Best streaming devices in 2024 (2024)

Even if you don’t own a smart TV, you can still purchase a streaming device to access many of the same apps, games, and other features that a web-connected TV provides. Major brands like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Roku produce the most acclaimed streaming devices on the market in 2024, but most of these brands have several models to choose from, too. Not to worry though: we’re here to help you hone in on the best of the best.

Whether you’re searching for an end-all-be-all streaming device with tons of internal storage and a boatload of apps and features, or you just want to add Netflix to your old TV without breaking the bank, our list of the best streaming devices has something for everyone.

Steaming devices for home entertainment

See Also

Best media streamers 2024: the best TV streaming devicesBest Streaming Devices 2024: The top choices tested and reviewedThe Best TV Streaming Devices for Cord CuttersThe best streaming device for your TV in 2022

Best overall

Google TV Streamer

Move over Chromecast!

It’s the end of the Chromecast age with the release of the Google TV Streamer. The company’s latest and greatest streamer delivers top-notch visuals and zippy performance, and is packed with 32GB of storage for all your favorite apps and games. It’s not a perfect streaming device, but it’s our favorite for 2024!

Pros

• Impressive performance
• Great picture upscaling and HDR support
• Google Home panel is very convenient

Cons

• Google TV recommendations aren?t very good
• Questionable product longevity
• Lacks Wi-Fi 6 capabilities

$100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy$100 at Google Store

For years, we had the Chromecast and its many iterations, but now we have the Google TV Streamer, a much-needed, beefed-up version of Google’s O.G. streaming tech that still has Chromecast's "casting." It also has AirPlay 2 capabilities, 32GB of storage, and the most up-to-date version of the Google TV OS.

But, as our reviewer noted, perhaps the most significant change is that the Google TV Streamer is a proper set-top box that’s designed to sit below or beside your TV instead of dangling from the HDMI port in the back (it was fun while it lasted, Chromecast).

From a pure AV standpoint, the Google TV Streamer is a total beast. Supporting every major HDR format, plus Dolby Atmos, your favorite movies and shows will look and sound incredible, not to mention the brilliant 4K picture upscaling this bad boy delivers. Better yet, the built-in Ethernet port lets you connect directly to your router to get a faster internet connection, and the device is compatible with the latest Matter and Thread standards, too.

The Google Home panel is a thoughtful addition to the Google TV home page as well, allowing you to control other smart home devices right from your TV. While we do wish some of the personalized Google TV recommendations were better, the Google TV Streamer has broad appeal, and we’re excited to see what a few firmware updates will bring to this flagship Google device!

Premium pick

Nvidia Shield TV Pro

Most powerful streaming device

Nvidia's Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV hardware you can buy right now. It is a competent set-top box perfect for gaming and streaming. However, updates for this device have been few and far between, making it difficult to compare to other devices. The main thing working against Nvidia's top-tier Shield TV is the price, which is hard to justify compared to gadgets that cost as much as ten times less.

Pros

• Great video quality and AI upscaling
• Game streaming and media server capabilities
• Excellent support from Nvidia

Cons

• Most expensive option on the market
• Pro-features won't appeal to everyone
• Remote doesn't receive updates

$199 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy

Most basic streaming devices often come pre-programmed with specific platforms and features already installed and ready to go, which is great for people who aren't overly tech-savvy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, Nvidia's Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV hardware you can buy right now. It's not just a competent set-top box. It's also perfect for game streaming and even running a Plex server, something its die-hard fans will be quick to tell you. It also runs a stripped-down version of the Google TV UI if you're after a Chromecast-esque experience.

Since the Shield TV Pro debuted in 2019, updates for this device have been few and far between, while other devices, such as the Fire TV Cube, are receiving more regular updates; this might be something you want to factor in. Overall, though, this device can't compare to many others due to the sheer differences in programming. But really, the only thing working against Nvidia's top-tier Shield TV is the price. At $200, it's hard to justify compared to gadgets that cost as much as ten times less.

Best value

Onn Google TV 4K Pro

Google TV runs the show here

In our hands-on review of the Onn Google TV 4K Pro, we were blown away by this small device’s fast network speeds, great picture, and familiar Google TV backbone. It was also great to be able to use Google Assistant to search for content and control smart home devices.

