The 5 Best Streaming Devices for Your Home

About a decade ago, having certain technological items was considered a luxury. Not everyone had giant, flat screen TVs to fill their rooms while those with Netflix accounts were more likely to be a dime a dozen.

Now? Rear projection TVs are so incredibly rare that not even second-hand stores will take them. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone that doesn’t have some kind of streaming account, whether it be Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or one of the roughly 10,000 other services out there.

When it comes to streaming, there are plenty of choices for people who are looking for a great streaming device. All of them offer easy, plug n’ play services but finding the right one for your home may require a bit more research.

Below, we’ll break down the six best streaming devices so you can choose the right one for your home and entertainment needs.

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus

When it comes to the interactive interface, Roku is one of the easiest to manage on the market. It’s also the streaming stick that requires the least amount of setup among other similar products.

It has access to tons of different programs while offering some content in HDR and 4K, It can be shared with other Roku devices, meaning it’s easy to transfer account data and other information seamlessly.

In terms of wireless capability, it’s one of the top as well. You can find one for only $49, making it one of the best values as well.

The Nvidia Shield

Nvidia has long been a powerhouse in the gaming world, making some of the best high-end graphics cards for all PC gamers out there.

So it makes sense that the Nvidia shield would be the best option for gamers out there, combining the TV streaming features we’re so accustomed to for other devices but also the ability for gamers to stream their content to their TV.

The Shield offers 4K and HDR streaming as well, plus a bevy of additional features planned for down the road. The best part is the device supports the PS4 and Xbox controllers, meaning you don’t have to shell out the extra cash for Nvidia’s model.

The price is steep, coming in at just under $200.

Apple TV

One of the original devices, Apple TV has recently upgraded to 4K content for those who wish to stream in 4K.

As with almost all Apple products, it comes with the following features:

• Sleek and slim design
• Easy-to-use interface
• Little connection issues
• Relies heavily on Apple products
• Doesn’t work well with other products
• High priced

It hooks up easily with any other Apple devices and you can instantly connect your iTunes library meaning you can play your music and stream movies for days.

It is quite high priced for what if offers, but if you’re a big Apple fan then this is the perfect device for you.

The Amazon Fire Stick

Similar to the Roku stick, the Amazon Fire Stick is an easy plug n’ play streaming stick that fits in the palm of your hand and can easily be plugged into your computer.

Signing in is easy as it links directly to your Amazon account and turns this streaming device into more than simply a content machine.

Amazon’s wonderful AI, Alexa, is great at helping you navigate through the streaming menus but also through your TV’s interface. Even though the voice commands need work, it’s still top of the line.

You should also make sure you’re getting the most out of your Fire Stick by installing the latest apps. Don’t be limited by what services are offering and make sure you can view any program you want, wherever you want even if it’s late into the night.

Google Chromecast

While not technically a streaming device, the Chromecast should get a solid mention here because of its easy functionality and practical use for many people.

The Chromecast has almost no setup and is ready to go right out of the box. It’s the easiest option for those who want HD streaming but don’t want to go out and spend more money on a streaming device.

The Chromecast lets you cast from just about any device, such as a laptop or phone. You can pull up whatever program you want and cast it to your TV, all with the push of a button. It’s only $35, making it quite the bargain.