We updated this roundup in January 2024 to guarantee that our best streaming device picks were in stock and reflected up-to-date prices.
In an ideal world, your top-spec TV would be the best streaming device you’d need to dive into the world of The Crown on Netflix or rewatch Downton Abbey on BritBox, but too many smart telly interfaces are clunky and unintuitive, with remotes that aren’t designed for streaming. What you need is a media device that’s made for the job.
While a recording set-top box is ideal for saving terrestrial programmes for later, these often have limited access to streaming apps too, so a separate device is necessary. And what if you have a fully functional older TV that isn’t smart? Or want to bring all your streaming channels with you on a weekend getaway? That’s where the best streaming devices come in.
With these compact gadgets, you can make your TV more capable, getting all your services in one place, in high quality, and adding voice control smarts and the ability to cast content right from your phone or tablet to the big screen.
Best streaming devices
Best streaming device for Amazon Prime users
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
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Best streaming device for Google users
Chromecast with Google TV
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Best value streaming stick for Prime users
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
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Best streaming device for Apple users
Apple TV 4K (2022)
See AlsoGoogle TV Streamer review: Fantastic, but not perfectThe best streaming devices in 2024 for watching Netflix, Prime Video and more on your TVBest streaming device for your TV 2024: Which streaming stick should you buy?Best streaming device 2024: Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Roku or something else?Read more
How the GH Tech Team tests streaming devices
We test out the latest streaming devices by connecting them to our TVs and using them as you do. We check which services are available on each, and fire up our favourite shows and movies via the apps we all use including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Prime Video.
We also review how straightforward they are to set up and navigate around the interface, extra features like mirroring or casting from your phone and the audio and visual formats they support. We thoroughly research each category, and our list below is a mix of our hands-on tests and expert recommendations.
Pros
- Great selection of apps
- Voice control via remote
Cons
- You'll see sponsored ads
Amazon Prime members will make the most of this powerful streaming stick that’s a worthy rival to the Roku 4K on our list. It’s an ideal option to stash away behind your TV, and integrates well with the Prime Video and Music services – along with offering a wide selection of apps and services available through Amazon’s store.
The Max version adds extra capabilities like support for faster wifi speeds and a way to quickly check your video doorbell without stopping the film or show you’re watching. It supports 4K and HDR for high-end image quality, and it has a voice remote so that you can talk to Alexa and control the playback while pressing the button for the assistant.
On test, we found it straightforward to navigate and fast, but if you want to talk to Alexa without pressing a button you’ll need the more advanced Fire TV Cube.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 9.9 x 3 x 1.4cm |
Weight | 43.5g |
Pros
- Simple user interface
- Great casting abilities
Cons
- Bigger than some rivals
Unlike the original Chromecast, this version runs on the sleek Google TV platform (the successor to Android TV) and delivers a simple interface with a quick search function so you can get to the shows and films you want to watch with less fuss.
It’s a great value option that comes in at a similar price as the 4K Fire stick and the Roku at the top of our list while delivering many of the same features. For us, the better menu system from Google makes this a worthwhile pick, and you’re getting a lot for your money.
It delivers 4K HDR video quality, loads of apps and casting abilities. It also adds some Google-specific features, such as displaying your albums in Google Photos or controlling your smart home setup through Google Assistant.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 16.2 x 6.1 x 1.25cm |
Weight | 55g |
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Pros
- Smooth performance
- Smart home control
Cons
- No built-in speaker
As the most advanced model Amazon makes, the Fire TV Cube offers up all the features of Amazon's streaming devices and its Echo speakers in one compact box, and it delivers faster performance than all of the rest of the Fire TV range.
Because it works as a hands-free Alexa-enabled speaker, it’s also the ideal pick if you’re building a connected smart home and want to ask Alexa to turn your lights on or off, or to arm or disarm your security system.
When it comes to streaming videos and music, it offers a wide range of apps and services available on any Fire device, and full voice control via Alexa so you can ask it to play or pause the film you’re watching without having to press a button on a remote control to get the voice assistant listening.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI input, HDMI output, IR extender, USB-A port, Ethernet port |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 8.6 x 8.6 x 7.7cm |
Weight | 513g |
Pros
- Great way to enhance your TV audio
- Works as a Bluetooth speaker
Cons
- Lacks Dolby Vision or HDR10+ support
When compared to the other streaming devices on our list, the Streambar is a bit of an anomaly, because it’s not just a dedicated streamer. It’s ideal if you’re considering enhancing the sound from your telly while also improving its connected capabilities, as it doubles up as a soundbar for all audio from your TV, not just for anything you stream (in 4K with HDR) via its Roku platform.
