cube Review
4.0
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review
4.0
Roku Ultra (2024) Review
4.0
Google TV Streamer (4K) Review
3.5
Latest Media Streaming Device News
Sonos Reportedly Kills Its Media Streaming Device Project ByJibin Joseph
Employee at DVD Manufacturer Arrested for Leaking Films, Including Spider-Man ByMichael Kan
Sonos' Next Big Move Is Reportedly a High-End Streaming Box ByJibin Joseph
Proton Promises Secure Streaming With VPN App for Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro ByJoe Hindy
Get These Prime Day Deals on Media Streaming Devices Before They Disappear ByJibin Joseph
Best Early Prime Day Deals on Media Streaming Devices ByJibin Joseph
Google TV Streamer Replaces Chromecast in Media Hub Lineup ByWill Greenwald
Google's Next Chromecast Could Be a Set-Top Box, Not a Dongle ByJibin Joseph
Still Going: The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices ByChloe Albanesius
Best Amazon Prime Day Deals on Streaming Devices ByChloe Albanesius
Latest Media Streaming Device How-Tos
How to Access Roku's Secret Screens ByChandra Steele
Bored With Your Apple TV Display? How to Set Up Portraits Screen Savers ByTyler Hayes
How to Turn Off Annoying Apple TV Sports Notifications ByTyler Hayes
Related Categories
All Home Entertainment Home Entertainment Accessories Blu-ray Players TVs Universal Remotes
Latest Media Streaming Device Stories
Sonos Reportedly Kills Its Media Streaming Device Project
The Pinewood streaming player was rumored to cost $200-$400. Sonos has put that device on hold and shifted focus back to fixing its mobile app.
3/13/2025 By Jibin Joseph
Employee at DVD Manufacturer Arrested for Leaking Films, Including Spider-Man
Steven R. Hale allegedly stole and sold a high-quality copy of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' and other films before their official Blu-ray release.
3/07/2025 By Michael Kan
A Binge-Worthy Deal: Get Disney+ and Hulu for Less Than $3 a Month
For a limited time, you can score Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for just $2.99/month for four months, saving you 72% per month (offer ends March 30).
3/07/2025 By Juhi Wadia
How to Access Roku's Secret Screens
Your Roku has a handful of hidden features you can't find on the Home screen. Here's how to access them with a few remote clicks.
2/10/2025 By Chandra Steele
Sonos' Next Big Move Is Reportedly a High-End Streaming Box
It's rumored to cost between $200 and $400, though, which is pricey for a streaming box.
2/05/2025 By Jibin Joseph
Rare Discounts on Nvidia Shield Media Streamers: Convert Old to Gold
Every day, we head into the deal mines, digging for savings and discounts on the best electronics out there. And every day, there's one deal that stands above them all. This is that deal!
2/04/2025 By Shubham Yewale
The Best Streaming Device Deals For January 2025
Get all of your streaming services settled with a plug-and-play device from Amazon, Roku or Apple at a deep discount
1/21/2025 By K. Thor Jensen
28 Hidden Roku Tips and Tricks You Won't Find in the Instruction Manual
Whether you've had the same Roku for years or just upgraded to a new one, there's more to know about these media streaming devices than meets the eye.
1/21/2025 By Chandra Steele
Smarten Up Your TV: Grab the Roku Express HD for Only $18
Every day, we head into the deal mines, digging for savings and discounts on the best electronics out there. And every day, there's one deal that stands above them all. This is that deal!
1/17/2025 By Shubham Yewale
Bored With Your Apple TV Display? How to Set Up Portraits Screen Savers
If you loved aerial landscape images on your Apple TV, Portraits screen savers in tvOS 18 show your best photos with a stylized clock overlay.
1/12/2025 By Tyler Hayes
The Intuitive Button Remote That Could Make Any Apple TV Owner's Life Easier
It's got the classic buttons you're familiar with and there's no need to rely on Siri.
12/14/2024 By StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)
This Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Will Only Cost You $15
And let's be honest, you've wasted more money on much worse things that don't stream your favorite shows or control your smart home. This 50% off deal shouldn't be overlooked.
12/12/2024 By Juhi Wadia
The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2025
Who needs cable? Check out the best media streaming devices we've tested for watching shows, movies, and more on your TV.
11/26/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
Amazon's low-cost Fire TV Stick HD is the best 1080p media hub, thanks to its capable software platform and competent hardware.
11/22/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Cube Review
4.0
Editors' Choice
The Amazon Fire TV Cube remains one of the most capable media streamers on the market thanks to its hands-free Alexa voice control, and the third-generation model adds Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI pass-through.
11/21/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Review
4.5
Editors' Choice
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K adds Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices at the same affordable price as the previous model.
11/21/2024 By Will Greenwald
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review
4.0
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max one-ups the standard model with Wi-Fi 6E support, though you'll only notice its speed and reliability improvements with a compatible router.
11/21/2024 By Will Greenwald
Early Black Friday Deal: Fire TV Sticks For Up to an Unbelievable 56% Off
$18 will get you a new Fire TV Stick. So will $22 for the 4K model and $33 for the 4K Max version. At the very least, you're saving 45% off! So let's go plug and play!
11/13/2024 By Juhi Wadia
Proton Promises Secure Streaming With VPN App for Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro
Proton VPN offers 8,500 servers across 112 countries at launch, letting you stream content on Apple TV in private.
10/31/2024 By Joe Hindy
Roku Ultra (2024) Review
4.0
The 2024 version of the Roku Ultra is faster and performs better than the previous model, while offering access to the same robust content-focused platform.
10/10/2024 By Will Greenwald
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