May 2022
TV Boxes and Sticks: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Streaming Player rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2022.
At a glance - May 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
TechRadar
|
Tom's Guide
|
Business Insider
|
IGN
|
WIRED
|
Digital Trends
|
TechHive
|
Reviewed
|
PCMag
|
The Verge
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $170 |
Apple TV 4K
|
2
|
6
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
9
|
3
|
|
2
|
- | Check price |
Google Chromecast
|
4
|
2
|
4
|
5
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $39 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
3
|
6
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | $80 |
Roku Ultra 2020
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $45 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
|
6
|
- | $140 |
Nvidia Shield
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Amazon Fire TV Cube
|
6
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $68 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $24 |
Roku Express
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $29 |
Roku Express 4K+
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | Check price |
Amazon Fire TV Stick
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $35 |
Roku Streaming Stick+
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $35 |
TiVo Stream 4K
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
We ranked Apple TV 4K #1 in May 2022 because:
- 10 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Apple TV 4K as #1.
TechRadar
Best iOS Streaming Device
|
Pros
High-frame-rate HDR support
Redesigned Siri remote
|
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t work with Android
|
Tom's Guide
Best Streaming Device for Apple Device Owners
|
Pros
New, improved remote
High frame rate HDR streaming
Multi-user support
|
Cons
Expensive
Not noticeably better than first-gen
|
Business Insider
The best high-end streaming box
|
Pros
Well-designed interface
4K and HDR
can serve as a HomeKit hub, new model has HDMI 2.1
|
Cons
Expensive compared to the competition
|
Digital Trends
The best overall streaming device
|
Pros
Snappy performance
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Much improved remote control
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Reviewed
Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Great remote
Has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Works great with Apple gear
|
Cons
Stale design
Pricier than competition
|
PCMag
Best for HomeKit Control
|
Pros
Improved remote
Plenty of useful features including AirPlay, HomeKit, and Siri
Dolby Vision support
Comes with a free year of Apple TV+
|
Cons
Expensive
Interface and remote tend to funnel you into the Apple TV app
|
We ranked Google Chromecast #2 in May 2022 because:
- 10 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Google Chromecast as #1.
TechRadar
Best All-Rounder
|
Pros
4K HDR with Dolby Vision
Google Assistant built in
Comes with a remote
|
Cons
Slow to load at startup
Google TV UI is uninspired
No Google Stadia support
|
Tom's Guide
The Best Chromecast Streaming Device
|
Pros
Sensible layout
Lots of streaming services
Remote included
|
Cons
General Google searches poorly formatted
|
Business Insider
The best streaming device for Google users
|
Pros
4K HDR with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Google Assistant voice remote
built-in interface and casting capabilities
|
Cons
Minor glitches
some lag
|
Digital Trends
Everything you want in a Chromecast
|
Pros
Affordable
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
Slick UI
Responsive
Integrated Google Assistant
|
Cons
Dolby Vision always on by default
Recommendation algorithm still learning
|
Reviewed
Best value
|
Pros
Affordable
Very good remote
4K/HDR Support
|
Cons
No wired internet
Interface needs work
|
PCMag
Best for Google Assistant / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Attractive, accessible new Google TV interface
4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Useful Google Assistant and Cast features
Affordable
|
Cons
Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV
|
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 May 2022 ranking
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
Business Insider
IGN
WIRED
Digital Trends
TechHive
Reviewed
PCMag
The Verge
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K #3 in May 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K as #1.
Tom's Guide
Best streaming device overall
|
Pros
Relatively affordable
Full 4K HDR capabilities
Finally has Dolby Vision
|
Cons
Dolby Atmos is missing
Amazon offers better live TV integration
|
Digital Trends
The best of the inexpensive streaming devices: A three-way tie
|
Pros
Affordable
Easy to use
All the features you want
|
Cons
Roku's advertising scheme means tracking
|
Reviewed
Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Simple and intuitive interface
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Great remote
|
Cons
No Ethernet option
No onboard storage
|
PCMag
Best for Affordable AirPlay and Dolby Vision
|
Pros
Fast, responsive performance
Sleek, small design
Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision
|
Cons
Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV
No Twitch app available
5GHz Wi-Fi hiccup in testing
|
We ranked Roku Ultra 2020 #4 in May 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Roku Ultra 2020 as #1.
