the smart buyer guide

The Smart

Buyer Guide

Top 10 Streaming Media Players: Ultimate Selection

Elevate Your Entertainment with these Top 10 Picks!

Looking for the best streaming media players for an immersive entertainment experience? Look no further! We've curated a list of top-rated streaming devices that offer stunning picture quality, fast streaming, and user-friendly interfaces. From budget-friendly options to premium powerhouses, these streaming media players are sure to enhance your viewing pleasure. Read on to discover the perfect device for your streaming needs.

Roku Express 4K+ | Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR, Roku Voice Remote, Free & Live TV NEW Roku Express 4K +

1
Best Pick
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9.7

Exceptional

The Roku Express 4K Plus is the ultimate choice for anyone seeking an exceptional streaming experience. With brilliant 4K picture quality, seamless streaming, and a voice remote that simplifies control, this device offers top-notch performance. One standout feature is the ability to power up your TV, adjust volume, and control the Roku device with just one remote, eliminating the hassle of multiple remotes. Setting up is a breeze, and you can start streaming without the need for a power adapter. The customizable home screen, compatibility with voice assistants, and troubleshooting steps for connectivity add to the overall value. Customers rave about the easy installation, great streaming options, and the incredible picture quality. The Roku Express 4K Plus stands out for its functionality, ease of use, and affordable price, making it a must-have for optimizing your TV experience.

Why we like it

  • Enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi for smooth streaming
  • Voice remote with TV power & volume buttons
  • Private listening with included headphones
  • Personal shortcut buttons for quick access
  • Quick and easy setup without power adaptor

Amazon Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD

2
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9.4

Exceptional

The third-generation Amazon Fire TV Cube is a standout streaming device that delivers exceptional performance and seamless hands-free control with Alexa. With its array of connectivity ports, including HDMI input, setting up the Fire TV Cube is a breeze. The interface is lightning-fast thanks to the octa-core processor, although the Fire TV platform leans heavily towards Amazon content. Overall, if you're deeply entrenched in the Amazon ecosystem and are seeking a premium streaming experience, the Fire TV Cube is a solid investment.

Why we like it

  • Hands-free Alexa control for seamless operation
  • Wi-Fi 6E support for stable streaming performance
  • Enhanced voice control across entertainment devices
  • Premium design with cloth enclosure for aesthetics
  • Easy integration with existing home entertainment setup

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player; 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, Works with Alexa

3
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9.4

Exceptional

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro stands out as a top-tier streaming device with powerful hardware and exclusive features like GameStream and AI upscaling. Its performance remains strong over time, receiving regular updates that ensure a fluid experience. While newer models with additional features would be welcome, the current SHIELD TV Pro continues to lead the pack in 2024, making it the go-to choice for those seeking a premium streaming experience.

Why we like it

  • AI upscaling for enhanced picture quality
  • GeForce NOW transforms into powerful gaming rig
  • Largest variety of 4K HDR content available
  • Built-in Google Assistant for effortless voice control
  • Extensive connectivity with 2x USB 3.0 ports

Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Portable Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision, Roku Voice Remote, Free & Live TV

4
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9.2

Exceptional

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a budget-friendly yet powerful streaming device that brings Dolby Vision and HDR10 support for stunning picture quality. With a snappy performance and a user-friendly interface, it offers a vast selection of streaming apps to cater to your entertainment needs. While it may lack Dolby Atmos, the device excels in delivering impressive Ultra HD streaming and clear video quality. The basic remote included gets the job done, but upgrading to the Voice Remote Pro adds extra convenience. For a reliable, affordable, and high-quality streaming experience, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a solid choice.

Why we like it

  • Compact stick design with powerful 4K streaming
  • Enhanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
  • Long-range Wi-Fi for seamless streaming experience
  • Voice remote for easy control and quick search
  • Vast selection of streaming apps available

Roku Streambar SE | 2-in-1 TV Soundbar with Built-in 4K/HD/HDR Streaming, Premium Speakers, & Enhanced Speech Clarity for Crisp, Clear Dialogue - Quick Guided Simple Setup Black

5
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8.8

Outstanding

The Roku Streambar is a compact powerhouse that combines 4K streaming and enhanced dialogue clarity in one sleek package. While it may not have the deepest bass, it excels in delivering clear voices and improving TV audio quality. With easy setup and reliable performance, this soundbar is a budget-friendly option for those looking to elevate their TV experience without breaking the bank.

