November 2023
TV Boxes And Sticks: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of TV boxes and sticks rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2023.
Summary
On 9 Nov 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 73 streaming player endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
22 streaming players were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 Nov 2023, 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
-
Roku: 8 streaming players
(#1 is Roku Streaming Stick 4K)
-
Amazon: 4 streaming players
(#1 is Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max)
-
Google: 2 streaming players
(#1 is Chromecast with Google TV 4K)
-
Onn.: 2 streaming players
(#1 is Onn 4K Google TV streaming box)
-
Apple: 1 streaming players
(#1 is Apple TV 4K)
Price breakdown
At a glance - November Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
TechRadar
|
IGN
|
Digital Trends
|
TechHive
|
Business Insider
|
Reviewed
|
The Verge
|
PCMag
|
Tom's Guide
|
WIRED
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $180 |
Apple TV 4K
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.
|
1
|
5
|
1
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
4
|
4
|
|
2
|
- | $50 |
Chromecast with Google TV 4K
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.
|
4
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
2
|
|
3
|
- | $30 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
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.
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $69 |
Roku Ultra 2022
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.
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
5
|
- | $55 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
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.
|
8
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | $125 |
Nvidia Shield
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.
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $110 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
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.
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
9
|
1
|
|
8
|
- | $140 |
Amazon Fire TV Cube
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.
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
11
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $25 |
Roku Express 4K Plus
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.
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | Check price |
Amazon Fire TV Stick
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $25 |
TiVo Stream 4K
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.
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
7
|
|
12
|
- | Check price |
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
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.
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $30 |
Chromecast with Google TV HD
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $30 |
Roku Express
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.
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Apple TV 4K #1 in November 2023 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.
TechRadar
The best streaming device for iOS
|
High-frame-rate HDR support
Redesigned Siri remote
|
Expensive
Doesn’t work with Android
|
Digital Trends
The best overall streaming device
|
Lightning quick navigation
Gorgeous Audio and Video output
Feature-packed
Extremely Powerful
Intuitive, uncluttered interface
|
Several features exclusive to Apple users
|
TechHive
Best high-end media streamer
|
Uncluttered, ad-free interface
Performance is speedier than ever
AirPlay, AirPods, and iCloud integration are nice to have
|
No remote finder function
Dual home screens can be confusing
Remote gesture controls, while useful, might confound some users
|
Business Insider
Best high-end
|
Familiar interface for Apple users
K playback with comprehensive HDR support
can serve as a HomeKit hub
latest model has HDMI 2.1 and a rechargeable remote
|
Need to buy 128GB model to get Ethernet
pricier than Roku options
|
Reviewed
Editors' Choice
|
Great remote
Has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Works great with Apple gear
|
Stale design
Pricier than competition
|
PCMag
Best for Siri Control
|
Fast, responsive performance
Deep integration with Apple devices and services
Apple AirPlay 2
|
Pricey
Confusing overlap of Apple tvOS and Apple TV app features
Using Siri requires speaking into the remote
|
Tom's Guide
Best Streaming Device for Apple Device Owners
|
A15 delivers faster app load times
More affordable price (plus more storage)
Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
|
Still expensive
-No Find My remote feature
|
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV 4K #2 in November 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The best all-rounder streaming stick
|
4K HDR with Dolby Vision
Google Assistant built in
Comes with a remote
|
Slow to load at startup
Google TV UI is uninspired
No Google Stadia support
|
Digital Trends
Everything you want in a Chromecast
|
Affordable
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
Slick UI
Responsive
Integrated Google Assistant
|
Dolby Vision always on by default
Recommendation algorithm still learning
|
Business Insider
Best for Google users
|
4K HDR with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Google Assistant voice remote
built-in interface and casting capabilities
|
Minor glitches
some lag
|
Reviewed
Best Value / Editors' Choice
|
Affordable
Very good remote
4K/HDR Support
|
No wired internet
Interface needs work
|
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
|
Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV
|
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)
|
Performance leaves a little to be desired
Continue Watching row doesn't always work right
|
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 November 2023 ranking
TechRadar
IGN
Digital Trends
TechHive
Business Insider
Reviewed
The Verge
PCMag
Tom's Guide
WIRED
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K #3 in November 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K as #1.
TechRadar
A solid choice for anyone new to TV streaming
|
Faster boot up speed
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Long-range Wi-Fi
|
Roku UI is a bit old
Remote pairing problems
|
Digital Trends
The best of the inexpensive streaming devices: A three-way tie
|
Affordable
Easy to use
All the features you want
|
Roku's advertising scheme means tracking
|
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
|
Discovering and tracking shows could be a lot easier
No Dolby Atmos support or IR control for external sound systems
Only supports wireless connections
|
Reviewed
Editors' Choice
|
Simple and intuitive interface
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Great remote
|
No Ethernet option
No onboard storage
|
PCMag
Best for Affordable AirPlay
|
Fast, responsive performance
Sleek, small design
Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision
|
Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV
No Twitch app available
5GHz Wi-Fi hiccup in testing
|
Tom's Guide
Best streaming device overall / Editor's Choice
|
Relatively affordable
Full 4K HDR capabilities
Finally has Dolby Vision
|
Dolby Atmos is missing
Amazon offers better live TV integration
|
We ranked Roku Ultra 2022 #4 in November 2023 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.
