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The Best Media Streaming Devices in 2022

The Best Media Streaming Devices in 2022

Online web content can be viewed on your TV in a number of ways. Your television may have apps, or your Blu-ray player or game system may have built-in streaming capabilities. You can purchase a dedicated media streaming center if neither of these conditions apply to you, or if your television, Blu-ray player, or game system does not offer exactly the media capabilities you need. You can typically connect your TV to any online or regional media streaming service you desire for under $100 with most media banners.

Four platforms stand out among media streamers available today: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku. Regardless of which you choose, you will be able to access many of the most popular music and video streaming services.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Featuring 4K HDR, Amazon Alexa, and a very fast, fluid performance, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the best media streamers you can buy for under $50.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
  • Quick Wi-Fi streaming and menu navigation

CONS

  • Ethernet adapter not included

Chromecast With Google TV

2. Chromecast With Google TV

A new and simplified menu system has been added to the popular media streamer with Chromecast With Google TV, which includes a remote and an onscreen interface with a new and simple menu system.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
  • Useful Google Assistant and Cast features
  • Attractive, accessible new Google TV interface

CONS

  • Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV

Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)

3. Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)

The $40 third-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick is nearly identical to its predecessor, just a bit faster and with a new remote, which keeps it from being surpassed as the best media streamer for 1080p TVs.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Faster processor than previous model
  • Includes remote with microphone, TV controls, and dedicated service buttons

CONS

  • 1080p only
  • Home screen can occasionally stutter

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

4. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

With just $5 more than the standard model, you can add Wi-Fi 6 compatibility to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, but outside of very specific use cases you won’t notice anything different.

PROS

  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Fast performance
  • Lots of apps and services
  • Amazon Alexa voice control

CONS

  • No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast
  • 4K HDR media streaming can’t really take advantage of Wi-Fi 6

Roku Streaming Stick 4K+

5. Roku Streaming Stick 4K+

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ bundles the company’s Streaming Stick 4K as well as its Voice Remote Pro into one compelling package for hands-free 4K streaming of your favorite media.

PROS

  • Apple AirPlay support
  • Hands-free voice control
  • Headphone jack on remote
  • Plenty of apps and services

CONS

  • No Twitch
  • Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant

TiVo Stream 4K

6. TiVo Stream 4K

With Android TV and TiVo’s own interface, the TiVo Stream 4K is able to provide a comprehensive and TV-focused viewing experience because it uses Google’s Android TV platform.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision
  • Live TV support through Locast and Sling
  • Android TV and Google Assistant functionality

CONS

  • Remote is a little clunky
  • TiVo Stream and stock Android TV interfaces aren’t quite as sleek as competitors

Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation)

7. Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation)

In spite of the fact that the second-generation Apple TV 4K is overpriced, it is still an excellent media streamer, especially if you use the company’s other products and services.

PROS

  • Improved remote
  • Dolby Vision support
  • Comes with a free year of Apple TV+
  • Plenty of useful features including AirPlay, HomeKit, and Siri

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Interface and remote tend to funnel you into the Apple TV app

Adolfo

Hello! I am Adolfo Ortiz-Flores. I have been gaming since the Nintendo 64 days and have a serious interest in helping people find great information, products and services related to games, consoles and other computer parts. I hope you can find this information very helpful!!

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