Cord-cutting isn’t as easy as canceling your cable subscription. It also requires precise juggling of streaming subscriptions, a hearty wifi connection, and the right equipment. The good news is that as more and more people drop their cable and become reliant on streaming services, the devices on which to consume that entertainment become more and more plentiful. There are five major streaming devices on the market, with basic and tricked-out versions at each end of the price spectrum. How do you decide which one is right for you?
The simple, HD-equipped Roku Express is the cheapest option at $30, has many Dolby- and 4K-ready options in the middle and a fully equipped soundbar with integrated Roku for $180. Amazon Fire TV options range from a basic Fire TV Stick (starting at $40) to the Alexa-equipped, 4K-friendly Cube ($120), plus a couple of tricked-out DVR options each retailing for $230 or $280. The Google Chromecast is priced reliably at $35, though a new 4K version has been on sale recently for $59. The gamer-friendly Nvidia Shield TV and the Apple TV are on the higher end of the price range, and the newest entry in the streaming device game, the TiVo Stream 4K, is yet to launch but made plenty of headlines in its debut at CES.
So if you’re cutting the cord but still aren’t sure which equipment to buy, we’ve rounded up a list of the best streaming devices available in 2020 below. We run down the prices, pros, and cons of each. But remember that in order to use all of these devices, they require an HDMI-equipped television, wireless internet, and subscriptions to your streaming apps of choice.
For more cord-cutting information, check out our list of thebest alternatives to cable and TV.
Amazon Fire TV
Prices:$39.99 (Fire TV Stick), $49.99 (Fire TV Stick 4K), $119.99 (Fire TV Cube), $229.99 (Fire TV Recast 500 GB), $279.99 (Fire TV Recast 1TB)
Amazon has two tiers of devices for streaming, depending on your budget and the specs of your television. The first is the Fire TV stick, which comes in regular and 4K versions with an Alexa-equipped remote and 8GB of storage. If you’re not sure which is the option for you, your best bet is to choose depending on the picture quality of your TV: regular for HD TVs up to 1080p; 4K for up to 4K Ultra HD, with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision. The second is the Fire TV cube, which supports the same 4K specs, but also has a built-in Alexa (not just in the remote) and 16 GB of storage. Additionally, the company sells a DVR called the Recast that can be used to watch and record over-the-air TV in conjunction with an HD antenna and a Fire TV streaming media player. It comes in two different sizes, priced depending on the amount of storage available.
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Prices:$149 (Apple TV HD), $179 (Apple TV 4K 3 2GB), $199 (Apple TV 4K 64 GB)
There are two varieties of Apple TV on the market. There’s the cheaper, slightly lower-tech HD, which comes with 32GB of storage and a Siri-enabled remote (HDMI cord sold separately), and then there’s the high-res 4K, which comes in both 32GB and 64GB versions (both with Siri Remote and an HDMI cord). The HD version is a slightly more budget-friendly option, and comes ready to stream entertainment via the usual apps (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now, etc.). But if it’s financially feasible, the 4K is the one you want. If you have a 4K-capable TV — and as the technology becomes more and more common, chances are you will in the future — you’ll be able to watch those same movies and shows in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos sound. The 32 GB of storage is perfect for streaming movies, shows, and music, plus some casual gaming, while the larger version is better for people who plan to download lots of apps and games.
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Google Chromecast
Price:$35 (Google Chromecast), $69 (Google Chromecast Ultra)
Like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, Google’s streaming device can plug directly into an HDMI port in your television. It supports up to a 1080p resolution and is controlled by a wifi-enabled supported mobile device (though you could use your computer in the past, the devices no longer support Chromecast setup on a computer). Like most other devices, it comes in HD and 4K versions, depending on the specs of your television. The Ultra (a.k.a. 4K-friendly) has recently been on sale for $10 off, if that makes a difference for people on the fence.
Price:$29.99 (Roku Express), $39.99 (Roku Express+), $39.99 (Roku Premiere), $49.99 (Roku Streaming Stick+), $59.99 (Roku® Streaming Stick+ Headphone Edition), $79.99 (Roku Ultra LT), $99.99 (Roku Ultra), $179.99 (Roku Smart Soundbar)
The streaming device with the most tiers is Roku, which comes in eight different permutations depending on which features you’re looking for. The basic level is the Express, which is best for HD TVs and includes an HDMI cable and for the regular Express, a simple remote, or for the Walmart exclusive Express+, a voice-controlled remote. For 4K and HDR TVs, the Premiere comes with a simple remote, the Streaming Stick+ comes with a voice remote, and the Streaming Stick+ Headphone Edition (a Best Buy exclusive) comes with a voice remote that also has a headphone jack for private viewing (all the better to not get on your significant other’s nerves with your late-night viewing choices). The top-tier Ultra LT comes with an enhanced voice remote with personal shortcut buttons and is available at Walmart, while the slightly more expensive Ultra has the same remote plus fast channel launch and lost remote finder. Lastly, the Roku Smart Soundbar is a powerful audio-enhancing device for any HDMI-equipped TV that comes with its own built-in Roku player, but can also be used with any Bluetooth device.
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Nvidia Shield TV
Price:$149.99 (Shield TV), $199.99 (Shield TV Pro)
This Android device is 4K capable, and can even upscale HD content with AI. It’s equipped for Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, voice search and control, and smart home capabilities. It has a uniquely-shaped backlit remote, built-in Chromecast 4K, Google Assistant, and is controllable with Google Home or Alexa and Echo. Expanded storage space with an optional SD card is available on both versions. The upgraded Pro version offers more storage space, two USB ports, and PLEX Media Server. This is the most gaming-friendly device and supports 4K gaming with a GeForce GTX or RTX PC.
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TiVo Stream 4K
Price:$49.99
Here’s the thing: This device hasn’t actually launched yet, but it made waves at CES 2020 and is worth keeping an eye on. The DVR pioneer has designed its own dongle device that, like the Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, and Roku Streaming Stick before it, will plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port to bring you your favorite streaming entertainment. The interface will integrate the entertainment all of your subscriptions into one directory, plus offer options for live TV and a cloud DVR via Sling TV, will have downloadable apps via Google Play, a built-in Google Assistant, and more, all with 4K UHD and Dolby Vision HDR.
