The interface is well-designed and extremely easy to navigate with access to all the major services you could want. The compact design makes it one of the smallest streaming boxes there is, and the package comes complete with an HDMI cable for simple setup. Perhaps the best thing about the Roku Express is how easy it is to use. This model is about as basic as they come, but for the money, you're still getting a capable HD streaming box. Pros: Cheap, compact design, easy-to-use, built-in OSĬons: Doesn't support 4K or HDR, no voice remote, no Ethernetįor buyers who want a simple and inexpensive streaming solution, the Roku Express is the perfect fit. The Roku Express is one of the most affordable streaming boxes you can buy, and it offers a great interface with basic HD playback. There are cheaper alternatives with less advanced features, but we think this model is the best choice for most people with a 4K TV. The Roku Ultra is the most versatile and reliable media player in this price range, and we like that it's more universal than Amazon, Apple, and Google devices. If you're watching at night, you can plug the included earbuds into the remote for private listening. The Ultra comes with a voice remote so you can adjust the volume and search for content with spoken commands. The latest Roku Ultra model also adds support for the advanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats. With HDR capabilities, the Roku Ultra displays richer colors and better contrast when playing back HDR-enabled videos on a compatible TV.
Just connect the box to your TV via the HDMI port, and install all your favorite streaming services to get started.
Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Plus, Paramount Plus, and HBO Max. The Roku OS features a huge library of streaming channels with access to popular services, including It supports 4K video and all of the major HDR formats to help you get the most out of your display. The Roku Ultra has virtually everything a buyer could want out of streaming box.
Pros: 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+,īluetooth, voice remote, lots of apps, improved Wi-Fi connection, Ethernet, USB portĬons: A bit expensive when listed at full price Read our Roku Ultra (2020 model) review here.Remote: Roku voice remote with headphone jack.Connectivity: HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.0, Ethernet, Wi-FI, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2.Video: 4K, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG.The Roku Ultra streams in 4K and HDR, has voice search, and comes with a remote control that has programmable shortcut buttons.
The Nvidia Shield TV is a powerful media device with Google's Android TV platform and support for gaming when you pair it with a controller. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a tiny streaming device with a quick interface and a voice-controlled Alexa remote.īest streaming box for gamers: Nvidia Shield TV, $129 on Amazon The Chromecast with Google TV features a built-in library of apps and it comes with a Google Assistant voice remote.īest streaming stick with Alexa: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $34.99 on Amazon The Apple TV 4K is the perfect fit for enthusiasts who want seamless integration with the rest of Apple's ecosystem.īest streaming device for Google users: Google Chromecast, $39.99 on Best Buy The Roku Express only offers basic HD playback, but it's affordable and incredibly easy to use.īest high-end streaming box: Apple TV 4K, $149.99 on Amazon The Roku Ultra supports 4K and HDR, delivers speedy navigation, and comes with a voice remote control that has a headphone port.īest budget streaming box: Roku Express, $19 on Amazon Here are the best streaming boxes and sticks:īest streaming box overall: Roku Ultra, $66.01 on Walmart Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches tech products.
Separate streaming players are also a perfect solution for anyone who might still have an old "dumb" TV that needs some extra smarts.Īfter testing a variety of media players, we picked the best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy to turn any HDMI-capable TV into an entertainment powerhouse. Some even include integrated digital assistants. These compact devices connect to your display and handle all your streaming needs. Streaming services are now the norm, but navigation speeds and app selection can vary a lot depending on what model you own. If you're someone who craves faster performance and a larger selection of services, a standalone streaming box or stick could be exactly what you need.