External streaming devices offer a superior alternative to the apps integrated into smart televisions. For those seeking enhanced video playback, devices from companies such as Apple, Amazon, Roku, and Google provide a simple upgrade. Connect one via the TV's HDMI input to access services like Netflix and Hulu, often with improved speed and reliability over the TV's native system.
A diverse selection of streaming players exists on the market, which is advantageous yet potentially confusing for buyers. Options span from inexpensive $20 sticks by Roku to premium models exceeding $100 like the Apple TV, including mid-range choices such as Amazon's 4K Fire TV units and the Google TV Streamer that also functions as a home automation center.
Our extensive evaluations, totaling hundreds of hours, cover leading products from major brands including Apple, Amazon, Roku, and Google, yielding tailored suggestions for various budgets.
At $30, the Walmart Onn Google TV 4K Plus meets the essential needs of typical viewers transitioning from cable, featuring 4K resolution, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatibility, a remote with voice capabilities, and the user-friendly Google TV platform with screensavers from Google Photos.
While the Walmart Onn Google TV 4K Plus omits certain elements found in its more expensive counterpart, the Walmart Onn Google TV 4K Pro, this simplicity benefits everyday users uninterested in extras like ethernet and USB-A ports. Testing reveals the Plus model launches applications marginally quicker and exhibits smoother navigation compared to the Pro.
For more details, see our complete review of the Walmart Onn 4K Plus.
Similar to its affordable sibling, the Onn Google TV Pro suits users embedded in Google's media environment. The remote includes dedicated keys for Google TV's ad-free channels and YouTube, which can be customized to YouTube TV or YouTube Music, plus quick-access buttons for Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+. Audiophiles value the inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
The Walmart Onn Google TV 4K Pro redefines value at $50, incorporating a processor with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G31 MP3 GPU, 32GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, a 100Mbps ethernet port, and a USB-A slot for peripherals like drives or controllers. It includes a remote with illuminated, programmable buttons and a locator function. This setup ensures snappy operation, effective voice search, and straightforward content discovery, though its smart speaker functionality falls short.
For more details, see our complete review of the Walmart Onn Google TV 4K Pro.
Individuals loyal to Google's services will find this economical choice appealing, as will those interested in installing Android apps or customizing the remote. It does not support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos, which aligns with its cost, sparing users without compatible setups from unnecessary expenses.
Priced at $20, Walmart's 4K streaming device stands out for its value, with a remote offering direct paths to settings, live TV listings, and input changes. Powered by Google TV, it excels at curating personalized content suggestions. Integration with Google tools allows screensavers from Google Photos, voice management of Google Home gadgets, and synchronized music playback across the TV and other Chromecast-enabled devices.
For more details, see our complete review of the Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box (2023 model).
Though the Apple TV 4K costs almost three times as much as some competent competitors, it justifies the investment for primary setups, especially in Apple-centric homes with perks like iCloud Photos screensavers and seamless AirPods connectivity for solo audio. This version relies on Wi-Fi; for ethernet, opt for the $149 128GB edition.
The Apple TV 4K excels in performance, smoothness, and premium design unmatched by rivals. Its aluminum remote feels refined, the interface avoids intrusive ads, and tvOS offers practical tools, such as voice-dictated password entry. The integrated TV app facilitates saving content for later and resuming playback across services. Now at $129 for the third-generation 64GB unit, it aligns better with high-end alternatives while surpassing them in most aspects.
For more details, see our complete review of the Apple TV 4K (3rd-generation, 2022, 64GB, model A2737).
The Fire TV Cube leads for users with mobility challenges, as it operates solely via voice. It also simplifies bypassing Amazon's cluttered, ad-heavy interface. For Alexa users, it replaces the need for a separate smart speaker in the living room.
Amazon's premium streamer targets specific audiences but uniquely enables full voice navigation. Equipped with distant microphones, it responds to Alexa commands for starting shows, menu navigation, item selection, and home screen returns. It outperforms other Amazon devices in speed.
For more details, see our complete review of the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen).
