A streaming stick or set-top box is the easiest way to bring on-demand services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video to a regular 'dumb' television, projector, or computer monitor.

These small and affordable devices plug into a spare HDMI port of your television and then draw power from a wall outlet or the TV's own USB port. They connect to your Wi-Fi network and often come with a regular remote control. Some can also be spoken to, making finding what you are looking for easier.

You can then log into all the services you subscribe to – like Netflix and Spotify – and view content from free platforms like YouTube.

Amazon, Roku, and Google are the market leaders in this space, with Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast platforms. We have also included the Apple TV 4K because it isn't a stick (and costs more than most rivals); it performs the same function and will take up very little space below or next to your television.

Google TV Streamer (4K) – Porcelain

Google TV Streamer in Hazel with its sleek design and new customizable button. Google

The Google TV Streamer (4K) in Porcelain is Google’s latest entry into the premium streaming device market, boasting robust features for an exceptional home entertainment experience. Priced at $99.99, this streamer is a bit more of an investment than standard devices, but its extensive feature set aims to be more than just a streaming device. Key features include 4K video resolution with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, allowing for vibrant colors and deep contrast that heighten viewing quality on compatible TVs. Sound-wise, Dolby Atmos support provides an immersive audio experience, especially in home theater setups with Atmos-enabled speakers or soundbars, enveloping viewers in multi-dimensional sound.

This device also comes with 32GB of storage, accommodating more apps and services, so users can enjoy a range of streaming platforms without worrying about limited space. The Google TV Streamer is not only compatible with Google Assistant devices, but it also functions as a Matter Hub and a Thread border router. This capability means it integrates seamlessly with compatible smart home devices, enabling more comprehensive home automation and control directly from the streaming device. As a Thread border router, it delivers faster communication and extends the range of supported devices. For smart home enthusiasts, this means quicker response times for devices, even those located farther from the hub. Voice control via the Google Assistant voice remote makes accessing content hands-free, adding convenience. The Google Store’s Black Friday deals, beginning November 21, are expected to include this model so shoppers may find this streamer at a discount.

Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your TV with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live TV, and Netflix in 4K HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Porcelain

List Price: $98.98

Used From: $98.98in Stock

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with AI-powered Fire TV Search

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with AI-powered Fire TV Search Amazon

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4 K is Amazon’s latest, most advanced 4K streaming stick, designed to bring cinema-quality entertainment and smarter searches to your home. Experience stunning visuals with vibrant 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio for an immersive viewing experience.

Advanced 4K Streaming
With support for Wi-Fi 6, this Fire TV Stick 4K provides smooth streaming even when other devices are connected, making it ideal for homes with high internet traffic.

AI-Powered Search
Navigate your favorite movies and shows with AI-powered Fire TV Search. Look up content by actor, plot, or famous quotes for personalized and instant recommendations. Ask Alexa, “Show me action movies with car chases,” and find exactly what you want.

Xbox Gaming Without a Console
Unlock the world of Xbox gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which lets you stream popular games like Forza Motorsport and Starfield directly on your Fire TV Stick 4K. Simply connect a compatible controller and play; no console is required.

Endless Entertainment
Access over 1.5 million movies and TV shows from popular platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Max. You can also enjoy over 300,000 free movies and shows from ad-supported apps like Fire TV Channels, Amazon Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

Alexa Voice Remote & Smart Home Control
Easily control your entertainment and smart home devices with the Alexa Voice Remote. Quickly launch apps, adjust the volume, and turn off the lights—all with your voice.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K combines 4K streaming, cloud gaming, and smart home integration, making it a top choice for elevating your home entertainment. (Note: Wi-Fi 6 router, Dolby Atmos-compatible devices, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription are required for certain features, sold separately.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream over 1.5 million movies and shows, free & live TV

List Price: $49.99

New From: $21.99in Stock

Chromecast with Google TV with 4K

Google Chromecast with Google TV 4K comes with a remote for the first timeGoogle

The latest Google Chromecast, announced in September 2020, is markedly different from its predecessors. This is the first Chromecast to come with a remote (as previously they were controlled via smartphone), and it runs the new Google TV interface on top of its Android TV operating system.

These changes bring a proper interface to the Chromecast for the first time, where users can browse content from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, as well as Google's apps like YouTube. The remote has a microphone for speaking to Google Assistant, which can be used to find and control content. The new Chromecast can handle 4K HDR content at 60 frames per second, along with Dolby Vision HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. As far as technical standards go, all it lacks is access to is the Dolby Vision form of HDR10.

Streaming apps available for Chromecast include Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Sling, Spotify, and now Apple TV+ . Google had said in December 2020 that the service would be added to Google TV in early 2021, but as of mid-February 2021, it is yet to arrive. But it is now available. The new Chromecast costs $49.99 and is available in snow, sky and sunrise, with a matching remote.