Tom's Guide
Best Streaming Device For External Media
|
Pros
Great performance
Inventive remote control
Dolby Vision HDR
|
Cons
Expensive
Not much has changed since last year's model
|
Business Insider
The best streaming box overall
|
Pros
4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Bluetooth voice remote
lots of apps
improved Wi-Fi connection
Ethernet
USB port
|
Cons
A bit pricey
|
Reviewed
Best overall
|
Pros
Best-in-class remote
4K/HDR and Dolby Vision
Fast, with wired internet
|
Cons
More expensive than streaming sticks
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max #5 in May 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best Amazon streaming device for most people
|
Pros
Faster performance
Neat live TV intergration
All of the apps
|
Cons
Amazon and ad content abound
Should just be new 4K Fire Stick
|
Business Insider
Best streaming stick with Alexa
|
Pros
4K streaming
Alexa voice control
compact
speedy navigation
support for all major HDR formats
|
Cons
Fire TV interface is cluttered
not a huge upgrade over previous model
|
Digital Trends
Also great, but for those who don't want Roku
|
Pros
Better processor and Wi-Fi
Includes the new remote control
Still extremely affordable
|
Cons
Built on an aging version of Android
|
PCMag
Best for Wi-Fi 6 Streaming
|
Pros
Fast performance
Lots of apps and services
Amazon Alexa voice control
Wi-Fi 6
|
Cons
4K HDR media streaming can't really take advantage of Wi-Fi 6
No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast
|
We ranked Nvidia Shield #6 in May 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best Premium Streaming Device
|
Pros
Excellent game-streaming
Quick rendering of UHD content
Lots of great apps
|
Cons
AI upscaling doesn't add that much
Somewhat expensive
|
Business Insider
The best streaming player for gamers
|
Pros
4K support
Dolby Vision capabilities
support for a separate gaming controller
Android TV operating system
powerful processor
|
Cons
Expensive
most buyers don't need the extra power
|
Digital Trends
The next-best streaming device
|
Pros
Great for game streaming
Good variety of apps
Excellent upscaling
|
Cons
Doesn't come with a game controller
No included HDMI cable
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Cube #7 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
Best Alexa Streaming Device
|
Pros
Voice Control
Built-in Alexa
|
Cons
Panders to Amazon Prime
No HDMI cable in the box
|
Tom's Guide
Best Voice Control in A Streaming Device
|
Pros
Speedier performance
Alexa's cable box controls are great
Great 4K HDR picture quality
|
Cons
Home screen can't be edited, packs ads
Awkward Ethernet adapter
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Able to control all your smart devices
|
Cons
Unreliable voice control
Expensive
|
PCMag
Best for Hands-Free Alexa Voice Control / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Hands-free Alexa voice support
Infrared blaster can control your home theater by voice
Fast performance
Supports all major HDR formats
|
Cons
Expensive compared with smaller 4K media streamers
|
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ #8 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ as #1.
PCMag
Best Remote
|
Pros
Plenty of apps and services
Hands-free voice control
Headphone jack on remote
Apple AirPlay support
|
Cons
Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant
No Twitch
|
We ranked Roku Express #9 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
Best HD Streaming Device
|
Pros
Roku TV interface
Great app support
Super cheap
|
Cons
Basic IR remote
Can’t stream 4K HDR content
Super short HDMI cable
|
Business Insider
The best budget streaming box
|
Pros
Cheap
compact design
easy-to-use
built-in OS
|
Cons
Doesn't support 4K or HDR
no voice remote
no Ethernet
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Access to Roku's full platform
|
Cons
Remote lacks voice-control, power/volume buttons
Video maxes at 1080p
Requires HDMI
|
We ranked Roku Express 4K+ #10 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The Best Streaming Device Under $40
|
Pros
Excellent 4K HDR performance
Decent navigation
Improved remote
|
Cons
Awkward design
No Dolby Vision or Atmos
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Simple interface
Excellent smart home support
AirPlay 2
|
Cons
No Dolby Vision
No headphones jack on remote
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick #11 in May 2022 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.
Reviewed
|
Pros
Supports all major streaming services
Excellent remote
|
Cons
Favors Amazon content
|
PCMag
Best for Amazon Users / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Affordable
Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Amazon Alexa
Quick Wi-Fi streaming and menu navigation
|
Cons
Ethernet adapter not included
|
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick+ #12 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
Tom's Guide
For $20 more the best streaming device gets a better remote
|
Pros
Voice Remote Pro eliminates batteries
Snappy 4K HDR streaming
Gains Dolby Vision
|
Cons
No Dolby Atmos
Not a big upgrade from previous model
|
Reviewed
Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Streams HDR and 4K content
Remote includes voice-control
|
Cons
Only works over WiFi
|
We ranked TiVo Stream 4K #13 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A compelling UHD streamer with Android TV apps
|
Pros
Speedy 4K streaming
Supports most if not all services and apps
Remote offers easy access to live TV
|
Cons
Constrained live TV offering
Poor recommendations
|
PCMag
Ideal for Sling TV Users
|
Pros
Affordable
Android TV and Google Assistant functionality
Live TV support through Locast and Sling
Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision
|
Cons
TiVo Stream and stock Android TV interfaces aren't quite as sleek as competitors
Remote is a little clunky
|