We have used it to handle the sound coming from the regular terrestrial TV, our Nintendo Switch or Blu-ray player, and it’s had no problem with any of it, whether channelling the audio through its HDMI cable (make sure it’s plugged into the slot marked ARC) or through an optical cable. While it’s smaller than some soundbars, it gets louder and more detailed than your existing TV speakers, and it works as a Bluetooth speaker too.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output, Optical, USB-A |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 41.29 x 18.9 x 11.3cm |
Weight | 1.11kg |
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Pros
- Good value for money
- Speedy navigation
Cons
- Remote lacks dedicated app buttons
If you don’t need all the power and high resolution of the other Ultra HD Amazon devices on our list, you can make a big saving by picking this basic Fire TV stick variant.
It outputs in HD quality rather than 4K, but still includes the comprehensive app selection, speedy navigation and voice-control capabilities via the Alexa remote, which you can use to search for shows and films but not to control your TV or volume.
When on offer, this one is the best value device around, and we’ve seen it go for as low as £15 during sales events.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | HD |
Dimensions | 8.6 x 3.0 x 1.3cm |
Weight | 32g |
Pros
- Very easy to set up and use
- Compact design
Cons
- Remote is slightly dated
This Roku is the best option for most people looking for a future-proof media streamer because it’s super straightforward to set up and use, and it delivers a massive range of streaming services (including catch-up for all the major UK TV channels and the likes of Netflix, NOW, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+ and a lot more).
It has support for 4K quality – including “Dolby Vision” HDR, and we like how it’s compact, simple and speedy, and that the interface is uncomplicated and intuitive.
We had it fully set up within a couple of minutes and we also love how you can jump straight to Spotify, Netflix or Apple TV+ from its great remote control (which also offers voice search functionality).
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 16.1 x 14.5 x 6.2cm |
Weight | 380g |
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Pros
- Great budget 4K option
- Lots of apps and services
Cons
- Lacks voice remote
You’ll have noticed that it’s rare to get 4K video quality without going for something over £50, but it’s not out of the question. Roku offers a basic Ultra HD player at a low cost with this variant of its budget Express model, and it’s a little box that you attach to your TV with an adhesive strip rather than a stick or chunkier streaming box.
Like any other Roku, it offers a huge selection of apps and services, along with improved speeds compared to the older Express. One difference between this and the top-end Roku Streaming Stick 4K is that it doesn’t come with the voice-control remote, but it otherwise has most of the same features and all the same apps.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 18.5 x 14.4 x 7.2cm |
Weight | 45g |
Pros
- Excellent picture quality
- Ideal for gamers
Cons
- Much larger than rival streamers
When it comes to high-end streaming devices, there are two big names: The Apple TV and the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Both players offer serious performance, 4K quality and HDR video with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos audio, onboard storage, and ethernet connections for reliable internet.
The Apple rival is best if you’ve got other Apple gadgets, but if you’re in the Android world and want some of the best upscaling (where the device makes HD videos appear as sharp as 4K), we’d recommend going for the wedge-shaped Nvidia.
It runs on Android TV and offers up a huge app selection and has built-in Chromecast and access to Google Assistant. Also, if you’ve got any gaming fans at home, it doubles up as a console with the GeForce Now service that enables you to play PC games on your TV.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output, Ethernet, USB-A x2 |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 15.9 x 9.8 x 2.6cm |
Weight | 249.5g |
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Pros
- Very low price when on offer
- Good selection of streamers
Cons
- Lacks a voice control remote
A lot of us aren’t bothered about 4K, especially if you need a streaming device for an older non-smart TV, so we’d recommend the more basic and affordable Roku Express if you just need an entry-level option.
It has the same wide range of services and apps as Roku's flagship, it’s simple to use with a straightforward interface, and it’s great value for money if you’re on a budget (we’ve seen it as low as under £20 when on offer).
However, it doesn’t have a voice control remote like the best Roku. You can search for shows and launch specific apps with voice control, but you have to do this via the smartphone app rather than the remote control.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | HD |
Dimensions | 18.2 x 14.3 x 5.4cm |
Weight | 290g |
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Casting and screen mirroring
Cons
- Only geared towards iOS users
Much like the Nvidia, this is a high-powered piece of kit with extra connectivity and onboard storage. It’s ideal for anyone with Apple devices like an iPad or iPhone, as it’s a seamless fit within an ecosystem of products. It works as a hub for connecting smart home accessories through HomeKit, offers casting and screen mirroring over AirPlay and has voice search with the Siri assistant.
