The best 10 streaming devices in comparison

There are plenty of options to choose from when buying a streaming device, with the most popular models coming from Apple, Amazon, Google, and Roku. As with most products, price is one of the key considerations. You can pick up a cheap streaming stick such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for around $30 (although you can expect to see adverts on Amazon devices). On the other hand, a more premium offering such as the Apple TV 4K can set you back as much as $200. All of the major streaming devices have excellent app support, though, ensuring you can access all of your favorite streaming services, no matter which device you decide to buy.

Resolution

One of the most important things to consider is the output resolution of the streaming device, which should match (or exceed) your TV. Choosing a device with a higher resolution than you require is not a problem, as it will also be capable of using lower resolutions. Doing so can be beneficial, though, as you won’t have to buy a new streaming device in the future if you upgrade your TV.

Performance

Something that often gets overlooked is the technical performance. Generally speaking, streaming devices tend to provide a smooth experience, but this can degrade in the future when the manufacturer introduces software updates. Because of this, it’s sometimes worth investing in a device that exceeds your TV’s specifications.

If you were looking to buy an Amazon Fire TV stick, for example, you might choose to go with the Fire TV Stick Lite if you only have a 1080p TV, as you don’t need the extra features of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. However, it’s worth noting that the Lite model has a weaker processor, a weaker GPU, and less RAM – all of which can lead to sluggish performance when navigating through the menus.

Connectivity

For the average user, most streaming devices will have connectivity that does the job. However, if you happen to live in a place with many Wi-Fi signals, you might want to consider a more advanced device. Streaming sticks and boxes are available that support Wi-Fi 6 or an ethernet connection, which ensures a more reliable connection.

Video and audio formats

If you have a TV that supports special video/audio formats, it’s worth investing in a streaming device that’s compatible with them. Most TVs support basic HDR10 video, but more advanced HDR formats are available. Dolby Vision, for example, is another HDR technology that provides far greater color depth and brightness levels than HDR10. There are also various audio technologies that can provide a better streaming experience, such as DTS:X or Dolby Atmos. By using our filter options, you can find a streaming device that matches your TV’s capabilities.