Six Factors to Consider When Choosing a Streaming Device
If you’re looking for a flexible option to stream your favorite content, you may want to consider a portable streaming device, such as a streaming stick or streaming box, through your smart TV. Narrowing down this list depends on a few different factors, so I’ve broken it down into six different categories to help you choose what makes the most sense.
Device type
Most streaming devices fall into one of two categories: streaming sticks (like the Fire TV Stick 4K and Roku Express 4K+ ) and set-top boxes like the Apple TV 4K and Fire TV Cube .
Streaming devices are slightly larger than a USB drive and plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port, while streaming devices are several square inches in size and connect via an HDMI cable. Flash drives are more compact and portable, while boxes usually have additional ports such as an Ethernet jack for connecting to a modem or router and a USB port for media sharing and playback. Both come with remotes.
Google, Roku and Amazon have both types of streaming devices in their lineup, and the Apple TV 4K is a box. (Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro are also boxes.)
operating system
Choosing a streaming OS can help narrow down your device choices significantly. There are four main OS options to choose from , each with its own advantages. Roku’s interface is the easiest to navigate, while Google TV offers more personalized content recommendations. If you’re already in the Amazon or Apple ecosystem, you’ll be comfortable with the Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, respectively.
Compatible with your other devices
Another level of OS comparison should include compatibility with your smart home ecosystem and the apps and services you use most often. Fire TV will integrate seamlessly with an Alexa-powered system, as will Google TV with Google Assistant and other technologies from Google’s lineup. Apple TV lets you use your iPhone as a remote control and works great with other Apple devices. You don’t have to stay in the same ecosystem, but it will likely eliminate some friction and shorten the learning curve.
Most popular streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc.) are available on all streaming devices, so there isn’t much to differentiate here. However, there are apps – such as iTunes and Google Play – whose content is limited to certain platforms.
Streaming quality
You probably want top-notch picture and sound quality for streaming content, so check the specifications of each device to see what video and audio formats are supported. Most new streaming devices and streaming boxes support 4K and HDR content (including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision), so you get more detailed textures, more accurate colors, and smoother, clearer images. Some devices also support Dolby Atmos (for surround sound) and higher frame rates (for gaming and high-speed action).
Of course, your TV will also need to be 4K compatible to take full advantage of a 4K streaming device, otherwise your image will be downscaled to your TV’s resolution.
Connection speed
All streaming devices have built-in Wi-Fi, and some also have an Ethernet port for a wired connection. If your flash drive or set-top box supports Wi-Fi 6 (along a wireless router), you’ll get faster speeds. As Consumer Reports notes , to take advantage of 4K, you’ll need speeds of at least 15 to 25 Mbps—and faster if you’re using your connection for something else at the same time.
Price
One final consideration if you’re still undecided: price. Streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV are great inexpensive devices that you can probably get for $20-$40, while an Apple TV 4K will set you back around $130 if you buy them new.