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Best Streaming Device for 2024: Roku, Chromecast and More
While the most basic thing you need in a streaming device is for it to connect you to your shows, movies and sports, there are other features you should also consider. It’s all about finding out which device best fits your individual needs.
Though most smart TVs come equipped with a host of built-in apps for streaming, having a dedicated streaming device is a great way to improve your setup. This is especially useful for folks who have older smart TVs that aren’t fully compatible with all streaming platforms. Additionally, individual devices provide all sorts of hardware improvements, like Dolby Atmos compatibility, swifter navigation speeds and 4K HDR streaming. At the same time, each streaming platform has its own distinct interface.
We’ve spent hours reviewing and testing every streaming device and major smart TV system available today so we can help you figure out the best streaming device that’ll work for you. We’ve gone through every device in Roku’s extensive lineup, checked out Google’s latest offerings, tested all of Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and pored over Apple’s most recent update to the Apple TV 4K so that we can give you informed and unbiased advice.
Read on as we break down the best streaming devices available now.
Read more: Best Streaming Service of 2024
What is the best streaming device overall?
We prefer Roku’s content-agnostic approach, ease of use, large app library and excellent search functionality over those from other companies. We’ve found that the Roku Express 4K Plus is usually the cheapest Roku that offers 4K HDR streaming, and is therefore the best streaming device to buy. The Express 4K Plus lacks Dolby Vision support, but we’ve found that this usually isn’t a deal-breaker, as Dolby Vision only works on TVs that also support it. Additionally, we don’t think that Dolby Vision looks any better than regular HDR and isn’t generally worth extra money.
That said, there are times during the year when the Roku Express 4K Plus is not our top pick. This occurs when the Streaming Stick 4K is on sale and is cheaper than the Express 4K Plus. The Streaming Stick 4K offers all the same functionality of the Express 4K Plus, but includes Dolby Vision support — which is why it’s typically more expensive. We don’t think this addition is worth the premium price, but it certainly shouldn’t prevent you from grabbing the Streaming Stick 4K if it’s the cheaper of the two.
Best streaming devices of 2024
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best streaming device overall" description="
Roku is our favorite streaming system, with the most streaming app options, the simplest streaming platform interface and the best search. It also has a content-agnostic platform that doesn’t push any one media streaming service provider, like Amazon Prime Video or Apple, over another. The Express 4K Plus streaming media player is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR. (Even if your current TV doesn’t support those formats, your next one probably will.) Thanks to the AirPlay update, this Roku device is one of the least expensive ways to connect your iPhone or other Apple device to your TV. It is cheaper than the company’s Streaming Stick 4K Plus and other 4K HDR streaming devices, and it’s our top pick for best streaming device overall.
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The Chromecast with Google TV 4K isn’t quite as good as the Roku Express 4K Plus, but it comes closer than any other device on the market. Chromecast outdoes Roku by adding Dolby Vision compatibility, but its biggest smart device strength is Google Assistant voice search, which works well for finding stuff to watch. We also like the impressive integration with other Google services such as Google Photos and YouTube TV. The interface is more evolved-looking than Roku, but ultimately we prefer Roku’s simpler approach, no-nonsense search results and lower price. That said, the new Chromecast is a better smart streaming device choice for those already living in Google’s world.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best HD streaming device" description="
The Chromecast with Google TV HD is far and away the best HD-only, entry-level streaming device you can find. If you’re looking for a cheap streamer for your HD TV, this is the one to get. It’s speedy and offers the same form-factor and remote as the Chromecast with Google 4K, which means that it doesn’t need line-of-sight to work and can seamlessly control your TV’s power, volume and inputs. It also comes with a built-in button to access the Google Assistant.
Other entry-level HD streaming devices skimp on hardware features in order to sell their players at a lower price. For example, the remote that comes with Roku’s entry-level streamer, the Roku Express, lacks voice control or the ability to adjust the volume, never mind being able to turn the TV on or off. Amazon’s Fire TV Lite isn’t much better. It offers Alexa support, so you can use your voice to control the TV, but it still lacks physical volume, mute and power buttons.
