Best Streaming Media Players

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 27, 2024
Bring a new life to your TV set by widening its options! With a streaming media player, you will expand the number of channels and acquire a lot of magnificent features to enhance your TV-watching experience. And we will gladly help you choose the best streaming device among those offered! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
FORM-FACTOR & ADDITIONAL MODES
PROCESSOR & GPU
RAM
STORAGE
OPERATING SYSTEM
INCLUDED APPS
WARRANTY
 
PROS

Enjoy your favorite series, movies, and shows in the highest quality with the 4K HDR support. This media player is designed for the most demanding users and has an excellent design. The remote control is equipped with a microphone.

CONS

The remote does not fit ergonomically into the hand.

OUR VERDICT

The best console for gamers and streamers on Twitch. Get the ultimate home theater experience with Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and a smart upscaling technology. This device supports streaming from your phone in 4K quality.

detailed parameters
FORM-FACTOR & ADDITIONAL MODES

4K/60 fps

PROCESSOR & GPU

CPU: NVIDIA® Tegra® X

RAM: 3 GB

ROM: 16 GB

GPU: 256-core

RAM

Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, HDMI-male (HDMI extender included), MicroUSB (for power)

STORAGE

Remote with built-in microphone

OPERATING SYSTEM

Android 11.0

INCLUDED APPS

3.58" x 6.26" x 1.02"

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

A friendly interface and the support for Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video. Roku Ultra is the centerpiece of your home theater experience with 4K picture quality, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos surround sound.

CONS

The HDMI cable is fragile.

OUR VERDICT

This player can easily become the primary device in a smart home. Turn on your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming device with the Roku voice remote. The unit is very easy to set up.

detailed parameters
FORM-FACTOR & ADDITIONAL MODES

4K/60 fps

PROCESSOR & GPU

Not listed

RAM

Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, HDMI-male (HDMI extender included), MicroUSB (for power)

STORAGE

Remote with built-in microphone

OPERATING SYSTEM

Roku OS 9.4

INCLUDED APPS

4.9" x 4.9" x 0.8"

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, you can connect wireless speakers, headphones, game controllers, keyboards, and mice (also work on the Bluetooth protocol) to the device. Dolby Atmos support allows you to output 7.1 channel sound.

CONS

It gets hot during prolonged use.

OUR VERDICT

This model can significantly expand the functionality of your TV since it provides access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney +, Apple TV, HBO, and more. The high quality of the image will pleasantly surprise even demanding users.

detailed parameters
FORM-FACTOR & ADDITIONAL MODES

4K/60 fps

PROCESSOR & GPU

CPU: Quad-core

RAM: 1.5 GB

ROM: 8 GB

GPU: IMG GE8300

RAM

Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth, HDMI-male (HDMI extender included), microUSB (for power)

STORAGE

Remote with built-in microphone

OPERATING SYSTEM

Fire OS

INCLUDED APPS

3.9" x 1.2" x 0.6"

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The set-top box is supplied with a high-quality HDMI cable for outputting images from the player to the TV, as well as a USB cable for powering the Smart set-top box. Automatic software updates do not require user interaction, while providing access to new features.

CONS

Wi-fi does not support the 5 GHz standard.

OUR VERDICT

The Roku Premiere is ideal for people who are not very familiar with modern technology. The Roku OS has an intuitive interface, providing easy navigation. The ergonomic remote makes it easy to control your media player.

detailed parameters
FORM-FACTOR & ADDITIONAL MODES

4K/60 fps

PROCESSOR & GPU

Not listed

RAM

Wi-Fi (802.11n), HDMI, microUSB (for power)

STORAGE

Remote without microphone

OPERATING SYSTEM

Roku OS

INCLUDED APPS

1.4" x 3.3" x 0.7"

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The software installed here has enhanced compatibility - it supports the transfer of multimedia files from gadgets (Android 4.2 or iOS 9.1 and higher). There is also a PC sync function (Mac OS X 10.9 or Windows 7 and higher).

CONS

No 4K Ultra HD support.

