Best streaming devices in 2019

Now is Amazon Fire TV Cube It's our favorite streaming device. It boasts a collection of nearly unlimited top-end streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix, all of which can be controlled using Streamer's integrated Alexa voice assistant.

We've been testing streaming devices since Apple TV debuted in 2007, and based on over 10 years of experience, we know one or two things about good products.

We know that Fire TV Cube isn't everyone's car, so we've collected five excellent alternatives from various departments, including Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, and Google Chromecast. But if you're using the most versatile streaming device on the market, consider using the Fire TV Cube.

At a glance

Amazon Fire TV Cube

Best

Why should I buy this? Cube is not only an excellent streaming device, it also gives you better control of your entire entertainment system than a remote.

Who is it for? Those who want an efficient and Alexa-centric home entertainment experience.

Why chose Amazon Fire TV cubes:

It took a lot of time to knock out Roku devices at their peak, but the Fire TV Cube captured the crown of the streaming device kingdom. It will be surprising, especially since this device was announced as being a bit less than the first Fire TV box that supports standalone Alexa. No external echo speakers are required. But in reality, it is equipped with powerful technology and features that allow you to control almost everything in your entertainment center with a minimal amount of remote control.

Thanks to the HDMI CEC and HDMI ARC-capable ports with IR Blaster, you can use voice commands to turn on the TV, swap apps, and switch inputs to other connected devices like game consoles, A //. V receiver and Blu-ray player. Enter the room with the TV and all other devices turned off, Stranger things ” Cube turns on the TV and sound system and immediately starts the show on Netflix without a remote. Using cubes like this is the closest thing to talking to a computer in Starship Enterprise. Alexa immediately asks for specific voice commands, but A.I. Assistants learn how to recognize input styles. Amazon also promised to constantly update Alexa's awareness and adjust its tide to meet user needs. That is, as more people use it, simple and vague words can be recognized.

The essence of the cube as a home theater control hub may be your biggest selling point, but it's a great streaming. The black box is capable of 4K and HDR playback, and comes with an Ethernet adapter for the most stable data connection. That's not what other Fire TV devices have. About the upgrade, Fire TV Cube offers a much more open, platform-independent interface than we saw in other Fire TV releases. In the past, Fire TV was used to spread to content on the Amazon platform, and other apps and services were buried or excluded. Thankfully the problem here is much less. In addition, starting July 9, 2019, The Cube (and most other Fire TV devices) will receive the official YouTube app.

The only flaw you can find on the Fire TV Cube is the lack of Dolby Vision support at the moment. Other than that, it's better than I imagined. Onboard Alexa integration, Ethernet adapters, and a more open ecosystem solved the biggest problems of previous Fire TV devices, but took the throne with all-in-one control provided by HDMI CEC support, IR blaster, and Alexa voice commands. .

Read the full review on Fire TV Cube

Roku Streaming Stick +

Best streaming sticks

Why should I buy this? It is the best streaming stick on the market and is suitable for booting.

Who is it for? Anyone who wants to stream 4K and HDR through an easy interface.

Why we chose Roku Streaming Stick +:

Streaming Stick + offers one of the best feature-to-price ratios of any streaming device. You can experience about 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos Audio with this little device that looks like a USB thumb drive and easily hides behind a TV.

Careful design extends beyond the physical profile. Powerful 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless support lets you set up anywhere in your home's Wi-Fi range without Ethernet. The real requirement for Streaming Stick + is a TV or any display with an HDMI port and USB. Simply plug the stick into the HDMI port and plug the power cable into one of the USB ports (or the adapter if you don't have an adapter).

One of my favorite things about Streaming Stick + is the feature that all Roku devices share. Nice user interface. Roku OS uses an app-independent approach so you can find the best place to see what you want more easily than almost any other device on the market. There is no Dolby Vision support in newer devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, but I prefer Roku's voice search and easy-to-use interface. As far as we are concerned, it is the best streaming stick on the market.

