There are countless TVs out there that have amazing picture quality and resolution but are let down by an average software experience - whether it’s slow and annoying, or missing key apps.
They don’t need space for a set-top box, and are quick and easy to set up - but which ones are the best? Read on to find out - we’ve fully reviewed all the options below.
Our Top Pick: Best Streaming Device
For
- Great UI Excellent picture quality All the top services are present
Against
- Alexa’s voice search could be better
Its 4K output is reliable and also speedy, and the stick itself is unobtrusive enough, while the remote is similarly intuitive.
The inclusion of Alexa means that you can use voice search if you’re so inclined, although we’re not always convinced by its results.
Streaming devices we also recommend
Here are more top streaming devices that are also well worth checking out.
Great 4K picture with HDR Excellent performance and responsiveness Good remote
A few services still missing
Google’s recent return to the world of streaming has produced the new Chromecast with Google TV. It’s not technically a stick, but it’s small and hangs off your TV, so, in every way that matters, it counts.
The software experience is great, and being able to cast to it is super helpful, though there are a couple of services that haven’t quite made it to the new Google TV yet, which is the only thing holding it back.
Still, if you ever used an old-school Chromecast, you’ll know how satisfying it is to chuck things onto your TV from your phone using its simple interface.
Great UI and experience AirPlay 2 and Google Cast both work Great 4K HDR video
Line of sight needed for the remote
Roku’s been making good in-roads into the streaming device market in the last few years by making really low-cost streaming devices that are easy to use, and this puck is no exception.
It’s well-priced, and the UI is really easy to use, plus it’s got all the major apps accounted for to make sure that you can watch whatever you want - in 4K, no less.
That’s a potent package, and it’s definitely a top contender (with a bunch of other great models that are even more affordable, too).
Excellent value No unnecessary features All the services are here
No 4K
For an even bigger saving, check out the Fire TV Stick Lite.
Superb picture and sound Great Apple integration
An expensive option
It isn’t a stick, but this streaming box is so diminutive that it definitely meets our parameters. Apple’s neglected its streaming platform for quite a long time, but that’s no longer the case.
The Apple TV 4K, in its latest, 2021 version, is a perfect match for anyone who uses iPhone, iPad or Mac in their normal life, with great integration and casting. It’s ideal for wider streaming, as well, with great picture and easy setup that makes it a doddle to use.
That said, it’s simply too expensive at full price to rank it any higher.
How to choose a streaming device
The convenience of plugging a small device into the back of your TV is hard to overstate. So, what are the questions you should be asking as you decide which one to buy?
Which channels do you want to watch?
Of course, as well as buying the hardware, you need to pay for a subscription to each service. Some sticks, like those from Roku, offer literally thousands of services (which it calls channels).
So, why not settle for the apps on your TV?
Good point. After all, many new smart TVs have apps like Netflix built-in or easily downloadable. Some even have a dedicated Netflix button on the remote, for instance. But the convenience of having the app onboard in the TV doesn’t mean that it’s the easiest way to use it. Rewind and fast-forward are important controls and it’s often easier on a streaming stick remote rather than the controller that’s primarily meant for your TV.
Do you want microphone control?
Should you pay for 4K or HDR?
Well, that depends on what TV you have. Obviously, it’s not useful if your TV is not 4K or HDR-capable. On the other hand, there’s often only a small price premium to pay for future-proofing if you think you might be upgrading your TV soon. Oh, and by the way, there are no 8K-capable boxes available, and are unlikely to be for quite a while.
Do you want other apps besides TV channels?
For instance, how about gaming? Apple TV has many games onboard. It’s true that the Apple remote is not ideal for gaming, but there’s compatibility with several games console controllers which makes for the best of both worlds. Gaming is the main reason the Apple TV box comes with different storage capacities, so you can download and store games rather than just streaming them, as you do with movies. As well as apps like Netflix, there are also services where you can rent or buy the latest films or TV shows.