OUR VERDICT

The Google Chromecast (3rd generation) will be a real boon for owners of LCD TVs without "Smart" functionality. Just plug the device into any free HDMI connector to stream movies, photos, and music directly from your mobile device.

detailed parameters
FORM-FACTOR & ADDITIONAL MODES

Full HD/60fps

PROCESSOR & GPU

Not listed

RAM

Wi-Fi (802.11ac), HDMI-male, microUSB (for power)

STORAGE

No remote (your phone or tablet works as remote)

OPERATING SYSTEM

Chrome OS

INCLUDED APPS

2" x 2" x 0.5"

WARRANTY

1 year

X

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NVIDIA ‎945-12897-2500-101

Real 4K No Matter What

Want to really boost your TV viewing experience? Try the NVIDIA SHIELD Android streaming media player. This powerful device lets you stream in 4K and turn your TV into a real home theater or a gaming platform.

Tired of downscale picture quality while streaming your favorite shows or movies? SHIELD knows how to help. The NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor uses an advanced AI technology to transform an HD video into 4K in real time. This means that when the source video is of lower quality, the device can – and will – enhance it to match the 4K criteria. The picture becomes clearer and sharper, letting you enjoy such content on a whole new level.

Great, but doesn’t this interfere with the real high quality streaming? Actually, no. SHIELD will automatically turn off the enhancing when it’s not required.

Want a real cinematic experience at home? This media player brings you the Dolby Vision HDR for a much more vivid, natural-looking picture. Likewise, the Dolby Atmos sound technology will impress you with immersive next-gen sound that makes each moment of a movie or video game a truly special one.

Review of NVIDIA ‎945-12897-2500-101 SHIELD Android TV Pro 4K HDR Streaming Media Player

Stream & Play Seamlessly

Great news for streaming fans; SHIELD can – and should – be used all across your favorite streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, etc.). The unwavering 4K quality will bring your entertainment to the new heights, and you’ll be able to enjoy each and every minute of it. The integrated Chromecast 4K allows you to stream directly from your phone without the drops in picture quality.

Now to the gaming; combine SHIELD with your home PC – and get ready for a real 4K HDR sessions. If you choose to get a GeForce membership, you can unlock the upscale game servers with minimized wait times.

You won’t be losing the remote any time soon. This smart Bluetooth device has a built-in locator, a voice search, and handy backlit buttons. On the downside, the remote is not too ergonomic and won’t lay flat due to its V-shaped design.

If you don’t like the remotes in general, there is another option to control the player, and that is a voice assistant. Alexa, Echo, or Google Home, it’s all there on the list.

In conclusion, this streaming media player is one of the best in its class and gives you the real 4K cinematic experience even with a lower quality source.

NVIDIA ‎945-12897-2500-101 SHIELD Android TV Pro 4K HDR Streaming Media Player in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07YP9FBMM

 

Roku 4800R

Best Picture Quality & Wi-Fi

Streaming is exciting, but what about the quality? Level up your experience with the Roku Ultra streaming device. It’s very fast and smooth, providing real cinematic visuals for your enjoyment.

First off, the picture quality. Roku Ultra supports 4K and Dolby Vision to view your favorite movies and shows just like they were intended to. The colors are very natural, and the picture itself is bright and with the right level of contrast. You’ll also enjoy the flawless 3D sound with Dolby Atmos, making you feel as if you were in a real movie theatre.

Love streaming but get easily annoyed with the buffering? Roku Ultra eliminates this problem with the top of the top Wi-Fi service. No matter what room you’re in, be sure to enjoy TV and movies without interruptions. If you prefer the Ethernet connection, there is a handy integrated port.

The interface of this device doesn’t lag behind, showing the same high speeds as with the transmission. Now you can get the speedy access to such acclaimed streaming services as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. The unit is also connectable to such popular voice assistants as Alexa or Google.

