Streaming Devices

Pros & Cons

Supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision

Backlit remote and built-in Chromecast

Has access to the Google Play store, so it's easy to add apps

Great AI upscaling

Only works with Android apps

Some dislike the programmed Netflix button

Supported services

Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more

Control method

Remote control with built-in Google Assistant; compatible with Google Home and Alexa devices

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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NVIDIA Shield Full Review

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Fire TV Stick 4K

Pros & Cons

Remote automatically switches TV to the correct input when first turned on

Remote can control power and volume of TV

Works faster and smoother than previous Fire Sticks

No Vudu or Google Play app available

Picture quality might not be the best on some TVs

Supported services

Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Pluto TV, IMDb TV, and more

Control method

Alexa voice remote

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Fire TV Stick 4K Full Review

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Roku Express

Pros & Cons

Lots of free channels

Phone is used as a remote, which is really convenient

Easy to install device and set up account

2.4 GHz wireless connection may not work for everyone

Doesn't have an off button

Supported services

Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Hulu with Live TV, Apple TV, The Roku Channel, Showtime and Google Play

Control method

App, remote, voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa (devices must be purchased separately)

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Roku Express Full Review

Apple TV 4K

Pros & Cons

Simple, straightforward remote

Fast interface

4K content looks great

Touch control on remote can be overly sensitive

Some apps are glitchy

Supported services

Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more; works with Apple services like Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music

Control method

Siri voice remote

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Apple TV 4K Full Review

Chromecast with Google TV

Pros & Cons

Google Assistant can recommend movies or shows

Comes with Google TV, and it can still cast from a phone

Remote can control the TV power and volume

Remote buttons become discolored over time

Not the best for streaming high-end media

Supported services

Disney+, ESPN+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, STARZ, Sling TV, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube TV, and more

Control method

Nest voice remote with Google Assistant

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Chromecast with Google TV Full Review

Roku Ultra

Pros & Cons

Supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision

Remote has lots of useful buttons, and it can control TV volume and power

Intuitive, clutter-free interface

Voice control isn't very advanced

Mute and volume control are on the side of the remote, too easy to accidentally hit

Supported services

Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Tubi, PlutoTV, Hulu, Prime Video, Roku Channel, Peacock, Sling, and more

Control method

Roku voice remote; works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Roku Ultra Full Review

Fire TV Cube

Pros & Cons

Can control multiple devices

Quick, easy setup

Has all the normal Echo functions, so it's a very versatile device

Voice control doesn't work as well for every app

Sound quality isn't as good as other Echo devices

Supported services

Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, and more. Stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb TV, and more

Control method

Hands-free with Alexa; Alexa voice remote

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Fire TV Cube Full Review

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

Pros & Cons

Most affordable Fire Stick

Has most of the features of more expensive Fire Sticks

Great first streaming device

Remote can't control TV volume or power

Doesn't support Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision

Supported services

Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, IMDb TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock, Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more

Control method

Alexa voice remote

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Full Review

Roku Streaming Stick+

Pros & Cons

Stick form is more compact than the traditional Roku box

Roku remote can control the TV's power and volume

Has 4K support; great video and sound

Remote drains batteries quickly

Wi-Fi connection is sometimes unreliable

Supported services

Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Hulu with Live TV, Apple TV, The Roku Channel, Showtime and Google Play

Control method

App, remote, voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa (devices must be purchased separately)

USB 3.0 Port

Ethernet Connection

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Roku Streaming Stick+ Full Review

TiVo Stream 4K