Best streaming devices: access your favorite shows and apps whenever you want

The way we watch television has changed so drastically in recent years that those still using older technology may feel lost among the new gadgets and devices promising the best of the streaming era. With the best streaming devices, you can improve your viewing experience without spending a lot of money, but there are still a lot of options to choose from.

Our guide aims to help you decide which service to use, whether you're thinking of 'upcycling' an older set or simply wish to change how you navigate and manage your media. Take a look at our guide to the best 40 inch TVs if you're also looking for a second TV for your bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere else.

The best streaming devices in 2024

Best Google streaming device

(Image credit: Google)

Chromecast with Google TV is a fantastic addition to Chromecast alone. Chromecast, one of the first devices to stream content from the web to your living room TV, was ahead of the game, but since then, several smart TV platforms have emerged, somewhat overshadowing it.

Google TV works well with other Nest smart home products you may have, and requires just plugging in the dongle, connecting an HDMI cable to your TV, and turning it on. Google has redesigned the Chromecast multiple times over the years, and it matches well with other devices in its current lineup.

We really love Google TV's interface, and we also enjoy seeing our favorite shows and YouTube recommendations all in the same place. There is a ton of detail and features on each page, and you can mark things as 'seen', 'liked', or 'disliked' really easily.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | read our full Chromecast with Google TV review

Best Sky streaming solution

(Image credit: Sky)

While Sky Stream is only as affordable as Sky Glass due to the set-up, Sky membership and add-ons required for both, Sky knows it's offering a premium service. Sky Glass was primarily released in 2021 to deal with the problem of too much TV, combining Sky's experience with Netflix and Disney+'s versatility. The puck is about the size of a fat coaster and requires only a power cord and HDMI cable. Plug it in, connect it to your TV, and get comfortable in minutes.

The Sky Stream Home screen looks fantastic, with smooth navigation and panels showing collections, recommendations and other highlights. You can find specific movies and shows using voice search, and individual content pages are detailed. If you have yet to try Sky's user interface that debuted with the Sky Glass, you're in for a treat, but while it brings together content from multiple streaming services, the Watch Now panel could be improved.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | read our full Sky Stream review

Best Apple TV streaming device

(Image credit: Apple)

One for those who are really serious about TV watching and are already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. Apple TV 4K might be the most expensive example on this list, but Apple fans know they're getting high-quality tech. Still, it's a hefty premium, which is really the only reason why the device isn't higher on our list.

The Apple TV device is a puck rather than a dongle or stick, and with it you get Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, access to services such as Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+ (though these require an additional subscription), and voice search via the Siri-enabled remote.

Livingetc verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars | read our full Apple TV 4K review

Best Amazon streaming device

(Image credit: Amazon)

In the same way that Alexa has made its mark in the smart assistant world, the Fire TV Stick is what many people first think of when considering whether they need a streaming dongle. Luckily, the device comes with Alexa built-in, meaning you can control other compatible smart home tech around the home.

The Fire OS experience is easy to use and intuitive and, like Google, benefits from using the information that Amazon already has about you to create a tailored experience. There's also support for Dolby Atmos audio, live TV via certain apps, and voice search with the remote.

Best Roku streaming device

(Image credit: Roku)

We're big fans of the Roku platform because of its simplicity. While that slight lack of bells and whistles in its interface might not be for everyone, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K earns its place on this list due to its overall compatibility with smart home systems like Google, Alexa, and HomeKit.

Unlike many of the best streaming devices produced by big brands like Amazon and Google, Roku users benefit from cross-compatibility. However, none of these smart assistants are built-in. You also get 4K resolution and voice search with the Roku remote, though Dolby Atmos audio isn't supported (Roku offers DTS Digital Surround instead).

Best multi-purpose streaming device

(Image credit: Roku)

The Roku Streambar is a fantastic option for those who want both a soundbar and a streaming device but don't know which to invest in first. The bar has all of the benefits of the Roku platform built-in but then also adds Dolby Audio-boosted sound with four interior speakers. You can also buy rear speakers separately if you want a more surround sound experience.

The soundbar is compact and won't wake up too much room in front of your TV, and features like boosted volume and auto speech clarity mean it can be customized to fit your tastes and needs. If you want to learn more about TV speakers, you can head on over to our guide to the best soundbars.

Most affordable streaming device

(Image credit: TiVo)

Just because the TV landscape has changed unrecognizably over the last decade, that doesn't mean we can count the old players out. Like Sky for the UK, TiVo has moved with the times and released its own streaming media player. It relies heavily on Google technology but is actually a little cheaper than other devices.

The platform is Android TV, so Google users will find it familiar to navigate, and Chromecast is built-in. The TiVo Stream 4K also offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and you can use the remote for voice searches via built-in Google Assistant. Our use for the humble DVR may have diminished, but don't count TiVo out just yet.

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Roku)

How to choose the best streaming device for your home

What streaming device has the best picture quality?

All streaming devices on this list offer a maximum of 4K resolution, which is the top end of what most content is available to watch in. While the best 8K TVs are becoming slightly more common for those who want to future-proof their entertainment systems, 4K is still very much the norm and available across Google, Amazon, Apple, Roku and more.

Is it better to get a smart TV or a streaming device?

Whether a smart TV is a better investment than a streaming device depends on your and your family's preferences. Suppose you have an older TV that doesn't offer streaming options on its own. In that case, it can be both economical and less wasteful to upgrade your existing set with an inexpensive streaming stick, dongle, or other device. 

However, smart TVs are a way to get everything in one, and if you're already thinking about upgrading your TV, it might be better to go all the way. Just make sure that you do your research, which we can hopefully help with in our guide to the best TV brands.

What is the best streaming device?

The best streaming device (in our opinion) is the Chromecast with Google TV, which brings together the convenience of casting media from your device with a smooth user interface, good recommendations, and support for all the major streaming apps.

However, if you're an Alexa user, you would be best off choosing the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which also works with Siri for Apple users.

About this guide

The entries on this list were chosen through comparing user reviews, tapping into team Livingetc's breadth of knowledge in the streaming realm, and digging down into the specs and design elements of the most popular models across a range of price points.

While we attempt to have hands-on experience with and independent reviews for everything we include in our guides, this is only sometimes possible, so some of our guides are put together using the writer's research and existing expertise. We will return to this guide regularly to update the models included, whether due to the latest releases and moves in the industry or the opportunity to test the best streaming devices in person and judge them accordingly.

Models we have tested will be clearly signposted within the article, so you can trust us to be transparent with our choices. You can head to our dedicated page to learn more about our review process.