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Gone are the days when you need a cable plan to watch your favorite movies or TV shows because you can now stream anything you want whenever you want. Most TVs will come with app stores that allow you to download all the most popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, etc. Some of you might not know that you don’t always need a smart TV to get hold of such programs. You can conveniently turn any TV into a smart TV by purchasing a streaming device. These devices run on their own operating systems and have user-friendly interfaces that will allow you to get all the apps you want, instantly. There are many options on the market, but you have to look at their specs if you want the best experience possible. If you have a large TV, you should opt for a streaming device that supports 4K content. You also need the device to be fast and responsive because no one wants to experience lag every time they want to watch something. Let’s look at some of the best streaming devices on the market in 2022.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ is an attractive choice for many because it’s both powerful and affordable. The device itself is small, and all you need to do is plug it into the HDMI port of your TV as if it were a USB flash drive. It promises top-notch quality since it supports 4K, Dolby Vision, HD, and HDR. The Streaming Stick+ features a long-range wireless receiver, so you will still get good reception even if your TV is far from your Wi-Fi router. The device won’t give you any trouble with its smooth, responsive interface. Through the Roku TV platform, you will quickly get access to famous streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The device comes with a free remote with voice control capabilities and app shortcuts right on the remote. Users also can control the device with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Setting the Streaming Stick+ up isn’t rocket science; all you have to do is plug it in, connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and you’re good to go. The device also features Apple TV and supports Apple AirPlay. Unfortunately, the Streaming Stick+ has yet to get Dolby Atmos support.
Superb image qualityResponsive interfaceCompact designDolby Vision supportComes with a voice-enabled remoteLong-range wireless receiverAffordable
Lacks Dolby Atmos support
The Chromecast with Google TV is another compact streaming device that is as simple as plug and play. All you need is a TV with an HDMI port and a stable internet connection. You can easily stream 4K HDR content from famous services like Netflix, Youtube, HBO Max, Disney +, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Peacock, etc. The 4K resolution support of the device already promises outstanding image quality, and you get even m0re vibrant colors and excellent detail with HDR and Dolby Vision. Since Google has created the Google Assistant, it’s no surprise that their Chromecast device comes with voice control capabilities. You can tell Google what you want to watch or even ask for recommendations. The device also has a free remote that gives you basic controls and a Netflix and Youtube shortcut. The Chromecast device is pretty smart, and it can create personal recommendations for you depending on what you have been watching or what you have subscribed to. Users can also quickly cast content from their smartphones, tablets, and laptops directly to their TV. Customers will get a free subscription to Peacock Premium for six months upon purchase. You could also get three free months of Youtube Premium and three months of Apple TV+.
Easy and quick setupSuperb 4K HDR qualitySupports Dolby Vision and Dolby AtmosResponsive interfaceGoogle Assistant built-in
Algorithm for recommendations still needs improvements
Amazon has been doing well with getting people to subscribe to Amazon Prime Video, and they’ve done a good job creating their own line of streaming devices. One of the best options they offer is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The streaming stick supports Wi-Fi 6, resulting in a smoother experience streaming 4K content. It streams all your content in 4K Ultra HD, and it even supports HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. The cinematic experience doesn’t just stop with its visuals either; it also delivers a top-notch audio experience thanks to its Dolby Atmos support. You can stream your favorite films and series from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, etc. You can also watch live TV from SLING TV and Youtube TV. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with an Alexa Voice Remote with all the buttons you need and four app shortcuts. The stick has a Live View Picture-in-Picture feature that allows you to access your front door’s camera while you stream your content. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s performance and quality won’t disappoint you since it has a 750 MHz GPU and a 1.8 GHz CPU.
HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision supportFantastic performanceDolby Atmos supportEasily access popular streaming apps and watch live TVComes with an Alexa Voice Remote
Lots of adsCould use Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast support
If you don’t have any restraints on your budget, you can go for a more premium streaming device like the NVIDIA Shield TV. It supports 4K HDR content, and you can expect the best video and audio quality thanks to its Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos support. The device features the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor that uses AI to upscale your standard HD content to 4K. Its powerful processor also guarantees that you’re interface will run smoothly without lag. The NVIDIA Shield TV has a compact and sleek black design that easily blends with your home cinema setup. The device comes with a convenient remote with voice control capabilities. It also has an IR blaster, backlit buttons, and a built-in lost remote locator. If you already own an Amazon Alexa/Echo or Google Home device, you have the option to connect them to the NVIDIA Shield TV. Users will also easily cast content from their mobile devices to their TVs because the streaming device comes with Chromecast 4K built-in. You can also turn your TV into a gaming console because the device lets you play games through GeForce NOW and Google Play Games.
UHD content rendering is quickGives you access to thousands of appsSuperb picture and sound qualityImpressive game-streaming
Pricier than rivalsAI upscaling doesn't make much of an impact
Another excellent pick is the Apple TV 4K. Apple has made some of the best gadgets around, and it was inevitable that they would create a device for people who want to stream movies and shows at home. Users can expect detailed and crisp video with accurate colors because of the device’s 4K High Frame Rate HDR and Dolby Vision capabilities. It comes with the A12 Bionic chip, so its interface will be as clean as Apple smartphones or computers. The audio of whatever you’re watching will also match the overall video quality because the device has Dolby Atmos support. Some find it challenging to adjust the settings of their streaming devices to get the best quality possible, but the Apple TV 4K makes life easier because it automatically calibrates its settings when you point your iPhone’s screen to your TV. When you have the Apple TV 4K, you can subscribe to Apple TV+ and access all the excellent Apple Originals. You will also get to download all the major streaming services like HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix, etc. The device comes with the voice-enabled Siri Remote that looks modern and minimalist. Users can also access different workouts by using the Apple Fitness+ app, and you can even track metrics if you also own an Apple Watch. The Apple TV 4K even gives you access to Apple Music and Apple Arcade. If you and your friends are all Apple users, you can use the SharePlay feature to watch movies together. The device comes with a power cord and lighting to USB-A cable, but you will still need to purchase an HDMI cable separately.
Superb image and sound quality thanks to Dolby Vision and Dolby AtmosSnappy and responsive interfaceSiri Remote
ExpensiveYou could only benefit from some features if you own an Apple smartphone or tablet
The Fire TV Cube has got to be Amazon’s most powerful streaming device. Thanks to the device’s Hexa-core processor, you get top-notch 4K streaming without any issues. The device comes with a free Alexa Voice Remote, but it has Alexa built-in, so you don’t have to touch your remote. Alexa won’t only help you pick what you want to watch; you can also ask her to create reminders, check the weather, etc. It can even control devices you connect via GDMI-CED, infrared, or the cloud. The cube can hear you clearly even if you’re pretty far away from it since it has eight built-in microphones. The Fire TV Cube streams content with a 4K Ultra HD resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz. You will get realistic colors and remarkable details because of its Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+, and HDR 10 support. The sound from your content will also come to life because of its Dolby Atmos audio. You will always find something new to watch because the cube gives users access to all the popular streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, etc. Unfortunately, an HDMI cable isn’t included with the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
Convenient voice-controlImpressive performanceSuperb 4K Ultra HD qualityDolby Atmos audio
PriceyMany adsCan't edit the home screen
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