From Netflix to Disney+, most people subscribe to at least one streaming service in order to watch their favorite shows and movies, and it’s no surprise that these digital options are quickly replacing traditional cable services. Known for being more affordable, and with far less commercials or interruptions, streaming platforms make it easy for you to access endless entertainment on-demand, and you can enjoy the content from anywhere, at any time. But with so many different apps at your fingertips, it can get overwhelming as you bounce from platform to platform, and you may find yourself wishing you had an all-in-one solution that combined all your streaming services in one place. Thankfully, this is exactly what streaming devices are designed to accomplish, and if you're someone who loves a simplified, hassle-free viewing experience, the right device can help. Seamlessly integrating with a wide range of apps, and allowing you to enjoy smooth, high-quality streaming, these popular devices can be a gamechanger for your next binge session or movie night, and there are a variety of different brands available for you to choose between. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your entertainment setup or finally cut the cord for good, the right streaming device can bring everything you love into one convenient location, and this buying guide can help you narrow down your search to the perfect option. 

Types of Streaming Devices

Streaming devices are small, compact, and convenient pieces of hardware that turn your TV into a smart entertainment hub, allowing you to stream content directly from the internet. Bringing together all of your favorite subscription services, and pairing them with options for live TV, these devices enable you to access a wide range of entertainment without the need for a traditional cable or satellite connection, and they can be a great choice if you love tapping into on-demand content from the comfort of your own home. But while streaming devices can be a worthwhile addition to your entertainment set-up, they aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all product, and depending on what type of TV you have, what platforms you’re already subscribed to, and what features you prioritize, the right streaming device for you can vary. 

With some offering a simple, budget-friendly design that focuses on just the essential features, and others offering advanced functionality that includes 4k resolution, voice control, or smart home integration, there is a lot to take into consideration while you shop, and you want to make sure you choose a device that fits your specific needs. To help make your decision a bit easier, streaming devices are typically broken up into a few different styles, and the most common options you’ll find available to you include:

With their larger, bulkier appearance and robust functionality, set-top boxes are a versatile choice for individuals who are less concerned about space-saving and more focused on performance and features. Intended to sit on top of your TV, or to the side of it, these boxes generally offer 4K resolution, HDR support, and high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos, making them ideal for those who want top-tier picture and sound quality. In addition to advanced video and audio capabilities, set-top boxes are also typically packed with extra functionalities such as voice control, gaming support, and integration with smart home systems, and while they may not be as sleek or portable as other types of hardware, they do offer a level of versatility and performance that really makes them stand out. 

One of the most popular types of hardware available, plug-in devices are known for being compact, convenient, and impressively portable, making them a smart choice for individuals who like to move between different TVs, or different locations. Plugging directly into your TV’s HDMI port, these streaming sticks don’t require anything more than a WiFi connection and a subscription to your favorite app, and beyond that they are incredibly easy to set up and use. As a budget-friendly solution, plug-in devices may not offer all of the same features and functionalities as some of their more robust counterparts, but they will still deliver high-quality streaming, including HD, 4K, and HDR, making them a solid option for those looking to enjoy their favorite content in sharp, clear resolution.

While not necessarily a dedicated streaming device, many newer gaming consoles now include robust streaming capabilities, making them a versatile option for those who want an all-in-one entertainment system. If you’re an avid gamer, but also enjoy binging your favorite shows on Hulu or watching movies on Amazon Prime Video, then considering a gaming console as your primary streaming device might be a great option, and it can help to save you a bit of money by reducing the amount of hardware you need to purchase. With that said, the main drawback to this type of set-up is that the interface can sometimes be a bit more overwhelming and complicated than just a dedicated streaming device, and not only are they primarily designed with gaming as the main focus, they may also include a lot of unnecessary features you don’t find beneficial. In order for a gaming console to be worth the expense, you'll need to make sure you're getting enough value from its additional features, such as exclusive games, high-quality gaming performance, and other entertainment options, and it’s important that you ensure the console you select is compatible with all subscriptions you have before you finalize that sale. 

Streaming Device vs Smart TV

If you already own a Smart TV you may be wondering if you really need to purchase a stand-alone streaming device, and the answer to that really depends on your setup and what you’re trying to accomplish. For some people, a smart TV can be a more-than-suitable solution for accessing your favorite streaming platforms, and they usually come equipped with the most popular apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. However, the interface is almost always going to be slower and clunkier than what you enjoy through a dedicated streaming device, and not only can that extra lag be annoying, it can also make it a frustrating experience whenever you need to switch between subscriptions or move over to live TV. In addition to being a bit slower and challenging, smart TVs also lack any flexibility or portability, and this means you won’t be able to move your programs from the living room to the bedroom without a significant amount of heavy lifting and hassle. 