Review of Roku 4800R Ultra Streaming Device HD/4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos

Fast Access to Anything

Most of what makes Roku Ultra so powerful comes from the boosted quad-core processor. It’s strong and fast, minimizing the response times and making this device a pleasure to use. Load the home screen in a flash – and pick one of your favorites instead of endless scrolling. If you’re on the fence about the cable service, Roku Ultra may be the deciding factor in transitioning to streaming.

Another big pro of this device is the smart remote you’ll love from the first use. It lets you do a voice search, adjust the volume, and control the unit with no effort. You can program two buttons for quick access to your top favorite streaming platforms. And if your house has swallowed the remote, simply press a button on the device – and follow the sound clue.

Finally, Roku Ultra is very easy to set up. The HDMI cable is right there in the box, although it’s somewhat fragile, so you should use it carefully. The installation will be a breeze, and everything from the design to the interface is so simple and intuitive that even older family members will find it easy to grasp.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high quality streaming device, you have already found it in Roku Ultra.

Roku 4800R Ultra Streaming Device HD/4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08G9TJWW9

 

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

No Smart TV? No Problem!

Many of the TVs that come out now have smart TV functionality, which in essence is meant to negate the need of having a separate streaming media player. However, many of the smart TVs don't really have quite the selection of different streaming services that a dedicated box has, nor are then usually as robust in overall features. Even still, there are TVs being sold that have no smart TV functionality. This isn't a problem, though, as you can turn any TV into a smart TV with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Media Player.

Although we often refer to such devices as streaming media boxes, this device is no box. Instead, it is more of a small dongle that you can plug into the HDMI port of any TV. This device is incredibly small, so finding a place to put it simply won't be an issue. In many cases, it will just fit behind your TV, being virtually unnoticed. In fact, it is so small, that the remote for the device is roughly twice the size of it. For TVs that have their HDMI ports on the back instead of on the side of the unit, this media player comes with a dongle that makes it easier to plug in. One small hiccup with its small design is that the unit does tend to get pretty hot after extended use, but this shouldn't be much of an issue for anyone.

Review of Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Media Player

Wireless Connectivity Options

Despite its small size, this streaming media player is loaded with features. First of all, this does an exceptional job at streaming 4K content, with support for almost all of the most popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and many others. Also, you'll notice that everything runs and plays smoothly on this device, with no streaming problems even with 4K content, and the interface runs buttery smooth without any slowdown or lag. This is a breath of fresh air for those who have used other devices that tend to get bogged down and run slowly.

A box of this size obviously won't have much in the way of ports, but that isn't much of a problem here. Thanks to the addition of Bluetooth support, you can use a wide array of different Bluetooth devices here, including your typical input methods such as game controllers, mice, and keyboards, as well as Bluetooth speakers for audio output. Speaking of its audio output, this device supports Dolby Atmos for true 7.1 stereo sound, for those who have a high-end home theater system. At the end of the day, this extremely small streaming box is packed with features, and certainly will go a long way towards expanding anyone's home entertainment center.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Media Player in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08XVYZ1Y5

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Of course the 4k streaming makes for a better picture with UHD being 4 times the resolution than 1080p.

Features

The new remote with IR support will control our fairly new 4K TV with ease. We like the power button and the volume and mute buttons. That remote almost makes the product worth it.

Hardware

It is faster and has more memory than The older generations.

Software

It did a software update quickly and I downloaded Playstation Vue, Tablo, Plex and Netflix.
 

Roku Premiere

As Easy as It Gets

One of the first companies to bring streaming media boxes to the markets is also one of the best. In the last decade, Roku has really made a name for themselves with the great quality media streaming boxes they have brought to the market. Featuring an extremely intuitive menu along with hundreds of different streaming channels available, Roku has deservedly earned a reputation for creating some of the best streaming boxes available. This extends to the Roku Premiere 4K UHD Streaming Media Player, one of their latest offerings that holds up extremely well against all other set-top boxes.

The main thing that should be notable about a Roku device is that it is easy to set up and use, and nothing is different with this particular box in that regard. This device takes only a couple of minutes to set up and configure, and then you are well on your way to accessing all of your favorite streaming content. You have access to just about every streaming service you can think of, including all of the most popular ones, and the hundreds of different channels available will have you covered no matter what your tastes are. Better yet, finding any particular channel is extremely easy thanks to the intuitive interface that is included in all Roku devices.

