They go by many names – streaming sticks, streaming boxes, media players and more – but they all do the same thing. Plug into your TV via HDMI and connect to the internet so you watch a wealth of content. Many of them also have the ability to run other apps and even games. With many devices costing under £50/$50, they are one of the best value smart home devices you can get. Here, we round up the best media players and streaming sticks and boxes you can buy that let you watch endless TV shows and films.
Best streaming stick and box 2023
Broad range of apps Alexa support Dolby Vision and Atmos support
It will deliver 4K resolution at 60Hz, with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and other HDR and surround-sound formats. The 3rd-gen remote adds more buttons for more TV control, while behind-the-scenes improvements (such as an upgrade to the underlying Android version) mean you’ll now get Atmos from Netflix, and you can control the volume of Bluetooth headphones and speakers using the remote control. It doesn’t have hands-free Alexa like the more expensive Fire TV Cube, but for only £5/$5 more than the 2018 Stick 4K, it is the best choice if you have a 4K TV. If you only have a 1080p panel, opt for the 3rd-gen Fire Stick.
4K streaming for less Smooth performance Great remote
Roku also offers thousands of hours of free content with The Roku Channel, and a huge range of streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+. The Streaming Stick 4K doesn’t have a headphone jack directly on the remote, and the lack of an HDMI extension cable may make setting up a little tricky. However, it does have support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
Slick interface 4K with wide HDR support Google Assistant
Can't switch users No headphone jack on remote
The remote control with Google Assistant and the excellent Google TV interface combine to create a great way to browse and discover content from a range of services and in 4K with wide HDR support, too. In addition, the device now has support for Google Stadia, so you can use it for gaming as well as streaming. Whilst the remote doesn’t have a headphone jack, you can connect Bluetooth earphones for private listening. You also can’t switch users on this device.
Redesigned remote Slick OS Improved processor
Expensive No increased storage Not all apps support remote functions
The redesigned Siri remote is easy to use, with a mix of click-based controls and swiping. Siri is also included on the remote, so you can control via your voice. There’s also the option to play audio via the HomePod, should you prefer. However, there’s no escaping the high price, and competition from other media streamers is stiff, too. But, if you’re an iPhone, iPad or Mac user, you’ll love the AirPlay support the Apple TV offers, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your phone or tablet to the big screen instantly.
HDR & Dolby Atmos support Broad range of apps Alexa support
The inclusion of Alexa voice support, volume buttons and power buttons on the remote also give you much more control over your TV than the Fire Stick Lite. That said, there’s no 4K support, and the 4K Max Stick doesn’t cost much more.
4K@60Hz HDR10 support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision Google Assistant
Expensive
It features 4K@60Hz playback, like its predecessor, but the new Shield TV takes things a step further with AI-based 4K upscaling that makes even 360p content look sharp and crisp. It’s not as good as native 4K content, but it’s certainly the next best thing.
Easy to use Great selection of UK on-demand apps PVR capabilities
Boasting a 500GB or 1TB HDD, you’ve also got the option of pausing, rewinding or recording TV shows, with the ability to record two channels while watching a third simultaneously. And, most importantly, the software is simple, easy to use and stutter-free.
Affordable Price Clean layout Alexa voice support
User-friendly interface Decent sound Huge range of content
Older TVs without HDMI-ARC/Toslink not supported Expensive
Offering the capabilities similar to that of the Roku Streaming Stick+, including 4K HDR support, it’s a fully-fledged Roku streamer embedded within a great-sounding, compact soundbar that’ll sit in front of your TV. It’s a huge upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers and, with AirPlay support, it’s a particularly great buy for Apple users. However, it is at the high end when it comes to streaming boxes. Streaming boxes like the Apple TV are, well, boxes and they tend to sit underneath your TV and then connect via an HDMI cable. There are no huge benefits to either unless you have a wall-mounted TV and have nowhere to sit a box. In this case, get a stick so it can be hidden behind your set. The design of the remote is also something to consider. Some have the ability to control your TV (normally power and volume) and might even have a headphone jack so you can easily listen privately. Others might support voice search via Alexa or Google Assistant. In short, as long as you have a HDMI port, a streaming stick should work on any TV. There’s also Apple Arcade, which the latest generation of Apple TV 4K is plenty capable of running. Google Stadia is one of the most popular options for cloud gaming, which you can get directly on Chromecast. In addition, the new deal reinstated YouTube TV back onto Roku devices – this app had been gone since April 2021. The inclusion of the YouTube app on Roku devices has now been reflected in the order of our chart. Hannah Cowton is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor and Macworld, working across entertainment, consumer technology and lifestyle. Her interests and specialities lie in streaming services, film and television reviews and rumours, gaming, wearables and smart home products. She’s also the creator of The London Geek, a geek culture and lifestyle blog.