Pros

• Fast load times and UI elements
• Solid picture and sound quality
• A great way to use Google Assistant

Cons

• A magnet for hair and dust

$50 at Walmart

While Onn is a Walmart house brand, you could have fooled us. This mesh-covered streaming device runs on the Google TV OS and is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU with 3GB of RAM. Users can expect lightning-fast load times for in-app content and UI navigation. You’ll also get everything you need to connect the 4K Pro to your TV right out of the box, including an HDMI cable. In the event that you’re placing the device close enough to your router, we recommend using the 4K Pro’s Ethernet port to get the best network speeds.

Google TV is a fantastic smart hub that knows exactly what services you’re subscribed to. After you’ve been watching content for a little while, the 4K Pro will start curating recommendations based on your viewing habits, logging everything on the device’s home screen. Enjoy everything from Netflix and Hulu to Disney+ and Paramount+! And if you own a compatible 4K HDR TV, the 4K Pro has the ability to decode Dolby Vision and other leading HDR picture formats.

You’ll even be able to use Google Assistant to search for movies and shows, ask web-searchable questions, and control the many smart home devices in your home. While more advanced features are reserved for devices like the Amazon Fire TV Cube, the Onn Google TV 4K Pro combines excellent performance and features with an agreeable price.

Best for Alexa households

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

Best device for voice commands

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a two-in-one streaming device and Amazon Echo. It's twice as powerful and features the fastest streaming available today. The octa-core processor allows seamless navigation between programs and channels without any delay, and the 4K resolution and Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos provide an immersive entertainment experience. If you want a streaming device that has it all, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is the perfect choice.

Pros

• Integrated Alexa Assistant
• Support for Wi-Fi 6E
• Smart home controls

Cons

• More expensive than most competition
• Larger and bulkier than others
• Home screen is unorganized

$140 at Amazon$140 at Best Buy

The Amazon Fire TV Cube isn't just your typical streaming device; it also doubles as an Amazon Echo for your home. This device is twice as powerful as its predecessors and features the fastest streaming available today. In close competition with the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, and at only a fraction of the cost, the only thing preventing the Fire TV Cube from taking its place is the overwhelming number of ads. Of course, even cable TV has commercials and ads, so if that's no big deal for you, you'll get a lot out of this.

The octa-core processor allows seamless navigation between programs and channels without any delay. You'll also find yourself fully immersed in every scene with the cinematic 4K resolution and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. The hands-free Alexa Assistant lets you control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers from anywhere in the room. You can also use your Alexa Assistant as a simple smart speaker. If you want a streaming device with it all, you can't go wrong with the Amazon Fire TV Cube.

Another great Amazon streamer

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023)

A tried and true streaming device

The latest generation of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max adds Wi-Fi 6E support and enhanced streaming speeds to the company’s flagship streaming stick.

Pros

• Faster streams and UI navigation
• Wi-Fi 6E support
• Very affordable

Cons

• No Chromecast or AirPlay support
• Fire TV UI is a little ad-heavy

$60 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is proof that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a streaming device to lock down must-have features like lightning-fast performance and an immense trove of movie and TV show content. The new and improved 2023 version of Amazon's flagship streaming stick also brings Wi-Fi 6E support to the table and manages to check all these boxes (and more) for less than $65! Not to mention, you can usually find it on sale for much less.

Admittedly, we're dealing with the Fire TV OS, which has a reputation for being a bit Amazon-focused. While this mostly comes across as "stream this and that through Prime Video," giving so much precedence to the brand we're already using can get annoying. Beyond this single complaint, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max also has excellent HDR support and can be used with Dolby Atmos systems as well.

Best for Apple fans

Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)

Gigabit Ethernet for the win

Available in 64GB and 128GB storage sizes, the Apple TV 4K is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to performance and picture quality. While it’s a bit more ecosystem-friendly to Apple device owners, we have no doubt that even the most hardened Android devotee will appreciate how powerful and user-friendly this Apple hardware is.