Amazon's Fire TV Stick lineup, including the standard, 4K, and 4K Max variants, delivers solid performance particularly during discounts, despite cumbersome, ad-filled menus; the Lite version lacks appeal; Roku's Streaming Stick Plus offers a compact design but trails the Walmart Onn 4K Plus in features per dollar; Roku Ultra attracts fans needing ethernet, USB playback, and Bluetooth; Nvidia's Shield TV and Pro maintain loyal followers despite their age over five years, though not ideal for most; the premium Google TV Streamer lacks standout qualities versus budget picks; TiVo Stream 4K has diminished relevance amid TiVo's shift to TV software.
Our assessments include streaming diverse content, app-switching to gauge load speeds, and feature comparisons. We prioritize remote usability, as it's the main interaction method, plus menu clarity and responsiveness.
Platform preferences vary personally, but we highlight common frustrations like excessive ads or promotions obstructing access to preferred content.
TechHive's team has examined nearly all streaming hardware from the last ten years, routinely assessing new models, remotes, and apps. Coverage spans affordable sticks to advanced boxes with AV control integration. Rely on our guidance for suitable media players.
A cord-cutter since 2008, Jared Newman has freelanced in technology journalism for over 15 years, contributing regularly to PCWorld, Fast Company, and TechHive with a weekly cord-cutting feature since 2014. His Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter reaches over 30,000 readers, and Advisorator tech tips engage nearly 10,000 weekly. Holding a master's in journalism from NYU, he excels at simplifying topics like streaming, app utilities, and tech hacks from Cincinnati, OH.
Selecting a streaming player requires evaluating beyond cost. Key attributes to consider include the following.
Modern streamers output in HD (720p or 1080p) or 4K, with entry-level models limited to HD. For non-4K TVs, HD suffices to avoid overspending. With a 4K display, choose a 4K-capable player to maximize the screen's potential.
HDR enhances contrast for vivid visuals. Standard HDR10 is common, but advanced options like Samsung-backed HDR10+ and Dolby's Dolby Vision provide dynamic adjustments per scene or frame. Prioritize HDR, ideally HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, if your TV supports them. Affordable 4K units handle HDR10, while upscale ones add Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or both.
Beyond Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos delivers immersive, object-oriented sound via compatible setups. Entry-level players may not process it independently but could pass it through, as with some Roku models to AV receivers.
Storage varies from 8GB to 128GB+, affecting app installations. Even small capacities handle most apps, but larger ones suit extensive libraries or gaming, as on Apple TV 4K.
To minimize buffering, seek dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) for 4K streams; ethernet provides superior stability where available.
Major operating systems include Fire TV, tvOS, Google TV, and Roku OS, each with strengths, app variances, and compatibility nuances. Apple TV integrates best with iOS/Mac ecosystems, Google TV with Android.
Though app controls exist, physical remotes enhance couch use. Seek illuminated buttons and voice search; remote locators aid in retrieval.
The Walmart Onn 4K Plus emerges as the optimal choice for most, supporting 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, delivering brisk operation, intuitive Google TV, and broad app access at $30.
The Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box offers robust 4K HDR streaming, an advanced voice remote, and Google TV prowess for $20.
Boxes generally outperform sticks in speed, but sticks have advanced affordably.
Many devices manage sound systems via HDMI-CEC; for IR needs, confirm support, noting Roku's limitation, to avoid multiple remotes.
Apple TV and Roku enable AirPlay for iOS/Mac streaming; Google TV uses Chromecast for app casting, with mirroring limited to Android and Chrome.
Ethernet ports or adapters improve reliability over Wi-Fi; USB allows media playback or controllers.
Bluetooth audio works on most except basic Roku sticks, where the app enables private listening.
App availability is consistent across platforms, though live TV services may optimize better on certain devices for voice channel access or home screen integration.
Yes, major devices handle guest Wi-Fi portals like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. However, services like Hulu + Live TV restrict travel use.
Platforms now auto-remove unused apps, easing storage worries. Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Cube offer 16GB, Apple TV 64GB base—ample for apps, extra for games.