The 10 Best 4k Streaming Media Player, Tested And Researched
Streaming media players have advanced to the point where most of them can play 4K video and even support HDR (high dynamic range) video. But not all of them can stream 4K videos at the same time, or at least not with sufficient speed to make it worth your while. Fortunately, we live in an age where almost everything is streaming instead of downloading, so you don’t have to buy a dedicated device anymore. Even better, many of the best video streaming media players are affordable and available for purchase. Here are the best 4K streaming media players from the market today that you should consider buying.
After nearly 18 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Mypin, Roku, Nvidia, Xiaomi, Neumitech, Roku ultra (streaming media player) and aiec (hdmi cable), Dynalink. Among them, 4K Media Player with Remote Control, Digital MP4 Player for 8TB HDD/ USB Drive / TF Card seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with Roku Express 4K+ 2021 | Streaming Media Player HD/4K/HDR with Smooth Wireless Streaming and Roku Voice Remote with TV Controls.
Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.
RELATED: Are you looking for a best audio streamer that meets your needs while also being cost-effective? Find the best one for you here.
Our Top Picks
- 【Dual USB Ports】-- Plays from TF card / USB flash drives(up to 128G) and USB hard drives up to 8TB. Dual USB ports for connecting two devices, but it can only read one of them at one time. You can also connect a USB mouse or keyboard to operate the player, making your TV smarter by adding the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows or PPT
- 【4K Media Player】-- Experience Full 4k@30hz media files in this digital media player; It supports a single file up to 4GB(FAT32) or 30GB(NTFS) in MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MP4/M4V, MOV, VOB, M2TS, WMV, PMP, PG, M2TS; It is capable of 4K video only for 4K TV, HDMI up to 7.1 surround sound, good for home entertainment systems;Made of aluminum alloy, it has better protection during carrying
- 【H.265 Decoding】-- Powerful H.265 decoding loads files by taking half time and half occupation of bandwidth of H.264 decoding, it is much more efficient and faster; Enjoy a higher quality video experience with less buffering
- 【Multiple Play Modes & Vertical Display】 -- This 4k media player can play various popular videos, music, and photos. Videos and photos can be played in order, and music can be played randomly; It also reads PPT document, you can connect a PPT flip to display it better. It also supports horizontal and vertical screen, compatible with your vertical screen
- 【HDMI & AV & Optical Output】-- You can manage the media player to play MP3 or WAV songs to your speakers via optical or AV output to experience better audio effects. It also reads embedded and external subtitle files like SRT, SMI, SUB, SSA
- Simple setup: It’s easy to get started with everything you need included in the box, including a Premium HDMI Cable—just plug it in and connect to the internet
- Save money, stream big: Watch what you love, including a massive selection of free and live TV, including 275+ Live TV channels free on The Roku Channel—it’s great for streaming TV and cutting cable
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your Roku device all with one remote
- Upgrade to Roku streaming: All of your favorite channels, like HBO Max, Netflix, and Prime Video, are front and center on the customizable home screen, plus your device is always getting better with automatic updates
- Convenient voice control: Use your voice to quickly search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- Smooth wireless streaming: Now featuring dual-band wireless, enjoy a smooth streaming experience with faster wireless performance, even with multiple devices connected to your network
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV
TOP Choice #3
![NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro 4K HDR Streaming Media Player; High Performance, Dolby Vision, 3GB RAM, 2x USB, Works with Alexa]()
- Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using only your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Echo.
- The Best of the Best. SHIELD TV delivers an amazing Android TV streaming media player experience, thanks to the new NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling. 2x USB 3.0 ports for storage expansion, USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. Plex Media Server built-in, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage.
- Best-In-Class Design. Designed for the most demanding users and beautifully designed to be the perfect centerpiece of your entertainment center, SHIELD TV Pro levels you up to more storage space, more RAM, the expandability of 2x USB 3.0 ports, and Plex Media Server. Get the best connectivity with Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. The all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons—including a customizable menu button. Plus, with voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in remote control locator, you have the most advanced remote yet.
- Included Components: Remote Controller
- Unlimited Entertainment. Enjoy the most 4K HDR content of any streaming media player, and access to thousands of apps and games, including top apps like Netflix,YouTube, Prime Video, Disney + and Hulu. Add a game controller (sold separately) and play today’s most popular games like Fortnite and GeForce Now. Even stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR, and surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio.
