CNET’s Best Streaming Devices of 2024 – Video

Streaming is more popular than ever and these affordable devices from Roku, Google and Apple can help you watch Netflix, Hulu and more with ease.

Streaming is here to stay and it’s everywhere. Sure, you can watch Netflix on your phone and Disney Plus on your iPad, but your TV’s big screen is the best way to relax and enjoy TV, shows, movies, and sports. Unfortunately, the smart TV systems built into many TV Ss aren’t great. That’s where the streaming device comes in. We’ve tested players from Roku, Google Apple and more to find out which are the best. If you only get one new streamer, it should be one of these two Rokus. They are so similar that we lump them together as one type. They cost about the same, just $205 to $40 depending on retail prices. And both are incredible values ​​that have just about everything everyone needs. They handle four K resolution and high dynamic range videos. They come with great voice remotes, can control your TV’s volume and power, and can connect to any TV with an HDMI I port. The main differences are in the design. The Express is a small box and the stick is well, a stick, but both can be hidden behind your TV or in your entertainment center, so you’ll never see them again. The stick supports Dolby Vision while the Express does not. And while I don’t think it’s a big deal, if you have a Dolby Vision TV, you might want to pay a few bucks more and get a stick. The best part of both devices is Roku’s super simple interface that offers comprehensive search, quick responses, and easy customization compared to the heavy menus of competitors. It’s a breath of fresh air. Google discontinued my Roku runners-up in favor of a newer, more expensive streamer. But I expect this Chromecast to be available for a few more months. At least I still like this little Puck ba among non-Roku streaming devices. It comes in a $30 HD version, but I think the 50.04K model is worth getting for most people as most TV Ss these days support fourK resolution, the remote is sleeker than Roku’s and it will also control your TV. Our tests found that Google’s voice support was better at complex commands and searches than Roku’s Google TV also plays well with Android phones. On the other hand, Google TV’s menu system is more cluttered than Roku’s and doesn’t allow you to easily change its appearance. I also don’t like the big space dedicated to promotional ads at the top that says it offers a lot of apps and I still like it better than Amazon Fire TV. Hey, Apple fans who have some extra cash to spend. This is for you, Apple’s TV box hasn’t changed in a few years, and it’s notable that it’s still the most expensive streamer you can buy, starting at $100 to $30, but it’s great. My favorite part is the so-called Siri remote, which feels positive compared to other streamers and is a huge step up from the original trackpad-focused version. The circular pad is easy to use, clickable or draggable and yes, it can also control your TV. As expected. Apple TV four K plays well with other devices like iphone, mac and of course has services like Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Fitness and iCloud Photos, front and center. There is a neat TV, calibration function. I love the excellent support for the format, including countless HDR options and smart home accessories with the Apple home kit. I wish the remote had a find feature and I like the Roku search better. But overall, Apple TV is very good. It’s just not worth the price compared to any of the other wild card ready streamers on this list. My fourth pick for the best streaming device of 2024 is actually a soundbar, but be sure to buy this little speaker, which lets you upgrade your TV experience in two important ways. It’s a Roku four K streaming device that can do everything the Express four K can do and comes with the same great Roku remote. It will also sound better than any TV S built-in speaker audio viewer, Ty Pendlebury was surprised by the sound quality, especially for dialogue and while other bigger bars have better sound and often separate subwoofers for more bass, this one is pretty decent for the size, as well most soundtracks. It also works with Bluetooth. You can stream music from your phone and leave the TV off. And that’s our list for the best streaming devices in 2024. This is a category of gadgets that doesn’t change much in terms of hardware. All of our picks have actually been published in previous years. Meanwhile, the new 2024 builds we’ve tested like the Roku Ultra and Google streamer aren’t as good values ​​as my picks. But what do you think? Let me know in the comments what you’re looking for in your next streaming device. And if you enjoyed this video, click like and thank you for watching.