Review of Roku Premiere 4K UHD Streaming Media Player

Small Form Factor

Another area that Roku has managed to impress many of its customers is in the size of their boxes. Known for their sleek yet compact designs, those who enjoy saving space near the TV have always liked how easy they are to fit anywhere. With this model, though, the device has gotten even smaller than before. If you have seen an older Roku box, then you will understand that this one looks just like one of the older ones was cut in half. This extremely compact size makes it quite easy to place it just about anywhere you want, so finding space for it shouldn't be much of a concern.

Of course, the features this device has to offer don't stop there. This box comes with an HDMI cable, which is a nice addition considering that many other similar devices tend to cheap out and not supply one. Wi-Fi connectivity is included, although it should be noted that it does not support the latest 5 Ghz standard. Software updates on Roku devices are generally frequent, and the automatic update feature ensures that you are always running the latest version of the Roku software. If you are in the market for an extremely easy to use streaming box that will give you access to your favorite content, then you can do no wrong by going with a Roku.

Roku Premiere 4K UHD Streaming Media Player in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $33.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07HDBZN7Q

 

Google Chromecast (3rd Generation)

Multimedia Output

Most of the devices reviewed here are all relatively the same: they are all streaming boxes that provide you with access to multiple online streaming services. The Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) Streaming Media Player, however, is a bit of a different device when compared to the others in this review. Instead of this little device including all of the functionality built into it, this device instead is meant to be used as a way to allow you to wirelessly stream content from another device onto your television.

This is accomplished thanks to the Google Chromecast technology that is native to the device. It doesn't provide you with access to anything other than another connected device in your house that is compatible with Chromecast. What you can do with it, however, is use the device to stream content from something like your smartphone or tablet directly to the TV. This means you can not only stream from virtually any streaming service that can be accessed from your smartphone or tablet, but you also have the ability to stream any multimedia files that are stored on your mobile devices. This helps give this little hockey puck a few capabilities that all of the other devices lack.

Review of Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) Streaming Media Player

High Compatibility

Setting up your Google Chromecast device is pretty straight-forward, taking only a couple of minutes to configure to use with another device. Thankfully, the list of various devices that this box can stream from is huge, due to the high level of compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows, and even Macs. Anything you can display on these devices, you can use this box to display them on your television.

It should be noted that this is the only device in our review that does not include 4K Ultra HD support built-in. If you have an older TV with a resolution lower than that of 4K, though, this just won't be an issue. Also lacking is any wireless connectivity for connecting other devices through Bluetooth, so your input options are limited. At least the remote is pretty simple to learn to use, and the interface is easy to navigate.

Despite the few shortcomings that this device has, especially in comparison to the other media streaming boxes we have reviewed here, the Chromecast is an extremely useful streaming option for those who don't mind its lack of features and who wish to stream content from another device. After all, you simply won't find any other products that will be able to match it on price.

Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) Streaming Media Player in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B015UKRNGS

 

What Is a Streaming Media Player?

An up-to-date media player can turn your TV into a multifunctional digital device and greatly expand your options for watching various high-quality videos, whether you do it online or use external storage. With it, you will get access to all and every Internet application, social network, and video streaming website. 3D games? Sure! Why buy an expensive console if there is a streaming media player that supports the same and even more functions? Either your TV is the newest model or a slightly older one, the streaming media player will expand its features greatly!

If you are looking for a portable device to fill in for a PC by connecting to a monitor or a TV set, we recommend you to give a glance to mini PCs or microPC sticks. And in the following review we present 5 best streaming media players and tell you what to think about when you choose one.

