July 2024
TV Boxes And Sticks: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of TV boxes and sticks rankings posted by key online experts, as of July 2024.
Summary
On 11 Jul 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 75 streaming player endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
22 streaming players were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 11 Jul 2024, Apple TV 4K takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed streaming player with 10 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 10 recommended it as the '#1 streaming player' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Roku: 9 streaming players
(#1 is Roku Streaming Stick 4K)
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Amazon: 4 streaming players
(#1 is Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max)
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Google: 2 streaming players
(#1 is Chromecast with Google TV 4K)
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Onn.: 2 streaming players
(#1 is Onn 4K Google TV 2023)
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Apple: 1 streaming players
(#1 is Apple TV 4K)
Price breakdown
At a glance - July Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
WIRED
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TechRadar
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Business Insider
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Reviewed
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The Verge
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PCMag
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IGN
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Tom's Guide
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TechHive
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Digital Trends
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1
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- | $220 |
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The Apple TV 4K (2022) has received positive reviews for its content availability, picture and sound quality, setup, and gaming capabilities, making it a versatile streaming device suitable for users who want a comprehensive range of streaming services, impressive picture and sound quality, easy setup, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
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4
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1
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3
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4
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1
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9
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5
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4
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4
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1
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2
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- | $35 |
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The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, high-quality picture and sound, easy setup, and the option for casual gaming experiences.
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1
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9
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-
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3
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3
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7
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7
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1
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1
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-
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3
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- | $42 |
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The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content options, impressive picture and sound quality, and convenient features, making it a reliable and user-friendly choice for home entertainment.
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2
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-
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5
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2
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2
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2
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6
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3
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-
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-
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4
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- | $90 |
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The Roku Ultra 2022 is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, excellent picture and sound quality, easy setup, and some gaming capabilities, making it suitable for various streaming preferences.
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5
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-
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1
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1
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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5
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- | $55 |
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content options, 4K resolution, HDR and Dolby Vision support, fast navigation, and gaming capabilities, making it a recommended choice for users seeking a user-friendly and high-quality streaming experience.
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3
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8
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4
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-
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4
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-
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2
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6
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-
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4
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6
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- | $149 |
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The Nvidia Shield Streaming Player is a versatile and powerful streaming device that offers a wide range of content, exceptional picture and sound quality, easy setup, and comprehensive gaming capabilities.
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-
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3
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-
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-
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5
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-
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4
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5
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-
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2
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7
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- | $140 |
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The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, excellent picture and sound quality, and the ability to control TV and smart home devices, making it a convenient option for users.
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-
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6
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-
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-
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-
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5
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8
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11
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5
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-
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8
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- | $38 |
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The Roku Express 4K Plus is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, high-quality picture and sound, user-friendly setup, and some gaming capabilities, making it a great choice for users who prioritize access to streaming services and enjoy watching content in 4K HDR.
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-
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7
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-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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9
|
+1 | Check price |
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, impressive picture and sound quality, easy setup, and convenient remote control features, making it a reliable option for seamless streaming and some casual gaming.
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-
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-
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-
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6
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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10
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+1 | $24 |
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The Chromecast with Google TV HD is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, excellent picture and sound quality, a user-friendly setup and interface, and decent gaming capabilities, making it suitable for various entertainment needs.
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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8
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-
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-
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11
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-2 | $25 |
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6
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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3
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-
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12
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- | $70 |
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The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content options, excellent picture and sound quality, easy setup, and a feature-rich remote control, making it suitable for various entertainment needs.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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9
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-
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3
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13
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- | $25 |
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The TiVo Stream 4K is a highly recommended streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, excellent picture and sound quality, user-friendly setup, and gaming capabilities, making it a versatile option for users who want a comprehensive streaming experience.
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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13
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-
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-
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14
|
- | Check price |
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, high-quality picture and sound, easy setup and navigation, and gaming capabilities, making it suitable for users who want a reliable and affordable streaming device for entertainment and gaming.
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-
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2
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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15
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New * | Check price |
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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2
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5
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16
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- | $28 |
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The Roku Express is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, good picture and sound quality, and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for casual streaming users.
