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The Best Streaming Device

Last updated on December 19, 2019

We looked at the top 5 Streaming Devices and dug through the reviews from 25 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Streaming Devices.

Best Streaming Device

Our Review Process

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These days, most streaming devices have the same key functions and apps. While it can be hard to tell them apart, there are features and compatibilities to consider based on how and where you plan to use them.  Is 4K important to you? Are you a Prime member or Apple devotee? How about voice search? These are important questions to ask yourself before buying a streaming device.

Streaming devices can be broken into two basic categories: smart TVs and digital media players (DMPs). With a smart TV, you will have access to preloaded and downloadable apps that can be used to stream media through the TV itself. If you have a smart TV, you don’t need a separate digital media player as long as you like the interface and everything functions well for you. However, smart TVs may not have as many apps as a digital media player, and new apps may not get added as often. You’ll also want to check to make sure you can access the apps you will use the most before expecting a smart TV will have everything you need.

Digital media players are separate devices that connect to a TV through an HDMI or USB port. They may also be called a streaming device, media player, stick or box. You’re usually much better off getting a digital media player for each of the TVs in your household, as streaming apps are usually made specifically for these devices and will be updated more frequently than with a smart TV. Gaming systems, like Play Station and Xbox, can also be used for streaming.

Most digital media players or streaming devices plug into your TV and play directly from the device. Some, like Chromecast, play content from your computer or phone by using a “casting” function that communicates with your TV. Apple TV 4K also has this ability using AirPlay, but you can just play directly from the streaming device as well.

All standalone streaming device options are fairly similar, and your choice really depends on the type of media you want to access and what kind of devices you already have and use in your household. The Roku Express and Roku Streaming Stick+ are the most open devices, meaning they aren’t tied to a particular service or suite of devices like Amazon or Apple. While the Amazon Fire Stick offers you all of the same apps as a device like Roku, the experience is greatly improved and has more features if you are Prime member.

If you’re a real movie buff, with a new 4K TV and a separate sound system, you’ll want to get a streaming device that is compatible with these upgraded experiences, such as the Roku Streaming Stick+ or the newest version of the Amazon Fire Stick.  If you also have lots of digital content through iTunes, you should highly consider Apple TV 4K.  If you use other Apple products, you can also view photos and videos through the streaming device.

Despite all of the talk around “cord-cutting,” you may need a cord or two to start streaming. You will need a TV with an available HDMI port, a strong Wi-Fi connection, a nearby power outlet and adapter. Depending on the device you may need an HDMI cord or extender. The Amazon Fire Stick and Roku Streaming Stick+ can connect directly into the TV HDMI port. If you don’t have Wi-Fi you’ll need to connect directly with an ethernet cord. Apple TV 4K has an ethernet port and so does Chromecast, but many other streaming devices do not.

Every streaming device comes with a remote. They usually have far fewer buttons than the remotes you may be used to, but a lot of the same functions can be found on screen or aren’t necessary. Several streaming devices offer voice remotes that allow you to search, control and call up specific content with your voice commands. The Amazon Fire Stick uses an Alexa for it’s remote, while Apple TV 4K uses Siri and Roku Streaming Stick+ uses their own voice functionality.

You actually have a lot of options for what you use as a remote with streaming devices. If you’d rather not use the small, basic remote most of these devices come with, you can also typically use your phone as a remote if you download a compatible app. Apple TV 4K can be controlled with an iPhone, iPad and even Apple Watch. To get rid of multiple remotes, there are universal and smart remote options that can control streaming devices and sometimes other smart home technology as well.

Streaming devices are relatively affordable. Other expenses involved in streaming include your Wi-Fi cost and any additional cords or connectors needed (although most come with everything you need). Some streaming apps are free, but others require a paid subscription to the app itself, a service like Prime or to a cable or satellite provider to use. Overall, many find streaming attractive because of the wide variety of content available, as well as the lack of big, expensive equipment and generally lower costs.

Our Picks For The Top Streaming Devices

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Roku Streaming Stick+

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Roku

Streaming Stick+

This top-of-the-line Roku device is the top recommend pick because it provides full support for 4K HD TV and Dolby sound. With support for the fastest Wi-Fi speeds, the Streaming Stick+ will offer the fastest browsing and uninterrupted streaming.

Overall Take

Top-of-the-LineFull support for 4K HD TV and Dolby Sound, an advanced wireless receiver and voice control.

Pros
" The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is another step along the path making 4K HDR just work, but until Vudu or Google or Amazon get it together and offer movies in HDR10, it’s not that much of an upgrade over an..."
Cons
"The big place we could see Roku losing out to the competition down the road is on format support. Apple surprised many when it announced that it would support both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, two new technologies that promise..."
 Also Consider

Apple TV

Apple

TV 4K

If you're looking for the best streaming device for Apple devotees, Apple TV is it. It provides compatibility with iPads, iPhones, Macs, Apple Watch and iTunes content. Apple TV also offers a beautiful 4K HDR and immersive Dolby Atmos sound if you have a compatible TV and sound system.

Overall Take

For Apple FansCompatible with Apple products, this streaming stick is simple and intuitive to use.

Pros
" The new Apple TVs work best with iPads, iPhones and Macs thanks to Apple AirPlay and will allow you to easily stream content from your phone or tablet to the big screen."
Cons
"If you’re not an iPhone user, you may be better off opting for a different streaming box or stick, unless you’re prepared to devote yourself to iTunes."
 Best Value

Amazon Fire Stick

Amazon

Fire Stick

Quickness is the key to the Amazon Fire Stick. Fast-moving Wi-Fi gives you fast downloads and less buffering. The easy-to-use menu and voice controls make navigating and finding the content you want a cinch. An Amazon Prime membership and other Alexa enabled devices can take your options to the next level.

