Neither Roku 2 nor Tanix TX3 Mini were recommended by experts this month
On 16 Jan 2025 (1 year ago) we went through 76 Streaming Player expert endorsements , however neither Roku 2 nor Tanix TX3 Mini were included in any of those recommendations. Since neither Streaming Player received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go, it's technically a tie. We do, however, recommend taking a look at Apple TV 4K or other critically acclaimed TV Boxes and Sticks of this month.
For reference, Apple TV 4K received 10 endorsements this month, from CNET (17 Dec 2024), Digital Trends (3 Jan 2025) Business Insider (1 Nov 2024) and 7 others.
| 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 |
| N/A | N/A | Check price |  Roku 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| N/A | N/A | Check price |  Tanix TX3 Mini | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire TV Boxes and Sticks ranking? It's here
As can be seen below, in Jan 2025 neither Roku 2 nor Tanix TX3 Mini were recommended by key experts
who publish TV Boxes and Sticks recommendations.
| 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. | 2 | 2 | - | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 9 | 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. | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | 4 | 1 | - | - | 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 | - | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [22]
Total expert reviews: 22
- with a score: 10
- without a score: 12
| Highest score by What Hi-Fi | 100 |
| Average score based on 22 reviews | 79 |
| Lowest score by techadvisor | 70 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
No expert reviews linked yet for Tanix TX3 Mini.
Video Quality
Video Quality & Speed The quality of picture you’ll receive from a media streamer can be assessed by two measurements: highest video resolution and the frame rate (in frames per second, or fps). You’ve likely seen video re ... Show more
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4K@30fps
4K Capable 4K or Ultra-HD is the latest (and highest) screen resolution for TV sets. If you have a 4K TV, you must have a 4K capable TV box or stick in order to stream at the maximum resolution. For reference, 4 ... Show more
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Total RAM Random Access Memory, or RAM, determines how much information a device can process simultaneously. You may have heard it in reference to computers or phones. But media streamers have RAM, too, and usu ... Show more
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1 GB
Storage Space Measured in GB or TB, storage capacity on a media streamer limits the number of apps, movies, shows and games you can download on your device. More storage comes at a premium price, but may be worth i ... Show more
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16 GB
Web Content
Major Apps Available
Does the device have some of the most popular apps/channels?
- Netflix
- Hulu
- YouTube
- Amazon Prime or Instant Video
Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Vudu, YouTube, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Netflix, PBS KIDS, Rdio, Showtime Anytime, Smithsonian Channel, Vevo
YouTube
Skype, Picasa, Youtube, Flicker, Facebook, Online movies, etc.
Downloadable Content Some media devices offer the opportunity to download content (rather than stream it) for a quicker experience uninterrupted by buffering. An example of this is Apple TV, which allows users to download ... Show more
Web Browser Some media streamers will come with a web browser that allows you to search the internet on your TV, in addition to the myriad of apps available for download. While an interesting feature, the experie ... Show more
Live TV
Live Broadcasts A TV box or stick that connect to broadcast is key for those who want to watch live TV. Oftentimes, you can pay for a subscription to a TV network’s app (HBO, Starz, CBS, etc.), but this can add up fi ... Show more
Record/Catch-Up TV If the TV box can connect to broadcast TV, you may be able to record live programs and replay past programs within a certain time period. This means no more missing your favorite shows! Set the box to ... Show more
Pause/Rewind Live TV While watching live TV, you may want to pause the program or rewind a part you missed. Some media streamers are limited in how far you can rewind, such as 30 minutes. Also, if you pause the program fo ... Show more
Controls
Remote Capabilities If the TV box or stick comes with a remote, it may also double as a microphone or contain a headphone jack for private listening. Microphones are useful in remotes because they allow you to use your v ... Show more
- Microphone
- Headphone Jack
- App Specific Buttons (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)
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Voice Control A microphone—whether in the remote or on the box/stick—allows the user to control the TV using their voice. You can search for programs, change channels and apps, turn volume up or down, turn power on ... Show more
Smartphone/Tablet Control Some media streamers allow you to control your TV with your smartphone or tablet by downloading an app on your device. The Google Chromcast is one example of a media streamer that does not use a remot ... Show more
Gaming Controller Options If you plan to use your media streamer for gaming, you’ll need a controller. Some TV boxes and sticks use the remote as a controller, which is sufficient for basic games and kids play. You may also re ... Show more
Remote
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Connections
Network Connection Type The different network connections available for media streamers includes Ethernet, wireless/Wi-FI, Bluetooth, satellite, aerial/cable, and AirPlay. Most all media streamers will have Wi-Fi. If you hav ... Show more
- Wired/Ethernet
- Wireless/Wi-Fi
- Wired/Ethernet
- Bluetooth
- Wireless/Wi-Fi
Device Connection Type The different outputs or device connections include HDMI, digital optical audio output, USB, SD or microSD. TV sticks will connect to your TV through HDMI, but won’t contain any outputs (except for po ... Show more
- HDMI
- USB
- microSD
- HDMI
- USB
Physical Features
Weight
5 oz
27 lbs
Dimensions
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Other Info
Device Type Media streamers come in two types: TV sticks or TV boxes. Generally speaking, there are a few main differences between the two. The most obvious one is size. TV sticks are much more unobtrusive becaus ... Show more
TV Box
TV Box
Other Features
- Ethernet, USB and Micro SD card slot
- Lightning-fast processor
- Cast video, music, photos, and more from mobile devices to your TV
Language: English/French/German/Spanish/Italian etc. 24 languages
Accessories Included
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- 5V/2A adapter
- HDMI cable
- Remote control