It might ultimately make more sense to spring for a 4K streamer, especially if you have a 4K TV or might get one. That said, this is an excellent HD option for those who just want something cheap.
” page-position linktext=”Read our Chromecast with Google TV HD review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-review-raising-the-bar/” like dislike can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{"id":"e6c0d18f-4e3e-473d-9ac0-1dbd29863a3a","label":"Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)","slug":"google-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"e61322ad-8a37-437f-8fe5-9d83bd4646c1","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/e61322ad-8a37-437f-8fe5-9d83bd4646c1/resize/75×56","typeLabel":"Series","objectType":"content_product_series","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"e6c0d18f-4e3e-473d-9ac0-1dbd29863a3a","slug":"google-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd","name":"Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1722473053045}” overridecredit=”Sarah Lord/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"0642614a-97ae-4862-afd6-c28753718465","alt":"Chromecast with Google TV HD","caption":"","credits":"Sarah Lord/CNET","imageData":{"id":"0642614a-97ae-4862-afd6-c28753718465","filename":"chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-1-2.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/395884477943f04b92cfadf029a3802e5e601e45/hub/2022/11/03/0642614a-97ae-4862-afd6-c28753718465/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-1-2.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-11-03 21:26:05.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/395884477943f04b92cfadf029a3802e5e601e45/hub/2022/11/03/0642614a-97ae-4862-afd6-c28753718465/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-1-2.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Sarah Lord/CNET","imageAltText":"Chromecast with Google TV HD","imageFilename":"chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-1-2.jpg","imageWidth":3077,"imageHeight":1731,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-11-03","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"s98i2zw6eb28eck","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__190d4b9b-1ceb-4937-a3e1-0e39379c07b0″ index=”4″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Best List – Precap” tagslugs=”hv28,airplay,amazon,google,nvidia,roku,samsung,siri,apple,memorial-day” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Sarah Lord/CNET” imagealttext=”Chromecast with Google TV HD” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
The Chromecast with Google TV HD is far and away the best HD-only, entry-level streaming device you can find. If you’re looking for a cheap streamer for your HD TV, this is the one to get. It’s speedy and offers the same form-factor and remote as the Chromecast with Google 4K, which means that it doesn’t need line-of-sight to work and can seamlessly control your TV’s power, volume and inputs. It also comes with a built-in button to access the Google Assistant.
Other entry-level HD streaming devices skimp on hardware features in order to sell their players at a lower price. For example, the remote that comes with Roku’s entry-level streamer, the Roku Express, lacks voice control or the ability to adjust the volume, never mind being able to turn the TV on or off. Amazon’s Fire TV Lite isn’t much better. It offers Alexa support, so you can use your voice to control the TV, but it still lacks physical volume, mute and power buttons.
It might ultimately make more sense to spring for a 4K streamer, especially if you have a 4K TV or might get one. That said, this is an excellent HD option for those who just want something cheap.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Fastest streaming device" description="
Like its predecessor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) loads apps almost immediately, and navigating around the system is swift and smooth. Even better, the Max offers Wi-Fi 6E and nearly all the latest playback standards, including Dolby Vision. For people hooked into the Amazon ecosystem, the new Ambience mode can include up-to-date delivery information on your TV screen. Though it’s only a little better specified than the original Max, the second gen is now officially the best Fire Stick on the market today.
” page-position linktext=”Read our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-2023-review-amazons-best-streamer-learns-new-tricks/” like dislike can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{"id":"7ec0dc59-cb04-4c89-a1c9-4157b92be786","label":"Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max","slug":"amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max","edition":["us"],"imageId":"f6432dbf-b2a6-409f-b706-fbfddeca447a","imgUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/9344263a271772be78d892b2998b8c0cb95a92be/hub/2021/10/12/f6432dbf-b2a6-409f-b706-fbfddeca447a/6479724-sd.jpg?auto=webp&width=300&height=300&fit=crop","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Series","objectType":"content_product_series","icon":""}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"7ec0dc59-cb04-4c89-a1c9-4157b92be786","slug":"amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max","name":"Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1722473053516}” overridecredit=”Ty Pendlebury/CNET” overridecaption=”
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) features a new Ambience mode.
