The Best Streaming Devices in 2023
There’s nothing like watching your favorite show on a smart TV while sitting on your cozy couch sipping on some latte. But lately, people no longer want to resort to just cable TV. They want something more! Here come the streaming devices! As you know different OTT services such as Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Netflix have all gained major popularity. Hence, it makes sense to invest in a streaming device if you too no longer want to stick to just cable TV.
When it comes to streaming devices, you will find many options in the market. Therefore, it becomes a bit challenging to figure out the best streaming devices. But don’t worry! This article will help you figure out the best option for you. So, read on!
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6 Best Streaming Devices You Should Consider Buying
As stated earlier, the market is flooded with many streaming devices. But there are a select few that really stand out from the lot. With that said, let’s find out the best streaming devices in 2023.
| Specification | TiVo Stream 4K | NIVIDA Shield Android |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S905Y2 | NVIDIA® Tegra® X1+ |
| Size | 77 x 53 x 16 mm | 1.57 in / 4 cm |
| Weight | – | 4.83 oz / 137 g |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.45/5G MIMO 2T2R Wi-Fi | 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0a, Micro USB2.0, USB-C | 2 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, Power |
| Video Format | H.265 HEVC MP@L5.0 up to 10bits HDR 4K*2K@60fpsH.264 AVC MP@L5.1 up to 10bits HDR 4K*2K@60fpsMPEG-4 ASP@L5 up to 1080P@60fpsAVS Jizhun Profile up to 1080P@60fpsMPEG-2 MP@HL up to 1080P@60fpsMPEG-1 MP@HL up to 1080P@60fpsRealVideo 8/9/10 up to 1080P@60fpsWebM up to VGAHDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLGVideo Codec, VP9 Profile 2 up to 4K x 2K@60fps |
|
| Audio Format | MEPG, HE-ACC, AAC, OGG, FLAC, OGA, ALAC, Ape, RM, M4A, MPEG-1 layer1/2, MPEG-2 Layer II, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital/Digital Plus, DTS, WMA, WMA Pro (WMV optional) |
|
| Specification | Apple TV | Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A8 chip with 64-bit architecture | ARM Cortex A55 |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 3.7 inches |
| Weight | 15 ounces | 0.9 ounces |
| Storage | 32 GB | 4 GB |
| WiFi | 802.11ac Wi-Fi | 802.11ac MIMO dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Ports |
|
HDMI 2.0b, USB |
| Video Format | HEVC SDR up to 1080p, 30 fps, Main/Main 10 profileH.264 video up to 1080p, 60 fps, High or Main Profile level 4.2 or lowerH.264 Baseline Profile level 3.0 or lower with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formatsMPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 fps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats | HD, 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Audio Format | HE-AAC (V1), AAC (up to 320 Kbps), protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (up to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, FLAC, AIFF, and WAV; AC-3 (Dolby Digital 5.1) and E-AC-3 (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound) |
|
| Specification | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Roku Express 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core 1.8GHz (750MHz GPU) | ARM Cortex A7 quad-core 800 |
| Size | 4.25 x 1.18 x 0.55 inches | 4.92 x 4.92 x 0.83 inches |
| Weight | 48.4 g | 0.5 pounds |
| Storage | 8GB | 2GB |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6,802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless |
| Ports | HDMI output, micro USB for power only | Ethernet, USB |
| Video Format | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | H.264/AVC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); H.265/HEVC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); VP9.2 (.MKV); AV1 (.MP4, .MKV) |
| Audio Format | Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo and HDMI audio pass through up to 5.1 | AAC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); MP3 (.MP3, .MKV); WMA (.ASF, .WMA, .MKV); FLAC (.FLAC, .MKV); PCM (.WAV, .MKV, .MP4, .MOV); AC3/EAC3 (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .AC3); DTS (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); ALAC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .M4A); HEAAC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .AAC); AC-4 with Atmos (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .AC4 ); DD+ (EAC3) with Atmos (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV) |
1. TiVo Stream 4K
TiVo Stream 4K easily qualifies to earn its place among the best streaming devices. It has also been called “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers” by none other than PCMac. But what makes it so great? Well, for starters, this device offers the most streaming app options. Plus, it has a user-friendly interface that saves you the hassle of learning how to navigate through various applications. The device will let you browse and search your favorite apps all in a single place. This means that you can easily select any TV streaming provider with ease. Moreover, you can create a watchlist too!
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With TiVo Stream 4K, you can enjoy content in 4K HDR. Another thing you will find interesting is that it comes with Google Assistant. You can command this AI voice assistant to help you find your favorite shows or movies and it will do just. This device will let you and your family enjoy streaming Netflix and other OTT services without any worries.
