The latest and greatest streaming devices are your gateway to gorgeous 4K HDR content from an ever-expanding online library. Whether you’re a Disney fan, get your kicks from Netflix or are happy to pay for Amazon’s Premium content, you’ll find all of these top-notch streaming sticks have what you need.
Add a streaming device to your TV to gain immediate access to a vast selection of additional … [+] programming.
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Some of these devices are much faster than the built-in operating system on your TV, too, making for a smoother viewing experience. Others have access to game streaming services, and if you have a smart home or smart assistant, you can integrate with them to have Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant handle all of your streaming search needs.
We performed extensive research into each of these options, combining in-depth hands-on experience and third-party reviews to put together our list of the best streaming devices you can buy in 2022.
A Mainstream Stick With All The Important Features
Best Features
Amazon
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ with Roku Voice Remote Pro
Resolution support: 4K, 1080p | Networking: Wi-Fi 5 | Remote: Handheld, voice support | Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, ESPN+ and more.
Best for: Watching 4K and 1080p content on your favorite streaming services.
This Roku streaming stick can serve up 4K resolution content, and supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ to make compatible movies and TV shows really shine. The included Voice Remote Control Pro uses a rechargeable battery; has a lost remote finder; and works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple’s Siri.
The voice-enabled remote means you either press buttons on the remote or use voice commands to quickly find the programming you want to watch. As with Roku’s standard voice remote, Voice Remote Pro has a headphone jack and integrated Bluetooth wireless so you can connect your choice of wired or wireless headphones for private listening instead of using the TV’s speakers. This streaming device supports Apple AirPlay so you can stream media from your Apple phone or tablet, or mirror the screen from your Apple device on your television.
Pros
Voice-controlled remote control
Private listening functionality
Supports Apple AirPlay
Cons
Lacks gaming services
No Dolby Atmos audio
Best Full-Featured 4K Streaming Device Overall
The Ultimate Streaming Experience For Under $100
Amazon
Roku Ultra
Resolution support: 4K, 1080p | Networking: Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5 | Remote: Handheld, voice support, lose remote finder | Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, ESPN+ and more.
Best for: Enjoying 4K content privately using headphones.
The Roku Ultra isn’t a streaming stick, more so a streaming box. It’s larger than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, but shares the same core feature set. The extra physical space allows room for additional functionality over less expensive Roku models. For one, it has an Ethernet port at back, so you can use a cable between the device and your modem to ensure a steady and fast connection. It also adds Dolby Atmos audio support in addition to Dolby Vision and HDR10+ image technologies.
The Roku Ultra connects to your TV via an HDMI cable. This 2022 update is physically the same as the prior generation, but adds Roku’s newest Voice Remote Pro, which has a headphone jack built in so you can plug in the included (or your own) headphones for private listening. Alternatively, you can connect headphones to your phone and use the Roku app for private listening. It also has a handy remote finder feature so you’ll never have to hunt for your remote control again. As with all Roku devices, you’ll be able to access the widest breadth of streaming video services. While the Roku platform has some standalone games, it lacks support for game services.
Pros
Supports Dolby Atmos audio
Ethernet connection for speedy connections
Remote has headphone jack and lost remote function
Cons
No game streaming
Remote lacks USB-C charging
Best Amazon Fire TV 4K Streaming Device
Turns Any TV Into A Smart TV
Amazon
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Resolution support: 4K, 1080p | Networking: Wi-Fi 6 | Remote: Handheld, voice support | Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Amazon Music, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Luna game streaming, and more.
Best for: Streaming your favorite 4K movies and shows over fast Wi-Fi 6.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max improves upon the less expensive Fire TV Stick 4K by adding speedy Wi-Fi 6 wireless. As the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 allows for a faster and more reliable wireless connection when streaming content from the internet. However, you only see that speed boost if you’re using a router equipped with Wi-Fi 6.
Beyond being able to showcase 4K resolution content, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max can display programming that uses Dolby Vision and HDR10+ High Dynamic Range image technologies and immersive Dolby Atmos audio when available on Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video titles. The remote control that comes with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max can be controlled using Amazon’s Alexa voice commands. A nifty feature is picture-in-picture playback. The stick can be paired with compatible Echo speakers so you can have audio stream through those speakers instead of your television.