Pros

• A fast and powerful streaming experience
• Has two storage size options
• tvOS is snappy and intuitive

Cons

• Pricier than most other streaming devices
• The Apple ecosystem isn?t exactly an open door

$130 at Best Buy$130 at Apple

The Apple TV 4K was released in 2022, but even at three years old, this streaming device still holds its own. Under the hood, Apple’s A15 Bionic chip delivers a fast and powerful streaming experience that puts many other set-top streamers to shame.

The device supports all leading HDR and audio formats and even features VRR and QMS support for optimized frame rates on a compatible 4K screen. There’s just one tough decision to make, and that's choosing either the $130 base model or the $150 premium version, which doubles the storage (128GB instead of 64GB) and has a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port. Both models also come with the new USB-C rechargeable Siri Remote.

Over on the UI end of things, tvOS runs better and looks sharper than ever before. Not only will you have access to popular entertainment apps like Netflix, Max, and Disney+, but you’ll also be able to easily cast content from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac using AirPlay 2. Our reviewer said it best: "Don’t shy away just because you’re an Android user."

Best for Roku fans

Roku Ultra (2024)

The O.G. streaming device maker does it again

The latest version of the Roku Ultra sports a zippier CPU and comes bundled with a USB-C rechargeable remote with many convenient features, including a lost remote function and the ability to pair Bluetooth headphones (previous versions required a wired connection). And as one of the O.G. streaming devices, Roku has had years to perfect its craft, a fact that is best on display with this 2024 hardware.

Pros

• Up to 30% faster than the previous generation
• Great picture quality and HDR support
• Has a USB-C rechargeable remote

Cons

• Ethernet bandwidth is capped at 100Mbps
• Expensive for how little has changed

$100 at Amazon

The Roku Ultra has gone through three revamps in just the last few years. The 2024 iteration of the streaming device boasts a handful of significant upgrades, including Wi-Fi 6 support and a souped-up quad-core CPU for a faster and more responsive Roku experience. The newest Ultra also features HDMI 2.1 support with QMS capabilities for a more natural transition when switching between different refresh rates and resolutions.

Another big plus is Roku is leaning on AI tech this time around. It’s not much, but the streamer can track your viewing habits to learn which apps you use the most, allowing it to "prep" the app beforehand, ensuring you’ll have the fastest and most responsive experience. We’re also glad to see class-leading HDR and Dolby Atmos support, plus a USB-C rechargeable remote with a lost remote finder.

Previous versions of the Ultra featured a built-in Ethernet port, which makes its return on this model. While bandwidth is capped at 100Mbps, it still beats connecting the streamer to Wi-Fi. Admittedly, we wish there were a few more advancements or features to seal the deal ($100 is a lot to ask for a 30% faster CPU and a new remote), but we’re willing to look past this and appreciate what Roku gifted us with this time around.

Also consider

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

Everything we love about Fire TV OS for only $30

It’s hard to beat the very friendly price tag of the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite. While this streamer is best for folks without a 4K TV (resolution is capped at 1080p), getting the Lite up and running takes no time at all, and you’ll have quick access to all the most popular apps. Do keep in mind that entry-level 4K streamers are only another $20 or so!

Pros

• Great picture and sound quality
• A price that is hard to beat
• About as user-friendly as it gets

Cons

• No 4K streaming
• Slower than other streaming devices
• No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support

$30 at Amazon$30 at Best Buy

Sometimes, you just need a bare-bones streaming device that covers all the essentials. That’s precisely what’s on the table with the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, a Wi-Fi-only streamer that delivers a maximum resolution of 1080p. While this means you can't stream content in 4K UHD, you can still experience the great picture and sound that comes with a traditional HD streamer, along with Amazon’s intuitive Fire TV OS.

The Fire TV Stick Lite supports major HDR formats like HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, (no Dolby Vision support); it supports Dolby Digital passthrough, too, so you can enjoy movies and shows in 5.1 surround sound. However, if you were planning to enjoy a number of Dolby Atmos movies with your new streamer, you’d be better served by the regular Amazon Fire TV Stick or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Another point in favor of the Fire TV Stick Lite: you can use Alexa to search for movies and shows, thanks to the included Voice Remote Lite. Reliably priced at $30, it may not be the best streaming device on the market, but it certainly gets the job done and does so at a great price.

