The Top 8 Streaming Devices For Your Next Netflix Binge

Consumer Score: 93% gave it 4 stars or more

If you’re looking to step things up a bit from more entry-level streaming devices, the 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+, including a headphone jack on the remote and an Ethernet port on the unit itself (a must if your home Wi-Fi isn’t reliable enough for streaming).

Consumer Score: 93% gave it 4 stars or more

Some people prefer all-in-one devices for keeping things simple and not having another gadget to keep track of. And this Roku TV strikes a nice balance with its gorgeous 4K resolution and a 50-inch screen. Since you don’t have to purchase a separate device, this is a more wallet-friendly choice overall, and you have all of the streaming capabilities built in. While the TV can connect to Wi-Fi, it also boasts an ethernet port.

Consumer Score: 96% gave it 4 stars or more

Apple’s streaming devices are never going to be the most affordable options. But they do have some considerable advantages—namely, access to the App Store and support for iTunes, as well as AirPlay mirroring. Those make it a particularly good choice if you’re already an Apple acolyte. The latest generation finally adds support for 4K HDR streaming and, as before, is available in both 32GB and 64GB versions.

Consumer Score: 79% gave it 4 stars or more

Previously remote-less, the new Google Chromecast 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 services and provides just about every app you could hope for, including Pelotons. Plus, it supports 4K video and Dolby Vision.

Consumer Score: 94% gave it 4 stars or more

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. The new version also works with voice search, a welcome addition.

The basic Streaming Stick came out a few years ago and is still a great choice 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.

Consumer Score: 94% gave it 4 stars or more

As with Apple’s and Google’s devices, you don’t necessarily have to be invested in Amazon’s product ecosystem to buy one of its streaming sticks. (All offer Netflix, Hulu, and other popular services.) But it can make the choice an easier one. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, which lets you control streaming (and do anything else you would 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.

Consumer Score: 90% gave it 4 stars or more

If gaming is your thing but you still want to be able to watch your favorite shows, give the Nvidia Shield a look. While it’s on the pricier end, it can get all of the main streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. It also has 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. Just know that the remote that it does come with works with both Android and Shield, so a separate controller isn’t necessary.

Consumer score: 80% gave it 4 stars or more

Promising to minimize scrolling across apps, the TiVo Stream 4K makes it easy to find and watch your favorite shows and movies. Streaming apps are presented on a single screen, allowing for simplified searching and browsing, and you can also use the built-in voice control to help you find what you're looking for.

To use this Android TV device, simply plug it into your TV's HDMI port, connect it to an outlet using the supplied cable and power adapter, and start streaming.