The 5 best streaming devices for 2024: Sticks, boxes and more
Got a favorite streaming network? Got more than one? Just connect one of our favorite streaming devices to your TV, and that's it: You get to all of your preferred streaming services -- making it easy to find your favorite shows and movies, and quickly discover exciting new things to watch. What sets each of these streaming devices apart are the operating systems and user interfaces. They get you the easiest access to the on-demand and live streaming content you want, when you want it.
As you'll discover, each of these best streaming devices in this roundup offer something unique. All come with a remote control, but several allow you to control the streaming device (and your TV) using voice commands or even a smartphone app.
Our picks for the best streaming devices of 2024
Our in-house consumer tech experts have compiled this curated list of the five best streaming devices, all of them easy to connect to your TV via its HDMI port. (In some cases, an Ethernet or digital optical cable connection is also an option.) Included in this roundup, you'll find popular devices from Amazon, Apple, Google, and Roku.
- Best 4K FireTV streaming device from Amazon: Amazon Fire TV Stick Max 4K
- Best 4K Apple streaming device: Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
- Best 4K Google Chromecast device: Chromecast with GoogleTV (4K)
- Best 4K Roku streaming player: Roku Ultra 4K
- Best 4K Roku streaming device and soundbar combo: Roku Streambar Pro
Best 4K FireTV streaming device from Amazon: Amazon Fire TV Stick Max 4K
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: Yes | Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E | Ethernet: No | Voice Control: Alexa Voice Remote | Special Features: Dolby Atmos support, Amazon Luna game support, 6-month MGM+ subscription included | Operating System: Amazon FireTV | Storage: 16GB
Setting up and using an Amazon Fire TV Stick Max could not be easier. Simply plug the device into the HDMI port of your TV, adjust the TV's input to that HDMI port, connect the streaming stick to your home's Wi-Fi and use the included remote to navigate around and choose what you want to watch.
This "Max" version of the Fire TV Stick supports Wi-Fi 6E, so if you have a compatible wireless router, you'll enjoy the ability to stream 4K content from your favorite services with no lag or stuttering. In addition, when you're not watching TV, you can display famous works of art -- for free -- as a screensaver on your TV.
The included voice remote supports Alexa, you can not only control the TV with voice commands, but also use the same remote on other Alexa-compatible smart gear. Near the bottom of the remote are four app buttons that launch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and two other streaming services with a single button press.
This streaming stick also supports Amazon's Luna cloud-based gaming service, so you can play popular games using an optional Luna handheld controller ($50), but you don't need a separate gaming console.
Best 4K Apple streaming device: Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: HDMI 2.1 | Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 | Ethernet: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port | Voice Control: Siri voice remote | Special Features: Runs using Apple's A15 Bionic chip; Supports AppleTV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, iCloud Shared Photo Library, FaceTime, PlayShare, Smart Home Hub, Apple AirPods and Dolby Atmos | Operating System: AppleTV OS | Storage: 128GB
This streaming device is ideal for people who are already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and use services like AppleTV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and iCloud Photos on their iPhone, iPad, iMac and/or MacBook. Once you plug the AppleTV device into the HDMI or Ethernet port of your TV and sign in using your Apple ID, you'll have access to all of the Apple services you currently use. This means you can start watching your favorite AppleTV+ series, like "For All Mankind" or "The Morning Show," on an iPad and then pick up exactly where you left off on your TV.
You can view the photos you have stored within your iCloud Photo Library, or mirror what's displayed on your iPhone, iPad or Mac's screen on your TV. And beyond just working with the AppleTV+ streaming service, the Apple TV streaming device gives you easy access to all of the streaming networks and services you pay for, like Netflix, Paramount+ or Hulu.
Another unique feature: Use the camera in your iPhone to make FaceTime video calls via your TV.
But when it comes to watching movies, sports or TV shows, Apple TV's support of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ ensure you get a smooth, extremely detailed and visually impressive viewing experience that's accompanied by spatial audio with enhanced dialogue.
Best 4K Google Chromecast device: Chromecast with GoogleTV (4K)
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: HDMI 2.1 | Wi-Fi: 802.11ac | Ethernet: Optional adapter available | Voice Control: Google Assistant voice remote| Special Features: Supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos | Operating System: AndroidTV OS | Storage: 8GB
The Chromecast with GoogleTV works particularly well for Chromebook and Android users, because any content on those devices can easily be mirrored onto your TV. Meanwhile, using the GoogleTV OS, you have easy access to all of the popular streaming networks and services you subscribe to. You even get a six-month subscription to the Peacock Premium service for free.
