The 5 Best Streaming Devices for 2024
Amazon Fire TV Stick Max 4K
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: HDR,
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: Yes | Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E | Ethernet:
No | Voice Control: Alexa Voice Remote | Special Features: Dolby
Atmos support, Amazon Luna game support, 6-month MGM+ subscription included | Operating
System: Amazon FireTV | Storage: 16GB
Setting
up and using an Amazon Fire TV Stick Max could not be easier. Simply plug the
device into the HDMI port of your TV, adjust the TV's input to that HDMI port,
connect the streaming stick to your home's Wi-Fi, and use the included remote
to navigate around and choose what you want to watch.
This
"Max" version of the Fire TV Stick supports Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring smooth
streaming of 4K content from your favorite services. When not watching TV, you
can display famous works of art as a screensaver on your TV. The voice remote
supports Alexa, enabling control of the TV and other Alexa-compatible smart
gear. Additionally, four app buttons on the remote provide one-touch access to
popular streaming services.
This
streaming stick also supports Amazon's Luna cloud-based gaming service,
allowing you to play popular games using an optional Luna handheld controller
($50), eliminating the need for a separate gaming console.
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: HDMI 2.1 | Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi
6 | Ethernet: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port | Voice Control: Siri
voice remote | Special Features: Runs on Apple's A15 Bionic chip;
Supports AppleTV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, iCloud Shared
Photo Library, FaceTime, PlayShare, Smart Home Hub, Apple AirPods, and Dolby
Atmos | Operating System: AppleTV OS | Storage: 128GB
Ideal
for those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K seamlessly
integrates with Apple services. Once connected to your TV, you have access to
AppleTV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud Photos, and more. The device
supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, providing a detailed viewing experience with
spatial audio.
You
can view iCloud Photo Library photos, mirror your iPhone, iPad, or Mac's screen
on your TV, and make FaceTime video calls via your TV. Apple TV's powerful
features make it a comprehensive streaming and entertainment hub.
Google Chromecast with GoogleTV (4K)
The
Chromecast with GoogleTV is particularly suitable for Chromebook and Android
users. Content from these devices can be easily mirrored onto your TV. With
Google Assistant built in, voice commands control your TV and other
Google-supported smart devices. The device recommends content based on your
viewing habits, offering an intuitive interface.
Easy
to install on any TV with an HDMI port, the GoogleTV interface makes finding
and playing your favorite content straightforward. Additionally, users receive
a six-month subscription to the Peacock Premium service for free.
Roku Ultra 4K
Resolution: 4K | HDR Support: Dolby Vision,
HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI: HDMI 2.0 | Wi-Fi: 802.11ac | Ethernet:
Ethernet 10/100 | Voice Control: Voice remote | Special Features:
Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, Apple Airplay, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa,
Google Home support, Free Roku Channel access, USB 3.0 port | Operating
System: RokuTV OS | Storage: 2GB
Among
all streaming platforms, Rokus are the most popular. The RokuTV interface is
user-friendly, and the voice controller simplifies commands. The Roku Ultra 4K
provides unlimited access to The Roku Channel, offering a vast library of free
live and on-demand programming.
A
distinctive feature is the handheld remote, allowing optional wired or wireless
(Bluetooth) headphones or earbuds for a private listening experience. Roku
Ultra supports various audio features, including noise cancellation and spatial
audio, providing a surround sound experience without a separate audio system.
Price:$90 at Amazon, $100 at Roku
Roku Streambar Pro
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support:
HDR10 | HDMI: HDMI 2.0 | Wi-Fi: 801.11ac | Ethernet:
Optional adapter available | Voice Control: Roku Voice Remote | Special
Features: Roku streaming and soundbar in one device; Dolby Audio, Apple
Airplay, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home support; Free Roku Channel
access; USB 2.0 port; Optical Digital Audio input; Four 2.5" full range
drivers | Operating System: RokuTV OS | Storage: 512MB
The
Roku Streambar Pro offers a solution to the common issue of thin,
high-resolution TVs sacrificing speaker quality. With four 2.5-inch full-range
drivers, the soundbar delivers clear and robust stereo audio supporting Dolby
Audio. The Roku Streambar has a built-in Roku streaming device, allowing
content streaming from favorite services via HDMI, HDMI-ARC, or Digital Optical
cable.
Affordable
and versatile, the Roku Streambar Pro can be upgraded with rear satellite
speakers and a subwoofer for a true surround sound system. The device connects
to virtually any TV, providing both a quality soundbar and Roku streaming
capabilities in one.
Price:$174 at Amazon, $180 at Roku
Does a streaming device work with any smart TV?
By
default, a smart TV can connect to the internet and stream content from popular
networks and services. However, smart TVs may vary in user interfaces and
capabilities. If your smart TV supports a specific operating system, like
FireTV or GoogleTV OS, but you prefer RokuTV OS, you can easily install an
alternative streaming device to access your desired content.
For
older non-smart TVs with HDMI or Ethernet ports, connecting any of the best
streaming devices can transform them into smart TVs. Note that access to
various streaming services typically requires separate subscription fees.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use a Roku streaming device with my smart TV?
Q2: What sets the Apple TV 4K apart from other streaming devices?
The Apple TV 4K stands out for its
seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, supporting exclusive services
and delivering a detailed viewing experience with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Q3: Does the Roku Streambar Pro support a surround sound system?
Explore
the top 5 streaming devices for 2024 - Amazon Fire TV Stick Max 4K, Apple TV
4K, Google Chromecast with GoogleTV, Roku Ultra 4K, and Roku Streambar Pro.
Discover features, benefits, and how these devices enhance your streaming
experience.
