January 2025
TV Boxes And Sticks: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of TV boxes and sticks rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 16 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 76 streaming player endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
21 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 16 Jan 2025, 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: 8 streaming players
(#1 is Roku Streaming Stick 4K)
-
Amazon: 4 streaming players
(#1 is Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max)
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Google: 3 streaming players
(#1 is Chromecast with Google TV 4K)
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Apple: 1 streaming players
(#1 is Apple TV 4K)
-
Nvidia: 1 streaming players
(#1 is Nvidia Shield)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
CNET
|
Digital Trends
|
Business Insider
|
Reviewed
|
The Verge
|
PCMag
|
IGN
|
Tom's Guide
|
TechRadar
|
WIRED
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $247 |
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.
|
5
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
|
2
|
- | $38 |
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.
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2
|
2
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-
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3
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3
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5
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7
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1
|
9
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1
|
|
3
|
- | $73 |
Roku Ultra
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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-
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-
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1
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1
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-
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4
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1
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-
|
-
|
4
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
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.
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
4
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-
|
2
|
6
|
8
|
5
|
|
5
|
- | $150 |
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.
|
7
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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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3
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-
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
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.
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3
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-
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-
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2
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2
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-
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6
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-
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-
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2
|
|
7
|
- | $29 |
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.
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1
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-
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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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7
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-
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|
8
|
- | $100 |
Google TV Streamer
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-
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5
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5
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-
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-
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7
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-
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3
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-
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-
|
|
9
|
- | $110 |
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.
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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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9
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11
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6
|
-
|
|
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.
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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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|
11
|
- | $40 |
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.
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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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3
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13
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-
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7
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|
12
|
- | $88 |
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.
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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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8
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8
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4
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-
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13
|
- | $30 |
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.
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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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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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|
14
|
- | $26 |
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.
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-
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-
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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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-
|
5
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $27 |
Onn 4K Google TV 2023
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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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7
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-
|
6
|
|
16
|
- | $145 |
Roku Streambar
The Roku Streambar is a budget-friendly and versatile device that combines a 4K streaming player and a soundbar in one, offering clear dialogue and good tonal range for both music and movies.
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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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-
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-
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9
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We ranked Apple TV 4K #1 in January 2025 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.
CNET
Best for gamers and power users
|
Cheaper starting price than previous Apple TV 4K
Speedy performance
Modern, A15 Bionic chip
Robust app and format support, integration with other Apple services
|
Still a lot more expensive than rival, capable streamers
No noticeable apps or experiences to take advantage of new chip
TV gaming on Apple Arcade remains lacking
Ethernet is just on the priciest model
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
IGN
Best 4K Streaming Box for Apple Households
|
Upgraded performance thanks to the Apple A15 Bionic chip
iPhones automatically calibrate the output video
|
Costs extra for ethernet port
|
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
|
Still expensive
-No Find My remote feature
|
TechRadar
The best streaming device for iOS
|
High-frame-rate HDR support
Redesigned Siri remote
|
Expensive
Doesn’t work with Android
|
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K #2 in January 2025 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K as #1.
CNET
Second-place runner-up
|
Robust app and Dolby Vision support
Simple interface
Good search for TV and movies
|
Costs $10 more than the nearly identical Express 4K Plus
No support for gaming services
No smart home control
Voice assistant remains limited
Does not support Dolby Atmos
|
Digital Trends
The best budget streaming device
|
Affordable
Easy to use
All the features you want
|
Roku's advertising scheme means tracking
|
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
|
IGN
Best Streaming Stick
|
Compact stick rather than box
Delivers 4K/60fps and HDR support, including Dolby Vision
|
Lacks smart home control
|
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
|
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
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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 January 2025 ranking
CNET
Digital Trends
Business Insider
Reviewed
The Verge
PCMag
IGN
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
WIRED
We ranked Roku Ultra #3 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Roku Ultra as #1.