Business Insider
Best overall
|
4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
wireless headphone support with Bluetooth
rechargeable remote with hands-free voice control
simple navigation
Ethernet port
USB input
|
Some may find Roku's interface to be outdated
remote charges via Micro USB rather than USB-C
|
Reviewed
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
|
Top-notch voice remote pro
4K/HDR and Dolby Vision
Fast, with wired internet
|
More expensive than streaming sticks
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max #5 in November 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The most powerful Amazon option for Alexa fans
|
4K HDR streaming
Dolby Vision / Atmos / HDR10+
Voice remote with Alexa
|
Too many sponsored ads
Search still could be better
|
Digital Trends
Also great, but for those who don't want Roku
|
Better processor and Wi-Fi
Includes the new remote control
Still extremely affordable
|
Built on an aging version of Android
|
Business Insider
Best with Alexa
|
4K with support for every major HDR format
Alexa voice control
compact
offers fastest navigation and loading times of any streaming stick we've tested
|
Fire TV interface is a bit cluttered
not a huge upgrade over previous model
|
Tom's Guide
Best Amazon streaming device under $100 / Editor's Choice
|
Faster performance
Neat live TV intergration
All of the apps
|
Amazon and ad content abound
Should just be new 4K Fire Stick
|
We ranked Nvidia Shield #6 in November 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The best 4K streaming device for power and performance
|
AI Upscaling
Google Assistant built in
|
No Apple TV app
No USB ports for extra storage
|
Digital Trends
The next-best streaming device
|
Great for game streaming
Good variety of apps
Excellent upscaling
|
Doesn't come with a game controller
No included HDMI cable
|
Business Insider
Best for gamers
|
Advanced 4K upscaling
support for Android and cloud gaming with a separate controller
powerful processor
|
Expensive
most buyers don't need the extra power
|
Tom's Guide
Best Android streaming device / Editor's Choice
|
Excellent game-streaming
Quick rendering of UHD content
Lots of great apps
|
AI upscaling doesn't add that much
Somewhat expensive
|
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus #7 in November 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus as #1.
PCMag
Best Remote
|
Plenty of apps and services
Hands-free voice control
Headphone jack on remote
Apple AirPlay support
|
Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant
No Twitch
|
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
|
No Dolby Atmos
Not a big upgrade from previous model
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Cube #8 in November 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The top streaming option if you love Amazon Alexa
|
Voice Control
Built-in Alexa
|
Panders to Amazon Prime
No HDMI cable in the box
|
TechHive
best media streamer with voice control
|
Unparalleled voice control features
Powerful remote; the “Recents” button is a revelation
Super-fast app load times
|
The home screen is a disaster
Upscaling isn’t a major improvement
Costs more than most other high-end streaming boxes
|
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
|
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E doesn't necessarily offer video benefits
|
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
|
$10 more expensive than before
Super Resolution Upscaling doesn't make a notable difference
|
We ranked Roku Express 4K Plus #9 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
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
|
No Dolby Vision support
Short HDMI cable
|
Reviewed
|
Simple interface
Excellent smart home support
AirPlay 2
|
No Dolby Vision
No headphones jack on remote
|
Tom's Guide
The Best Streaming Device Under $40
|
Excellent 4K HDR performance
Decent navigation
Improved remote
|
Awkward design
No Dolby Vision or Atmos
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick #10 in November 2023 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.
PCMag
Best for Alexa Users / Editors' Choice
|
Affordable
Fast performance
Wi-Fi 6
Speedier Alexa responses
Plenty of apps and features
|
No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast for local streaming
|
We ranked TiVo Stream 4K #11 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
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
|
Poor recommendations
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite #12 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The best budget streaming device
|
Offers 60fps and HDR
+Good value compared to rivals
|
Only HD streaming
Persistent ads
No volume controls
|
Business Insider
Best budget
|
Cheap
compact stick design
supports HDR
includes Alexa remote
|
Doesn't support 4K
no Ethernet
lacks Dolby Atmos decoding
|
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV HD #13 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
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
|
Limited to 1080p
No Dolby Vision
|
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
|
We ranked Roku Express #14 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The best streaming stick for good value HD content
|
Roku TV interface
Great app support
Super cheap
|
Basic IR remote
Can’t stream 4K HDR content
Super short HDMI cable
|
Reviewed
|
Access to Roku's full platform
|
Remote lacks voice-control, power/volume buttons
Video maxes at 1080p
Requires HDMI
|