The Best Streaming Media Players
You don't need a smart TV to binge-watch your favorite shows and movies. Streaming media players are simple devices that make streaming easy. Simple to set up and modestly-priced, these little gadgets plug right into your TV and connect to the internet via WiFi. And although they're super small in size, streaming media players are actually immensely powerful and can give any old cable box a run for its money. So in service of all the folks out there looking to upgrade their television, we scoured the market for the best of the best. Read on to discover our favorite media streaming devices to find the right one for you and your entertainment center.
Fire TV Stick HD Streaming Device
Bring the Heat Home
With so many innovations in the world of streaming, Amazon’s Fire TV takes the lead as the best overall media streaming device. For one, this latest version sports super responsive controls and full HDR support. Its high performance is largely due to a quad-core processor that streams HD video smoothly and clearly. The Fire TV Stick also includes a sleek remote control with Alexa Voice built right in, so you can forget about typing in the title of whatever show or movie you want to watch. With the Fire TV Stick, simply press the voice button and ask Alexa to do the searching for you. Oh, and don’t worry – she won’t judge you for rewatching The Office yet again.
Pros
- Small and not much bigger than a USB stick, the Fire TV stick plugs right into an HDMI port
- Supports a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV, HBO, Youtube, and more
- Super high value for the price
- This latest version features an eco-friendly design that reduces energy consumption and uses recycled materials
Cons
- Not 4K
- The steps for setting it up with a pre-existing Echo device aren’t difficult but they can be time-consuming
- Needs an adapter for ethernet connections
Roku Express HD Streaming Media Player
Take The Expressway to TV Binging
Roku is one of the biggest names in the game and it’s easy to see why. With competitive pricing and plug-and-play designs, these media players specialize in simplicity and easy access. That’s why the Roku Express is so aptly named. Getting your favorite shows and movies up and running with the Roku Express involves little more than plugging it in, connecting to Wifi, and deciding what to watch. It also doesn’t hurt that this pick comes at such a low price point. Another great bang-for-your-buck option, the Roku Express offers 3 free months of Apple TV, compatibility with a vast range of streaming services, and a responsive remote controller.
Pros
- The setup is fast and easy
- Compatible with the free Roku app, so you can connect with your mobile device and listen to shows and movies with headphones on
- Streams clear 1080p HD video
Cons
- No voice controls built into the remote (though it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant)
Apple TV 4K
The Apple of Our Eye
Most people are well-acquainted with the business model of Apple at this point. They offer the most premium products at a premium price. Of course, for those that refuse to settle for anything less than the best, the Apple TV 4K is worth every penny. With a sleek, minimalistic design and enough processing power to put your smartphone to shame, the Apple TV is the crème de la crème of streaming devices. Seriously, this premium pick’s 4K HDR picture quality is gorgeous. And combined with Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 Surround Sound, the Apple TV is immersive like no other. If you’ve got the cash to spend (and a 4K television to take advantage of its capabilities), go with an Apple TV. You won’t regret it.
Pros
- Uses cutting-edge tech, such as the “10X Fusion Chip” processor, for an incredibly bright, realistic, and detailed 4k image
- The minimalistic remote controller has a button for activating Siri, which makes navigating through the interface a breeze
- Easily connects via Bluetooth to your other Apple devices for viewing photos and videos
- You can download just about any app from the Apple App Store and use it on your TV, including Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes
Cons
- Pretty pricey
- The touch controls on the remote control can be kind of finicky
Fire TV Stick Lite
Endless Entertainment for a Bargain
Since we’re not all flush with cash, Amazon offers a streaming device that almost anyone can afford. The Fire TV Stick Lite has all the best features of the original Fire TV Stick with only a few minor caveats. That means you’ll get to plug and play away in a matter of minutes, right out of the box, and it comes with the same compact, unobtrusive design. The remote control is a little limited since you can’t use it to change the volume or power on the TV. In other words, you’ll have to hold on to your original TV remote control. Other than that, however, the differences are minor. If you want to transform your TV into a smart TV while saving a couple of bucks along the way, the Fire TV Stick Lite is happy to take on the task.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Full HD, 1080p picture quality with HDR support
- The remote control features Alexa Voice Remote Lite for voice commands
Cons
- The remote doesn’t control the TV, just the streaming interface
Fire TV Cube
Your Wish is My Command
What happens when you fuse together an Alexa smart hub and a 4K streaming media player? You get the Fire TV Cube. This neat little cube is actually the fastest product in the Fire TV line of media players thanks to its lightning-fast Hexa-core processor. Responding to your every command instantly, Alexa will fire up your favorite show, movie, album, Youtube video, and more at the drop of a hat. Of course, it comes with a remote, too, so you don’t always have to bark commands to stay in control. Best of all, the Fire TV Cube has full ethernet support, so you can plug it directly into your internet router for the most seamless streaming imaginable.
Pros
- Super fast and responsive
- The 4K video resolution is sharp and colorful
- It’s a virtual assistant hub, so you can do more than just stream TV shows
- Small, compact design
- Speakers are built-in
Cons
- Doesn’t include an HDMI cable
- The built-in speakers aren’t that loud, so stick with your TV’s speakers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can streaming media players be used with any television?
As long as you have WiFi and a television set with HDMI input, you should be good to go. If you don’t have Wifi but can connect to the internet via an ethernet cable, you may be able to buy a compatible adapter. These adapters are fairly inexpensive. Some options, such as the Fire TV Cube, have an ethernet port built into the device, so you can simply plug and play.
What streaming services can I use with my streaming media player?
All of the options on our list are compatible with a vast array of streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. If you’re unsure, double-check the product listing to see if your player of choice is compatible. However, you’ll still have to pay for a subscription to use most of these services, so these media players do not grant free access to any subscription-based services.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.