Roku Streaming Stick + Read full review

Roku Ultra

Best premium set top streaming box

Why should I buy this? Powerful and versatile set-top streaming box powered by Roku's excellent interface and app support.

Who is it for? Those who want the features of Streaming Stick + but want some horsepower and stability.

Why chose Roku Ultra:

Roku Ultra offers a lot of cool features. Like advanced streamers, it supports 4K, Dolby Atmos audio, and HDR10 (Dolby Vision and HDR10 + are not currently compatible), but this is just the beginning.

Like the Fire TV Cube, the Ultra uses an Ethernet port to speed up connections and add a MicroSD card slot to store more apps or act as a source for photos and videos. It also has a USB port so you can view the contents of any compatible device. This box has a “Lost All” button so that the remote can make a sound (all under the sofa). The remote has a dedicated headphone jack for listening and a dedicated power / volume button to control the TV volume depending on the model.

Night listening mode automatically adjusts the volume on a scene-by-scene basis to not wake the child, and the included JBL headphones should provide better sound during headphone playback. If you take a look at Streaming Stick + you already like Roku OS. There is no digital ecosystem that competes from the largest app library (aka “Roku Channel”) to the amazing cross-channel search capabilities.

Nvidia shield

Best media streamer for gamers

Why should I buy this? It offers 4K and HDR with premium game features.

Who is it for? Those who prefer streaming in terms of sound gaming.

Why we chose Nvidia Shield:

Most of the products on this list focus on streaming video, but despite having a "TV" in the name, Nvidia Shield TV takes a different approach. The device has 4K resolution and HDR streaming capabilities based on the Android TV platform, but Shield TV is designed with gamers in mind.

Over 200 games that only apply to Shield TV can be played through Android TV. If you're a PC gamer, you can stream your PC games to Shield TV while kicking from the couch, making it a more attractive option. The basic version comes with 16GB of storage and a voice-enabled remote. However, if you buy more than $ 20, you can upgrade to the Gaming edition, which includes a wireless game controller designed by Nvidia. However, the device also supports most other Bluetooth controllers, including Sony's DualShock 4 and Xbox One controllers.

For 4K streaming, Netflix, Vudu, UltraFlix, Amazon Video, and YouTube are all supported, while HDR is supported in some services. For HD streaming, more options are available, including HBO Now, Twitch, CBS, Fox, and Vimeo (basically everything in the Google Play Store), and live TV via Sling TV or PlayStation Vue. You can easily search many of these apps with built-in voice search.

NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service (currently available as a free beta, but at a certain point requires about $ 10 a month to command) allows users to stream games with Shield at 1080p resolution, but performance depends on internet speed. In terms of audio, Nvidia Shield TV supports Dolby Atmos object-based surround sound as well as 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. Some formats are natively supported, while others support high resolution audio, which is supported through passthrough. If you are a Plex user, the Shield & # 39; s Plex client is one of the few servers that supports Dolby TrueHD with Atmos and is really grateful that it is powerful enough to play 4K HDR movies without server-based transcoding. Our only complaint is the lack of support for dynamic HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 +. The hardware seems powerful enough to support it, so I hope it will be added in future software updates.

Read the full review on Nvidia Shield TV

Apple TV 4K

Best Media Streamer for Apple Lovers

Why should I buy this? Apple TV 4K provides a complete TV experience on all Apple devices.

Who is it for? Users have invested a lot in the Apple ecosystem.

Why chose Apple TV 4K:

After spending two years in the streamer market because of the lack of 4K support, Apple TV is better than ever. It's rich in cool features, so it's perfect for Apple developers and competitors who are solid (if expensive) with Roku, Amazon, and Google's premium products.

Apple TV 4K has some tricks starting with the ultra-fast A10X Fusion processor. Put this method: Turning this box back is the only internet connection. There's also an awesome option that allows users to copy their login information directly from iPhone, iPad and Apple laptops to Apple TV, significantly reducing the time spent entering passwords. Also, if you have a 3rd or 4th generation Apple TV, it automatically syncs your old TV OS layouts to shorten your life.

