This tutorial will list some of the Best Streaming Devices available today. This includes tons of different devices that allow users to stream Movies, TV Shows, and more directly to their television.
In today’s world of modernized streaming there are tons of different ways to “cut-the-cord” and the best way to do so is via streaming device.
These allow users to install applications from app stores and more that will provide tons of content, oftentimes for free.
Listed below are a few of the most popular streaming devices available today. These vary in price, power, speed, and more.
We want to know what your preferred device is and what makes it so great.
Please use the poll below to vote for your favorite and let us know “What is the Best Streaming Device?”
This list contains devices from Amazon, NVIDIA, Android, and more.
If you don’t see your favorite device shown, use the comment section to let us know what it is and why!
Best Streaming Device – What is Your Favorite?
Fire TV Stick 4K
The most popular device among cord-cutters and streamers is likely the Amazon Firestick. Due to it’s low price point and fast streaming abilities, it has made its way into millions of homes across the world.
One of the main reasons this device has gained so much popularity is due to its side-loading abilities that allow users to install apps not available in the Amazon App Store.
Oftentimes, this lets owners “jailbreak” their device for free Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, and more.
Besides it’s side-loading abilities, the Fire TV Stick 4K has some other features that make it an awesome streaming choice.
Notable Features
- Amazon Alexa Voice Remote
- 4K Streaming Capabilities
- Dolby Vision & Surround Sound
- 8 GB Storage Capacity
- IPVanish Compatibility
Currently, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is available for $49.99.
Purchase Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Fire TV Cube (2nd Generation)
While the Firestick is the most popular device for Amazon, it is not the only choice available.
The 2nd Generation Fire TV Cube is another option that offers the same capabilities with some added features.
The major advantage the Cube has over the Fire TV Stick is its hand’s-free capabilities with built in Amazon Echo.
If you are a fan of smart speakers and voice technology, this device is for you. The Fire TV Cube easily lets you turn on and off the tv, open apps, and even play content, all without touching a single button.
Users can still side-load applications and can store twice the amount of apps due to its 16 GB Capacity. And, the cube has a built in Ethernet adapter for all your external needs.
However, the price of the Fire TV Cube 2 is more than double that of it’s brother device – the Fire TV Stick 4K.
Notable Features
- Added Amazon Alexa Voice Remote
- 4k Streaming Capabilities
- Built in speaker
- Far-Field Voice Support
- 16 GB Storage Capacity
- IPVanish Compatibility
Currently, the Amazon Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen is available for $119.99.
2nd Generation Fire TV Cube Review
Purchase the 2nd Gen Fire TV Cube
NVIDIA SHIELD
Amazon is not the only company investing in the streaming market. NVIDIA also offers a streaming device that is the most powerful device running the Android TV system.
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV and NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro are both high-powered streaming devices that provide the ability to side-load apps not available in the Google Play Store.
4K video capabilities are provided in both versions of the NVIDIA SHIELD with Dolby HDR & HDR10 Vision.
The main element of these devices that make them so powerful is the built in NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor. The NVIDIA SHIELD is great for gamers, streamers, and everything in between.
However, both devices tout a hefty price tag that is much steeper than the average streaming device.
Notable Features
- 8 GB or 16 GB Storage Capacity
- micro-SD card slot for Stick Version
- Dual USB Ports for Pro Version
- Ethernet Port
- Google Voice Control
- IPVanish Compatibility
Currently, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Stick is available for $149.99 and the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is available for $199.99.
Purchase the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Stick
Purchase the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
X96 Max Android TV Box
The X96 Max Android TV Box is another Android device that is highly popular among streamers and more. It is available in various configurations including 4GB and 2GB RAM options.
While the X96 Max is considered an Android TV Box, it does not run the Android TV Operating System like other devices such as the NVIDIA SHIELD.
These devices that run the “Stock Android System” are considered Generic Android TV Boxes and usually perform great at a cheaper price point.
Learn the difference between Stock Android and Android TV Systems by reading the TROYPOINT Android TV Box Resource Guide.
The X96 is a fabulous streaming device that is perfect for those who don’t use paid service apps such as Netflix, Hulu, etc. If you plan on side-loading apps to your device, the X96 Max is a great choice.
