The Best Media Streaming Devices

By Tracey Dowdy

On-demand media services like Netflix and Hulu have undeniably impacted the way we watch TV. Instead of weeks of reruns or cringe-worthy movies like Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens, we now binge watch our way through weekends, cramming in entire seasons of Game of Thrones or hunkering down for a Johnny Depp movie marathon.

The only thing harder than choosing what to watch is deciding how to watch it in the first place. There are a lot of great streaming devices out there, so how do you choose which one is best for you? Of the myriad of options available, the standouts are: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Cast, Android TV, and Apple TV. All offer access to the most popular music and video streaming services, and all except Google Cast have on-screen menu systems and a dedicated remote. Google Cast uses your smartphone, tablet or PC with cast-compatible apps to stream content.

Roku/Roku Stick

roku4200Roku offers consumers 5 options: Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4, or the Roku Streaming Stick. All five offer access to over 300,000 movie and TV episodes from over 3,000 channels so your choice will depend on what features are most important to you, e.g.: headphone jack for private listening, motion control for games, 4K video capability, or the ability to cast personal media to your TV. The other consideration is price – the Roku 1 and Roku stick start at $49.99, while the Roku 4 is $129.99.


Amazon Fire TV

amazon-fire-tv200Amazon Fire TV focuses heavily on Amazon Prime content with Amazon Instant Video and Amazon Prime Music front and center in the menu. Hulu, Netflix, and other channels are available, just be aware it’s definitely an Amazon-centric device. Current versions of Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick come with voice remotes equipped with Alexa, the voice assistant used with the Amazon Echo speakers. (Amazon Fire TV – $99.99/ Fire Stick – $39.99)


Google Cast

chromecast200Google Cast devices allow you to “cast” content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV or cast your favorite music straight to your speakers. Simply plug in your Chromecast device and you can control everything from your smartphone or tablet. There’s no separate app, no remote, no on-screen interface and at just $35 each, they’re the least expensive of the top options.


Apple TV

apple_tv_4200Speaking of pushing specific content, Apple TV pushes Apple content, no surprise there. The latest version has expanded its app store, includes a voice remote that uses Siri, and features Air Play as well as standard streaming options. Because it is Apple-centric, the music services focus on Apple Music though third party options are available. The two biggest issues are its inability to support 4K video and the price – the 32GB version is $149 and the 64GB is $199.


Nvidia Shield Android TV

nvidia-shield200The Nvidia Shield Android TV streaming box is a favorite among gamers. It works with 4K streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, allows you to use your smartphone to cast compatible apps, and has a “lightning fast” interface plus it offers 128GB of storage. The downside is that it’s one of the most expensive options on the market, lacks the number of native apps offered by Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire, and doesn’t have a remote. If your primary use is gaming, this is the device for you. If you’re looking for a device for other media streaming services, one of the other devices on this list may be a better option. (The Nvidia Shield Android TV starts at $199.99)

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

 

Comments:

  1. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or
    advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.

    I want to read even more things about it!

  2. Howdy! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you
    know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone
    4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!

    My web blog prettypeople.club

  3. Hello there! I just want to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have here on this post.
    I’ll be coming back to your web site for more soon.

  4. You are so awesome! I do not think I have read through a single thing like
    this before. So good to discover someone with some genuine thoughts on this subject
    matter. Seriously.. thank you for starting
    this up. This web site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!

  5. Hey would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for
    something completely unique. P.S
    My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  6. You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write.
    The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
    At all times follow your heart.

    Also visit my site – skin care routine

  7. I would like to use the ability of thanking you for that professional suggestions I have often enjoyed visiting your site.
    I’m looking forward to the commencement of my college research and the general prep
    would never have been complete without browsing
    your web site. If I might be of any assistance to others, I might be ready
    to help by what I have learned from here.

    My page – grow weed

  8. Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness for your
    publish is just spectacular and that i can think you are an expert on this subject.
    Fine together with your permission let me to clutch your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming
    post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

    Also visit my blog wrinkle skin

  9. My spouse and i still cannot quite think that I could become one of those studying
    the important recommendations found on your blog.
    My family and I are seriously thankful on your generosity and for giving me the potential
    to pursue this chosen career path. Thanks for the important information I acquired from your web page.

    Also visit my web blog: dhea testosterone

  10. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you really understand what you’re speaking about!
    Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my website =).
    We may have a link change contract among us!

    Feel free to visit my blog post: eating habits

  11. Tremendous issues here. I am very glad to peer your article.
    Thanks a lot and I’m having a look forward to touch you.
    Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

  12. Hi everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web page, and paragraph is actually fruitful in support of me,
    keep up posting such articles.