With that said, the advantage of smart TVs is that they offer an all-in-one solution for streaming without the need for additional devices, and since they come with built-in apps and WiFi connectivity, you can access your favorite content directly without needing to plug in an external streaming stick or box. This can simplify your setup, reduce cable clutter, and be more convenient overall, and it can also save you some money upfront. Which option is right for you will really come down to personal preference, budget, and frequency of use, and you’ll want to weigh out what features are most important to you. If you’re someone who prioritizes simplicity and doesn’t mind a clunkier interface, then sticking with a smart TV might be more than sufficient, and this is especially true if you only really subscribe to one or two different streaming services. However, if you want the flexibility to move between multiple platforms seamlessly, want a more responsive experience, and like the freedom of being able to travel freely with your hardware, a dedicated streaming device is more than likely going to be the better fit and will offer you a more flexible and enhanced streaming experience as you enjoy all of your favorite shows and movies. 

Compatibility

Once you’ve determined the type of streaming device you prefer, the next thing you’ll need to take into consideration is compatibility, as not every brand will pair with every TV, or every streaming service. For the most part, popular apps such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ should be available across the board, but if you’re someone who uses a more niche service such as Crunchyroll or Fubo, your streaming devices options may be more limited. Likewise, if you own a newer TV that features an HDMI port, then finding a streaming device that is compatible shouldn’t be too much of a challenge, but for older TVs, or those without HDMI ports, you'll need to pay closer attention to compatibility. Some older TVs, for example, may only have composite or component video inputs, which would require an adapter or a streaming device that specifically supports those older connection types, and this can make set-up more complicated and confusing. To avoid the hassle, the first step will always be identifying what type of ports and connections your TV supports before you start shopping, and you should also make a list of your current subscriptions so that nothing is overlooked. 

Beyond just service subscriptions and TV ports, there is also video and sound quality to consider when assessing compatibility, as many newer streaming devices offer 4K resolution, HDR, and even Dolby Atmos audio support. All of these options can significantly enhance your viewing experience if your TV supports them, and you will be able to enjoy stunning picture quality and immersive sound any time you binge a show or watch a movie. To fully take advantage of these advanced features, however, it’s important to ensure that both your TV and streaming device are equal, and this means that both need to be 4K compatible, support HDR, and have the necessary audio output options for features like Dolby Atmos. While it does make the shopping experience a bit more time-consuming, conducting thorough research is the only way to ensure you walk away with the perfect streaming device for your set-up, as you don’t want to miss out on premium features if you don’t have to.

Can You Use Your Headphones?

Getting comfy on the couch and turning on your favorite show is a great way to spend the evening, but unless you live completely alone, you might not always get the peace and quiet you desire to truly immerse yourself in the experience. Thankfully, many streaming devices do allow you to connect your headphones in order to create a more personalized environment, and whether you’re staying up late and don’t want to bother your housemates, or you want to drown out the noise from the outside world, using headphones can provide a perfect solution. With that said, the type of headphones you own will have an impact, as you may find that not all streaming devices support both wired and wireless models. Plug-in sticks, for example, rarely have a headphone jack for you to take advantage of, so if you’re looking exclusively at these types of devices then a pair of wireless headphones may be a necessity. Likewise, cheaper, less advanced streaming devices could have some delay when paired with wireless headphones, which could be annoying if you’re someone who likes your visuals and audio to be perfectly synced. This is why it's important to consider the device's capabilities before making a decision, and you’ll want to ensure that the streaming device you choose supports the type of headphones you plan to use, without forcing you to sacrifice in terms of audio quality or synchronization.

Budget Constraints

Compatibility and features are always going to be the most important factors when shopping for a streaming device, but before you get too excited over a specific piece of hardware you’ve found, it’s important to remember your budget. Streaming devices can range significantly when it comes to cost, with lower-end versions available for as little as $20, and more higher-end versions reaching up to $200+ or more in price. This variability means that you’ll need to carefully consider your needs in order to determine how much of an investment you’re comfortable making, and you may have to forgo certain capabilities to fit within your budget. Thankfully, with so many different brands on the market, and a wide range of models available, finding the perfect fit is easier than ever, and as long as you take some time to research potential choices, and set a budget for you to shop within, you should walk away with a suitable streaming device that allows you to enjoy all of your favorite programs, completely hassle-free.