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-
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5
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-
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked Apple TV 4K #1 in July 2024 because:
- 10 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Apple TV 4K as #1.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ww56WA1XS._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The best streaming device for iOS
High-frame-rate HDR support
Redesigned Siri remote
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Expensive
Doesn’t work with Android
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Business Insider
Best high-end
Familiar interface for Apple users
Can serve as a HomeKit hub
Latest model has 4K upscaling and a rechargeable remote
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Need to buy 128GB model to get Ethernet
Pricier than Roku options
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Reviewed
Editors' Choice
Great remote
Has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Works great with Apple gear
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Stale design
Pricier than competition
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PCMag
Best for Siri Control
Fast, responsive performance
Deep integration with Apple devices and services
Apple AirPlay 2
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Pricey
Confusing overlap of Apple tvOS and Apple TV app features
Using Siri requires speaking into the remote
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IGN
Best 4K Streaming Box for Apple Households
Upgraded performance thanks to the Apple A15 Bionic chip
iPhones automatically calibrate the output video
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No ethernet port
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Tom's Guide
Best streaming device for Apple device owners / Editor's Choice
A15 delivers faster app load times
More affordable price (plus more storage)
Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
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Still expensive
-No Find My remote feature
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TechHive
Best high-end media streamer
Uncluttered, ad-free interface
Performance is speedier than ever
AirPlay, AirPods, and iCloud integration are nice to have
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No remote finder function
Dual home screens can be confusing
Remote gesture controls, while useful, might confound some users
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Digital Trends
The best overall streaming device
Lightning quick navigation
Gorgeous Audio and Video output
Feature-packed
Extremely Powerful
Intuitive, uncluttered interface
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Several features exclusive to Apple users
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We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K #2 in July 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K as #1.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/baoaemlbjtquohiack9n.jpg)
TechRadar
A solid choice for anyone new to TV streaming
Faster boot up speed
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Long-range Wi-Fi
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Roku UI is a bit old
Remote pairing problems
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Reviewed
Editors' Choice
Simple and intuitive interface
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Great remote
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No Ethernet option
No onboard storage
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PCMag
Best for Affordable AirPlay
Fast, responsive performance
Sleek, small design
Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision
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Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV
No Twitch app available
5GHz Wi-Fi hiccup in testing
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IGN
Best Streaming Stick
Compact stick rather than box
Delivers 4K/60fps and HDR support, including Dolby Vision
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Lacks smart home control
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Tom's Guide
Best streaming device overall / Editor's Choice
Relatively affordable
Full 4K HDR capabilities
Finally has Dolby Vision
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Dolby Atmos is missing
Amazon offers better live TV integration
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TechHive
Best media streamer for most people
Fast, fluid performance with dependable Wi-Fi connectivity
Easy-to-operate interface with powerful voice control features
Full of nice touches that other cheap streamers lack, such as AirPlay and a Replay button
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Discovering and tracking shows could be a lot easier
No Dolby Atmos support or IR control for external sound systems
Only supports wireless connections
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend TV boxes and sticks.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of TV boxes and sticks, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for July 2024 ranking
![WIRED](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/rplo319wma6ujem7dpns.jpg)
![TechRadar](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/nirikf4fkpo3dgyuscws.png)
![Business Insider](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/q7pjfhcjfrwwzyqrglqc.jpg)
![Reviewed](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/jehekw4fhfrvascqblhu.png)
![PCMag](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/lpbmglnfo14fn054kvkb.webp)
![IGN](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/ox5lufqjzdlonszf9rlv.png)
![Tom's Guide](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/vmtipqfuxvzy9ocfmnnq.jpg)
![TechHive](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/fcsvnwweq5omx3w2kgtk.png)
![Digital Trends](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/csoce1ghsktffcix9qoe.png)
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV 4K #3 in July 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/vi42yymtzbdjpae2ov5p.png)
Business Insider
Best for Google users
Compact design
Easy integration with Google account
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Minor glitches and lag
No built-in Ethernet
Lacks integrated Dolby Atmos decoding
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Reviewed
Best Value / Editors' Choice
Affordable
Very good remote
4K/HDR Support
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No wired internet
Interface needs work
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PCMag
