Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (2024)

Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (1)

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Whether you’ve completely cut the cord on cable or not, a streaming device affords a new level of flexibility and freedom if you want to keep up with the latest TV shows and movies. You can use one device to access your Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Shudder, Crunchy Roll, and more streaming accounts—like a smart TV, but much cheaper.

The good news is that your options for streaming devices are more capable and affordable than ever. Whether that means streaming shows and movies from your favorite subscription service or using it as a stand-in for a bulky cable box, streaming devices have become all-in-one hubs for content, and even gaming, through your screens.

That being said, there are more streaming devices on the market than you can easily distinguish between. To help you out, we have rounded up some of the best options out there, from the most affordable to premium quality for TV bingers, occasional browsers, and everyone in between.

The Best Streaming Devices

What to Consider

Content Access

When looking to purchase a new streaming system, the most important thing to keep in mind is what streaming services you want access to. Most devices come with Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime already downloaded, along with free-to-watch apps like YouTube and Vudu. But if you’re looking for a wider range, like a niche game streaming service or an exercise service like Peloton, make sure that it’s compatible with your platform by checking the manufacturer’s app marketplace.

This also applies for cable service providers. Many providers have official apps you can download onto a streaming device, instead of installing an additional cable box. If you plan on using your streaming device in this capacity, make sure it has your cable network provider as one of its official apps.

Device Size and Features

The size and style of the streaming device does not have a major impact on its functionality, but does make a difference in many small ways. Stick models are perfect if you have a large or mounted TV and want to install and forget about it, while slightly larger models are great if you expect to rely on the device for more than just TV.

You will also want to take into account some of the smaller features like a headphone jack—useful for late-night binges—or an ethernet port. The ethernet port is particularly important if you don’t have the strongest Wi-Fi, as it helps to bring strong, steady internet directly to the device to help cut down on lag time.

Remotes

Nearly all streaming devices come with a wireless remote that serves are your main access point. This means that if you want to find a specific show or movie that isn’t directly visible on the home screen of your subscription service, you need to search for it using the remote. For many remotes, the difficulty or tediousness of doing this is noticeable, especially if the buttons aren’t totally responsive or if there is a slightly delay between the remote and the TV.

Some streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick can respond to voice commands and even function as a virtual assistant—something to consider if you want to operate a TV somewhere you might not have a free hand, like a kitchen or workshop. There are also apps for some devices that function like remotes, but include a keyboard option for typing in passwords or searching.

How We Selected

In order to make this list, we researched several options from different brands and at different price points. We made our final selections based on functionality, access to streaming channels, ease of use, and integration with other devices. We also took into account hundreds of verified customer reviews alongside our own personal experience using streaming devices. Our list represents both the highest quality options as well as those with the best interfaces for users with unique needs or limited budgets.

1

Best Overall

Roku Ultra Streaming Device

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Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (5)Headphone jack on the remote
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (6)Remote-finding feature
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (7)Some users report slight software glitches

If you’re looking to step things up a bit from more entry-level streaming devices, this top-of-the-line Roku Ultra should fit the bill nicely. It comes with 4K Ultra HD streaming (with HDR), and some other handy features you won’t get with the cheaper Roku Streaming Stick or Streaming Stick+.

This streaming device also has a headphone jack on the remote for easy watching late at night, and an ethernet port on the unit itself (a must if your home Wi-Fi isn’t reliable enough for streaming).

Consider this option for your living your or main entertainment center.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution4K
Ethernet ConnectionYes
Voice SearchYes
Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (10)Comes with Alexa voice control
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (11)Affordable price
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (12)Non-4K streaming quality

As with Apple and Google’s devices, you don’t necessarily have to be invested in Amazon’s product ecosystem to buy one of its streaming sticks. This Fire TV Stick streaming device will carry all the top channels like Netflix, Hulu, and Max, as well as Amazon Prime Video.

It also comes with an Alexa voice remote, which lets you control streaming (and anything else you can do with another Alexa-enabled device) with voice commands.