Business Insider
Best overall
|
Slightly faster than previous models
Remote is backlit, rechargeable, and supports hands-free voice control
Simple and reliable interface
Ethernet port for wired internet and USB for media playback
|
Pricey compared to streaming stick options
Boost in performance over older model isn't huge
|
Reviewed
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
|
Top-notch voice remote pro
4K/HDR and Dolby Vision
Fast, with wired internet
|
More expensive than streaming sticks
|
PCMag
Best Roku Streamer
|
Fast performance
Wi-Fi 6 support
Ethernet port for wired connections
Hands-free voice control
Apple AirPlay
|
Expensive
Voice features lag behind competitors
Remote lacks a headphone jack
No Twitch app
|
IGN
Best Overall Streaming Device
|
Compatible with HDR10/10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR
Voice Remote Pro offers hands-free voice control
|
Pricer than other Roku offerings with similar features
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max #4 in January 2025 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
CNET
Fastest streaming device
|
Fast loading times
Latest playback standards offered
Amazon ecosystem capabilities
|
Only slightly improved from previous model
|
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
|
Doesn't include the best Alexa remote
Waiting on some new AI features
Laggy interactions
|
Business Insider
Best for speedy navigation
|
Compact build
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
|
IGN
Best Budget Streaming Device
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Runs faster than predecessor and supports WiFi 6E
Support for 4K video at up to 60fps
|
No Google Cast or Apple AirPlay
|
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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TechRadar
The most powerful Amazon option for Alexa fans
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4K HDR streaming
Dolby Vision / Atmos / HDR10+
Voice remote with Alexa
|
Too many sponsored ads
Search still could be better
|
We ranked Nvidia Shield #5 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
CNET
Best for hardcore gamers
|
Cutting-edge streaming with 4K AI upscaling, Dolby Vision
Native Android, cloud gaming and Steam Link options
Improved Android TV interface with Google Assistant
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Expensive
Some issues understanding voice commands
Slower than Roku to launch Netflix
|
Digital Trends
The next-best streaming device
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Great for game streaming
Good variety of apps
Excellent upscaling
|
Doesn't come with a game controller
No included HDMI cable
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IGN
Best 4K Streaming Device
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Game streaming possible
Built-in AI upscaling
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High price tag
|
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
|
TechRadar
The best 4K streaming device for power and performance
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AI Upscaling
Google Assistant built in
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No Apple TV app
No USB ports for extra storage
|
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV 4K #6 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
CNET
Third-Best Streaming Device Overall / Editor's Choice
|
Useful remote
Large app selection
Makes excellent use of the Google Assistant
Ties in well with YouTube TV, Google Photos
|
Can lag when switching apps or using voice
Assistant doesn't always give the best option to play back content
No full Dolby Atmos
|
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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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
|
We ranked Roku Express 4K Plus #7 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Express 4K Plus as #1.
CNET
Best Streaming Device Overall / Editor's Choice
|
Super simple, app-based menus
Cheaper than 4K HDR rivals
Fast and responsive
Ethernet support (with third-party adapter)
Dolby Atmos supported on some apps
|
No Dolby Vision support
Roku's voice assistant remains weaker than rivals from Amazon, Apple and Google
|
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 / Best Value
|
Excellent 4K HDR performance
Decent navigation
Improved remote
|
Awkward design
No Dolby Vision or Atmos
|
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
|
We ranked Google TV Streamer #8 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
Digital Trends
The Chromecast replacement has some real smarts
|
Stock Google TV experience
Faster than Chromecast
Better remote control
Hands-free voice control
|
Can't hide it behind a TV
|
Business Insider
Best for Google users
|
Improved performance with quick navigation speed
You can play a sound to find the remote
Interface has personalized recommendations and a smart home control panel
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos support
|
HDMI cable isn't included
Remote lacks backlit keys, rechargeable battery, and hands-free voice control
Encountered glitches when setting up the Google Home control panel
It uses WiFi 5 rather than the newer WiFi 6 standard
|
PCMag
Best Google TV Streamer
|
Fast, smooth performance
Ethernet port for wired connectivity
Works as a Matter hub and Threads border router
|
Expensive
No Wi-Fi 6
Lacks hands-free voice control
|
Tom's Guide
The best streaming device for people in the Google ecosystem / Editor's Choice
|
Free & live TV integrations
Enhanced smart home controls
Redesigned remote
Clever use of AI for screensaver
|
Pricier than Chromecast with Google TV
Can’t fit behind TV
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Cube #9 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
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
|
IGN
Most Powerful Streaming Device
|
Fast octa-core processor
Surround sound support
|
Doesn't include Xbox App
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick #10 in January 2025 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 January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
IGN
Best Ultra Cheap Streaming Device
|
Budget-friendly
Voice control remote with Google Assistant
|
Confusing interface
|
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 Chromecast with Google TV HD #12 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
Business Insider
Best budget
|
Affordable
Compact stick design
Includes Alexa voice remote
|
Doesn't support 4K
No Ethernet
Lacks built-in Dolby Atmos decoding
|
TechRadar
The best budget streaming device
|
Offers 60fps and HDR
Good Value compared to rivals
|
Only HD streaming
Persistent ads
No volume controls
|
We ranked Roku Express #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
Reviewed
|
Access to Roku's full platform
|
Remote lacks voice-control, power/volume buttons
Video maxes at 1080p
Requires HDMI
|
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
|
We ranked Onn 4K Google TV 2023 #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
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
|
Awkward, cheap-feeling design
Remote app is inconsistent
|
We ranked Roku Streambar #16 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV boxes and sticks” rankings.
CNET
Best Soundbar-Streaming Combo / Editor's Choice
|
Compact, easy to set up and affordable
Excellent dialogue reproduction
Tried and true Roku experience
|
Lacks bass in movies and music
|