What Features to Compare

A choice of a streaming media player should start with looking at its Form-Factor and Performance. There are several form-factors nowadays, the most popular among which are desktop players and smart sticks. The latter are usually placed beside the TV and connected to it via a cable. The smart sticks are known to be quite miniature (a little bigger than your average USB flash drive, so you can easily hide it behind your TV) and to have high functionality. The performance parameter includes the data processing speed, the response time, and the options for data storage. An important part here is played by the streaming media player's processor (CPU) as it is responsible for playing out your high-resolution videos and for a comfortable gaming. The best streaming media players are those with quad-core processors. Then there is also the RAM capacity. To obtain a device with a good response time, look for the one with larger RAM, 2 GB or more. Talking about memory, remember about the media player's storage space. The larger it is, the more data you will be able to keep there. Up-to-date streaming media players sometimes feature a flash memory capacity of 8 GB and higher, or even an HDD drive of up to 3 TB, and some use external USB drives of various shapes and capacity. Additional modes also affect the performance: alongside a standard online video replay option, they might provide a gaming possibility with a special control, or they can include a DVR mode to record online streaming to the internal or external drive.

Next, pay some of your attention to the Functionality. It largely depends on the operating system (OS) as the operating system is what determines the number of supported applications, operation stability, and the availability of additional features like, for example, voice search. A major number of streaming media players are Android-based, and this means you will have a whole world of multimedia entertainment before you, right on your TV screen. Be it simple flipping through pictures or playing 3D video games, the good streaming device will let you enjoy it to the fullest. Today, the smallest resolution for a streaming media player is HD format, but we recommend you to look for at least Full HD device, as it is the resolution the movies are released in, mostly. If you have a 4K TV, you will need a device that supports Ultra HD. Note that the bigger display you have, the larger resolution it will require for comfortable watching. As for the screens that support 3D, it will probably benefit you to buy a media streaming device with the same option. The models with an embedded TV-tuner also exist, although they usually only work with digital TV, not analog. But instead, you will be able to record the shows you want to re-watch later. The great alternative to the tuner will be an IPTV-supporting streaming media player. IPTV is similar to the cable TV, it uses an Internet connection as an incoming signal. IPTV media players will provide you with an opportunity to watch high-quality TV channels in both standard and HD resolution. Among the supported video formats, we'd say, the most widespread would be MPEG 1/2/3/4, AVI, MKV for video, MP3, FLAC, WMA-Pro for audio, and JPEG for images. So choose a device that supports those.

The last important parameter we'd like to point at in choosing the best streaming device is its Interfaces and Controls. Almost any up-to-date streaming media player includes an HDMI port for the maximum image quality and great sound. We recommend the HDMI of 1.4 or higher version both in the player and the TV. If you are planning to connect your streaming devices to the older TV models, you will probably need the composite and the component video outputs. At the same time, to play sound via the external acoustic system, you should, probably, consider the number and types of audio outs, which can be either digital optical, or have coaxial connections with analog stereo outputs. The awesome addition to your best streaming media player will be the availability of a USB input and a place to put a memory card in. It will make the content transfer a piece of cake. As for the controls, all standard media streaming devices operate on closed systems and go with a classic remote control. More cutting-edge devices might be equipped with a QWERTY-keyboard remote, voice search option, and embedded sensors to determine their position in space (the Air Mouse). About the half of modern streaming media players can be controlled via your smartphone or another device using an official application. Sometimes you can connect a keyboard and a mouse to type and use social networks. And for fierce gamers, the gaming remote is surely a must.

Here we have told you the info you can use to make your final choice. Now let us proceed to the best streaming media players on the market as of today.

Sources:

1. Grant Clauser, Streaming Media Stick vs. Streaming Media Box: Understanding the Differences, Electronic House. November 12, 2015.

2. Lauren Barret, Finding the Best Streaming Media Player: Roku vs Chromecast vs Amazon Fire vs Apple TV, Money Under 30. March 23, 2016.

3. Streaming Media Buying Guide, ConsumerReports. Last updated: September 2016.

4. Marshall Honorof, How to Buy a Streaming Media Player, Tom's Guide. May 4, 2016.

5. Brittany Hodak, RIP VHS: World's Last VCR Will Be Made This Month, Forbes. July 23, 2016.

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