Best for Google Assistant / Editors' Choice
Attractive, accessible new Google TV interface
4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Useful Google Assistant and Cast features
Affordable
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Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV
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IGN
Best Android TV Streaming Stick
Dedicated remote with built-in interface for media
Smart home features and smart assistant
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Some apps may lag
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Tom's Guide
The best streaming device for people in the Google ecosystem / Editor's Choice
Free & live TV integrations
Lots of streaming services
Remote included (finally)
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Performance leaves a little to be desired
Continue Watching row doesn't always work right
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We ranked Roku Ultra 2022 #4 in July 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Roku Ultra 2022 as #1.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xNlMDfuWL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Business Insider
Best overall
Rechargeable remote with hands-free voice control and chime
Simple navigation with Roku OS
Ethernet port for wired internet and USB for media playback
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Pricey compared to streaming stick options
Remote charges via Micro USB rather than USB-C
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Reviewed
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
Top-notch voice remote pro
4K/HDR and Dolby Vision
Fast, with wired internet
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More expensive than streaming sticks
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IGN
Best Streaming Device
Compatible with HDR10/10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR
Voice Remote Pro offers hands-free voice control
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Pricer than other Roku offerings with similar features
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We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max #5 in July 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/icybjw8ad7meut1nog7b.jpg)
TechRadar
The most powerful Amazon option for Alexa fans
4K HDR streaming
Dolby Vision / Atmos / HDR10+
Voice remote with Alexa
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Too many sponsored ads
Search still could be better
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Business Insider
Best for speedy navigation
Compact build
Fastest navigation and loading times of any streaming stick we've tested
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Fire TV interface is a bit cluttered
Not a huge upgrade over previous model
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IGN
Best Budget Streaming Device
Runs faster than predecessor and supports WiFi 6E
Support for 4K video at up to 60fps
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No Google Cast or Apple AirPlay
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Tom's Guide
Best Amazon streaming device under $100 / Editor's Choice
Fast navigation and content launches
Supports almost all apps
Wi-Fi 6E support
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More expensive than competitors
Excessive promotion of Amazon content
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Digital Trends
Also great, but for those who don't want Roku
Same Great Fire TV experience
Double the storage
Improve processor
Faster WI-FI
Price is right
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Doesn't include the best Alexa remote
Waiting on some new AI features
Laggy interactions
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We ranked Nvidia Shield #6 in July 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21sFZBcHleL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The best 4K streaming device for power and performance
AI Upscaling
Google Assistant built in
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No Apple TV app
No USB ports for extra storage
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IGN
Best 4K Streaming Device
Game streaming possible
Built-in AI upscaling
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High price tag
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Tom's Guide
Best Android streaming device / Editor's Choice
Excellent game-streaming
Quick rendering of UHD content
Lots of great apps
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AI upscaling doesn't add that much
Somewhat expensive
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Digital Trends
The next-best streaming device
Great for game streaming
Good variety of apps
Excellent upscaling
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Doesn't come with a game controller
No included HDMI cable
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We ranked Amazon Fire TV Cube #7 in July 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TJe7E4LYL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The top streaming option if you love Amazon Alexa
Voice Control
Built-in Alexa
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Panders to Amazon Prime
No HDMI cable in the box
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PCMag
Best for Hands-Free Alexa Voice Control / Editors' Choice
Hands-free Alexa voice assistance
HDMI pass-through with Alexa overlay
Supports Wi-Fi 6E
Fast performance
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Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E doesn't necessarily offer video benefits
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Tom's Guide
Best Voice Control in A Streaming Device
Speedy performance
Newly integrated Ethernet and USB-A port
HDMI-IN port lets you connect more devices
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$10 more expensive than before
Super Resolution Upscaling doesn't make a notable difference
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TechHive
best media streamer with voice control
Unparalleled voice control features
Powerful remote; the “Recents” button is a revelation
Super-fast app load times
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The home screen is a disaster
Upscaling isn’t a major improvement
Costs more than most other high-end streaming boxes
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We ranked Roku Express 4K Plus #8 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/peon8noghawj4sg2omft.jpg)
TechRadar
A good budget choice if you don't want to go with Amazon
Affordable price
4K HDR (and HDR10+) streaming
Comes with a Bluetooth remote
