The best solution to these problems is dedicated streaming device. It could be an Android TV box or even a streaming stick. These devices plug into your existing TV and give you a new interface. We’ve gathered some of the best Android TV boxes and streaming sticks across various price points to help you pick one based on your specific needs. But, before we show you the recommendations, here are some other articles you might be interested in –
Here’s how to stream content from your iPhone to your Android TV. Once you’ve got your streaming device, check out the best Android TV apps. If you want to get the most out of the new Google TV UI, here are some of the best Android TV tips and tricks.
Streaming Sticks vs. Boxes
There’s not much to differentiate the two categories of devices. The major difference between streaming sticks and boxes or cubes is in size. Streaming sticks directly plug into your TV and hence take up lesser space. These devices hide behind your TV, making them a good option if you have a wall-mounted TV. On the other hand, streaming boxes are slightly larger in size and connect to your TV via an HDMI cable. Since they’re larger, they may also contain additional ports like USB ports, a LAN port, etc. for better connectivity. Some streaming boxes may also have more powerful internals due to the larger available area. Now let’s get to the products now that the differences are out of the way.
1. Roku Express
The Roku Express is a basic streaming device that is a great starter pack if you want to get into streaming. It’s affordable, has most of the required features, and supports all popular streaming services. The Roku Express also offers you 275+ live TV channels, a unique addition.
2. Fire TV Stick 4K Max
3. Chromecast With Google TV
Google’s Chromecast devices have been around for a long time. However, they never took off as the de-facto option for a streaming content due to several limitations. However, Google recently refreshed its Chromecast with a new version that runs the latest Google TV interface. This makes it a great option since it’s like the Pixel of streaming sticks.
4. Mi Box S 4K
While all the products mentioned so far were streaming sticks, this one from Xiaomi is a streaming box. As a result, you’re not going to get a device that can tuck away behind your TV. The small box comes with an HDMI port and an additional USB-A port to which you can attach any external device. The Mi TV Box S 4K gets a proprietary Bluetooth remote with custom buttons to launch Netflix, live TV, and the Google Assistant. There’s 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage ensuring you have a smooth experience while the box is connected to your TV. Overall, it’s a good budget-oriented Android TV box.
6. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
The original NVIDIA Shield was one of the best streaming devices for the enthusiasts. The sheer power offered by the hardware meant that the device is still going strong even years after launch. The Shield TV Pro just improves on all of those fronts and is the new lead product in their line-up. Apart from letting you stream content in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos, it’s got the most powerful processor in a streaming device. The powerful processer means that you get support for NVIDIA GeForce Now which is a cloud gaming service. If you don’t have a powerful PC or a gaming console, you can play several titles directly on the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro just with a stable internet connection. Though it is large and bulky, it’ll never fall short of surprising you to let you stream content over the network or the internet.
Enjoy Your Favorite Shows
Catch up on your favorite shows with a good streaming device for your TV. Whether you want to binge on your favorite shows on Netflix or watch a movie on Prime Video, a good streaming device can improve your video and audio experience. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