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The $55 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) features a new Ambience mode
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The $55 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) features a new Ambience mode
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Like its predecessor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) loads apps almost immediately, and navigating around the system is swift and smooth. Even better, the Max offers Wi-Fi 6E and nearly all the latest playback standards, including Dolby Vision. For people hooked into the Amazon ecosystem, the new Ambience mode can include up-to-date delivery information on your TV screen. Though it’s only a little better specified than the original Max, the second gen is now officially the best Fire Stick on the market today.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best for convenience" description="
Roku’s most expensive streaming box is more than twice the price of our top streaming device pick, but maybe you’ll appreciate its extra features enough to want the upgrade. The 2022 model is almost identical to the previous versions, but now comes bundled with the excellent Voice Remote Pro.
But if you really love the remote and want to save a little money, you could try Roku’s other bundle, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus, which also includes the Voice Remote Pro. The Streaming Stick 4K’s processor isn’t quite as beefy as the Ultra’s, but it can do nearly all the same tricks such as Dolby Vision HDR.
Otherwise, the Ultra continues to deliver Dolby Vision video, faster responses than the Streaming Stick 4K, improved Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet port — particularly welcome if your home Wi-Fi is overloaded.
” page-position linktext=”Read our Roku Ultra (2022) review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-ultra-2022-review-same-streamer-same-price-better-voice-remote/” like dislike can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{"id":"1308ed22-29e0-416d-a9cf-43d20a1dfe23","label":"Roku Ultra 2022 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision Streaming Device and Roku Voice Remote Pro with Rechargeable Battery – Black","slug":"roku-ultra-2022-4k-hdr-dolby-vision-streaming-device-and-roku-voice-remote-pro-with-rechargeable-battery-black","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"59b31fbf-fd15-4b3c-8712-ddc224451843","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/59b31fbf-fd15-4b3c-8712-ddc224451843/resize/75×56","typeLabel":"Tech Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"1308ed22-29e0-416d-a9cf-43d20a1dfe23","slug":"roku-ultra-2022","name":"Roku Ultra (2022)","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1722473057439}” overridecredit=”Eli Blumenthal/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"112d29e9-0bca-4f27-8d69-50b16be7106a","alt":"Roku Ultra 2022","caption":"","credits":"Eli Blumenthal/CNET","imageData":{"id":"112d29e9-0bca-4f27-8d69-50b16be7106a","filename":"roku-ultra-2022-01.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/541d8e0566d5111ad083e464ffe6c547658cf493/hub/2022/05/11/112d29e9-0bca-4f27-8d69-50b16be7106a/roku-ultra-2022-01.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-05-11 21:07:44.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/541d8e0566d5111ad083e464ffe6c547658cf493/hub/2022/05/11/112d29e9-0bca-4f27-8d69-50b16be7106a/roku-ultra-2022-01.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Eli Blumenthal/CNET","imageAltText":"Roku Ultra 2022","imageFilename":"roku-ultra-2022-01.jpg","imageWidth":6050,"imageHeight":3403,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-05-11","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”false” ng-block=”{"id":"kz82d8lcbraix21","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__c94ece5f-fd74-4320-954b-50c440a763bb” index=”6″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Best List – Precap” tagslugs=”hv28,airplay,amazon,google,nvidia,roku,samsung,siri,apple,memorial-day” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Eli Blumenthal/CNET” imagealttext=”Roku Ultra 2022″ class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
Roku’s most expensive streaming box is more than twice the price of our top streaming device pick, but maybe you’ll appreciate its extra features enough to want the upgrade. The 2022 model is almost identical to the previous versions, but now comes bundled with the excellent Voice Remote Pro.
But if you really love the remote and want to save a little money, you could try Roku’s other bundle, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus, which also includes the Voice Remote Pro. The Streaming Stick 4K’s processor isn’t quite as beefy as the Ultra’s, but it can do nearly all the same tricks such as Dolby Vision HDR.