When it comes to TV streaming, it delivers high frame-rate 4K HDR quality, with a huge selection of services through its app store and some gaming options too. It’s the perfect pick if you’ve already got a collection of films or shows bought through Apple too.
This box used to come with a befuddling remote that was a downside, but it has bundled in a better redesigned one since last year, with a chunkier form factor and a dedicated button to turn on the TV itself. The 2022 variant of this box is thinner and lighter, has a 50% faster chip inside, and a starting lower price.
Key specifications
Output and ports | HDMI output, Ethernet |
---|---|
Streaming services | All major UK streaming services |
Maximum resolution | 4K |
Dimensions | 9.3 x 9.3 x 3.1cm |
Weight | 208g |
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What is a TV streaming device?
A TV streaming device is a small box or stick that connects to your TV via its HDMI port and to the internet over wifi. Some can also hook up to your router with an ethernet cable, for a more stable wired connection.
Once they’re set up, you’ll have access to a wide range of catchup and online TV services, plus music, games and apps. Whether you’re after Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Spotify or BBC iPlayer, the best streaming devices offer apps for all the main services.
Do I need a streaming device for a smart TV?
Smart TVs get better every year, and we think there are loads of top options under £500. But, just as you may need a set-top box for recordings, there’s a good argument that a dedicated streaming device can be a massive help for all the best shows and films that we all watch online.
Of course, if you only need to watch a few YouTube videos, or the odd episode here and there on iPlayer or Netflix, then a separate streaming device may be overkill (especially if your smart TV comes with every app you need).
But if your TV lacks access to certain newer services like Apple TV+ or BritBox, or has an indecipherable menu system, you’ll be better off with a proper streamer. The best streaming devices are all fast, simple to navigate, and are updated often with new apps and features. Most have remote controls that are straightforward and they may include voice control capabilities too.
How to buy the best streaming device
There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a media streamer for your TV:
Type
There are two main styles to choose between. Streaming sticks have a built-in HDMI connector that plugs into the port on your TV – these can sometimes get power from your TV’s USB port, although it’s much more reliable to connect them to the mains wall socket. Streaming boxes stand alone and connect to your TV with an HDMI cable. The choice boils down to personal preference, aesthetics and how easy it is to access the back of your TV.
Access to streaming services
While it’s still important to make sure the apps you need are available through the device you pick, most mainstream services are available through every device on our list. So if you need Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, NOW, Amazon Prime, and catch-up for all the main TV channels (including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4), you’ll have everything you need through any pick on our list.
It’s worth knowing that NOW hasn’t always been available on the Amazon Fire TV platform and that if you pick up a NOW TV Smart Stick with bundled NOW services, you won’t be able to add new apps to it.
Casting and screen mirroring
Even if the app for the service you need isn’t available, you may find you can “cast” it from your phone to your streaming device and watch it on your TV, or play it by “mirroring” your smartphone screen on the big display. Just note that your phone and streaming device need to be connected to the same wifi network.
Internet connection
Most TV streaming devices link up to your wifi network, but some also have an ethernet port for a stable wired internet connection to your router or wifi extender, making the device less reliant on your signal strength.
4K (Ultra HD)
If you have a TV that supports 4K (also known as Ultra HD), you’ll want to stream content in this high-resolution format. Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video currently boast the widest selection of 4K TV shows and movies.
HDR
It’s worth knowing that HDR (which stands for High Dynamic Range) tells you about the contrast capabilities of your TV and your device.
It refers to the contrast between the whitest and darkest parts of your image. So, a higher dynamic range should mean you’ll be able to see as much detail in a bright sky as in a shadowy scene on your telly.
You’ll see different varieties of HDR like HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision on the market, and it’s ideal if your TV and streamer support these for the best quality. HDR10 is the most common and widely adopted among services like Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video.
Dolby Atmos
The aforementioned 4K TV shows and movies often feature immersive cinematic audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos. If you have a sound system that supports this connected to your TV, make sure your TV streaming device can process it too.
Photo and video sharing
It’s possible to display your photos and videos from your phone on your TV screen using the streamer, via screen mirroring mentioned above, as long as both devices are connected to the same wifi network.
Simon Cocks
Technology Ecommerce Editor
Simon Cocks is Hearst UK’s Technology Ecommerce Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy across a range of titles including Good Housekeeping UK, Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, ebook readers and smartphones. He's reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and money-saving advice guides and edited thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.You can follow Simon on Instagram at @simonrcocks, on Threads at @simonrcocks, and on Twitter/X at @simoncocks.