Best Streaming Devices
Top streaming devices ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Best-in-class picture and audio quality
- Best-in-class picture and audio quality
- Works as Thread border router for smart home
Cons
- Most expensive streaming device
- Most expensive streaming device
- Siri remote has a learning curve
Don't buy this if…
- Apple TV 4K costs 3-4x more than competing streamers; the premium is only justified if you use Apple ecosystem features like AirPlay and SharePlay.
- Apple TV 4K costs 3-4x more than competing streamers; the premium is only justified if you use Apple ecosystem features like AirPlay and SharePlay.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Simplest streaming interface available
- Simplest streaming interface available
- Extensive free channel library
Cons
- Home screen includes some ads
- Home screen includes some ads
- No Dolby Vision on this model
Don't buy this if…
- The Streaming Stick 4K does not support Dolby Vision; upgrade to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ or Roku Ultra for Dolby Vision HDR.
- The Streaming Stick 4K does not support Dolby Vision; upgrade to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ or Roku Ultra for Dolby Vision HDR.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E for fastest wireless speeds
- Wi-Fi 6E for fastest wireless speeds
- Ambient Experience with smart home dashboard
Cons
- Prominent Amazon content recommendations
- Prominent Amazon content recommendations
- Interface feels ad-heavy
Don't buy this if…
- The Fire TV home screen heavily promotes Amazon content and ads; this is not customizable and cannot be fully disabled.
- The Fire TV home screen heavily promotes Amazon content and ads; this is not customizable and cannot be fully disabled.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Google TV aggregates all streaming services
- Google TV aggregates all streaming services
- Built-in Google Assistant
Cons
- Limited 8GB storage fills up fast
- Limited 8GB storage fills up fast
- Can feel sluggish with many apps installed
Don't buy this if…
- With only 8GB of internal storage, you can install approximately 10-15 apps before running out of space; uninstall unused apps regularly.
- With only 8GB of internal storage, you can install approximately 10-15 apps before running out of space; uninstall unused apps regularly.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Ethernet port for reliable wired streaming
- Ethernet port for reliable wired streaming
- USB port for local media playback
Cons
- Larger box form factor than sticks
- Larger box form factor than sticks
- More expensive than Roku sticks
Don't buy this if…
- The Roku Ultra is worth the premium over sticks only if you need Ethernet, USB playback, or the rechargeable remote; otherwise the Stick 4K+ suffices.
- The Roku Ultra is worth the premium over sticks only if you need Ethernet, USB playback, or the rechargeable remote; otherwise the Stick 4K+ suffices.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- AI upscaling enhances 720p/1080p content to 4K
- AI upscaling enhances 720p/1080p content to 4K
- Built-in Plex Media Server
Cons
- Most expensive streaming device
- Most expensive streaming device
- Aging hardware design
Don't buy this if…
- The Shield TV Pro has not received a hardware refresh in several years; while still powerful, newer devices may offer better value.
- The Shield TV Pro has not received a hardware refresh in several years; while still powerful, newer devices may offer better value.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cheapest 4K Dolby Vision streamer
- Cheapest 4K Dolby Vision streamer
- Wi-Fi 6 for reliable streaming
Cons
- Ad-heavy Fire TV interface
- Ad-heavy Fire TV interface
- No Ethernet port option
Don't buy this if…
- This is the standard 4K model without the Max's Wi-Fi 6E and Ambient Experience features; most users will not notice the difference.
- This is the standard 4K model without the Max's Wi-Fi 6E and Ambient Experience features; most users will not notice the difference.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cheapest Roku 4K option
- Cheapest Roku 4K option
- Same clean Roku interface as premium models
Cons
- No Dolby Vision support
- No Dolby Vision support
- IR remote requires line of sight
Don't buy this if…
- The included IR remote requires direct line of sight to the device; if your TV is inside a cabinet, you need the Roku Streaming Stick instead.
- The included IR remote requires direct line of sight to the device; if your TV is inside a cabinet, you need the Roku Streaming Stick instead.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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