Though this Fire stick is admittedly quite similar to previous models, it has become quite a bit faster while keeping its ease of use. For a few dollars less you can grab the basic Fire Stick Lite or for a few dollars more for the Fire Stick 4K.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution1080p HD
Ethernet ConnectionNo
Voice SearchYes

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3

Most Convenient

Google Chromecast Streaming Device

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Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (14)Can be used to cast from mobile devices to your TV
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (15)Remote can be used for basic TV controls too
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (16)Some users dislike the circular button

Previously remote-less, this updated Chromecast from Google comes with a remote that not only works with the streaming device but can even replace your primary TV’s clicker thanks to its power button.

It also has an input switch button, which you’ll want when swapping over to a gaming console. Chromecast remains one of the more affordable streaming devices at only $50 and provides just about every app you could hope for, including Peloton’s.

At the same time, you can use the device to cast directly to your TV from a phone, laptop, or tablet.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution4k
Ethernet ConnectionNo
Voice SearchYes

4

Best Portable Option

Roku Streaming Stick+

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Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (18)Easy setup
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (19)Streaming service shortcuts on remote
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (20)Less features than the Roku Ultra

Roku’s Streaming Stick+ is a great option if you don’t want yet another box sitting by your TV, or you want a streaming device you can take when you travel. The discreet stick plugs directly into an HDMI port and sets up on your TV almost just as easily.

The basic Streaming Stick came out a few years ago and is still on sale if you prefer something for basic streaming. But if you jump up to the Streaming Stick+, you’ll get 4K resolution and a wireless receiver built into the power cord, which boosts the signal if, say, your device is on the other side of your TV from your router and you’re running into buffering issues.

The remote also comes with shortcuts for the most popular streaming services, so you can hop directly where you want to go with just one press.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution4K
Ethernet ConnectionNo
Voice SearchYes

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5

Best for Apple Users

Apple TV 4K Streaming Device 128GB Storage (3rd Generation)

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Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (22)Easy connection with other Apple products
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (23)Siri-enabled remote
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (24)More expensive than non-Apple competitors

Apple’s streaming devices are never going to be the most affordable options, but they do have some considerable advantages. Most notably, this device has direct access to the App Store and support for iTunes, as well as AirPlay mirroring.

So, the more Apple home products you have, the more versatile this streaming device becomes. The latest generation supports 4K streaming and is available with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

The main streaming box is also ethernet capable, so you can keep your streaming speeds blazing fast.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution4K
Ethernet ConnectionYes
Voice SearchYes

6

Best for Gamers

Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro Streaming Device

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Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (26)Stream games directly to your TV
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (27)Connects with Nvidia controller
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (28)Costly if you don’t plan on gaming with it

If gaming is your thing but you still want to be able to watch your favorite shows, consider this streaming device from Nvidia. While it’s on the pricier end, this device has multipurpose functionality.

Alongside streaming TV and movies, it also comes with up to 200 games available to play through Android TV and even more through Shield TV, which allows you to stream PC games on your TV screen.

It no longer comes with an Nvidia controller, but you can still purchase one that will seamlessly connect. Just know that the remote that it comes with works for both Android and Shield, so a separate controller isn’t necessary.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution4K
Ethernet ConnectionYes
Voice SearchYes

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7

Best Integrated Streaming Device

TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV

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Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (30)

Now 29% Off

Pros
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (31)Automatically installed Roku
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (32)Compatible with smart virtual assistants
Cons
  • Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (33)Not worth the cost if you already own a TV

Forget connecting a streaming device to your TV. Instead of buying a completely separate item for your home, combine the two with this smart TV from TCL.

This smart TV comes already loaded with Roku TV, so as soon as it’s connected to your Wi-Fi, you’re ready to start streaming. At the same time, you don’t have to worry about the resolution quality of a separate streaming device as the TV is built with 4K resolution and a Dolby Atmos sound system to ensure a powerful watching experience.

This TV is also compatible with virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.

Key Specs

Highest Resolution4k
Ethernet ConnectionNo
Voice SearchNo

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Tom Price

Associate Reviews Editor

Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.

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Don Melanson

Don is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in Engadget, Motherboard, The Globe & Mail and other publications. He lives on the east coast of Canada.

Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows With These Top-Recommended Streaming Devices (36)

Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.

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