One thing to note, however, is the oftentimes faulty remote that come with Stock Android devices. If you do choose to purchase one of these devices, we recommend using a wireless keyboard remote such as the iPazzPort Wireless Mini Keyboard.
Notable Features
- Up to 64 GB Storage Capacity
- 4K Streaming Capabilities
- micro-SD Card slot
- Dual USB Ports
- Ethernet Port
- IPVanish Compatibility
Currently, the X96 Max Android TV Box is available for $55.99.
Purchase the X96 Max Android TV Box
Other Streaming Options
Roku
One of the most popular devices available today is the Roku media streaming device. Roku offers a few variations of the model that cost anywhere between $24.99- $99.99.
These devices have hundreds of different “Channel” options that users can install for free or a small price.
This includes apps such as Netflix, Apple TV, Tubi, and more. However, Roku does not have “side-loading” abilities which means you cannot install apps such as Cinema APK and others.
Roku is great for those who want to install all the popular apps and enjoy a seamless streaming experience and
Purchase Roku Streaming Device
Raspberry Pi
While a Raspberry Pi isn’t often considered a “streaming device”, many use this little piece of equipment for exactly that.
Users have the ability to install and run Kodi and other applications through the device and cast to a screen of their choice. You can even play retro games on Raspberry Pi and enjoy some of the old classics.
Do you consider Raspberry Pi the Best Streaming Device?
What is a Raspberry Pi?
PC or Mac
Using a PC or Mac is still the preferred method for tons of cord-cutters across the world. One of the main reasons for this is that the opportunities for content are endless and easily accessible.
Instead of installing or side-loading streaming applications, PC & Mac users can visit websites, download files, and more with ease.
Using a computer or laptop also ensures a strong connection which means little to no buffering.
Best Streaming Device Poll
What do you think is the Best Streaming Device? Use the poll below to let us know!
You must vote to see results.
The ONLY 1 I have tried is the Fire Stick 4K w/Alexa, but it’s worked completely excellent. So why try something different when you’re ?% satisfied with what you have ? I understand other people may be gamer’s, or down/uploaders, but for just people (like me) whom can’t afford more expensive item’s (plus my Sony 7.2 1,025X7 watt Surround compensates for much) the Fire Stick has saved me almost 5K in viewing expenses between 10-16, and 2-20 !! For the sake of discretion I won’t say to whom, but will say my monthly bill ran at $117 per month ?… Read more »
I recently got the newest Nvidia shield TV on sale for $129 and a $20 coupon from Google shopping so it came out to $109.I already had the 2017 shield and loved it but they are pricey ,but took advantage of the sale and the tube from the Nvidia is excellent.I added a microSD card for storage and I was good to go.Iwhat I like the best is the simple interface ,all I have are my apps and my tools,I got so tired of fire stick with tons of ads and having to rearrange them all the time ,because even… Read more »
Amazon has pretty much cornered the market with its every-other-day sale price of $25 for the Firestick 4K. Can’t beat it at the price!
Yes that is right. Roku won’t let you put anything on theirs. That is why I love my firesticks
I have a firestick and nvidia shield I like them both
The day I own an Invidia I’ll rank it #1 (hint). However, since amazon has literally cornered the market and I own 4 have to be my first choice. I’m still running my 2nd gen Fire TV boxes like a champ tho and my tronsmart android box:).
I always tell people you only need three things #1 Amazon Fire Stick #2 A VPN and #3 And Most Important TroyPoint.com He will teach you everything you need to Know!! And for that I Thank You SIR!!
I started using the firestick a couple years ago. I now have 4 sticks. And I love the fact that I can watch anything I want to and have a wider range of things to watch and I am saving money by doing so. I had no idea how to use it at first and had to get someone to do the upgrades for me. But , now thanks to Troy point I now can do upgrades and sideload whatever is needed. Thank you Troypoint.
How about it Friends and Family always say how smart I am after setting up a fire stick for them and I have to be Honest and tell them just Google troypoint.com and he will teach ya everything ya need to know!! When it comes to stuff like this I’m as dumb as a rock with out help from Troy
Thanks Jim! That sounds like a great plan to us!
I have A Fire Tv (gen 2), Dragon Box 2 and Formuler Z8. I rate rhe Z8 #1, Dragon Box 2 as #2 and Amazon Fire TV as third