Pros
Plugs into a TV using either a USB or HDMI connection
Includes Dolby Vision and HDR10+ image and Dolby Atmos audio technologies
Uses Wi-Fi 6 for ultra-fast wireless
Cons
No Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast support
Displays advertising on the Home Screen and screensaver
Best 4K Streaming Device For Android (And Google) Fans
Makes It Easy To Cast Content To Your TV
Amazon
Chromecast with Google TV
Resolution support: 4K, 1080p | Networking: Wi-Fi 5 | Remote: Handheld, voice support | Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Apple TV and more.
Best for: Streaming content from your Android phone to your TV.
The Google Chromecast with Google TV is a great device for streaming content from services like Disney+, Paramount+ and Netflix—all from within the Google TV app. The app pulls content from these services so you can search based on what you want, not the service. This approach simplifies finding TV shows, movies and live programming. You can also stream directly from your Android smartphone, if you have one, making this a great tool for showing family photos and videos to friends.
Although 4K is not part of its name, this model—the only one currently sold by Google—streams at up to 4K resolution. Interact with Chromecast using the included voice remote control and Google Assistant voice commands. It is also compatible with other apps and devices in the Google ecosystem. For example, you can see the live video feeds from these devices right on your TV Google’s Nest Video Doorbell and Nest Outdoor Cams. You can also display your photos and videos from your Android-based smartphone or tablet on TV with a few taps on your mobile device.
Pros
Works seamlessly with YouTubeTV to access popular broadcast channels and live programming (subscription required)
Voice remote uses Google Assistant
Finding and accessing programming is very easy
Cons
Free Google account required to use it
Not compatible with all TVs
Best 4K Streaming Device for Apple Users
A Must For Apple Computer And Mobile Users
Editor’s Pick
BestBuy
Apple TV 4K (32GB) (2nd Generation)
Resolution support: 4K, 1080p | Networking: Wi-Fi 6 | Remote: Handheld, voice support | Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, Apple Fitness+, ITV, All4 and more.
Best for: Apple TV users streaming their favorite content, and linking up with their iPhone.
The Apple TV 4K stands out for its integration with all things Apple. This becomes obvious immediately: If you already use the Apple TV+ app on a mobile device or computer, the Apple TV+ experience on Apple TV 4K looks and feels familiar, unlike on non-Apple devices. Beyond gaining a smoother Apple TV+ experience, the Apple TV 4K has an edge if you already have a home filled with Apple products. The Apple TV 4K works smoothly with other Apple devices—including Apple HomePod Mini smart speakers, Apple HomeKit products and the Apple iPhone Control mobile app. For example, you can easily stream or mirror content from your other Apple devices—including photos and videos—onto your TV using Apple AirPlay, or output TV audio to you HomePod speakers.
This 4K streaming set-top box supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 image and Dolby Atmos audio technologies. The remote includes an Apple Siri button for voice commands. In addition to offering the most popular streaming services, Apple TV 4K provides a range of exclusive content from Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music and Apple Arcade.
Pros
Seamless integration with the AppleTV+ service
Works well with Apple ecosystem
Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision image and Dolby Atmos audio technologies
Cons
More expensive than many other streaming devices
Not ideal for non-Apple users
Best Budget-Friendly Amazon Fire TV 4K Streaming Stick
Stream On a Budget, Still Get 4K Video
Amazon
Fire TV Stick 4K
Resolution support: 4K, 1080p | Networking: Wi-Fi 5 | Remote: Handheld, voice support | Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, Apple Fitness+, ITV, All4 and more.
Best for: Streaming 4K content on a budget.
The Amazon Fire TV 4K streaming stick is one of the best deals available for a 4K Ultra HD resolution streaming device. It lacks the faster Wi-Fi 6 of the Fire TV 4K Max, but it does include a remote control with Amazon’s Alexa smart assistant built-in. Like the Max, the remote control includes TV controls and shortcut buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney + and Hulu. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ image and Dolby Atmos audio technologies when watching compatible content.
This version of the Amazon Fire TV 4K plugs directly into the HDMI port of your TV. Unlike the pricier Fire TV 4K Max, this model lacks support for picture-in-picture playback.
Pros
Inexpensive
Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ image and Dolby Atmos audio technologies
Great “starter” device for transforming a TV into a smart TV
Cons
No Wi-Fi 6 support
No picture-in-picture support
Best Budget-Friendly Streaming Device Overall
A Low-Cost Streamer You Can Control From Your Phone
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