May 2023
TV Boxes and Sticks: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Streaming Player rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 8 May 2023 and 9 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 76 Streaming Player endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
22 TV Boxes and Sticks 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 May 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. It is followed by Chromecast with Google TV 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K , with 9 and 7 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Roku:
7 Streaming Players
(#1 is Roku Streambar )
-
Amazon:
4 Streaming Players
(#1 is Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) )
-
Google:
3 Streaming Players
(#1 is Google Chromecast Ultra )
-
Apple:
1 Streaming Players
(#1 is Apple TV 4K )
-
Nvidia:
1 Streaming Players
(#1 is Nvidia Shield )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
The Verge
|
PCMag
|
TechRadar
|
Digital Trends
|
WIRED
|
Reviewed
|
Business Insider
|
TechHive
|
IGN
|
Tom's Guide
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $129 |
Apple TV 4K
|
1
|
9
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
3
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
|
2
|
- | $50 |
Chromecast with Google TV 4K
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
|
3
|
- | $45 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
|
3
|
6
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | $55 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
|
5
|
- | $150 |
Nvidia Shield
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|
6
|
- | $100 |
Roku Ultra 2022
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $70 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
8
|
|
8
|
- | $100 |
Amazon Fire TV Cube
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
10
|
|
9
|
- | $30 |
Chromecast with Google TV HD
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
|
10
|
- | $39 |
Roku Express 4K Plus
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
11
|
- | $50 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $30 |
Roku Express
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $118 |
Roku Ultra 2020
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
14
|
- | $29 |
TiVo Stream 4K
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
12
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Streaming Player |
|---|---|---|
| #14 | $29 | TiVo Stream 4K [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $29.98 | Chromecast with Google TV HD [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $29.99 | Roku Express [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $39 | Roku Express 4K Plus [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $45 | Roku Streaming Stick 4K [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $49.94 | Chromecast with Google TV 4K [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $49.99 | Amazon Fire TV Stick [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $54.99 | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $69.99 | Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $99.99 | Roku Ultra 2022 [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $99.99 | Amazon Fire TV Cube [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $117.77 | Roku Ultra 2020 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $128.99 | Apple TV 4K [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $149.99 | Nvidia Shield [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Apple TV 4K #1 in May 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.
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
|
TechRadar
The best streaming device for iOS
|
Pros
High-frame-rate HDR support
Redesigned Siri remote
|
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t work with Android
|
Digital Trends
The best overall streaming device
|
Pros
Lightning quick navigation
Gorgeous Audio and Video output
Feature-packed
Extremely Powerful
Intuitive, uncluttered interface
|
Cons
Several features exclusive to Apple users
|
Reviewed
Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Great remote
Has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Works great with Apple gear
|
Cons
Stale design
Pricier than competition
|
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
|
TechHive
Best high-end media streamer
|
Pros
Uncluttered, ad-free interface
Performance is speedier than ever
AirPlay, AirPods, and iCloud integration are nice to have
|
Cons
No remote finder function
Dual home screens can be confusing
Remote gesture controls, while useful, might confound some users
|
Tom's Guide
Best Streaming Device for Apple Device Owners
|
Pros
A15 delivers faster app load times
More affordable price (plus more storage)
Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
|
Cons
Still expensive
-No Find My remote feature
|
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV 4K #2 in May 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
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
|
TechRadar
The best all-rounder streaming stick
|
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
|
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 / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Affordable
Very good remote
4K/HDR Support
|
Cons
No wired internet
Interface needs work
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
The best streaming device for people in the Google ecosystem / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Sensible layout
Lots of streaming services
Remote included
|
Cons
General Google searches poorly formatted
|
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 2023 ranking
The Verge
PCMag
TechRadar
Digital Trends
WIRED
Reviewed
Business Insider
TechHive
IGN
Tom's Guide
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K #3 in May 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.
PCMag
Best for Affordable AirPlay
|
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
|
TechRadar
A solid choice for anyone new to TV streaming
|
Pros
Faster boot up speed
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Long-range Wi-Fi
|
Cons
Roku UI is a bit old
Remote pairing problems
|
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
Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Simple and intuitive interface
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Great remote
|
Cons
No Ethernet option
No onboard storage
|
TechHive
Best media streamer for most people
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Discovering and tracking shows could be a lot easier
No Dolby Atmos support or IR control for external sound systems
Only supports wireless connections
|
Tom's Guide
Best streaming device overall / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Relatively affordable
Full 4K HDR capabilities
Finally has Dolby Vision
|
Cons
Dolby Atmos is missing
Amazon offers better live TV integration
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max #4 in May 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The most powerful Amazon option for Alexa fans
|
Pros
4K HDR streaming
Dolby Vision / Atmos / HDR10+
Voice remote with Alexa
|
Cons
Too many sponsored ads
Search still could be better
|
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
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
Best Amazon streaming device under $100
|
Pros
Faster performance
Neat live TV intergration
All of the apps
|
Cons
Amazon and ad content abound
Should just be new 4K Fire Stick
|
We ranked Nvidia Shield #5 in May 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
|
Pros
AI Upscaling
Google Assistant built in
|
Cons
No Apple TV app
No USB ports for extra storage
|
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
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
Best Android streaming device / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Excellent game-streaming
Quick rendering of UHD content
Lots of great apps
|
Cons
AI upscaling doesn't add that much
Somewhat expensive
|
We ranked Roku Ultra 2022 #6 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Roku Ultra 2022 as #1.