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
4
![Roku Ultra | Streaming Media Player 4K/HD/HDR with Premium JBL Headphones]()
- Take control of your TV: Use your voice to set personal shortcuts for one-touch control, search across channels, turn captions on, and more with the enhanced voice remote; plus, enjoy private listening with the included Premium JBL headphones and TV controls
- Power, picture, performance: Roku Ultra lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet; right on your 4K TV; Roku’s top of the line media player with a quad-core processor and our best wireless, Roku Ultra is perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR
- New! Disney+ and Apple TV are now streaming on all Roku devices
- Ultimate connectivity: No matter what you’re streaming, enjoy a strong connection with dual-band wireless or use the Ethernet port for wired streaming
- Automatic software updates: Get the most up to date software including all the latest features and available channels without even thinking about it
- The free Roku mobile app: Turn your iOS or Android device into the ultimate companion; control your Roku media player or Roku TV, use voice search, enjoy private listening, and more on iOS and Android
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite TV in stunning detail and clarity; Perfect for HD, HDR, and 4K streaming, enjoy picture that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Fully loaded: It’s got all the bells and whistles, including channels that launch in a snap, lost remote finder, USB and micro SD ports; You can stream from movies and series on Apple TV, Netflix, Disney +, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV
- Endless entertainment: Stream it all, including free TV, live news, sports, and more; never miss award-winning shows, the latest blockbuster hits, and more; access 500,000+ movies and TV episodes; stream what you love and cut back on cable TV bills
- Enjoy free TV: Stream live TV, 24/7 news, sports, movies, shows, and more on The Roku Channel, plus a huge collection of free entertainment from top channels on Featured Free
- 【Easy to Connect】Our Mi box S Supports Wired & Wi-Fi connections. Get up and running in 3 simple steps. Step 1. Attach Mi Box to TV. Step 2, Connect to internet. Step 3. Start streaming.
- 【Remote Control】Control your smart home devices conveniently. With the Google Assistant, you can quickly access entertainment, get answers and control devices around your home. Just press the mic button on your remote to get started.
- 【Powerful Streaming Media Player 】Our mi box streaming media player delivers a fast, fluid 4K streaming experience. Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful player ever.
- 【High Performance with Storage Capacity】2GB RAM + 8GB Storage. Install tons of awesome apps, watch extended cuts, and play more games while enjoying faster performance and stability.
- 【Cinematic Experience 】High Clarity 4K HDR . Xiaomi Mi Box S wiht features the latest 4K HDR technology and high-speed 4K processing for up to 60fps playback. Enjoy an ultra high-definition, lifelike viewing experience. Premium Audio puts you in the action. Dolby and DTS deliver crisper, three-dimensional surround sound.
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling.
- Unlimited Entertainment. Get the most 4K content of any streaming media player. Watch Netflix, Amazon Video, Disney+ and Vudu in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu Live, Google Play Movies & TV, and more in 4K. Stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K. Add a game controller (sold separately) and play today’s most popular games like Fortnite with GeForce NOW
- Fast. Really Fast. SHIELD TV takes media streaming to a whole new level, powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, SHIELD TV is the world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player.
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
- Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Echo.
- Included Components: Remote Controller
- Best-In-Class Design. The new SHIELD TV is compact, stealth, and designed to disappear behind your entertainment center, right along with your cables. With Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, a built-in power supply, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion, it is powerful, feature-packed, and built for behind-the-scenes brilliance. The all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons—including a user-customizable button. With voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in lost remote locator, you have the most advanced remote yet.
- Media Format Support - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1 or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 4096x2304p@60fps resolution, 10-bit color, and 250mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
- HDMI 4K/60fps Ultra-HD Quality - The ATOM 4K offers stunning video quality through its HDMI output that supports up to 2160p/60Hz resolution, with support for the latest video formats such as H.265/HEVC. It can feed digital surround sound to your home theater receiver for a cinema-like listening experience. Additionally, the ATOM 4K provides analog AV output for connecting to an older TV, or for sending audio to a stereo system.
- Reads USB Drives and SD Cards - Simply copy your videos, photos, or music files onto a USB drive or an SD card, insert it into the ATOM 4K, and you are ready to play those files using an easy-to-navigate menu. Got a lot of media files? No problem! The ATOM 4K can read USB drives up to 4TB or Micro SD cards up to 512GB. Popular file systems are supported, including FAT32, exFAT and NTFS.
- Fully Automatic Playback - Turn on its automatic playback feature and the ATOM 4K will find and play media files on its own without any user input. It will also remember where you stopped watching on a video and resume playing from the stop point. Combined with the ability to loop and repeat videos continuously, the ATOM 4K is a perfect player for simple digital signage.
