A plug-and-play streaming device can transform your TV watching experience. Seamless menus, quick access to streaming apps, voice command capabilities, and more are just a click away without the need for extra cables or a complicated setup process. With so many options on the market, deciding which streaming device is right for you may seem difficult. Fortunately, our tech experts have tested the top devices to help determine the best plug-and-play streaming options in various categories.
How Plug-and-Play Streaming Devices Improve Your Experience
Compared to the built-in software on smart TVs, dedicated streaming devices offer some key advantages:
Easier to navigate menus: Devices like Roku and Apple TV have simple, intuitive interfaces that make finding content faster. You won‘t have to dig through layers of menus.
More streaming app options: Smart TV platforms often lack apps or don‘t get the latest versions. Streaming devices give you access to more services.
Handy remote controls: Dedicated remotes allow easier text input and provide shortcut buttons to popular streaming apps. Some devices also enable using your smartphone as a remote.
Extra features: From gaming capabilities to cable-TV alternatives with live channels to cross-device syncing and casting, standalone devices provide additional functionality.
Quick Comparison of the Top Options
| Device | Price | 4K? | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $49 | Yes | Roku OS interface, 4K/HDR support, voice remote, huge streaming channel selection |
| Fire TV Stick Lite | $29 | No | Alexa voice assistant, extensive streaming apps, budget price |
| Apple TV 4K | $179 | Yes | Sleek Apple interface, tight iOS/Mac integration, powerful performance |
| Chromecast with Google TV | $50 | Yes | Impressive Google TV interface, excellent voice search, 4K HDR streaming |
| Nvidia Shield TV | $150 | Yes | High-end Android interface, advanced AI upscaling, doubles as gaming console |
As you can see, there is an option for just about any need and budget. Read on for more details about each device.
Best Overall: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Price: $49
4K and HDR support? Yes
For its balance of affordability, ease of use, and features, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K stands out as the best overall plug-and-play streaming device.
The Roku operating system has a famously simple interface that makes finding and organizing streaming apps intuitive. The home screen displays all installed apps in easy-to-read tiles, with personalized recommendations and quick access rows for media types like movies and shows. Finding 4K and HDR content is easy thanks to Roku‘s clearly marked badges.
Unlike some competitors, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K loads streams quickly and maintains snappy navigation due to its fast quad-core processor. The included voice remote accepts commands for playback controls, searches, and app launching. The remote also has programmable shortcut buttons for popular services like Netflix and Hulu.
With thousands of streaming channels and apps to choose from, Roku offers an unbeatable selection. Go beyond the major services like Disney+ and HBO Max to find cable-alternative live TV platforms, niche sports options, free movies and shows, and much more. For travelers, the Roku app turns your phone into a streaming remote and lets you cast personal media onto the big screen.
Overall, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K provides the easiest access to a world of entertainment at an affordable price.
Key Features
- Simple, intuitive Roku TV interface
- Lightning-fast streaming performance
- Voice remote with TV controls and shortcuts
- Cast smartphone media to TV screen
- Extensive 4K/HDR streaming options
- Huge selection of streaming channels/apps
- Roku app for private listening and remote
Best Budget: Fire TV Stick Lite
Price: $29
4K and HDR support? No
Shoppers looking for the cheapest way to upgrade their TV‘s streaming abilities need look no further than the Fire TV Stick Lite.
While it lacks 4K support, the Fire Stick Lite provides smooth 1080p streaming and quick access to Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and all your other favorite services. The recently updated Fire TV interface keeps things simple with an emphasis on personalized recommendations.
Naturally, the Fire Stick Lite feels right at home with Alexa and Amazon services. You can use Alexa to launch shows and movies from Prime Video, Apple TV+, and others with just your voice. Alexa also connects to smart home devices for convenient voice controls from your remote.
Even at under $30, the Fire TV Stick Lite comes with everything needed to give your existing TV new streaming superpowers. The price makes it easy to add Alexa and Amazon‘s media ecosystem to secondary TVs and displays around your home. It‘s the perfect impulse purchase for easy streaming anywhere.
Key Features
- Crazy affordable price
- Smooth 1080p streaming
- Alexa voice assistant integration
- Huge library of streaming apps
- Personalized recommendations
- Pairs well with Alexa/Amazon ecosystem
Best for Apple Users: Apple TV 4K
Price: $179
4K and HDR support? Yes
It should come as no surprise that the slick Apple TV 4K is the perfect streaming box for iPhone and Mac users. The latest 2021 model brings faster performance, personalized recommendations, and multi-user profiles.
Apple TV‘s clean interface feels familiar to iOS users, making it easy to organize apps and find content. You can use the physical remote to navigate, but controls from iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices work seamlessly as well. Move between watching shows on your TV and other devices without missing a beat.
