How to choose the best TV streaming device for you

Want to get your TV to play videos through apps like Netflix and Hulu? You need a streaming device. But how to choose the best device for you from the many TV boxes and Dongle launched by Amazon, Google, Apple, Roku and other companies? This guide will help you understand these devices, letting you know clearly what you are getting and which product best meets your streaming needs.

Select platform

The most important choice you need to make is probably your preferred software: Just like your phone and laptop, streaming devices have their own operating systems. Therefore, you should choose a platform that meets two criteria: It must play content you like and work well with the equipment you already have.

For example, if you want to watch shows and movies purchased from iTunes, you need the only device that will be able to use the software: 4K Apple TV ($150 and above at Amazon). If you rely entirely on the Apple ecosystem—you rely on a Mac or iPhone—then you will want this option. It can also stream videos from Amazon Prime, YouTube, Netflix, and many other third-party services, with Google Play Movies & TV being the exception.

On the other hand, Android users should tend to devices running Android TV operating systems, such as the 4K Nvidia Shield ($180 and above at Amazon). This is best for Android-based video apps, from YouTube to Plex, and everything, although it won't play your iTunes content. Android TV enabled TV sticks can also sync playlists and other data from Google apps you use on other devices.

Google's Chromecast is an interesting case because it's different from other devices we've mentioned so far, it doesn't rely on built-in applications. Instead, you can cast music or video from your phone or laptop to your device. The good news is that almost all video and audio apps for iOS and Android operating systems (from Hulu to Google Play Music, only iTunes content is not available) can work with Chromecast. Despite this flexibility, Chromecast is best suited to work with the Google ecosystem, as you can control it with Google Home speakers, using commands like "Okay Google, show me Stranger Things!" on Netflix.

Similarly, you can pair your Amazon Fire TV stick or TV box with your Amazon Echo speakers, and the platform is also very compatible with Prime Video and Amazon Music Unlimited. But otherwise the excellent 4K Amazon Fire TV box ($50 for Amazon) doesn't have the official YouTube app. If you want to stream your favorite channel, you have to load these videos in your browser. Also, you cannot watch content from iTunes or Google Play Movies & TV.

To avoid all these operating systems, try more neutral options. Devices from Roku, such as the Roku Streaming Stick ($60 for Amazon), have no bias against the Apple, Google, or Amazon ecosystem. It can play content from Google, Amazon, YouTube, Netflix and many other platforms, although it won't work with iTunes.

Generally speaking, before determining your platform, double check if you are able to run the required applications on this streaming device. TV Box and Dongle regularly add and remove supported applications, depending on the agreement reached between the parent company. For example, the Amazon Prime Video app didn't appear on Apple TV until last year. Be sure to check the online list of your device, which should highlight the list of applications it allows you to use.

View function

When reading the instructions for each device, be aware of the features it provides, especially the visual features. These features will be very important depending on the TV or monitor on which you plan to display video.

As of this year, for example, most streaming devices have boasted that they support 4K resolution. This feature has become the current visual standard, which means you should choose a 4K device to ensure your purchase is forward-looking. Fortunately, most TV boxes and Dongle support this resolution—only older hardware, like the second-generation Chromecast ($35), lacks 4K support. We recommend you upgrade to the current top-level version of Chromecast Ultra ($70) for higher resolution options.

Another term you may see is HDR, which stands for high dynamic range. This visual feature improves the color range of the image and provides a better balance between bright and dark areas of the image. While it's not as critical as 4K, your monitor will look better with this feature. However, for this technology to work properly, you need a streaming device, an app, and a TV or monitor that all supports HDR.

You may encounter some other extra small features when reading about these gadgets. Take the Roku Ultra ($100 for Amazon) as an example – it includes a headphone port on the remote so you can watch it on a larger screen without disturbing others. These options vary by device, so be sure to read the instructions carefully to find them.

Compare prices and specifications

Once you have determined the platform, you still need to select a specific device. Many of these hardware manufacturers offer several products at different prices. To give you an idea of ​​the range, the $150 4K Apple TV is one of the most comprehensive and expensive options, while the Amazon Fire TV Stick with built-in Alexa voice control ($30 for Amazon) is one of the cheapest options.

Generally speaking, larger, more expensive options usually have faster processors that can support improved features. For Amazon and Roku, the more expensive models add support for 4K and HDR content. For two newest Roku devices—Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Express—other differences include improved wireless range, and support for the premium Dolby Audio standard on the more expensive Streaming Stick.

Despite these differences, in each manufacturer's device family, you will get the same TV app support throughout the process. Gaming apps are another matter: Only more expensive TV boxes, such as Apple TV and Nvidia Shield, have stronger internal specifications that allow you to stream all the games you want. Even those may not run high-end PC games, but they do allow you to play thousands of mobile games on the big screen. This is another reason you might want to pay a little more.

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