There are two types of steaming gadgets: set-top boxes and HDMI sticks. Streaming boxes are larger and more expensive, but tend to be more powerful. HDMI sticks are the size of USB drives and plug right into your TV’s HDMI port. That means less clutter in your entertainment center and less impact on your wallet.
This chart will help you compare and contrast the best streaming devices on the market so you can make the right decision for your entertainment needs.
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra | Amazon Fire TV Cube | Roku Streaming Stick + | Google Chromecast | Amazon Fire TV Stick | Google Chromecast Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$179 32GB, $199 64GB
|
$100
|
$120
|
$55
|
$35
|
$40
|
$69
|
| Resolution (Max) |
4K HDR (2060p)
|
1080p, 4K Ultra HD, HDR
|
4K Ultra HD and HDR
|
1080p, 4K, HDR
|
1080p
|
1080p
|
HDR
|
| Video Connections |
HDMI
|
HDMI, 4K video HDCP 2.2 HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
| Audio Connections |
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
HDMI
|
| Other Connections |
Gigabit Ethernet, IR receiver
|
Micro SD, USB
|
USB
|
Micro-USB
|
Micro-USB
|
No
|
Micro-USB
|
| Wired Networking |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Yes
|
| Wireless Networking |
802.11ac Wi‑Fi with MIMO; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
|
802.11ac dual-band MIMO and Ethernet Port
|
Dual-band 802.11ac
|
Dual-band Wi-Fi
|
Dual-band Wi-Fi
|
Dual-band Wi-Fi
|
Dual-band Wi-Fi
|
| Remote Control |
Remote with Siri voice commands
|
Voice remote with TV power and volume buttons, headphone jack
|
Remote, Alexa voice-activated
|
Remote + Roku app with voice search
|
Smartphone, tablet or computer
|
Remote + app; Alexa voice activated remote
|
Smartphone, tablet or computer
|
| Local Storage |
32GB, 64GB
|
None
|
16GB
|
None
|
None
|
8GB
|
None
|
| Paid Content |
iTunes, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, Hulu Plus, HBO Now, Watch ESPN, more
|
Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO Go sports, Sling TV, more
|
Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, more
|
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Sling TV and more
|
Netflix, Google Play, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling TV, Showtime Anytime, other Android and Web apps
|
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Sling TV and more
|
Netflix, Google Play, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling TV, Showtime Anytime, other Android and Web apps
|
| Free Content |
YouTube, more
|
The Roku Channel, hundreds of other free streaming channels
|
Amazon Prime free with Prime membership, YouTube, more
|
The Roku Channel, YouTube, Sony Crackle, Fox News, CBS News, more
|
TubiTV, YouTube, other Android and Web apps
|
YouTube, TubiTV, Fox News, more
|
TubiTV, YouTube, other Android and Web apps
|
| Music |
Apple Music
|
Pandora, iHeartRadio, Vevo, more
|
Prime Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, more
|
Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, more
|
Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, other Android and web apps
|
Amazon Music, Vevo, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn
|
Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, other Android and web apps
|
| Other Services |
Apple TV App to browse content from more than 60 video services, Amazon Prime app
|
Roku app, thousands of streaming channels
|
Dolby Atmos audio, compatible with Amazon Echo, more
|
1000+ channels including games
|
Google Home, Stream online video from smartphones, tablets and Chrome browser on Mac or PC
|
3000+ channels, apps & games; IMDB integration; FreeTime parental controls
|
Google Home, Stream online video from smartphones, tablets and Chrome browser on Mac or PC
|
| Purchase |
Stream, Rent, Own
|
Stream, Rent, Own
|
Stream, Rent, Own
|
Stream, Rent, Own
|
Stream, Rent, Own
|
Stream, Rent, Own
|
Stream, Rent, Own
|