Apple's app library isn't as diverse as Roku, but you can use Siri to search for content, including cross-platform searches. You can also send images, video, and audio through AirPlay 2 from supported iOS devices. You'll have access to powerful hitters like Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and recently Amazon Prime Video (though the app is half baked compared to other apps on your device). You can also access the iTunes Store and your entire iTunes library. Instead of awkward jargon, you can also use intuitive questions and explanations for voice control searches (“Watching 4K movies on Netflix”).

With Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR on both Dolby Vision and HDR10, you get the support you need to see and hear the latest formats. Very tricky and preventable for the HDMI cable you are using. You will not be able to see Dolby Vision if your cable is not a high speed connection class. Isn't Apple TV 4K expensive? We are there But if you are one of the "All Apple" types, this is the streaming device for you.

Read the full review on Apple TV 4K

Google Chrome Cast (2018)

Best casting device

Why should I buy this? Chromecast syncs with your phone or other media device for simple streaming.

Who is it for? Anyone who wants a simple and affordable HD streamer

Why chose Chromecast (3rd generation):

If you don't have a 4K HDR-enabled television, you don't have to spend extra cash on devices that stream in 4K. Chromecast is a small, simple streaming device that works with devices you already use, like your phone or tablet.

To be honest, the 2018 update for Google's Aging HD Chromecast isn't added at all, but the fact that you can't buy older models anymore is actually a choice. The new device has a slightly faster frame rate (60 frames per second) for 1080p content and a new look, but otherwise it offers almost the same major appeal as the old Chromecast.

If you have a 4K HDR-capable TV and just like casting, then the $ 70 Chromecast Ultra, which supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR, is the best. That means you can make more money with streaming elsewhere, including the Roku Streaming Stick + listed above and the new Roku Premiere +. Only $ 50.

Unlike other streaming devices, Chromecast (including Chromecast Audio and Ultra) uses apps on your phone to control playback and retrieve content. Just load a supported streaming app and click the cast button and you're ready to watch. Google Home also makes your search faster and easier than ever.

Chromecast may also be deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem or at least possible. Google Assistant and all Google Smart Home devices are supported. For Android and Google Die Hard this will be a key feature. iOS, Mac, and Windows device users can still use Chromecast because they still support casting from thousands of apps.

Read the full review on Chromecast (2018)

Other information

Test method

Test your streaming player for days or weeks to replicate exactly how you used it in real world scenarios. This includes testing for speed, convenience, intuitive and versatile features. After all, most TVs and Blu-ray players are already set up for native streaming, so access to various apps is very important. Therefore, the specified streamer must provide more.

Streamers can have the world's best hardware, but it doesn't matter if you can only see content in one streaming service. To meet the standard, streaming media players support all major content providers as well as a wide range of new features such as 4K Ultra HD and HDR. Finally, we look at how much quality and features each of the top-of-the-line streamers use not only for a great experience, but also to ensure great value.

Is it a good time to live now?

Whether it's time to jump over one of these streaming media devices right now depends on what to pay attention to. For Amazon, it's time to buy now. In particular, the Fire TV Stick 4K, released in October 2018, is one of the only streaming devices that supports Dolby Vision. Of course, you can use two different Fire TV devices, but the cube is better than one of several ways. Also, other streaming devices do not provide the control and integration of the Fire TV Cube.

Then you have a Chromecast. Google released 3rd generation devices in 2018, so the model here is the latest version. Chromecast Ultra, which supports 4K, offers benefits as a way to improve hardware and network performance, but the base model still offers a lot of features for those who haven't upgraded the pixel count yet.

The situation is slightly different for the Roku model. Looking specifically at the models and price points covered here, it's safe to buy now. Upcoming models will have better specifications in some way, but will cost more. Roku has historically been adamant about bringing as many of the latest features as possible to each device, so you don't have to worry about long-term support.

Similarly, Apple released the latest version of Apple TV in 2017, providing 4K and HDR support for the platform. Since then, the company has added new features, including support for Dolby Atmos. If Apple had been planning a new version of Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV + event would have been a good time. Like Roku, we will be offering updates when Apple streamers hit the market later this year.

