5 Best Streaming Devices
Streaming devices are essentially pieces of hardware that allow you to stream content from the internet, directly into your TV. You usually connect a streaming device to your TV, and they connect to the internet, either via Wi-Fi or LAN cable. A device then loads content from streaming apps and displays them directly to your TV. You can also watch movies or tv shows from your favorite streaming platform.
Do Smart TVs do it better than Streaming Devices?
The simple answer is, technically, no. It is easy to assume that the introduction of smart TVs would threaten the dominance of streaming devices, but this couldn’t be farther from reality. Streaming devices are created with dedicated processors and storage that allow them to effectively stream content at much higher output qualities than Smart TVs. They are far cheaper than your average Smart TV. What’s more, if you already have a non-smart TV, then a streaming device can still connect it to the internet for you.
If you’re interested in giving streaming devices a try, here are 5 of our picks for some of the best selections available on the market at the moment.
As a successor to the Amazon Fire TV Stick, the Amazon Fire TV Cube comes with a hexacore processor that supports 4K Ultra HD viewing, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for top tier performance. Add Alexa to this, supported by far-field voice control technology and you have one of the few streaming devices that let to talk to it from anywhere in the room!
Who was the Amazon Fire TV Cube made for?
The Amazon Fire TV Cube was made to cater to the more amazon product affiliated users, who utilize services like Amazon Prime TV, Amazon Music. Users will need an Amazon account to sign into the cube or the Amazon Fire TV Stick interface.
What devices are compatible with the Amazon Fire TV Cube?
- Any TV with an HDMI port can be connected to the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
- Smart home devices such as thermostats, home security systems, lighting and more, which can be found on the Amazon website.
- Android or iOS phones or tablets.
Any related products to the Amazon Fire TV Cube?
Other Amazon products are available as complements to enhance your at-home streaming experience ever further.
- Amazon Music: Amazon Music is a music streaming service to which you can subscribe to get access to their large song, playlist and podcast selection. You can use this platform on almost all of your electronic devices.
- Alexa: With its worldwide popularity, Alexa is Amazon’s virtual assistant that is compatible with all sorts of technology within your house, and that can control your devices for you. To use Alexa, you can select between 3 product options from their “Echo” collection.
- Fire TV Stick: Easy-to-use HDMI key, the Fire Stick can be plugged into your television and allow you to access all of your favourite apps, channels and games, directly on your big screen.
Bonus : When subscribing to Amazon Prime Video for a year, you get full access to their music streaming platform Amazon Music, a free Kindle book each month, as well as free and quick delivery for all of your Amazon purchases.
Pros
- The micro USB port allows you to expand the 16GB storage that comes with the cube by connecting an external storage source.
- Alexa voice commands can replace remote control usage.
Cons
- No HDMI cable is provided; you’ll need to buy your own.
- Alexa voice application cannot answer more complex queries, requiring you to return to remote control use.
Launched in 2017, the Apple TV 4K offers 2160p video quality for its users along with crisp Dolby Atmos audio technology. It offers high rate viewing and access to a dedicated streaming platform Apple TV +, along with access to games from the Apple Arcade store that can be connected to controllers of your choice. Like other iOS devices Apple offers, Apple TV 4K also has Siri support for automatic voice commands.
Who was the Apple TV 4K made for?
The Apple TV 4k was made primarily for iOS device users, as its full range of connectivity features work best when synced with the user’s various iOS accounts. Users of this and other streaming devices like it will need their Apple IDs to connect to the iOS store, to download apps and to purchase movies, series, music and subscriptions.
What devices are compatible with the Apple TV 4K?
- Any TV is compatible with the Apple 4k TV.
- iOS devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac OS and Apple watch.
Any related products to the Apple TV 4K?
- On this device, you get support for streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu and ESPN.
- HomePod: It is also a purchasable speaker that can connect to your Apple TV to include better voice command and audio control.
- Apple Music: Apple’s music streaming service allows you to stream all of your favorite music on all of your electronic devices. As with other streaming platforms, it is a paid subscription, although with Apple Music, you get the first three months for free.
Pros
- The Apple TV 4K is easy to set up with account syncing.