  13. Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The entire glance of your
    site is magnificent, as neatly as the content![X-N-E-W-L-I-N-S-P-I-N-X]I simply could not depart your site prior to
    suggesting that I actually loved the usual
    information an individual provide for your visitors?
    Is going to be again ceaselessly to inspect new posts.

    Also visit my webpage: skin care methods

  14. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it
    in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

    Take a look at my website :: better sex tips

  15. Right here is the right web site for anybody who wishes to find out about this
    topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to?HaHa).
    You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been discussed for a long time.
    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

    my site … prettypeople.club

  16. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I
    submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything.

    Do you have any suggestions for beginner blog writers?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    My blog – fat loss; http://www.mhes.tyc.edu.tw,

  17. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have be aware your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful.
    I really like what you have bought right here, really like what you
    are stating and the way wherein you say it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue to
    care for to stay it sensible. I cant wait to learn far more from you.
    This is really a great web site.

    My web page; oil pulling teeth whitening

  18. Wow, this article is nice, my sister is analyzing these
    things, thus I am going to convey her.

    Review my web site :: Micah

  19. Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m
    inspired! Very helpful information particularly
    the ultimate section 🙂 I handle such information much.
    I was looking for this certain information for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

  20. It’s an remarkable paragraph in favor of all the internet visitors; they will
    get benefit from it I am sure.

  21. Ahaa, its fastidious conversation regarding this paragraph at this place
    at this website, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.

  22. Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely feel this website needs a lot more attention. I?ll probably be back
    again to read more, thanks for the advice!

    My web page: smooth skin

  23. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your website in web explorer, would check this…
    IE still is the market chief and a big component to other people will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem.

    Also visit my web blog – healthy food guide

  24. Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s web site link on your page at proper place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.

    Also visit my webpage :: atkins diet

  25. Thanks for every other informative blog. Where else may I get that type
    of info written in such a perfect method? I’ve a challenge that I’m simply now operating on, and I have been on the glance out for such information.

    My website … eating guide

  26. I and also my guys ended up reading through the good strategies located on your web blog while unexpectedly got an awful suspicion I never thanked the web site owner for those techniques.

    These guys became for this reason stimulated to study all of
    them and have in effect unquestionably been having fun with those things.
    We appreciate you simply being so helpful as well as for
    having these kinds of quality useful guides millions of individuals
    are really needing to be informed on. Our sincere apologies for not expressing gratitude ways to have good sex sooner.

  27. I’ve read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
    I surprise how much attempt you set to create any such great informative web site.

  28. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
    and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Many people will be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!

    My website :: hyphon.net

  29. You actually make it appear really easy together with your
    presentation however I find this topic to be actually one thing that I
    think I’d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and
    very broad for me. I’m having a look forward in your next publish, I’ll
    attempt to get the grasp of it!

    My web blog – weight loss program

  30. I leave a response each time I like a article on a site or I have something to
    contribute to the discussion. Usually it’s a result of the sincerness displayed in the article I browsed.
    And after this article The Best Media Streaming Devices – The Online Mom.
    I was moved enough to post a thought 😛 I actually do have
    2 questions for you if it’s okay. Could it be simply me or does it seem like a
    few of these remarks come across as if they are written by brain dead folks?
    😛 And, if you are posting on additional sites, I would like to follow you.
    Would you make a list all of your community pages like your twitter feed,
    Facebook page or linkedin profile?

    Feel free to visit my webpage; healthy life

  31. Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my weblog thus i came to return the want?.I’m attempting
    to in finding issues to enhance my site!I
    guess its adequate to use some of your ideas!!

    Also visit my webpage eating pyramid

  32. I?m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that?s both equally
    educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is something which too few men and women are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy that I found this during my search for something concerning this.

    my blog post: low carbohydrate

  33. Article writing is also a excitement, if you be acquainted with
    afterward you can write otherwise it is difficult to write.

  34. You made some decent points there. I looked on the
    internet for more information about the issue and found most people
    will go along with your views on this website.

    Here is my web blog – relief spray

  35. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your website in internet explorer, may check this?
    IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big part of other folks will omit your fantastic writing because of this problem.

    my blog: growing mini-course

  36. Can I simply just say what a comfort to discover an individual who
    truly knows what they are discussing over the internet.
    You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.

    A lot more people ought to read this and understand this side of the story.
    It’s surprising you’re not more popular given that you certainly have the gift.

    Also visit my website stop smoking weed today

  37. Can I just say what a comfort to find somebody that truly understands what they’re talking about on the web.
    You definitely understand how to bring a problem
    to light and make semen thick it important.
    A lot more people must read this and understand this side of the story.
    I was surprised you are not more popular given that you
    most certainly have the gift.

  38. PharmEmpire affiliate registration fee
    top paying affiliate programs for herbal supplements
    pharmacy affiliate marketing for beginners
    herbal supplement mlm programs

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *