June 2021
TV Boxes and Sticks: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Streaming Player rankings posted by key online experts, as of June 2021.
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 June 2021 ranking
CNET
Tom's Guide
PCMag
TechRadar
TechHive
ZD Net
The Verge
Digital Trends
Reviewed
Business Insider
At a glance - June 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Price | Streaming Player |
CNET
|
Tom's Guide
|
PCMag
|
TechRadar
|
TechHive
|
ZD Net
|
The Verge
|
Digital Trends
|
Reviewed
|
Business Insider
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Check price |
Chromecast with Google TV
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
|
2
|
$160 |
Apple TV 4K
|
4
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
6
|
4
|
3
|
|
3
|
$90 |
Roku Ultra 2020
|
6
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
|
4
|
$39 |
Roku Streaming Stick+
|
3
|
1
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
|
5
|
$40 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick
|
8
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
|
6
|
$120 |
Amazon Fire TV Cube
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
-
|
|
7
|
$25 |
Roku Express
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
2
|
|
8
|
$30 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
$29 |
Roku Express 4K+
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
$150 |
Nvidia Shield
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
11
|
$200 |
Nvidia Shield TV Pro
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
$99 |
Roku Streambar
|
9
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
$30 |
TiVo Stream 4K
|
-
|
9
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Chromecast with Google TV #1 in June 2021 because:
- 10 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Chromecast with Google TV as #1.
Tom's Guide
The Best Chromecast Streaming Device
|
Pros
Sensible layout
Lots of streaming services
Remote included
|
Cons
General Google searches poorly formatted
|
PCMag
Our Top Pick Under $50
|
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
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
|
ZD Net
Better Than Ever
|
Pros
Affordable
Integrates with Google Home and Assistant
Finally has a remote
|
Cons
Doesn't offer more advanced video protocols
|
Reviewed
BEST VALUE
|
Pros
Affordable
Very good remote
4K/HDR Support
|
Cons
No wired internet
Interface needs work
|
We ranked Apple TV 4K #2 in June 2021 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.
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
|
PCMag
Best for Apple HomeKit Control
|
Pros
4K and HDR support for both HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Strong Wi-Fi performance.
Siri with voice remote.
|
Cons
Expensive.
Apple's streaming apps selection is still relatively small.
Some apps not yet updated for 4K streaming.
|
TechRadar
Best iOS Streaming Device
|
Pros
High-frame-rate HDR support
Redesigned Siri remote
|
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t work with Android
|
ZD Net
It Has A New Siri Remote!
|
Pros
Access to Apple's App Store
A faster processor should future-proof the new box
New Siri Remote looks nice
|
Cons
Expensive compared to the competition
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Supports higher-end TVs
Good-looking interface
Easy to navigate
|
Cons
Expensive
Remote difficult to use
|
We ranked Roku Ultra 2020 #3 in June 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 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
|
PCMag
Lets You Easily Listen With Headphones
|
Pros
Fast performance
AirPlay and Dolby Vision support
Remote has a headphone jack for private listening
|
Cons
Expensive
Still doesn't have a fully functional voice assistant
Missing HBO Max and Twitch
|
ZD Net
Everything You Could Want From A Streaming Box
|
Pros
Does just about everything you'd want from a streaming box
Built-in remote finder? What's not to love
Wide range of apps and service support
|
Cons
The built-in voice assistant could use some work
|
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 Roku Streaming Stick+ #4 in June 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Streaming Stick+ as #1.
Tom's Guide
Best Streaming Device Overall
|
Pros
Inexpensive
Full 4K HDR capabilities
Huge app selection
|
Cons
Remote lacks an audio jack
Search could be deeper
|
PCMag
Longer Wireless Range Than the Express 4K+
|
Pros
Affordable.
Snappy performance.
Powerful Wi-Fi.
Supports 4K video with HDR10.
Lots of content available in the Roku Channel Store.
|
Cons
No Dolby Vision HDR support.
Voice search is much more limited than on other media streamers.
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Streams HDR and 4K content
Remote includes voice-control
|
Cons
Only works over WiFi
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick #5 in June 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick as #1.
PCMag
Amazon's Most Affordable 4K Streamer
|
Pros
Affordable
Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Amazon Alexa
Quick Wi-Fi streaming and menu navigation
|
Cons
No Google Play apps
Ethernet adapter not included
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Supports all major streaming services
Excellent remote
|
Cons
Favors Amazon content
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Cube #6 in June 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
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
|
PCMag
Affordable Streaming for Older 1080p TVs
|
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
|
TechRadar
Best Alexa Streaming Device
|
Pros
Voice Control
Built-in Alexa
|
Cons
Panders to Amazon Prime
No HDMI cable in the box
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Able to control all your smart devices
|
Cons
Unreliable voice control
Expensive
|
We ranked Roku Express #7 in June 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Express as #1.
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
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Access to Roku's full platform
|
Cons
Remote lacks voice-control, power/volume buttons
Video maxes at 1080p
Requires HDMI
|
We ranked Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite #8 in June 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
TechRadar
Best Budget Streaming Device
|
Pros
60fps and HDR
Good value
|
Cons
Only HD streaming
Persistent ads
|
ZD Net
Affordable Streaming
|
Pros
Affordable
Reliable experience
Respectable streaming catalog
|
Cons
No 4K support
|
We ranked Roku Express 4K+ #9 in June 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
PCMag
Roku's Most Affordable 4K Streamer
|
Pros
4K streaming with HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG
Easy, uncomplicated interface
Supports Apple AirPlay 2
|
Cons
Voice search feels underdeveloped
No Dolby Vision support
|
ZD Net
4K for only $40
|
Pros
4K for $40
Voice Remote included
|
Cons
Doesn't support Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision
|
We ranked Nvidia Shield #10 in June 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
We ranked Nvidia Shield TV Pro #11 in June 2021 because:
- 2 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
|
TechRadar
Best 4K Streaming Device
|
Pros
AI Upscaling
Google Assistant built in
|
Cons
No Apple TV app
No USB ports for extra storage
|
We ranked Roku Streambar #12 in June 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best TV Boxes and Sticks” rankings.
PCMag
Solid Sound With Your Streaming
|
Pros
Affordable
Solid audio performance
Lots of media streaming options
Remote with headphone jack
|
Cons
Relatively weak bass response
|
We ranked TiVo Stream 4K #13 in June 2021 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
|