The Best Plex Streaming Device For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best Plex Streaming Device
Best Plex Streaming Device

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Roku 4K Streaming Device

The Roku 4K Streaming Device is the perfect way to get high-quality streaming entertainment on your TV. With its all-new design, this device plugs right into your TV with a simple setup. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Device

The Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Device is a powerful streaming media player that offers an ultra-fast and smooth streaming experience. Enjoy access to various streaming apps and channels, including Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video, that launch quickly and easily. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Apple TV 4K Streaming Device

The Apple TV 4K is the ultimate streaming device, combining all your favorite media and services into one sleek, powerful package. With 4K resolution and High Frame Rate HDR, you can experience your entertainment in brilliant clarity and stunning color. Read Review

4. Best Technology: Google Chromecast TV 4K Streaming Device

The Google Chromecast TV 4K Streaming Device is the perfect way to get a crystal-clear picture and sound quality. With the Chromecast, you can easily connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and stream from any compatible device. Read Review

5. Best Unique: NVIDIA SHIELD Pro Streaming Media Player

The NVIDIA SHIELD Pro Streaming Media Player is the ultimate streaming device for your home entertainment system. With the SHIELD Pro, you can enjoy a cinematic experience with the highest quality 4K HDR entertainment. Read Review

Plex is a media server application installed on your home computer or networked device to stream your videos, music, photos, and other digital content to other devices so they can view them anytime. Of course, only some have a home network setup, much less one that's secure and private. That's where the Plex media player comes into play. Instead of streaming your content from a computer or NAS (network-attached storage), you can stream it from a device that acts as an intermediary.

The good news is there are many affordable options for streaming from a mobile device with excellent video quality and low latency. The bad news is many of them are overpriced and underpowered. This article will review the best plex streaming devices available to help you find the right solution for your needs at the right price.

The best plex streaming device that is available now is Roku 4K Streaming Device. You can enjoy interrupted streaming with 275+ free live TV channels and a comprehensive wireless connectivity range. We also provide you with a Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Device model that you may consider if the top product differs from your choice. And bellow is the helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Roku 4K Streaming Device
Our Score:
9.8
Roku

You can enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies with lightning-fast streaming speeds, thanks to its long-range Wi-Fi that ensures a strong connection. The Roku Streaming Stick delivers superior picture quality in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, providing breathtaking picture clarity and vivid colors. With a simple setup that plugs directly into your TV, this device makes it easy to stream all your favorite channels, including Disney Plus, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV Plus, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu. 

In addition, with the voice remote, you can quickly search and play entertainment and even control your Roku Streaming Stick. That means no more juggling remotes or complicated button pressing - with this device, you can power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming all in one place. Furthermore, the Roku Channel provides access to over 275 free live TV channels and a wide variety of Roku Originals and other premium content. And, for those who prefer using voice commands, this device works with popular voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, so you can easily control your streaming experience without lifting a finger. However, this device may be hard to set up. 

TOP Choice #2 Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Device
Our Score:
9.7
Roku

Roku Ultra is one of the most potent and fastest players, allowing instantaneous performance and uninterrupted streaming. You can launch channels like Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and Prime Video in the blink of an eye with a lightning-fast interface that provides instant access to all your favorite entertainment. With the best Wi-Fi available, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming of your favorite shows and movies from any room in the house or choose to wire up over Ethernet for even faster and more reliable connectivity.

In addition, you can experience cinematic streaming like never before with spectacular 4K and Dolby Vision pictures and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. Roku Ultra is the centerpiece of your home theater, bringing your entertainment to life with breathtaking clarity and sound quality. Also, you'll always retain your remote again with the simple press of a button on this Roku streaming device. This remote will play a sound, making it easy to locate when misplaced. Unfortunately, you may have to reset the device while using Prime. 

TOP Choice #3 Apple TV 4K Streaming Device
Our Score:
9.5
Apple

You can elevate your viewing experience with this new Apple 4K streaming device. The A12 Bionic chip powers it, delivering superior audio, video, and graphics for seamless gameplay and app experiences. With Dolby Atmos, you can enjoy immersive, room-filling sound that takes your movie nights to the next level. Also, you can experience 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid and crisp video quality that enhances your favorite shows and movies. Moreover, with Apple TV+, you can access Apple Originals that will keep you entertained for hours. It also gives you access to the latest hits from popular streaming services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.

Not just limited to TV shows and movies, this device also lets you enjoy Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music, providing a wide range of entertainment options. The new Siri Remote with a touch-enabled click pad makes navigating through the device effortless, and with private listening with up to two sets of AirPods so that you can enjoy your favorite shows without disturbing others. Furthermore, with AirPlay, you can share your photos, videos, and more from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac on your TV, making it easy to share your memories with loved ones. The only downside of this device is that the directional pad on the remote may be sensitive.

Want a streaming media player that can do it all and still give you a top-notch viewing experience? Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is all you need. With this device, you can enjoy all the entertainment you love in up to 4K HDR with brighter colors and crystal-clear pictures. It can connect to a 2.4 or 5 GHz network and is compatible with almost any TV with an HDMI port. Setting up is also straightforward; plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming. 

