A good streaming device makes any TV faster and smarter than its built-in apps. We tested the most popular streamers for speed, picture formats, interface, remotes and value to pick the five best.
Quick Answer
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the best value streamer, the Apple TV 4K is the best premium streamer, and the Roku Express 4K+ is the best budget pick.
- Best Overall: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Best Premium: Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)
- Best for Google Home: Google TV Streamer
- Simplest to Use: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
- Best Budget: Roku Express 4K+
Quick Comparison
| Image | Product | Why It Made the Cut | Price |
|
Best Overall
1
 |
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max |
Wi-Fi 6E, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Atmos. |
|
|
Best Premium
2
 |
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) |
Fastest, cleanest interface, great for iPhone users. |
|
|
Best for Google Home
3
 |
Google TV Streamer |
Google TV, smart home panel, 32 GB. |
|
|
Simplest to Use
4
|
Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
Simple interface, Dolby Vision, long-range Wi-Fi. |
|
|
Best Budget
5
|
Roku Express 4K+ |
Cheapest 4K HDR streamer. |
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — Best Overall
Tested in depth: Read our full Fire TV Stick 4K Max review →
Fast, supports every major HDR format and usually on sale. The best choice for Prime Video and Alexa households.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K HDR |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Voice | Alexa |
2. Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) — Best Premium
The fastest and cleanest streamer with no ads on the home screen, excellent picture processing and seamless iPhone integration.
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K HDR |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Storage | 64/128 GB |
| Voice | Siri |
3. Google TV Streamer — Best for Google Home
A set-top box with Google TV’s personalised recommendations, a smart home panel and a remote finder.
Google TV Streamer Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K HDR |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Voice | Google Assistant |
4. Roku Streaming Stick 4K — Simplest to Use
Roku’s interface is the easiest for non-techy family members, and the stick supports Dolby Vision.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K HDR |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Wi-Fi | Long-range |
| Voice | Roku Voice |
5. Roku Express 4K+ — Best Budget
Affordable 4K HDR streaming with Roku’s simple interface — perfect for second TVs.
Roku Express 4K+ Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K HDR |
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band |
| Voice | Roku Voice (remote) |
How to Choose a Streaming Device
Stick vs box
Sticks hide behind the TV and are cheaper. Boxes like Apple TV 4K and Google TV Streamer are faster and have Ethernet options.
HDR formats
Check which HDR formats your TV supports — Dolby Vision and HDR10+ give the best picture when both TV and streamer support them.
Pick your ecosystem
Alexa homes suit Fire TV, iPhone users Apple TV, Android users Google TV, and Roku is the most neutral.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
How We Picked
We tested every streamer on the same 4K HDR TV, timing app launches, checking HDR and Atmos output, and rating remotes, voice search and home-screen ads.
Our Verdict: Fire TV Stick 4K Max for Most
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the best value. Apple TV 4K is the premium, ad-free choice, and the Roku Express 4K+ is perfect for spare TVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do streaming devices have monthly fees?
No, you only pay for the services you subscribe to.
Is a streaming stick better than a smart TV?
Often yes — streamers are faster and get updates longer than most TV operating systems.
Which streaming device has the fewest ads?
Apple TV 4K has the cleanest, ad-free home screen.
Make Your TV Smarter
Check today’s price on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.