We've seen new streaming devices coming up and we're looking forward to bringing this year, but I'm sure Nvidia Shield TV won't go anywhere. Nvidia was planning a follow-up model of the shield TV, but hasn't heard anything since withdrawing the plan. Nevertheless, this streaming box offers a lot of horsepower and continues to offer more features in every software update. Given the possibility of remaining as an in-home game streaming option for some time, we expect these hardware iterations to continue.

Platform differences

Roku: Roku's interface is common across all models, whether it's a premium Ultra model or a low-end Express. Also, if you look at the Roku app, there are no interface differences between the different apps as on other platforms. As mentioned earlier, you can find almost any streaming service or channel shown here, and unlike any other specific platform, there is no difference except for iTunes, which is only available on Apple. Flag.

Amazon: Amazon offers three Fire TV models (Fire TV, Stick and Cube), but the interface is slightly different. Cube provides the most equal search results and app presentations. Some app interfaces are different on Fire TV compared to what you can see on other devices. This can be an advantage. For example, PlayStation Vue now offers a much more intuitive interface on Fire TV devices. But here is the missing service. I can't use Google Play (I have a workaround) or I don't have Vudu either. Both can be used on Roku devices and Vudu can be used on all other streamers listed here.

Apple TV: The Apple TV user interface is located between Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The look of the app is consistent, but you can always know when you watch it on Apple TV. Apple prefers users to buy and rent content through iTunes, so the Amazon Video app has finally arrived, but you won't find an app for Google Play at this time. However, Google Play provides a mobile app that allows you to stream content to Apple TV via AirPlay, so there's a fairly easy solution.

Android TV (Nvidia Shield): Android TV is slightly different from the other options. Manufacturers can put their own spins on the interface, just like mobile phone manufacturers using Android. On Shield TV, many apps show a lot of personality on Shield TV, in contrast to visual in-app consistency with Roku apps. Amazon video is not immediately available outside the United States, but if you want to dive under the hood, you can cast or sideload. Or wait a few months. Amazon promised to provide full Prime Video support for Android TV devices later this year.

Chromecast: As the name suggests, Chromecast is entirely dependent on the magical powerful casting ability of casting content from one device to your TV wirelessly. Everything about Chromecast is controlled through the casting device, including app browsing, content playback and personal listening modes, including Android or iOS smartphones or tablets, Windows PCs or Macs. Instead of accessing everything from one portal, use the Cast feature of each app to find and play content wirelessly. This is a major difference between competitors who have their own operating system, user interface, and dedicated version of the app.

Words and Terms You Need to Know

• 4K Ultra HD: Although it's no longer the highest resolution available (title set to 8K), 4K Ultra HD is the highest resolution that content creators and distributors support. The standard for new TVs, about four times 1080p HD (3840 x 2160).
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi: Not as fast as Ethernet, but the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard faster than 802.11n.
• Android TV: Android-based smart TV platform that can be used on smart TVs, set-top boxes, and more.
• casting: Widely used term on Google for discovering content on mobile devices or PCs and serving it to TVs.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR): HDR stands for High Dynamic Range (HDR), which offers better contrast and more colors than standard dynamic range. Many believe it is a noticeable visual improvement over the 4K Ultra HD resolution itself.
• HDR10: One of the most widely used HDR formats and an open standard backed by Samsung, Sony, LG and others.
• Dolby Vision: One of the two most popular HDR formats. Dolby Vision, which is unique and less popular than other formats, HDR10, has the same advantages as the ability to measure the capabilities of the HDR TV and adjust the HDR environment.
• Dolby Atmos: A technology that allows sound designers to position audio on immersive 3D sound stages. Sound can be placed anywhere in the room, letting you feel the depth of action within the screen. You need a ceiling speaker that bounces off the ceiling or a speaker that bounces off the ceiling.
• Single sign-on (SSO): The ability to automatically log in to all connected apps if the user supports that feature using a single login. It is supported on each device selected here, but requires an account through a pay TV provider.

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