Why we like it

  • 4K streaming combined with powerful soundbar
  • Enhanced dialogue clarity for clear voice projection
  • Seamless interface for quick app access
  • Budget-friendly TV audio upgrade with streaming capabilities
  • Space-saving design with versatile connectivity options

Roku Express | HD Roku Streaming Device with Standard Remote (no TV controls), Free & Live TV Without Camera

6
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8.5

Outstanding

The Roku Express 4K is a solid performer in the budget streaming device category. With support for HDR10 and Dolby Atmos, it offers impressive picture quality and immersive sound. The compact design and user-friendly interface make it easy to navigate through a wide selection of streaming apps. While lacking Dolby Vision, it excels in delivering a smooth streaming experience. Overall, the Roku Express 4K is a great choice for those seeking an affordable upgrade to their home entertainment setup.

Why we like it

  • Enhanced 4K streaming experience with HDR10+
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos support for cinematic sound
  • Automatic software updates for latest features
  • Convenient compact design for flexible placement
  • 400+ free live TV channels for added content

Amazon Fire TV Stick, HD, sharp picture quality, fast streaming, free & live TV, Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls

7
Budget Pick

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers a compelling streaming experience at an affordable price point. With its 50% increase in power compared to the previous generation, you can enjoy fast streaming in Full HD. The included Alexa Voice Remote makes it convenient to navigate through various apps and control your TV and soundbar with ease. Additionally, the Fire TV Stick provides access to a wide range of streaming services, free movies, and TV episodes, along with music streaming options. Despite some potential issues with lag over time, the Fire TV Stick is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for those looking to enhance their entertainment setup without breaking the bank. Comparing it to the top pick, the Roku Express 4K, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers similar features and performance, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Why we like it

  • Fast Wi-Fi 6E for stable streaming performance.
  • Ample storage for more apps and downloads.
  • Seamless access to 4K Ultra HD content.
  • Xbox Game Pass compatibility for gaming diversity.
  • Enhanced picture quality with Dolby Vision support.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, our most powerful 4K streaming stick with Wi-Fi 6E support, 16GB Storage, Quad-Core Processor

8

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a solid choice for those looking to level up their streaming experience. With improved features like Wi-Fi 6E support and expanded storage, it offers seamless access to a variety of content. Additionally, its compatibility with Xbox Game Pass enhances the entertainment options available. The device is easy to set up and use, making it a convenient choice for streaming enthusiasts. Overall, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max delivers on performance and value, making it a worthy addition to any entertainment setup.

Why we like it

  • Fast Wi-Fi 6E for stable streaming performance.
  • Ample storage for more apps and downloads.
  • Seamless access to 4K Ultra HD content.
  • Xbox Game Pass compatibility for gaming diversity.
  • Enhanced picture quality with Dolby Vision support.

Roku Premiere | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Media Player, Simple Remote and Premium HDMI Cable, Black

9

The Roku Premiere is a great little streaming set-top box, offering some of the latest streaming standards, support for a wide range of content with excellent performance, making it an easy recommendation. Its compact design may struggle to sit flat due to its small size, but it takes up very little space and is easy to set up. The remote works via line-of-sight infrared, with the option to stick it to your TV for easy access. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, easy navigation, and universal search across services, making it convenient to find and watch your favorite shows. While it lacks support for advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision, it delivers solid 4K HDR video with good color potential. Overall, the Roku Premiere is a reliable and budget-friendly option for streaming content in high quality.

Why we like it

  • Enhanced 4K HDR picture quality
  • Extensive streaming content variety
  • Compact design with space-saving setup
  • Intuitive interface for seamless navigation
  • Universal search for convenient content access

Roku Ultra | The Ultimate Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos, Rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro, Ethernet Port, Hands-Free Controls, Lost Remote Finder, Free & Live TV Black

10

The Roku Ultra is a powerhouse of a streaming device, offering top-notch features like 4K HDR and Dolby Vision. The Voice Remote Pro is a game-changer with its rechargeable battery and lost remote finder. The device supports all major streaming services, making it a versatile choice for entertainment. While it may be pricier than streaming sticks, the Roku Ultra's fast performance and hands-free controls make it worth the investment. If you're looking for the best streaming device on the market, the Roku Ultra is the way to go.

Why we like it

  • Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with personal shortcuts
  • Lost remote finder for convenient locating
  • Versatile support for 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
  • Excellent Wi-Fi, Ethernet connectivity for seamless streaming
  • Dolby Atmos for great picture and sound quality