Pros
- Chromecast functionality
- Comes with Google Assistant
- Allows to aggregate content from your favorite streaming platforms
Cons
- A bit expensive
- You have to log in with your Google account to use the device
- YouTube TV is not compatible
2. NVIDIA Shield Android
NVIDIA has introduced an innovative streaming solution and it’s called NVIDIA Shield TV. Also called Shield Android TV, it is a powerful device that is best for your streaming needs. This device delivers impressive performance. Shield Android TV allows users to enjoy their favorite content in 4K HDR. Plus, it also supports Dolby Vision Atmos. The device has impressed everyone including critics as well. The Guardian called it labeled it “The best Android TV box with brilliant AI upscaling”.
Pros
- Outstanding 4K upscaling
- Impressive performance
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- AI upconversion is not helpful for live video
- No USB ports
- Doesn’t support HDR streaming for YouTube
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3. Apple TV
This list wouldn’t have been complete without Apple TV. This device is a bit expensive but it’s definitely worth the investment, especially if you own an iPhone or like to buy shows or movies from Apple’s library. It has a sleek interface which you will find quite appealing. The device comes with many unique features. For instance, if you want a line to be repeated with subtitles, you can simply ask Siri, “What did they/he/she just say”. The device supports all the popular streaming devices including Disney+ and Netflix.
Pros
- Supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision
- Siri remote is really helpful
- Can be turned into a gaming platform
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t support Android
- The processor is not fast when it comes to playing games
4. Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Streaming Stick Plus generated a lot of buzz. The company has now launched its much-awaited update called Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The device is equipped with a large application selection section that you can use to pick the OTT service you want to enjoy. It also has a simple interface that is almost similar to the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. In addition, the device has Dolby Vision support. This is what makes it a bit pricier than its sibling Roku Express 4K. Although the device has Dolby Vision, it doesn’t really provide a major upgrade in terms of image quality over its standard HDR that is featured in Express 4K. However, if you are a fan of Dolby Vision, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K will not disappoint. In fact, you may even consider it to be one of the best streaming devices.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Highly responsive
- Supports Dolby Vision and Apple AirPlay
Cons
- Voice features are not impressive
- Problems occur when trying 5GHz WiFi
- There’s no Twitch App
5. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
People don’t like to wait. Whether they are using the internet or a streaming device, they want little or no delay in between the functions they perform. And Amazon is aware of this. Hence, they have introduced Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The best thing about the device is that it doesn’t have any wait time. It will load all applications almost instantaneously. Plus, you can smoothly navigate through the system. Also, you will be delighted to know that this device supports WiFi 6. And guess what? It supports all the latest playback standards. Yes, Dolby Vision as well! However, there is a downside to the device as well. And that’s the ads. But if you don’t mind them, Fire TV Stick 4K Max will make you hooked to the Amazon ecosystem.
Pros
- Incredible performance
- Features many apps
- Comes with Alexa
Cons
- Doesn’t support Google Cast and Apple AirPlay
- Needs external power
- Features ads
6. Roku Express 4K:
Roku Express 4K easily qualifies to earn its place among the best streaming devices. But what makes it so great? Well, for starters, this device offers the most streaming app options. Plus, it has a user-friendly interface that will allow you to navigate through your searches easily. Moreover, it has a content-agnostic platform. What this means is that it will not prefer anyone TV streaming provider like Apple or Amazon over another provider.
Since the device is called Express 4K, you can expect to enjoy the content in 4K HDR. Another thing you will find interesting is that it recently received the AirPlay update. This allows Apple users to connect their iOS devices to the TV hassle-free. With Roku Express 4K, you and your family can enjoy streaming Netflix and other OTT services without any worries.
Pros
- Supports Dolby Vision
- Comes with useful features like Remote Finder
- Hardware is fast
Cons
- Voice assistant is not as impressive as Google or Amazon streamers
- Not enough apps. You will not find HBO Max.
Best Streaming Devices in 2023: The Endnote
The OTT services are on a rise. People are no longer interested in just cable TV. They prefer to have access to more content and exclusive shows that they can only find on particular streaming services like Netflix. You will need to get your hands on a streaming device to enjoy such services fully. You can consider the aforementioned options as they are some of the best streaming devices that you can find on the market. So, which one are you getting?
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What is the best streaming device?
There are many great streaming devices including Roku Ultra.
Which streaming device is best?
There are many decent options available in the market like Roku Express 4K that you can try.
What streaming device is best for YouTube TV?
Chromecast with Google TV is best for YouTube TV.
What is the best streaming device on the market?
Roku Express 4K and Chromecast are two of the best streaming devices in the market.
What is the best streaming device for Sling TV?
You can try Roku streaming devices to enjoy Sling TV.
What is the best device to stream Hulu live?
Roku Ultra is the best to stream Hulu Live.
Is Chromecast the best streaming device?
If you are a fan of Google and its products, you will like Chromecast as it supports Dolby Vision.