The Google Assistant included with the Chromecast can also be used to request TV content and control your smart home devices.

Finally, the new Chromecast also works with Google Stadia, the streaming video game platform.

Available at Best Buy

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

The all new Roku Streaming Stick 4K Roku

Roku sells a wide range of streaming products, from the $29.99 Roku Express, limited to HD resolution, to the $99.99 Roku Ultra, which has 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision support. The company also sells a pair of sound bars with streaming capabilities called the Streambar and Smart Streambar. These are priced at $129.99 and $179.99, respectively. Both offer 4K and HDR, which have improved audio quality. They can be connected wirelessly to a pair of Roku surround sound speakers ($149.99) and a subwoofer ($179.99).

We think the mid-range Streaming Stick 4k, pictured above, offers good value for money in the Roku range, as it costs $49.99, yet includes 4K, Dolby Vision, long-range Wi-Fi, HDR support, and a remote with voice controls. Alternatively, if you don't want a remote with voice control, the Roku Premiere is just $35. It offers HD, 4K, and HDR and has a regular remote.

Apps available on all Roku devices include Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, ESPN, Hulu, and Apple TV. Music apps on Roku devices include Pandora, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and Spotify. Apple TV+ isn't available on all Roku products but on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Portable Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision, Roku Voice Remote, Free & Live TV

List Price: $49.99

New From: $33.00in Stock

Used From: $34.00in Stock

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

The new Fire TV has Amazon's Alexa voice assistantAmazon

Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K features a remote control with a microphone and Alexa built-in. This means you can ask the voice assistant to find content for you – handy if you can't remember which streaming service provides a certain movie or series.

Of course, you don't have to use Alexa, as the remote works just fine with conventional button-pressing. As the name suggests, this $49.99 streaming stick is 4K compatible and has HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos surround sound. In that sense, this stick ticks every technical standards box for home TV.

Amazon also sells the newly updated Fire TV Stick and TV Stick Lite, which cost $39.99 and $29.99, respectively. They miss out on 4K video but still support HDR and Dolby Atmos. All models have access to Netflix, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, NBC, Showtime, and Disney+.

Alexa works here just as it does on other devices and can be used to show a live video feed from your Alexa-compatible smart home security cameras and video doorbell on the TV screen. Like any other Alexa device, you can use the remote of the Fire TV Stick to set timers, ask questions, and control your smart home devices.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K is expected to be updated soonApple

Finally, we have the Apple TV 4K. As the name suggests, this streaming box serves up 4K HDR video, but there's also Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with compatible content. Including these standards set the Apple box apart from the crowd, but over the last year or so, most rivals from Amazon, Roku, and Google have caught up. As a result, the Apple TV 4K now seems somewhat more expensive than the competition, at $129 for the 4K Wi-Fi (2nd gen) version (64GB) and $149 for the 4K Wi-Fi and Ethernet (128 GB) version. (Note: the new Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen (128GB) costs $189.99.) Although it can now finally play YouTube in 4K, this content is now limited to 30 frames per second.

Apple's own hardware is no longer the only way to watch the company's TV+ content. It is now available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, as well as game consoles and some smart televisions.

But the Apple TV 4K does offer games via the AppStore, and it can be used as a HomeKit hub to control your Apple smart home devices while away from home. You can read more about this here.

The remote has a microphone for speaking to Siri, which can be used to find content and control your smart home devices. Also, when a compatible video doorbell is rung, a notification appears on the Apple TV, which can be used to view a live video feed from the doorbell camera. In addition to the usual on-demand streaming services, the Apple TV has a handful of live streaming apps.

Access to Apple Music is also available if that is your music subscription service of choice. It's the only streaming device that plays movies and TV shows bought from iTunes. So, if you're an Apple fan and have already invested money in its digital services, this could be your streamer, albeit for a price.

Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi (3rd Generation) + Siri Remote + Power Cord + Apple 1 Year Limited Warranty (64GB WiFi)

List Price: $149.99

New From: $149.99in Stock

Read More:

• Amazon Fire TV vs Roku: Which streaming service is best?
• Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) review: Adding Alexa to your television
• Roku Streambar review: 4K, HDR streaming and a big audio upgrade for your TV

Check out The GearBrain, our compatibility find engine, to find the right streaming media device for your smart home.

How to Find Products in The GearBrain, Our Compatibility Find Engine for Smart Deviceswww.youtube.com

2021 Apple TV HD (32GB, 5th Generation)

2021 Apple TV HD (32GB, 5th Generation)

List Price: $144.98

New From: $144.98in Stock