- The NEUMI ATOM 4K is the easy and affordable way to add video, photo, and music playback to any TV, new or old, at up to 4K Ultra-HD quality. Just attach a USB drive or SD card with your media files, select a file, and play! It is simple and intuitive to use with no complicated settings or controls. Turn on its automatic playback and resume capability and you won’t even need to pick up the remote.
8
![Roku Ultra LT Streaming Media Player 4K/HD/HDR w/ 4K HDMI Cable]()
- 【No more juggling remotes】Power up and adjust the volume on most televisions, control your player, and enjoy private listening with the enhanced voice remote and included headphones; use your voice to search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch.
- 【Roku Ultra LT】Roku Ultra LT has a quad-core processor and is great for smooth wired and wireless streaming. It's perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR and delivers the kind of powerful performance you want on your home's main TV.
- 【Lots of extras】Roku Ultra LT is packed with features you will love, including microSD for extra channel storage; use the included headphones to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house.
- 【Smooth streaming】Get a connection that stands up to whatever you want to stream with dual-band wireless or use the Ethernet port for wired streaming.
- 【Endless entertainment】stream it all, including free TV, live news, sports, and more; never miss award-winning shows, the latest blockbuster hits, and more; access 500,000+ movies and TV episodes; stream what you love and cut back on cable TV bills.
- 【No more juggling remotes】Power up and adjust the volume on most televisions, control your player, and enjoy private listening with the enhanced voice remote and included headphones; use your voice to search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch.
- 【Roku Ultra LT】Roku Ultra LT has a quad-core processor and is great for smooth wired and wireless streaming. It's perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR and delivers the kind of powerful performance you want on your home's main TV.
- 【Smooth streaming】Get a connection that stands up to whatever you want to stream with dual-band wireless or use the Ethernet port for wired streaming.
- 【Lots of extras】Roku Ultra LT is packed with features you will love, including microSD for extra channel storage; use the included headphones to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house.
- 【Endless entertainment】stream it all, including free TV, live news, sports, and more; never miss award-winning shows, the latest blockbuster hits, and more; access 500,000+ movies and TV episodes; stream what you love and cut back on cable TV bills.
- Endless entertainment: 500,000+ movies and TV episodes accessible; stream TV, 24/7 news, sports, movies, shows, and more, plus a huge collection of free entertainment from top channels; Fully loaded: It’s got all the bells and whistles, including channels that launch in a snap, lost remote finder, USB and micro SD ports;
- Comes with Roku Ultra streaming media 4K/HD/HDR player with the 6-feet high-speed 4K AIEC HDMI cable through one simple and easy shipment; no need to purchase the HDMI cable additionally;
- Power, picture, performance: Roku Ultra lets you stream live and premium TV over the Internet; right on your 4K TV; installed with a quad-core processor; perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR;
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite TV in stunning detail and clarity; perfect for HD, HDR, and 4K streaming, enjoy picture that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color;
- Take control of your TV: Use your voice to set personal shortcuts for one-touch control, search across channels, turn captions on, and more with the enhanced voice remote; enjoy private listening with the included Premium JBL headphones and TV controls; turn your iOS or Android device into the ultimate companion; control your Roku media player or Roku TV, use voice search, enjoy private listening, and more on iOS and Android.
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What to Look Through Prior to Selecting the best 4k streaming media player?
You may be aware that purchasing something is not actually an easy action. Your everyday life will be affected if you choose the most fantastic product. What variables, though, will make this acquisition successful? Whether you're seeking for best 4k streaming media player to meet your needs, you'll be wasting your own time.
Nevertheless, it would be preferable if you weren't so worried. We've enlisted the help of a team of professionals to investigate best 4k streaming media player, and we've provided accurate data.
There seem to be several important considerations to make. But only a few of them are really concentrated. Here are some crucial reviews while purchasing best 4k streaming media player:
Resolution
If you have a 4K television, and a fast internet connection, then a television streaming device that supports 4K is the perfect way to watch ultra-high-definition content. You can future-proof your set by purchasing a streaming device that supports 4K resolution if you do not have a 4K TV.
Connectivity
Are you planning to connect a USB storage device or ethernet cable or a sound system using an optical or analog audio cable? You should ensure that your streaming box supports the correct connections. If you are concerned about your home network's bandwidth, you will also need a device that supports 802.11ax Wi Fi (or WiFi 6),
App Selection
This has always been the main factor when choosing a streaming device. However, app selections have become more similar, at least for major streaming services, and it is now easy to choose an app. The app list will show you which service is available.