This device features a home screen that displays movies and TV shows from all your streaming services in one place, complete with personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own. Furthermore, you can also use the Google Assistant button on the remote to search for specific shows or movies, control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers hands-free. You can easily find content by mood, genre, actress, and more with voice search. The only minor flaw of this device is that it may be hard to set up. 

This device is equipped with next-generation AI upscaling technology that enhances HD video in real-time to 4K, resulting in more precise and crisper visuals. With 2x USB 3.0 ports, you can expand your storage and connect USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. It is built with a Plex Media Server, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage. It also supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, providing ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio that brings home theaters to life. Users can enjoy the most 4K content of any streaming media player, including Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Google Play Movies & TV in crisp 4K HDR. They can also stream from their phones using the built-in Chromecast 4K.

In addition, the SHIELD TV also offers GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming, which instantly transforms the device into a powerful PC gaming rig. You can play over 1000+ titles and nearly 100 of the biggest free-to-play games. Furthermore, voice control is also available with the built-in Google Assistant. You can command the device to see photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. You can even dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite shows or music using only their voice. The only downside of this device is that the remote should be improved. 

6 Roku 4K Streaming Media Player
Our Score:
9.0
Roku

Want a streaming device with stunning visuals and surprisingly robust audio? The Roku Streaming Stick is what you need. This compact device provides an easy, fast interface with popular channels and endless free entertainment, streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR pictures with sharp resolution and vivid colors optimized for any TV. With this device, you can enjoy a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 300 plus live TV channels for free on the Roku Channel. It also features four internal speakers that fill the room with clean, pure sound, featuring Dolby Audio calibrated for boosted volume and crisp dialogue. 

Customization is critical, and the Roku Stream Bar offers a customizable home screen that allows you to put your favorite channels like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and more front and center, with less scrolling and more streaming. Moreover, you can experience no more juggling remotes with the Roku Stream Bar, as you can power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming with the Roku voice remote. Also, you can use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, turn captions on, and more. Unfortunately, the Roku Streambar remote may not be compatible with all Roku TVs.

This device does it all with lightning-fast performance and the ability to function as a streamer, game console, media server, and smart home hub. Regarding home theater, the Shield delivers the ultimate visual experience with 4K HDR quality and immersive sound featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS-x Surround sound pass-through. And with access to the most 4K entertainment available, you'll always have things to watch. The Shield also offers unlimited entertainment options, with apps for all the movies, TV shows, games, and music you could ever want. 

Whether cutting the cord or just looking to expand your streaming options, the Shield has got you covered. And with Chromecast apps and the ability to view Google Photos and search for entertainment with simple voice commands, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips. Thanks to its integration with Google and its ecosystems, the Shield is more than just a media player—it's also a smart home hub. With Google Assistant, Google Play Movies and Music, and the ability to work with Google Home, you can easily control all your smart devices with your voice. And if you're an Alexa user, the Shield can be hands-free with Echo, plus you'll have access to Prime Video and Music. The only drawback of this device is that there is no headphone jack on the remote. 

8 TiVo Stream 4K Streaming Device
Our Score:
8.6
TiVo

One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.

Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.

Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.

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

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 Amazon Echo.

GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming. GeForce NOW instantly transforms SHIELD TV into a powerful PC gaming rig. Play over 1000+ titles and nearly 100 of the biggest free to play games. The new GeForce NOW RTX 3080 membership unlocks GeForce RTX 3080 gaming servers in 4K HDR, the shortest wait times and longest session lengths, with RTX ON including ray tracing and DLSS graphics for supported games.

4K HDR Content. Get the most 4K HDR content of any streaming media player. Watch Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Google Play Movies & TV in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu, and more in 4K. Stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.

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 and has been upgraded to Android TV version 11

10 Amazon Streaming Device
Our Score:
7.9
Amazon

Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.

Smoother streaming with the latest in wifi tech - The first-ever streaming media player that features Wi-Fi 6E support.

Picture quality that puts on a show - Feel every scene with true-to-life, cinematic 4K and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best plex streaming device?

Buyers are frequently hesitant to purchase best plex streaming device. Certain factors should be considered while making a significant purchase. Our understanding and expertise with best plex streaming device will assist you in making the right decisions.

Please take the following points into consideration before selecting best plex streaming device:

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.

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),

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

What is a Plex streaming device?

A Plex streaming device is a device that allows you to stream your media from a Plex Media Server to your TV or other devices. It can be a hardware device such as a streaming stick or a software application such as Plex for Smart TVs.

How do I set up a Plex streaming device?

Setting up a Plex streaming device is easy. First, you need to install the Plex app on your streaming device. Then, you must connect the device to your home network and sign in to your Plex account. Finally, you must add your media libraries to your Plex server.

What content can I stream with a Plex streaming device?

You can stream almost any media type with a Plex streaming device, including movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more. You can even access content from other sources, such as podcasts and web shows.

What devices can I use to stream Plex?

Plex is compatible with most streaming devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, Xbox One, Chromecast, and more.

We constantly update the list of best plex streaming device as new data becomes available. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website regularly.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries or concerns with best plex streaming device. If you ask, we'll do our hardest to help you in any way we can!


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.