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10 Best Streaming Devices 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream over 1.8 million movies and shows, free & live TV

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,109
Operating System
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Connectivity

Most important from
94106 reviews

Operating System
The Fire TV Stick 4K is incredibly fast and offers a premium experience, especially compared to older TV operating systems.
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Alexa integration works seamlessly, allowing for complete TV control and enhancing the overall smart home experience.
Connectivity
The device pairs well with 5GHz WiFi, ensuring smooth and fast streaming without interruptions.
Performance and Speed
The Fire TV Stick 4K is incredibly fast and offers a premium experience, especially compared to older TV operating systems.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a strong contender in the streaming device market, particularly for those who desire high-quality video and a broad range of content options. With support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, users can enjoy a cinematic experience right from their living rooms. The device also boasts Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, ensuring smooth streaming even with multiple devices connected, which is a significant advantage in today’s smart homes.

Another standout feature is the AI-powered Fire TV Search, making it easy to find movies and shows through voice commands—an exciting element for users who value convenience. The Alexa Voice Remote further enhances usability, allowing for voice control of not just the Fire TV Stick but also other compatible devices in your home, like lights or cameras.

Performance-wise, the Fire TV Stick 4K is equipped with a powerful quad-core processor and 8GB of storage, which typically ensures quick loading times and smooth navigation. Limitations include the fact that not all content is available in 4K/HDR, and some features may not work with all TVs or devices. Users must ensure their TVs are compatible with HDCP for protected content playback.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,109
Operating System
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Connectivity

Most important from
94106 reviews

Operating System
The Fire TV Stick 4K is incredibly fast and offers a premium experience, especially compared to older TV operating systems.
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Alexa integration works seamlessly, allowing for complete TV control and enhancing the overall smart home experience.
Connectivity
The device pairs well with 5GHz WiFi, ensuring smooth and fast streaming without interruptions.
Performance and Speed
The Fire TV Stick 4K is incredibly fast and offers a premium experience, especially compared to older TV operating systems.
#2

Roku Ultra - Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV with HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos - Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6- Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with Backlit Buttons - Free & Live TV

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Connectivity

Most important from
5813 reviews

Resolution
The 4K streaming with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision is stunning, and the Dolby Atmos sound takes the experience to the next level.
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
The rechargeable voice remote with backlit buttons is incredibly convenient, especially in low-light settings.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 support ensures a smooth and fast connection, although 5GHz Wi-Fi detection may not work as expected.
Performance and Speed
Performance is significantly faster, with near-instantaneous loading times for major streaming platforms and no buffering.

The Roku Ultra 2024 is a top-tier streaming device, perfect for those seeking a high-quality home entertainment experience. It supports impressive 4K resolution with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for stunning visuals and immersive sound. Its performance is speedy, boasting a 30% faster interface than previous models, ensuring smooth navigation and quick app launches.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet options offers flexible and reliable connectivity for any home setup. The device also scores high on content availability, supporting major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and Apple TV+ along with a vast selection of free and live TV options. The Roku Voice Remote Pro is packed with useful features such as backlit buttons and voice control, making it user-friendly even in low light.

The rechargeable battery is a practical touch, eliminating the need for constant battery changes. Bluetooth connectivity allows for private listening through headphones, which is a nice bonus. Its combination of speed, excellent resolution, sound quality, and a robust remote makes it a standout option for anyone looking to upgrade their streaming setup.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Connectivity

Most important from
5813 reviews

Resolution
The 4K streaming with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision is stunning, and the Dolby Atmos sound takes the experience to the next level.
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
The rechargeable voice remote with backlit buttons is incredibly convenient, especially in low-light settings.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 support ensures a smooth and fast connection, although 5GHz Wi-Fi detection may not work as expected.
Performance and Speed
Performance is significantly faster, with near-instantaneous loading times for major streaming platforms and no buffering.
#3

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player; 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, Works with Alexa

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Content Availability
Operating System

Most important from
12828 reviews

Resolution
The AI-enhanced upscaling feature works well, though it doesn't quite match the quality of native 4K content, which the SHIELD handles flawlessly.
Content Availability
The device works flawlessly with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+, providing a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
Operating System
The SHIELD TV is highly reliable and considered trustworthy for security, running a native, unmodified version of Android.
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Setting up the NVIDIA SHIELD is a breeze, and it ties seamlessly into smart home systems like Alexa, enhancing convenience for users.
Connectivity
Users appreciate the robust connectivity options, including Ethernet, which ensures a stable streaming experience even on Wi-Fi.
Performance and Speed
The NVIDIA SHIELD offers a stable and snappy performance, making it a great viewing experience with no noticeable delays or crashes.

