The Popular Streaming Device For 2024
The streaming device market is quickly becoming one of the most exciting segments of the consumer electronics industry. The rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video has fueled demand for cost-effective ways to enjoy those services at home. Because of this, many companies have jumped into the market in recent years with new takes on familiar concepts.
This article will take a closer look at some of the best streaming devices available today.
Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with latest Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls), which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a complete buyer's guide, and several options are available to help you find the most suitable.
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
TOP Choice #1
![Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with latest Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls), Dolby Vision]()
- Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+.
- Alexa Voice Remote - Search and launch content with your voice. Get to favorite apps quickly with preset buttons. Control power and volume with one remote.
- Live and free TV - Watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb TV, YouTube and more.
- Control your smart home - Ask Alexa to check weather, dim the lights, view live camera feeds, stream music and more.
- Easy to set up, compact enough to stay hidden - Plug in behind your TV, turn on the TV, and connect to the internet to get set up.
- Simple and intuitive - Quickly access your favorite apps, live TV, and things you use most, all from the main menu.
- Home theater audio with Dolby Atmos - Feel scenes come to life with support for immersive Dolby Atmos audio on select titles with compatible home audio systems.
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
TOP Choice #2
![Roku Streaming Stick 4K 2021 | Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Roku Voice Remote and TV Controls]()
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- Breathtaking picture: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
TOP Choice #3
![Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, Wi-Fi 6, Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls)]()
- Alexa Voice Remote - Search and launch content with your voice. Get to favorite apps quickly with preset buttons. Control power and volume with one remote.
- Live and free TV - Watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Stream for free with IMDb TV, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more.
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
- Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Do more with your smart home - View the front door camera without stopping your show using Live View Picture-in-Picture. Ask Alexa to check the weather or dim the lights.
- Game on - Fluid gameplay and fast-rendering graphics with a 750Mhz GPU. Access popular games with a Luna cloud gaming subscription.
- Our most powerful streaming stick - 40% more powerful than Fire TV Stick 4K, with faster app starts and more fluid navigation.
- Support for next-gen Wi-Fi 6 - Enjoy smoother 4K streaming across multiple Wi-Fi 6 devices.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Included Components: Remote Controller
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Convenient voice control: Use your voice to quickly search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your streaming all with one remote—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
- Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room Backyard movie night Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
- Setup is a cinch: Plug it in, connect to the internet, and start streaming—it’s that simple
- Automatic software updates: Get the most up to date software including all the latest features and available channels without even thinking about it
- Endless entertainment: Stream what you love, including free TV, live news, sports, and more. It’s easy to stream what you love and cut back on cable bills with access to 500,000+ movies and TV episodes across thousands of free and paid channels
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy picture quality that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Private listening on mobile: Use the free Roku mobile app to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house
- Our best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi or choose to wire up over Ethernet
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the Roku voice remote
- Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
- Find your lost remote: Simply press the button on your streaming device and your Roku remote will play a sound
- Cinematic streaming: Roku Ultra is the centerpiece of your home theater with spectacular 4K and Dolby Vision picture plus immersive Dolby Atmos sound
- Private listening: Plug headphones into the Roku remote with headphone jack or use a wireless pair with the Roku mobile app to listen without disturbing a quiet house
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming device with one Roku voice remote
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
- Live and free TV - Watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb TV, YouTube and more.
- Hands-free entertainment - Put down the remote and dive right into your favorites with just your voice.
- The most powerful Fire TV streaming media player - the ultra-powerful hexa-core processor delivers a fast, fluid 4K streaming experience.
- Alexa Voice Remote - Search and launch content with your voice. Get to favorite apps quickly with preset buttons. Control power and volume with one remote.
- Just ask Alexa - With the built-in speaker, ask Alexa to check the weather, turn off the lights, and more – even when the TV is off.
- Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Control the TV with your voice - Control compatible soundbar and A/V receivers, and change live cable or satellite channels with your voice.
- Designed to protect your privacy - Built with privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
10
![Microsoft 4k Wireless Display Adapter - Black. Compatible with 4K TVs]()
- Quick connect with faster bootup time and simpler operations than current Wireless Display Adapter.
- Easy setup with reliable connection up to 10 meters in an open environment, or up to 7 meters in a living room or office.
- Support for Surface Duo and Miracast-enabled Android devices.
- Display wirelessly to a 4K TV or monitor over Miracast. Now with upgraded resolution to support TVs and monitors up to 4K at 30fps.
- HDMI-CEC support to easily connect to your TV without having to change inputs with a remote.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a popular streaming device?
Some consumers are concerned about ordering popular streaming device. Various aspects should always be explored before making big product choices. Our expertise on popular streaming device will help determine the best possible decision.
Please keep in mind the following points before selecting popular streaming device:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.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.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.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.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 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.
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.Our developers make it reliable for the info by their rich experience. popular streaming device data is also kept up to date on any occasion. You might relax knowing that the information is updated and accurate.
Try reporting any popular streaming device problems or inconsistencies so that we can make your life better. Thanks to your feedback, we'll push for even greater quality levels!
READ NEXT: The 10 Best Tablet 13 Inch Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts
About Tim Powers
