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The number of streaming devices on the market is a win for consumer choice; however, the downside is that it can be hard to figure out the best option for your needs. If you’re shopping for a unit in 2024, here are the best streaming devices you should consider buying.
1Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max
Among Amazon’s Fire TV Stick series, the best option to buy is theFire TV Stick 4K Max. The model is the most expensive in the series, but with its price tag, we endorse it for offering the best value for money on a Fire TV Stick. Starting with the basics, it packs a 2.0GHz processor paired with 2GB of memory, thus providing better performance than you’ll find on other models.
The available storage is 16GB, which is not the highest you may find on a streaming device. However, as of writing, this is the highest you’ll get on any Fire TV Stick, so that shouldn’t be an issue. It also includes the Fire TV Ambient Experience, wxclusive to Amazon’s Omni TV series.
The third standout feature on the model is cloud gaming support via Amazon Luna orXbox Cloud Gaming. For gaming support, the device also has a special mode, dubbed Game Mode, to reduce lag while playing games.
2Walmart onn. Google TV 4K Pro
If you’re looking for the best Google TV-powered streaming device, get theonn. Google TV 4K Pro. I’ve previously discussedwhy you should get Walmart’s onn. Google TV 4K Pro streaming device, and for a good reason. It packs impressive hardware that rivals even some of the powerful options on this list. For starters, the device includes 32GB of storage and 3GB of memory paired with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU, making it arguably one of the best responsive devices running Google TV.
Picture quality is also good, with 4K support and various HDR formats like Dolby Vision included. The included remote is versatile, too, with all the standard buttons plus a customizable one. That remote also has a hidden trick that you won’t find cheaply elsewhere—it includes functionality to help you find it in case you misplace it. you’re able to find it by simply asking Google Assistant or pressing the front button on the box.
This is the best option if you’re looking for a Google TV-powered streaming device that offers more than what you get on any Chromecast.
3Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K is the best for use in Apple’s ecosystem, and it has received our accolade as one ofthe best media streaming devices on the market. The third-generation Apple TV 4K model released in 2022 is still a solid pick for a streaming device in 2024 due to its capable Bionic A15 processor (the same one that powers theiPhone 13 series).
That chip is paired with 4GB of faster LPDDR4 memory, which makes it a breeze to open apps and navigate the Apple TV 4K. The device doesn’t lack in the storage department, either, with either 64GB or 128GB of storage. Plus, there are othernew features on the 3rd-gen Apple TV 4Kthat you’ll like.
Most importantly, however, the Apple TV is best used within its ecosystem. So, if you have other Apple devices like the AirPods Max, iPhone, iPad, and AirPods Pro, you’ll get the most out of the Apple TV due to the tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem. This makes the Apple TV the best option if you already have other Apple devices.
The Apple TV 4K comes in two variants. TheWi-Fi only Apple TV 4Koffers only 64GB of storage, while theWi-Fi + Ethernet Apple TV 4Koffers 128GB storage.
4Roku Streaming Stick 4K
This is the best Roku OS-powered streaming device. One of the vital headline features on theRoku Streaming Stick 4Kis the support for Dolby Vision, which was missing on previous models. HDR10 and HDR10+ are also available, ensuring better picture quality with a compatible TV and content.
The device packs 16GB of storage, and, unfortunately, Roku doesn’t mention its memory in the official specifications. Content-wise, Roku OS is one ofthe best smart TV operating systems,with a rich library of apps available for download. And with an extensive library of live TV channels, you canwatch local TV channels on Roku for free.
Although the included remote has voice assistant integration, it misses out on the lost remote finder feature exclusive to the more expensiveRoku Ultra. In the grand scheme of things, that doesn’t matter. And at just under $50, it offers the best value for money among other Roku OS-powered streaming devices.
5Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
The 4K Chromecast with Google TV is the best Chromecast on the market. Plus, suppose you’re not ready to place a bet on Walmart’s onn. Google TV 4K Pro device, get Google’s4K Chromecast with Google TVinstead. In ourChromecast with Google TV reviewin 2020, when the device was launched, we gave it a stellar 9/10 rating. A lot has changed since then, but it is still the best option if you need a Chromecast.
you’re able to watch 4K HDR content with all the major formats supported, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. Audio quality is also excellent if you have compatible devices that support Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos (via HDMI passthrough). It ships with a sleek remote that lets you control the device using your voice, powered by Google Assistant.
There are lots of choices when you want to purchase a streaming device. If you want a Google TV-powered device, you may’t go wrong with Walmart’s onn. Google TV 4K Pro. If you’d rather get one from Google instead, the 4K Chromecast with Google TV is your best option. If you’re already in Apple’s ecosystem, you’ll get a better experience with the Apple TV 4K.
On the other hand, get the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max if you need the best Fire TV Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for the best value-for-money streaming device from Roku. We’ve listed the best options as of now, but if you’re not sure what to pick and why, thekey factors to consider while choosing a streaming deviceshould give you more guidance.