Otherwise, the Ultra continues to deliver Dolby Vision video, faster responses than the Streaming Stick 4K, improved Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet port — particularly welcome if your home Wi-Fi is overloaded.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best for Apple fans" description="
The 2022 Apple TV 4K starts at $129, $50 less than its previous version. It also has a faster A15 Bionic processor under the hood and an updated Siri Remote that swaps out the proprietary Lightning connector for USB-C. If those changes sound minor, that’s because they are. When using the device, it’s hard to see any real difference compared to last year’s model.
But it continues to be a good choice for those who want an Apple device to use Apple Arcade for gaming or take full advantage of their Apple One subscription bundles. Video purists will appreciate its flexible HDR and TV calibration feature.
For most people, however, Apple’s venerable remote control streaming device just isn’t worth the money, especially now that Roku has nearly all the major apps and AirPlay. If you really want Dolby Vision, you can find that on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at a fraction of the price.
” page-position linktext=”Read our 2022 Apple TV 4K review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/apple-tv-4k-2022-review-excellent-streaming-but-still-too-expensive/” like dislike can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{"id":"2c48270e-faef-4b3e-9421-e36b6272ed65","label":"Apple TV 4K 64GB (3rd generation)(Latest Model) – Wi-Fi – Black","slug":"apple-tv-4k-wifi-64gb-3rd-gen-2022","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"bd8648c3-1935-4b7b-9a50-8117ce7d7f3f","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/bd8648c3-1935-4b7b-9a50-8117ce7d7f3f/resize/75×56","typeLabel":"Tech Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"2c48270e-faef-4b3e-9421-e36b6272ed65","slug":"apple-tv-4k-64gb-3rd-generation-latest-model-wi-fi-black","name":"Apple – TV 4K 64GB (3rd generation)(Latest Model) – Wi-Fi – Black","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1722473052327}” overridecredit=”Apple” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"fd37215a-8ac8-437b-878d-5e6e34507873","alt":"Apple TV 4K 2022 with Siri Remote","caption":"","credits":"Apple","imageData":{"id":"fd37215a-8ac8-437b-878d-5e6e34507873","filename":"apple-tv-4k-2022-green.png","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/a7aaa0a6582941edec1ccc959fdc69f34fe123ee/hub/2022/10/19/fd37215a-8ac8-437b-878d-5e6e34507873/apple-tv-4k-2022-green.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-10-19 11:31:52.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/a7aaa0a6582941edec1ccc959fdc69f34fe123ee/hub/2022/10/19/fd37215a-8ac8-437b-878d-5e6e34507873/apple-tv-4k-2022-green.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Apple","imageAltText":"Apple TV 4K 2022 with Siri Remote","imageFilename":"apple-tv-4k-2022-green.png","imageWidth":1600,"imageHeight":900,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-10-19","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"ykzgjwk0ooihzlx","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__6650ad1a-bc75-4a71-be8f-b164b3f13398″ index=”7″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Best List – Precap” tagslugs=”hv28,airplay,amazon,google,nvidia,roku,samsung,siri,apple,memorial-day” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Apple” imagealttext=”Apple TV 4K 2022 with Siri Remote” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
The 2022 Apple TV 4K starts at $129, $50 less than its previous version. It also has a faster A15 Bionic processor under the hood and an updated Siri Remote that swaps out the proprietary Lightning connector for USB-C. If those changes sound minor, that’s because they are. When using the device, it’s hard to see any real difference compared to last year’s model.
But it continues to be a good choice for those who want an Apple device to use Apple Arcade for gaming or take full advantage of their Apple One subscription bundles. Video purists will appreciate its flexible HDR and TV calibration feature.
For most people, however, Apple’s venerable remote control streaming device just isn’t worth the money, especially now that Roku has nearly all the major apps and AirPlay. If you really want Dolby Vision, you can find that on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at a fraction of the price.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best soundbar-streaming combo" description="
Soundbars with streaming onboard may be a relatively recent development, but Roku’s new Streambar nails it. It has the Roku interface we know and love, complete with 4K HDR with improved sound for any TV, especially dialog. It’s smaller and more affordable than its predecessor, the Roku Smart Soundbar, but we think the new Streambar media streamer device makes more sense for most people.
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