Overall Take

Voice ControlsVoice controls make finding your favorite show super easy. Also pairs with Alexa devices.

Pros
" The new chipset is said to be 30% quicker, while the 802.11ac Wi-Fi ensures more stable streaming, quicker downloads and faster buffering."
Cons
"Resolution is limited to 1080p, although this is perhaps understandable given that this is a budget-focused device."

Roku Premiere+

Roku

Premier+

If you prefer a box design to the traditional streaming stick, the Roku Premiere+ is worth considering. You'll get support for the latest 4K HD TV technology while also enjoying the benefits of the freestanding design.

Overall Take

If you prefer a box design to the traditional streaming stick, the Roku Premiere+ is worth considering. You'll get support for the latest 4K HD TV technology while also enjoying the benefits of the freestanding design.

Pros
" The Roku Premiere+ is almost identical in function to the Streaming Stick+, but it exchanges the HDMI-stick design for a freestanding box design."
Cons
"The $60 Streaming Stick Plus and $100 Ultra are still the two best Rokus to buy, but if you want to save a few bucks (and your home 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is stable), the $50 Premiere Plus is a fantastic way..."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
8

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the streaming devices available to purchase.
5

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

25

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Tom's Guide, PC World, New York Times Wirecutter, Wired, Digital Trends.

12,922

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 5 Streaming Devices and also dug through the reviews from 25 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Streaming Devices.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Amazon Fire Stick

Our Expert Score

8.0
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.6
2,130 user reviews

Our Take

Quickness is the key to the Amazon Fire Stick. Fast-moving Wi-Fi gives you fast downloads and less buffering. The easy-to-use menu and voice controls make navigating and finding the content you want a cinch. An Amazon Prime membership and other Alexa enabled devices can take your options to the next level.

What other experts liked

The new chipset is said to be 30% quicker, while the 802.11ac Wi-Fi ensures more stable streaming, quicker downloads and faster buffering.
- Trusted Reviews
January 21, 2019 | Full review
It’s intuitively laid out, and finding most content is quick and easy.
- Tech Radar
October 19, 2018 | Full review
Navigating menus feels responsive and quick.
- PC World
January 3, 2018 | Full review
It's much simpler than the remote app used with Roku devices, mostly providing a touchpad for menu navigation, a handful of playback controls, a voice search function with your device's microphone, and (most useful if you need to enter login information) an onscreen keyboard.
- PC Magazine
July 6, 2017 | Full review

What other experts didn't like

It’s still very much a device aimed at Prime subscribers though, and I’d certainly recommend signing up for the service to get the most out of the various services it offers.
- Trusted Reviews
January 21, 2019 | Full review
Resolution is limited to 1080p, although this is perhaps understandable given that this is a budget-focused device.
- Tech Radar
October 19, 2018 | Full review
When it comes to the app library on the Fire Stick - it's a clear weakness.
- PC World
January 3, 2018 | Full review
Holding a button down and speaking into a remote isn't quite as convenient as the hands-free voice activation of the Echo devices, but it's still a useful way to bring down the lights when watching a movie, or adjusting the temperature of the house without getting up.
- PC Magazine
July 6, 2017 | Full review

What to Look For

  • To stream successfully, there are certain internet speed requirements that will make your experience better. Internet speed is measured in megabits per second or Mbps (also Mb/s). For standard definition viewing, 1.5-2.5 Mbps is recommended, while 6-8 Mbps is required for HD video. If you have a 4K TV, you can stream with 15-25 Mbps, but 25 Mbps is generally preferred.
  • If you choose to get an Amazon Fire Stick, you may want to consider a Prime membership to get more out of your device.  In addition to easily adding extra channels, having access to exclusive Prime content and Prime Music, you can also control  Amazon Echo, Tap or other compatible smart home devices with your Alexa voice remote.
  • Streaming devices do not come with antennas for watching over-the-air TV. If you don’t plan on signing up for an app with live TV options you will need to buy an HDTV antenna to receive over-the-air channels. If you do opt for an app with live TV, make sure it has the local channels you want, not all services have all channels.
  • Most streaming players don’t have built-in DVR. You may be able to add it to your services with certain apps, like DirectvNow, or buy an additional device, such as TiVO. Or you can wait for the show to become available on demand. Make sure you check to see what kind of storage space you have and how long you’re able to keep your shows. Some offer unlimited time while others will only give you 30 days.
  • If you’re not ready to cut cable or satellite, but still want to try streaming, you can start with a budget-friendly option like the Roku Express. Then, if you find yourself using streaming services more often than not, you can always upgrade to a more full-featured device like the Roku Streaming Stick+ or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
  • One of the best features of a compact streaming device is being able to easily move it or bring it with you. All you need is an HDTV with an HDMI port, a power outlet, and a Wi-Fi connection. You don’t have to worry about not having access to your favorite shows or movies while staying in a hotel or on vacation.

Streaming Device Rankings

1. Roku Streaming Stick+

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 7

2. Apple TV

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 9

3. Amazon Fire Stick

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 5

4. Roku Premiere+

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 6

5. Roku Streaming Stick

Overall Score: 8.0
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

The number of people ditching cable and satellite in favor of streaming has picked up in recent years and exceeded estimates in 2018. According to eMarketer, around 33 million adults stopped and did not rejoin cable or satellite services in 2018. This is still far less than paid TV subscribers which total over 180 million. However, a 2017 study found the 70 percent of subscribers felt they did not get enough value for what they paid.

The top video streaming services are YouTube and Netflix with Amazon, Hulu, HBO Now and Sling TV trailing behind. It is important to note that you can also use any streaming service in addition to cable or satellite, as long as you have a digital media player or smart TV and your budget allows for it.

More to explore