The 8 Best Streaming Devices For Every Need And Budget In 2024

It’s never been easier to cut the cord and still watch all of your favorite shows and movies.

The uptick in advanced dedicated streaming devices are making pricier cable and satellite subscriptions look like a thing of the past—and one of the best gifts you can give to someone is an even better way to stream all their favorite shows, movies and videos from one device.

Streaming devices support everything from your favorite paid streaming services to free ones, and all of those cable-replacing live TV ones, too.

Before you look into buying the best TV streaming device, be sure to take a look at your TV, as new models have added a host of new features over the past few years. Most popular platforms offer 4K and HDR ultra high definition streaming content (though sometimes at an extra charge or a higher subscription plan), which means you’ll want to make sure your hardware reflects that. The speedier processors will also assure you’ll never have to wait for content to load.

So, whether you’re looking to upgrade your device for yourself or have someone special in mind for that improved HDR video quality, here are the best streaming devices of 2023 to gift yourself or others.

1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K

   The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of our favorite streaming sticks out there. Roku’s streaming interface is the easiest to navigate of all the ones we’ve used, and it’s easy to add new apps whenever you need.

   Designed to be used, not seen: Roku Streaming Stick 4K is perfect for wall-mounted TVs. Nestle it into your TV’s HDMI input and stream away in vivid 4K picture quality with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ picture formats. The Roku Voice remote included allows you to launch streamers and search for titles using only your voice, and a private listening mode lets you plug earbuds into the remote itself so nothing plays out loud.

   AMAZON
   $49.99

   WALMART
   $46.95

2. Fire TV Stick 4K

   We’ve also used and had a good experience with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K. For the average streamer who is also plugged into the Amazon Smart Home ecosystem, this is the streaming stick for you, especially if your TV supports 4K and premium formats (which most do — if you’ve bought a TV in the last two years, at least).

   AMAZON $49.99

3. Apple TV 4K

   Apple first debuted their Apple TV streaming device in 2007, and since then, it’s gone through a number of upgrades to keep up with developments being made to TVs. The latest model, like most other streaming devices on the market, supports 4K, HDR 10, and Dolby Vision formats, plus Dolby Atmos audio and spatial audio where available.

   WALMART
   $129.00

   BEST BUY
   $129.99

   TARGET
   $129.99

4. onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box

   onn. products are great for consumers looking for good quality products at even better low prices. Their streaming box, which just got an update in 2023, uses a Google TV interface. It has support for 4K and HDR formats and, where available, Dolby Audio.

   The unique feature of Google TV is that all of your subscriptions are curated into one place. No more jumping from app to app; your entire watchlist will be available to scroll on one easy-to-use screen.

   WALMART $19.88

5. Roku Express 4K+, $29, original price: $40

   Instead of plugging directly into the TV and staying hidden, this Roku has to be placed in front of the TV using the included HDMI cable. Otherwise, it’s identical in functionality to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K — our favorite streaming device — down to the remote.

   AMAZON
   $39.95

   WALMART
   $39.00

6. Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

   Also utilizing the Google TV interface is Google’s very own Chromecast. Cast content straight from your mobile device or tablet (regardless if it’s an Android of Apple) or download and stream from all of your favorite services.

   AMAZON
   $49.98

   WALMART
   $49.98

7. Fire TV Cube

   If you’re looking for a high-end streaming device option, consider the Fire TV Cube with support for cinematic 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio. It’s best suited for a completely hands-free experience powered by Alexa: change channels, turn lights off, adjust the volume, start video calls, check on your Ring cameras, check the weather, and so much more.

   AMAZON
   $139.99

8. DirecTV Gemini Device

   DirecTV is, of course, a cable provider, but the company has been evolving as streaming has become the way many people watch TV. Available with one of their base cable plans, the Gemini device replaces hard-wired cable by connecting to your home’s existing Wi-Fi. Without needing to switch inputs, watch live cable channels and all of your favorite streamers on one easy-to-use platform.

   DIRECTV
   $65+/MONTH