Under the hood, an A12 Bionic chip—the same used in iPhones—delivers excellent speed for smooth streams up to 4K Dolby Vision with Atmos audio. Apple Arcade turns the Apple TV 4K into a casual gaming console with fun and unique titles.
While it doesn‘t have quite as many niche streaming channels as Roku, Apple TV 4K checks off all the big services like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Paramount+, and more. Siri search helps you find movies and shows across apps in one place.
For those embedded in Apple‘s ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K is a luxurious living room upgrade with gorgeous visuals and seamless iPhone integration. The premium price tag keeps it from claiming the top overall spot.
Key Features
- Fast performance from A12 Bionic chip
- Sharp 4K Dolby Vision HDR
- Multi-user profiles
- Personalized recommendations
- Clean Apple TV interface
- Siri search across streaming apps
- Works flawlessly with iPhone/iPad/Mac
- Apple Arcade gaming subscription
Best for Voice: Chromecast with Google TV
Price: $50
4K and HDR support? Yes
As Google‘s latest streaming device, the aptly named Chromecast with Google TV brings an impressive interface loaded with Google services.
Spinning up shows and movies happens in a snap thanks to Google‘s fantastic voice search. Just say the name of a movie or show (or even make vague descriptions like "that comedy with Vince Vaughn") and Google Assistant will serve up relevant results. This makes browsing across apps much smoother compared to hunting through rows of menus.
Built-in Google TV organizes recommendations and content beautifully with backdrop images and easily readable text. You‘ll have access to all the major streaming services as well as free movies and shows from Tubi TV, Pluto TV, YouTube, and more. Casting from Chrome on your computer is a breeze as well.
From its clever remote to snappy performance, the Chromecast with Google TV hits well above its modest $50 price tag. With Google Assistant at your fingertips, finding something to watch becomes almost fun rather than a chore.
Key Features
- Impressive Google TV interface
- Excellent voice search abilities
- Speedy streaming performance
- Casts from Chrome browser on computers
- Partners beautifully with Android phones
- Access to all major streaming services
Best Overall Premium: Nvidia Shield TV
Price: $150
4K and HDR support? Yes
Serious cord cutters and home theater enthusiasts need to look no further than the Nvidia Shield TV. Running on Android TV, this tiny tube-shaped device punches far above its weight.
You‘ll enjoy snappy streams and navigation thanks to 3GB of RAM and Nvidia‘s powerful Tegra X1+ processor. AI upscaling helps improve HD streams into nearly 4K quality. Support for Dolby Vision and Atmos means your movies will look and sound phenomenal on compatible TVs and speakers.
On top of providing access to all your streaming services and channels, the Shield TV doubles as an awesome gaming machine. Simply connect PlayStation or Xbox controllers to enjoy a huge catalog of Android games optimized for your TV. The included Nvidia Games app also streams PC games from your compatible gaming computer.
Whether you want to play graphics-intensive Android titles without hiccups or stream shows boosted by AI upscaling, the Nvidia Shield provides a top-tier experience. Just be prepared to pay for those premium features compared to more affordable options.
Key Features
- Powerful performance perfect for gaming
- AI 4K upscaling
- Dolby Vision and Atmos support
- Great selection of Android TV optimized games
- Streams games from gaming PC
- Access to all streaming services/channels
What To Consider When Choosing a Streaming Device
With so many worthwhile options, selecting the right streaming box comes down to a few key factors:
Your budget – Fortunately streaming devices range from $30 to $200, so there’s something for nearly any budget. Consider paying more for better performance and extra features if home theater setup is important.
4K capabilities – If you have a 4K TV, you’ll want a streaming device that can play 4K content from services like Netflix and YouTube. All devices here support 4K except for the Fire Stick Lite.
Your existing devices – Those embedded in the Apple, Google or Amazon ecosystems may want a streaming box that seamlessly syncs with their phones, tablets and computers.
Interface and ease of use – Pay attention to menu layouts and options for organizing apps/content. Voice control can make finding content much quicker.
Gaming aspirations – Casual gamers will enjoy the catalogs on Apple TV and Nvidia Shield. Serious gamers will want the Shield‘s power and GameStream features.
Once you decide based on the above criteria, any of the recommendations here will serve you well and open access to a world of entertainment.
Try Out Plug-and-Play Streaming Today
After reading this guide, the benefits of upgrading from your older TV‘s clunky smart platform to a dedicated streaming device should be clear. In minutes you can install an affordable yet powerful portal to on-demand shows, live sports, news and much more.
With so many fantastic options from Roku, Amazon, Apple and Google, you‘re sure to find a streamer perfect for any budget. Take your pick based on your existing devices, desired features, 4K support needs and other deciding factors. Whichever route you choose, be prepared to transform your home viewing experience for the better.
_Featured Image Photo by Jon Simpson on Unsplash_