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No Dolby Vision support
Short HDMI cable
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Reviewed
Simple interface
Excellent smart home support
AirPlay 2
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No Dolby Vision
No headphones jack on remote
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Tom's Guide
The best streaming device under $40 / Best Value
Excellent 4K HDR performance
Decent navigation
Improved remote
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Awkward design
No Dolby Vision or Atmos
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We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick #9 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick as #1.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/is3nqf5nod91bdaquhma.jpg)
PCMag
Best for Alexa Users / Editors' Choice
Affordable
Fast performance
Wi-Fi 6
Speedier Alexa responses
Plenty of apps and features
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No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast for local streaming
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We ranked Chromecast with Google TV HD #10 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21JQIQcBS1L._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The best all-rounder streaming stick
4K HDR with Dolby Vision
Google Assistant built in
Comes with a remote
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Slow to load at startup
Google TV UI is uninspired
No Google Stadia support
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PCMag
Best 1080p Media Streamer for Google Users / Editors' Choice
Loads of apps and services on Google TV
Google Assistant
Google Cast
Remote with TV volume control
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Limited to 1080p
No Dolby Vision
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Tom's Guide
The best HD streaming device
Same great Chromecast with Google TV... now in HD
One of the best streaming device remotes
Hides easily behind TV
Supports HDR
|
Continue Watching row continues to confuse
No 4K limits use cases
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We ranked Onn 4K Google TV 2023 #11 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41J7tOcsbjL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Tom's Guide
The best cheap streaming device
Cheapest 4K streaming device ever
All the same apps in the Chromecast with Google TV
Decent performance
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Awkward, cheap-feeling design
Remote app is inconsistent
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TechHive
Best budget-priced streamer
Feature-rich remote
Google TV software makes sense of streaming
Super cheap even without sale prices
|
Performance can drag on occasion
No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support
Google TV guide still has some blind spots
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We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus #12 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/wglxpvxlnnm7np0mjpd8.webp)
PCMag
Best Remote
Plenty of apps and services
Hands-free voice control
Headphone jack on remote
Apple AirPlay support
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Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant
No Twitch
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Tom's Guide
For $20 more the best streaming device gets a better remote / Editor's Choice
Voice Remote Pro eliminates batteries
Snappy 4K HDR streaming
Gains Dolby Vision
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No Dolby Atmos
Not a big upgrade from previous model
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Digital Trends
The best of the inexpensive streaming devices
Affordable
Easy to use
All the features you want
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Roku's advertising scheme means tracking
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We ranked TiVo Stream 4K #13 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31FKA-8R04L._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
IGN
Best Ultra Cheap Streaming Device
Budget-friendly
Voice control remote with Google Assistant
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Confusing interface
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Tom's Guide
A compelling UHD streamer with Android TV apps
Speedy 4K streaming
Supports most if not all services and apps
Remote offers easy access to live TV
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Poor recommendations
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We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite #14 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/318TG3aNKpL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The best budget streaming device
Offers 60fps and HDR
Good Value compared to rivals
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Only HD streaming
Persistent ads
No volume controls
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Business Insider
Best budget
Affordable
Compact stick design
Includes Alexa voice remote
|
Doesn't support 4K
No Ethernet
Lacks built-in Dolby Atmos decoding
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We ranked Onn Google TV 4K Pro 2024 #15 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/e9q792whdq4bqro9yelo.webp)
TechHive
Best media streamer for most people, runner-up
Excellent performance for the price
Remote is loaded with useful features
Google TV is great for finding things to watch
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Hands-free voice control is a bust
Home screen needs better streaming service tie-ins
Can't control volume from your phone while casting
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Digital Trends
Meet the new Chromecast wWith Google TV
Stock Google TV experience
Faster than Chromecast
Better remote control
Hands-free voice control
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Can't hide it behind a TV
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We ranked Roku Express #16 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ge0uVjxTL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The best streaming stick for good value HD content
Roku TV interface
Great app support
Super cheap
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Basic IR remote
Can’t stream 4K HDR content
Super short HDMI cable
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Reviewed
Access to Roku's full platform
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Remote lacks voice-control, power/volume buttons
Video maxes at 1080p
Requires HDMI
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