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Oct 7, 2024 · Should you get a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, or Google TV Streamer? We've tested them all, and these are our favorite movie and TV streaming devices for 4K or HD TVs.
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- Overview
- Everything the Fire Stick Can Do and More: Amazon Fire TV Cube
- For Apple Aficionados: Apple TV
- Simplest Streaming Solution: Roku
- Stream From Almost Any Device: Google Chromecast
- Build Your Own Streaming Device: Raspberry Pi
- Best Streaming Box for Gamers: Nvidia Shield TV Pro
- Are These Better Than the Fire Stick?
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From streaming sticks to smart TVs, there's no shortage of ways to stream movies and TV shows from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Amazon's Fire TV Stick is a great option, but we've rounded up the best Fire Stick alternatives so that you can weigh your options.
Amazon offers several devices under the Fire TV brand with varying levels of functionality. As far as streaming devices go, the Fire TV Cube is top-of-the-line. Since it includes built-in Alexa support, the Fire Cube can do everything an Amazon Echo Dot does in addition to streaming movies and TV.
Unlike the original Fire Stick, the Fire TV Cube supports 4K video, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. It also features an infrared (IR) blaster, allowing the Cube to control Blu-ray players, cable boxes, soundbars, and other devices that work with an IR remote. You can even connect a wireless security camera and view the feed on your television.
Apple TV isn't a smart TV. Instead, it's a streaming device like the Fire Stick. Apple's streaming box is compatible with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so you can cast videos and even mirror your device through Apple AirPlay. Another standout feature is the Siri remote, which lets you control your TV and other smart devices using voice commands.
Since Apple TV's compatibility is limited to other Apple devices, it's only ideal if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. The regular Apple TV doesn't support 4K streaming, but with the Apple TV 4K, you can watch your iTunes movie library in 4K Ultra HD.
The original Roku popularized the concept of internet streaming on TVs, so the brand has a reputation for its solid products. Today, Roku makes streaming sticks, media players, and smart TVs. There's also a Roku streaming service, but you don't need a Roku to subscribe.
If you want a barebones streaming device for watching Netflix, Max, and similar services, you can't go wrong with Roku. Although Roku doesn't support Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant out-of-the-box, some models support voice search. Since there are so many versions to choose from, carefully research which features each specific device includes.
Since Chromecast is made by Google, it's built to be compatible with Android and Google Chrome. That means you can easily stream video from the internet on any computer or mobile device. You can also stream videos and music directly from an external hard drive or shared folders on your home Wi-Fi network. Chromecast even offers a small amount of local storage.
The original Google Chromecast looked like a USB stick, but newer Chromecasts have a flat design with a built-in magnet so that you can attach the end of the HDMI cable when not in use.
If you're feeling tech-savvy, purchase a Raspberry Pi and turn it into a streaming device. Raspberry Pi is a tiny computer you can program to do basically whatever you want.
With an HDMI port and four USB ports, it can connect to your TV and other accessories such as game controllers. The downside is you have to set up everything yourself, so it's only a good fit if you're willing to put in some effort.
At $200, Nvidia's Shield TV Pro is the most expensive option on this list, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality. It boasts a Tegra X1+ processor with 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of local storage, blowing the Fire TV Cube and Chromecast out of the water in terms of speed and performance. Designed with gamers in mind, the device makes it easy to play mobile and PC games on your TV.
The Shield TV Pro features two USB ports and an Ethernet port, allowing it to connect directly to your modem or router. As a result, you don't have to worry about poor Wi-Fi connections, and you can even connect a game controller. The original Shield TV lacks USB and Ethernet ports, but it supports game controllers and other peripherals via Bluetooth.
Most streaming devices on this list offer most, if not all, of the same apps and features. The best streaming hardware is largely a matter of personal preference. That said, some come with extras like built-in voice assistants.
FAQ
•What is an alternative app to Kodi on Firestick?
You may find Kodi to be complicated and not user-friendly. Some Kodi alternatives you can use on an Amazon Fire TV Stick include Plex, Stremio, Media Portal, Emby, Universal Media Server, and Popcorn Time.
•What alternatives for cable TV can I get for a Firestick?
If you'd like to cut the cord by using an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you have several options for having a cable-like TV experience. Sling TV has several options with various channel combinations, Philo offers more than 60 channels, Hulu with Live TV includes many popular cable channels, and YouTube TV has more than 80 streaming channels.
- Streaming Expert
- Tubi TV: A good ShowBox alternative that needs registration.
- Pluto TV: A versatile option that includes some live content.
- Crackle: Sony’s free video streaming service offers the company’s content.
- Popcorn Time: One of the most popular video streaming services online.
- Holly Pyne
- Chromecast with Google TV, £59.99 £44.99 (save £15 or 25%) Best for design. The Chromecast with Google TV comes with a remote and is one of the newest, released in 2020.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, £69.99. Best overall Amazon stick. The latest Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the fastest, best-performing streaming stick Amazon offers.
- Amazon Fire TV Cube, £139.99. Best for performance. The Fire TV Cube is Amazon’s most sophisticated (and yes, expensive) streaming device. A combination of an Amazon Echo smart speaker and Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Cube has the most comprehensive voice control via Alexa.
- Roku Streambar, £129.99. Best for audio quality. A soundbar and streaming device in one, the Roku Streambar offers a bigger sound than most streaming sticks can provide.
May 22, 2021 · Choose from the best Showbox alternatives for unlimited movies / tv shows / live sports, etc. Get the best Showbox Alternatives on Firestick.
Jan 23, 2024 · We put the three leading streaming devices to the test - Amazon Fire TV 4K Max 2nd Gen, Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV
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Jun 24, 2021 · The new crop of Amazon Fire TV Sticks like the Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020) and Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite are affordable options for folks who want to stream Amazon Prime Video or Netflix in...