And with Google Assistant built in, you can use voice commands to control your TV and streaming experience, along with other Google-supported smart devices installed in your home.
This device is super easy to install on any TV with an HDMI port. Then, once it's connected to home Wi-Fi, the GoogleTV interface makes finding and playing your favorite content very intuitive. In fact, based on your viewing habits, Chromecast with GoogleTV will recommend what TV shows, movies, documentaries or sporting events you should watch next.
Best 4K Roku streaming player: Roku Ultra 4K
Resolution: 4K | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: HDMI 2.0 | Wi-Fi: 802.11ac | Ethernet: Ethernet 10/100 | Voice Control: Voice remote | Special Features: Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, Apple Airplay, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home support, Free Roku Channel access, USB 3.0 port | Operating System: RokuTV OS | Storage: 2GB
Out of all the streaming platforms, Rokus are the most popular. The RokuTV interface is easy to use, and the voice controller requires just a simple command or a few button presses on the Roku's remote.
Included with the Roku Ultra 4K device is unlimited access to The Roku Channel, which offers a vast library of free live and on-demand programming. Of course, you also get quick and easy access to all of your favorite streaming networks and services.
One feature that sets the Roku streaming devices apart: The handheld remote allows you to plug in optional (wired) headphones or earbuds to enjoy a private listening experience when watching TV. This means you can adjust the volume to whatever level works best for you, without bothering anyone else in your household.
But if you don't want to use wired headphones or earbuds, Roku Ultra also supports wireless (Bluetooth) headphones or earbuds, including those that support noise cancellation and spatial audio, so you can enjoy what equates to surround sound without having to invest in a surround-sound system.
Best 4K Roku streaming device and soundbar combo: Roku Streambar Pro
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: HDR10 | HDMI: HDMI 2.0 | Wi-Fi: 801.11ac | Ethernet: Optional adapter available | Voice Control: Roku Voice Remote | Special Features: Roku streaming and soundbar in one device; Dolby Audio, Apple Airplay, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home support; Free Roku Channel access; USB 2.0 port; Optical Digital Audio input; Four 2.5" full range drivers | Operating System: RokuTV OS | Storage: 512MB
The biggest problem with many big-screen TVs is that they sacrifice high-quality speakers in favor of an ultra-thin, high-resolution picture. The easy remedy for this is to connect a soundbar or surround-sound system. One of our favorite soundbars that we've tested is also one of the most affordable. It's the Roku Streambar Pro.
In this case, the low cost of the 32-inch wide Roku Streambar does not impact audio quality. The model uses four, 2.5-inch full range drivers to deliver clear and robust stereo audio that supports Dolby Audio. Another perk of this soundbar is that it has a Roku streaming device built in, so when the soundbar is connected to your TV using a single HDMI, HDMI-ARC or Digital Optical cable (all included), you're able to stream content from your favorite streaming services, access The Roku Channel, and benefit from all of the features that a stand-alone Roku streaming device offers.
Another great thing about the Roku Streambar is that if you want to upgrade it with rear satellite speakers and a subwoofer to create a true surround sound system (as opposed to hearing simulated surround sound), Roku makes this easy by offering the Roku Wireless Bass Pro subwoofer ($180) and Roku wireless speakers ($150), which are sold separately. With the Roku Streambar Pro, you get a good quality soundbar and Roku streaming capabilities bundled into one device that connects to virtually any TV.
Does a streaming device work with any smart TV?
By default, a smart TV can connect to the internet and stream content from all of the popular streaming networks and services. But be warned: The user interfaces and capabilities of smart TVs are not all alike. If you have a smart TV that already supports the FireTV or GoogleTV OS, for example, but you'd prefer to access content using the RokuTV OS, you can easily install an alternative streaming device to your television set.
Meanwhile, if you're using an older TV that is not a smart TV, as long as that TV has an HDMI or Ethernet port, you can connect any of the best streaming devices to the TV and transform it into a smart TV. Keep in mind, access to the various streaming services typically requires separate subscription fees.