Important streaming device features

As you can see, not all streaming devices are created equal. Still, though, there are several important criteria to consider when shopping for a new streamer. To help you hone in on some of these features when you’re scanning shelves or online catalogs, we’ve outlined many of these potential deal-breakers below:

Resolution

These days, most TVs are at least 1080p (some smaller sets are just 720p), but the majority of the LEDs, QLEDs, and OLEDs you’ll find online and in stores are Ultra HD models. This is more popularly referred to as 4K.

So what does that mean when it comes to buying a streaming device? It means you should be considering 4K models for a couple of reasons. First, many 4K streaming devices offer picture upscaling. This means that any lower-resolution content will be enhanced, giving you a final picture that’s closer to 4K.

Second, most streaming devices are 4K compatible. There are a handful of products (some in our roundup) that only deliver up to 1080p HD, and while these might be cheaper buys in the short term, it might be worth spending the extra few bucks upfront. That way, if you decide to upgrade your TV down the line, you’ll have a streaming device to match the pixel count of your new screen.

HDR

Over the last few years, the term ‘HDR’ has popped up a lot, especially when referencing TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles. HDR, which stands for High Dynamic Range, is an advanced picture codec (essentially a set of instructions for your TV, streaming device, etc.) that allows TVs to display high peak brightness levels and ultrarich colors.

If you want to make sure you’re getting the absolute-best picture from your streaming device to your TV, you’ll want to choose a model that supports as many HDR codecs as possible. HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG are arguably the most popular codecs, and if the streaming device you’re looking at supports at least three of these four standards, you’re in good shape.

Surround sound

Similar to HDR, not all streaming devices are the same when it comes to audio support. Well, sort of. You see, every streaming device supports stereo playback, but not all hardware is as good at supporting surround sound codecs.

These are standards like Dolby Digital and DTS for traditional 5.1 surround sound, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for more advanced surround configurations, like 7.1.4. Again, the more audio formats your streaming device supports, the better it will be at delivering surround sound. Of course, you’ll also need a soundbar or actual surround sound system to get true surround playback.

Apps

A solid app archive is what a lot of people are after when buying a streaming device. Fortunately, hardware from the likes of Roku, Apple, and Amazon are particularly great choices for apps and streaming variety.

Game consoles, Blu-ray players, and third-party streaming devices tend to offer less content, though. So, if you’re buying an Xbox Series S for all things movie and TV show-adjacent, you may want to think again.

Voice assistants

Many streaming devices can be controlled by today’s leading voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Some hardware, like the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), even have voice assistants built right in, so you can use the streaming device as a smart speaker, too.

Versatility is the name of the game here. Most streaming devices will support at least one voice assistant, but if you plan on switching over to Siri from Alexa or plan on having more than one voice assistant operating in your home, the more, the merrier!

Internal storage

Believe it or not, the lion’s share of today’s streaming devices don’t include much internal storage. 4GB to 8GB is pretty standard, but if you plan on using your streamer as a storage tank for movies and shows you’ve downloaded, a device like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro (which comes with 16GB, and can be expanded via USB flash drive or external HDD/SDD) might make more sense.

Stream your favorite shows

No matter your streaming wants, needs, or budget, we guarantee one of the streaming devices on our list will check all your boxes. In fact, we think most folks will be more than happy with our top pick, the Google TV Streamer. For $100, it’s hard to beat the speedy performance of Google’s top streamer, and the inclusion of an Ethernet port means you can connect it directly to your router for an even faster connection.

If money is no object, though, we suggest climbing up one rung to our premium pick, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. This device delivers incredible AI picture upscaling and contains a whopping 16GB of storage. You’ll also gain access to GeForce NOW cloud gaming and can use the Shield TV Pro as a dedicated Plex Media Server.

We get it, though, $200 might be overkill. We also understand that $100 may be stretching it for some of us, which is why we’ve chosen the Onn 4K Google TV Pro as our best value pick. This device actually mirrors the performance of the Google TV Streamer in a few ways and can even be used as a Google Assistant smart speaker.

Google TV Streamer

Google knocked it out of the park with the flagship Google TV Streamer, bringing an end to the company’s Chromecast era. Get ready for glorious visuals, fast performance, and plenty of storage for all your favorite apps, games, and other content.

$100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy$100 at Google Store

✕ Remove Ads