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player is a powerful and versatile device that offers a range of impressive features for both streaming and gaming enthusiasts. It supports 4K HDR resolution, providing clear and vibrant visuals, and includes Dolby Vision and Atmos for an immersive audio-visual experience. The AI-enhanced upscaling further enhances HD video quality to near 4K standards, making it a top choice for high-quality content viewing. Content availability is extensive, with access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Video, Disney+, and more in 4K HDR, as well as cloud gaming through GeForce NOW. This makes it appealing for both movie buffs and gamers alike.

The device runs on Android TV version 11 and comes with a built-in Google Assistant, offering convenient voice control and smart home integration. It also works with Alexa, adding to its flexibility. Connectivity options are robust, featuring Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, along with two USB 3.0 ports for additional storage and peripheral support. Performance is solid with 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, although some users might find the storage capacity limited if they plan to install many apps and games.

The remote control is voice-enabled, adding to the ease of use. However, the higher price point compared to other streaming devices might be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers. Additionally, while the device is highly capable, the extensive features might be overwhelming for those who just need a basic streaming solution. The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is best suited for users who want top-tier streaming quality, extensive content options, and additional gaming capabilities, provided they are willing to invest in a premium device.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Content Availability
Operating System

Most important from
12828 reviews

Resolution
The AI-enhanced upscaling feature works well, though it doesn't quite match the quality of native 4K content, which the SHIELD handles flawlessly.
Content Availability
The device works flawlessly with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+, providing a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
Operating System
The SHIELD TV is highly reliable and considered trustworthy for security, running a native, unmodified version of Android.
Remote Control and Voice Assistants
Setting up the NVIDIA SHIELD is a breeze, and it ties seamlessly into smart home systems like Alexa, enhancing convenience for users.
Connectivity
Users appreciate the robust connectivity options, including Ethernet, which ensures a stable streaming experience even on Wi-Fi.
Performance and Speed
The NVIDIA SHIELD offers a stable and snappy performance, making it a great viewing experience with no noticeable delays or crashes.

Buying Guide for the Best Streaming Devices

Choosing the right streaming device can greatly enhance your entertainment experience. With so many options available, it's important to understand the key specifications that will impact your usage. By focusing on these specs, you can find a device that meets your needs and preferences, ensuring smooth and enjoyable streaming of your favorite content.
ResolutionResolution refers to the clarity and detail of the video output. Higher resolutions, such as 4K, provide sharper and more detailed images compared to lower resolutions like 1080p or 720p. If you have a 4K TV and want the best possible picture quality, opt for a streaming device that supports 4K resolution. For older TVs or if you are not as concerned about ultra-high definition, a device with 1080p resolution may be sufficient.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) of a streaming device determines the user interface and the availability of apps. Common OS options include Android TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Each OS has its own set of features and app compatibility. If you are already invested in a particular ecosystem (e.g., Apple products), choosing a device with a compatible OS can provide a seamless experience. Consider the apps you use most frequently and ensure the OS supports them.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi is essential for wireless streaming, but Ethernet can provide a more stable connection if your Wi-Fi is unreliable. Bluetooth allows you to connect peripherals like headphones or game controllers. If you have a strong Wi-Fi network, a device with Wi-Fi connectivity should suffice. For those with spotty Wi-Fi, consider a device with Ethernet support. Bluetooth is a nice-to-have feature for added convenience.
Remote ControlThe remote control is your primary way of interacting with the streaming device. Some remotes offer voice control, programmable buttons, and even touchpads. A remote with voice control can make searching for content easier and faster. If you prefer simplicity, a basic remote with essential buttons may be ideal. Consider how you like to navigate and interact with your device when choosing the type of remote control.
Content AvailabilityDifferent streaming devices offer access to various content libraries and services. Ensure the device you choose supports the streaming services you use most frequently, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. Some devices may also offer exclusive content or channels. Make a list of your must-have services and check compatibility before making a decision.
Audio SupportAudio support includes features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and surround sound capabilities. High-quality audio can significantly enhance your viewing experience, especially for movies and TV shows with rich soundtracks. If you have a home theater system or high-quality speakers, look for a device that supports advanced audio formats. For casual viewing, standard audio support may be sufficient.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity determines how much content and apps you can store on the device. While streaming devices primarily stream content, some allow you to download apps and games. If you plan to use the device for gaming or storing apps, opt for one with higher storage capacity. For basic streaming needs, lower storage capacity should be adequate.

FAQ