Our picks
Best overall for most people: Roku
Simple, affordable and compatible with almost every phone and speaker. Read our review
Best for iPhone households: Apple TV 4K
The fastest, cleanest interface, with AirPlay and Siri built in. Read our review
Best for Android households: Google TV
One-tap casting from Android and Chrome, and Google Home integration. Read our review
Best for Alexa and Prime: Fire TV
Alexa in the remote and deep Prime Video and Ring integration. Read our review
Best on a tight budget: Roku
Roku's entry-level sticks are among the cheapest ways to stream. Read our review
How to choose
Start with your phone. Casting is the feature people use most after the remote. iPhones work best with AirPlay (Apple TV and many Roku models). Android phones work best with Google Cast (Google TV).
Then your voice assistant. If you already talk to Alexa, Fire TV fits in. If you use Google speakers, choose Google TV. Siri users should look at Apple TV.
Then your budget and Wi-Fi. Budget sticks are fine for most rooms. If Wi-Fi is weak where your TV sits, a box with an Ethernet port is worth the extra cost.
Stick or box?
A stick plugs straight into an HDMI port and hides behind the TV. It's cheaper and fine for most homes. A box sits on a shelf, usually has a faster processor and better Wi-Fi antennas, and often includes an Ethernet port for a wired connection.
If you already have a smart TV
If your TV's apps are quick and up to date, you may not need anything else. But manufacturers often stop updating older TVs, and apps can slow down or lose support. A plug-in streamer is an inexpensive way to give an older TV a faster, current interface.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on a streaming device?
A budget 4K stick is enough for most TVs. Spend more for a faster box with Ethernet if your Wi-Fi is weak, or for Apple TV 4K if you want premium performance and use an iPhone.
Do I need 4K?
Only if your TV is 4K. A 4K device also works on an HD TV, so it's a sensible choice if you might upgrade the TV later.
Can I use a streaming device without Wi-Fi?
You need an internet connection. If Wi-Fi is unreliable, choose a device with an Ethernet port or one that supports an Ethernet adapter.
Picks are based on manufacturer specifications and publicly available information about each platform. Product names are trademarks of their owners. See our editorial disclosure.