- This is one of few streaming devices compatibility for Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
Cons
- No 4K HDMI cable; you will have to purchase your own separately.
Originally used to cast your PC, tablet or smartphone screen to your TV, Google Chromecast has since come a long way in terms of development as far as streaming devices go. It now offers 4K HDR and 4K Ultra HD viewing with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for the ultimate audiovisual experience through its new Google TV interface. Its Google Assistant Feature means voice-activated access as well.
Who was the Google Chromecastmade for?
Google Chromecast has now developed into one of the streaming devices made for the Google oriented android device users. Its android interface opens it up to a wide range of android apps that can be downloaded from the play store.
What devices are compatible with Google Chromecast?
- Any TV with an HDMI port
- Smartphones and tablets running Android version 6.0 or later versions
- iPhones and iPads running iOS version 12.0 and above.
What devices are compatible with Google Chromecast?
- Chromecast comes with a replaceable Ethernet adapter, which can be purchased separately.
Pros
- Android operating systems means access to thousands of apps that can be installed.
- Support for a wide range of streaming services, from Netflix to HBO, Spotify, and so many more.
- Easy to set up, just plug and play.
Cons
- Low storage space at only 8GB
- Its Live TV feature is only available to YouTube TV, an expensive service with a monthly subscription of $64.99/ month.
The Roku Streaming Stick is the smallest entry to this streaming device lineup, but it’s got a lot to offer. With it, you still get an excellent 4K picture quality. This TV stick connects via Wi-Fi to many free internet channels and paid streaming subscription services as well.
Who was the Roku Streaming Stick made for?
This TV Stick is ideal for anyone looking for the crisp picture quality of 4K TV, regardless of whether the TV is smart or not. If you’re also used to regularly searching for apps and channels, then the Roku Streaming Stick interface has arguably the most detailed search function out there.
What devices are compatible with the Roku Streaming Stick?
- Android phone or tablet
- iOSphone or tablet
- It is also compatible with voice-activated programs such as Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.
What devices are compatible with the Roku Streaming Stick?
Roku is dedicated to selling streaming devices, and some of their other products include the Roku Express, Roku Premiere and the Roku Ultra. They also offer TVs and soundbars that go well together with this TV stick.
Pros
- Private listening feature accessible through the Roku mobile app allows you to listen to your TV through your headphones.
- The voice control feature allows for easier navigation.
- The latest Wi-Fi technology built into the stick allows for the best connectivity.
- Its small size doesn’t clutter up your space.
Cons
- The Roku Streaming Stick does not have an Ethernet port, so the only connection to it is via Wi-Fi.
Among streaming devices, the NVidia Shield TV Pro can be described as the ultimate offering with a strong processor for the best performance, USB slots for expandable storage space, and4K HDR video with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for truly first-rate entertainment. Enjoy the built-in Google Assistant for convenient voice controls.
Who was the NVidia Shield TV Pro made for?
Hayu does only have reality TV shows, but their catalogue is impressive; with more than 250 shows and 6400 episodes, Hayu has a lot of diversity in its content. Mostly coming from the U.S, some if its content is British, and covers a wide range going from celebrities drama, dating and travelling shows, as well as interior design and cooking.
What devices are compatible with the NVidia Shield TV Pro?
Subscribing to Hayu will cost you 5,99$ per month, but the first month is free for you to test out the product beforehand.
Any related products to the NVidia Shield TV Pro?
The more affordable NVidia Shield TV is also sold by the same company, with some of the same features, only less processing power. This streaming device comes from NVIDIA, who is well known for its high-end GPUs, utilized for better graphics in computers.
Pros
- A strong processor means better performance.
- USB ports allow for more expandable storage space.
Cons
- The NVidia Shield TV Pro is one of the more expensive streaming devices on our list, retailing at $199.
- It does not come with an HDMI cable; you will have to buy one for yourself.
Conclusion!
Depending on your needs, any of these streaming devices could be right for you. It’s only a matter of carefully considering what you want out of your entertainment experience. Remember that all streaming devices work with both smart and non-smart TVs, offering even better-viewing experiences overall. Now that you have this settle, it’s time to find out the best streaming alternatives to Netflix to stream on your streaming device.
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