PCMag
Best Connection Options
|
Pros
Voice Remote Pro features hands-free voice control, a headphone jack, and remote finder function
Supports Apple AirPlay 2
Strong media app selection
|
Cons
Voice features still lag behind Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
No Twitch app
|
Reviewed
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Top-notch voice remote pro
4K/HDR and Dolby Vision
Fast, with wired internet
|
Cons
More expensive than streaming sticks
|
We ranked Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus #7 in May 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
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
For $20 more the best streaming device gets a better remote / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Voice Remote Pro eliminates batteries
Snappy 4K HDR streaming
Gains Dolby Vision
|
Cons
No Dolby Atmos
Not a big upgrade from previous model
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Cube #8 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
PCMag
Best for Hands-Free Alexa Voice Control / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Hands-free Alexa voice assistance
HDMI pass-through with Alexa overlay
Supports Wi-Fi 6E
Fast performance
|
Cons
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E doesn't necessarily offer video benefits
|
TechRadar
The top streaming option if you love Amazon Alexa
|
Pros
Voice Control
Built-in Alexa
|
Cons
Panders to Amazon Prime
No HDMI cable in the box
|
TechHive
best media streamer with voice control
|
Pros
Unparalleled voice control features
Powerful remote; the “Recents” button is a revelation
Super-fast app load times
|
Cons
The home screen is a disaster
Upscaling isn’t a major improvement
Costs more than most other high-end streaming boxes
|
Tom's Guide
Best Voice Control in A Streaming Device
|
Pros
Speedy performance
Newly integrated Ethernet and USB-A port
HDMI-IN port lets you connect more devices
|
Cons
$10 more expensive than before
Super Resolution Upscaling doesn't make a notable difference
|
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV HD #9 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
PCMag
Best 1080p Media Streamer for Google Users / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Loads of apps and services on Google TV
Google Assistant
Google Cast
Remote with TV volume control
|
Cons
Limited to 1080p
No Dolby Vision
|
TechHive
Best budget-priced media streamer
|
Pros
Home screen helps you figure out what to watch
Cheapest streamer with TV volume and power controls.
Plays nicely with Google Photos, Nest speakers, and Google Home devices.
|
Cons
Some apps don’t fully integrate with the home screen
Too many apps can lead to storage headaches
4K streamers are often on sale at a similar price
|
Tom's Guide
The best HD streaming device
|
Pros
Same great Chromecast with Google TV... now in HD
One of the best streaming device remotes
Hides easily behind TV
Supports HDR
|
Cons
Continue Watching row continues to confuse
No 4K limits use cases
|
We ranked Roku Express 4K Plus #10 in May 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
|
Pros
Affordable price
4K HDR (and HDR10+) streaming
Comes with a Bluetooth remote
|
Cons
No Dolby Vision support
Short HDMI cable
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Simple interface
Excellent smart home support
AirPlay 2
|
Cons
No Dolby Vision
No headphones jack on remote
|
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
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick #11 in May 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
|
Pros
Affordable
Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Amazon Alexa
Quick Wi-Fi streaming and menu navigation
|
Cons
Ethernet adapter not included
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Supports all major streaming services
Excellent remote
|
Cons
Favors Amazon content
|
We ranked Roku Express #12 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
The best streaming stick for good value HD content
|
Pros
Roku TV interface
Great app support
Super cheap
|
Cons
Basic IR remote
Can’t stream 4K HDR content
Super short HDMI cable
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Access to Roku's full platform
|
Cons
Remote lacks voice-control, power/volume buttons
Video maxes at 1080p
Requires HDMI
|
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
|
We ranked Roku Ultra 2020 #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Ultra 2020 as #1.
Business Insider
Best 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 expensive when listed at full price
|
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
|
We ranked TiVo Stream 4K #14 in May 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
|
Pros
Speedy 4K streaming
Supports most if not all services and apps
Remote offers easy access to live TV
|
Cons
Poor recommendations
|