Best Streaming Devices
Even if your TV has built-in smart apps, a dedicated streaming device delivers a faster, smoother experience with more frequent updates and broader app support. Smart TV interfaces often become sluggish after a few years and stop receiving app updates, while a $30-50 streaming stick keeps your TV current. We compared devices on 4K HDR support, interface speed, app availability, voice assistant integration, and privacy. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is our top value pick, delivering 4K Dolby Vision streaming with Wi-Fi 6E support and Alexa voice control for under $60. The Roku Express 4K counters with a cleaner, ad-lighter interface and a universal search that finds content across all your streaming subscriptions without favoring one service. The Google Chromecast with Google TV rounds out the options with tight Google ecosystem integration. Your choice often comes down to ecosystem preference. Alexa households naturally pair with Fire TV. Google Home users benefit from Chromecast's seamless casting and Assistant integration. Roku remains the best platform-agnostic option with no allegiance to any content provider. All three support every major streaming app including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2023) with Voice Remote | Streaming-Stick | Neutral platform with no ecosystem lock-in | Amazon |
| Roku Express 4K Streaming Device | Streaming | Clean interface with less advertising | Amazon |
| Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Device | Streaming | Clean interface without aggressive ads | Amazon |
| Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Streaming | Full Google TV interface | Amazon |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) Streaming Media Player | Streaming-Stick | Wi-Fi 6E for fastest wireless streaming | Amazon |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device | Streaming | Supports 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Atmos | Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2023) with Voice Remote
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port and streams 4K HDR content from all major platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV. The included voice remote features private listening via headphone jack and hands-free voice controls. A simple, neutral platform with no algorithmic favoritism toward any one streaming service.
- Neutral platform with no ecosystem lock-in
- Private listening via remote headphone jack
- Compact HDMI plug-in design
- No Wi-Fi 6E support
- Some features require Roku account
Roku Express 4K Streaming Device
Budget-friendly 4K HDR streaming player with a clean, ad-light interface and universal search across hundreds of streaming apps. Includes a simple IR remote with TV power and volume buttons for single-remote convenience.
- Clean interface with less advertising
- 4K HDR at a low price
- Universal search across apps
- Simple remote with TV controls
- No voice remote with hands-free
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Device
An affordable way to upgrade any TV to 4K HDR streaming with a clean, ad-light interface that puts your content first. Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures smooth playback, and the included voice remote controls your TV power and volume. Access over 350 free live TV channels plus all major streaming services right out of the box.
- Clean interface without aggressive ads
- Access to 350+ free live TV channels
- Voice remote controls TV power and volume
- No Ethernet port for wired connection
- Remote lacks headphone jack for private listening
Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
4K HDR streaming dongle with a full Google TV interface, voice remote, and personalized content recommendations across all your streaming services. Built-in Chromecast lets you cast from your phone. Compact design hides behind the TV.
- Full Google TV interface
- Personalized recommendations
- Voice remote included
- 4K HDR Dolby Vision
- 8GB storage fills up fast
- Can be sluggish with many apps
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) Streaming Media Player
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max streams in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ support for stunning picture quality. Wi-Fi 6E support ensures fast, low-latency streaming even in congested wireless environments. Alexa voice remote with live TV controls lets you search across apps with simple voice commands.
- Wi-Fi 6E for fastest wireless streaming
- Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Alexa built-in for hands-free control
- Requires Amazon account
- Ads on home screen
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device
Stream your favorite content in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. The quad-core 1.7GHz processor ensures snappy app launches and smooth navigation. Wi-Fi 6 support delivers buffer-free streaming, and the included Alexa Voice Remote lets you find and control content hands-free.
- Supports 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Atmos
- Wi-Fi 6 for fast, reliable streaming
- Alexa voice control built into remote
- Amazon interface pushes sponsored content
- No Ethernet port without adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a streaming device if my TV has built-in apps?
A streaming device is still worthwhile. Built-in smart TV platforms are often slower, have limited app stores, and stop receiving updates after a few years. A Fire TV Stick or Roku Express costs $30-50 and provides a faster, more frequently updated experience that extends your TV's useful life.
What is the difference between 4K and non-4K streaming devices?
4K streaming devices output at 3840x2160 resolution with HDR color, providing noticeably sharper and more vibrant images on a 4K TV. If you have a 4K TV, always get a 4K streaming device. The price difference is typically only $10-15. On a 1080p TV, a 4K device still works but does not provide a visual upgrade.
Which streaming device has the best voice control?
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Alexa offers the most comprehensive voice control, letting you search, launch apps, control smart home devices, and even shop. Google Chromecast with Google TV provides similar depth through Google Assistant. Roku voice search is simpler but effectively finds content across all apps.
Can streaming devices replace cable TV completely?
For most households, yes. Between Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and free ad-supported channels built into Roku and Fire TV, streaming covers live TV, sports, news, and on-demand content. YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV provide live channels including local broadcasts for $65-75/month, often less than cable.