Captive Portal Support
You might encounter Wi-Fi networks which require you to log in using a web browser if your streaming device is being taken on the road. It is also known as "captive portal" and it does not support all streaming devices.
Performance
Set-top boxes load faster than streaming sticks and your spending will affect the speed and smoothness of the process.
Content Discovery Features
The media-streaming device is evolving beyond static apps. Roku Feed, the Apple TV's TV app (TV), and Amazon recommendations are available directly from the Fire TV Home screen. These approaches can be compared to help you decide which is most attractive.
Private Listening Options
Bluetooth headphones are supported by many devices. This is useful for those times when you don’t want to wake your children or spouse. Roku devices also allow wired headphones via the Roku mobile application and the remote control of its set-top boxes.
Streaming Stick Vs Box
Although the difference is not significant, a stick refers to what you would imagine. It is a stick-like device which plugs into your television. Some designs have evolved over the years so dongles are now called dongles.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.
Ecosystem Tie-ins
Apple TV is the only way to access pple services and apps (like Apple Arcade or Fitness+), although Apple TV has an Apple TV app that allows you to view Apple TV+ content and rent videos from iTunes. Fire TV is the best way to access Amazon Prime Video. Google's music and video services can be accessed through Chromecast and Android TV. Roku offers apps for Amazon and Google Play Movies & TV. However, it is not as sophisticated and has fewer smart home controls than other platforms.
Remote Control Features
While some remotes have buttons that allow you to fast-forward, rewind and perform other functions, others are simpler. Remotes that can turn on your TV's volume and have microphones to allow you to speak commands. There is no perfect remote, but you can look through the included ones to determine what is most important.
FAQs
What Is The Point Of A Streaming Stick If You Have A Smart TV?
Although many smart TVs today come pre-installed to run a variety of apps, it is true that external streaming devices almost always enhance the interface for a particular app.Amazon's Fire Stick gives you more control over your TV than standard Amazon TV apps. Other products from Amazon come with Alexa, giving you additional options to use your voice to control your TV.
A smart TV may not come with every available streaming service. Apple TV Plus is a rare app that comes preinstalled on smart TVs. This is why you need Apple's 4K HDR streaming device, which Panasonic TVs do not support.
Do You Need A Streaming Device With A Smart TV?
Not necessarily. Smart TVs often come equipped with their own streaming platforms that allow users to download top apps such as Netflix or Hulu. Samsung smart TVs have a lot of options. TVs are now compatible with major streaming services like Roku, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV.How Much Data Does TV Streaming Use?
This depends on the resolution and platform you are streaming from. Based on data collected from major streaming platforms, bandwidth usage can drop to hundreds of megabytes an hour for low definition (480p) videos. However, streaming services that stream standard HD/1080p video report between 2 and 3 gigabytes an hour. You can expect to see 4K video at 7 to 8GB an hour, depending on the video.What Kind Of Internet Connection Do You Need For Your Streaming Device To Be Effective?
A minimum 5Mbps internet connection is required to stream the majority of streaming content at 1080p. You will be able to stream 4K video without any interruptions if you have more bandwidth.Will A Streaming Device Work In Your Country?
Yes. Yes. You can use a VPN to bypass restrictions on certain services or shows.What Is A Streaming Device And How Does It Work?
A streaming device, or streaming stick, allows you to stream (i.e. You can stream (or streaming stick) entertainment content, such as movies, TV series, music or photos. It is usually connected to an HDMI port.The apps that you will have access to depend on which streamer you are using. It's worth noting, however, that a subscription does not automatically come with a service. If you wish to view Netflix for example, you'll need to purchase it separately. However, there are some deals available for certain streaming services.
Do Streaming Devices Have Monthly Fees?
No. No. Monthly fees are not charged for streaming devices. You will need to pay monthly fees to watch certain channels, such as Netflix and HBO Max.Can I Get All The Channels I Want On Any Device?
Each streaming device can access major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max. However, all streaming services may not have the same access. The Spectrum TV app is a good example. Although it is accessible on all platforms, the app is not available for Amazon Fire TV devices. Before you make a purchase, it is a smart idea to check that the device supports all of your apps. You might find yourself in a difficult situation if your phone doesn't support one of your favourite services.The figures we've presented here aren't all of them. Alternatively, we continuously update it as new information becomes available. It's advisable to keep in mind the points we discussed related to buying guide.
We always appreciate your feedback and handle it with the utmost importance. As a result, the most up-to-date data will come to your mind as soon as possible. You are supposed to contact us and give us your reviews as well as problems so that we will try to support you. Hope you have a pleasant shopping experience!
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