We can now confidently say that watching television and movies is the most popular pastime in the United States. The majority of those hours are spent on streaming media apps like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video as binge-watching comes dangerously close to becoming a literal sport!
Most streaming platforms are regionally restricted, and streaming devices need to be ideally VPN-compatible to unlock a world of entertainment for you. If you reside in New Zealand and want to learn how to access your favorite geo-restricted streaming services, visit howtowatch.co.nz to learn more.
Home theater systems and entertainment consoles have massively upgraded from their counterparts a decade ago. So if you wish to purchase a new streaming device, this indicates a desire to upgrade one’s personal media setup.
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Maybe you’ve been watching TV on your mobile device or tablet, or maybe you’re frustrated with the performance of your TV’s native operating system. Regardless, there is no shortage of streaming dongles like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite or set-top boxes like the Apple TV 4K, but it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your needs.
So, assuage your fears, friends. We’ve got the lowdown on the five most used streaming devices today.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is your best bet if you need a fast-streaming device.
There is hardly any lag time when using the Max to load apps, and navigating the interface is quick and easy. Plus, the Max is compatible with the latest playback standards, including Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6. The Fire TV platform and heavy emphasis on advertisements are Max’s biggest drawbacks.
For some reason, we find it annoying when the TV’s screensaver mode turns it into a moving billboard for various programs or advertisements. If you need a fast device or are already immersed in the Amazon ecosystem, though, this is an excellent option. It is well worth the additional cost to upgrade to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which is currently the best Fire Stick available.
Chromecast (with Google TV HD)
Thanks to Google’s continued development of the Chromecast streaming stick, it is now on every streamer’s radar.
Chromecast now comes with a remote that can be controlled via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and features quick access to YouTube and Netflix and voice search via Google Assistant, expanding the device’s previous mobile and desktop-only control options.
The new Chromecast with Google TV is a major step forward in 4k video support, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. By conveniently grouping content from different apps into categories like “For You,” “Shows,” “Apps,” and “Library,” Google TV provides a level playing field for all of your streaming options. However, it gives more weight to the apps you purchase than free ones that rely on advertising.
Roku Express 4K Plus
Roku is our preferred streaming system due to its many apps, simple interface, and excellent search options. It’s also content-neutral. Basically, the Express 4K Plus is a cheap 4K HDR streaming media player. (Your next TV may support those formats.)
This Roku device is one of the most affordable ways to connect your iPhone or other Apple device to your TV via AirPlay. It’s cheaper than the company’s Streaming Stick 4K Plus and other 4K HDR streaming devices and the best streaming device, in our opinion.
Apple TV 4K
Apple’s first 4K television, the Apple TV 4K, offers ultra-high definition video with deeper blacks, more accurate colors, and sharper detail than ever before.
As with other devices, it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and it offers a wide selection of apps for watching TV whenever you want. The Apple TV is a part of the larger Apple ecosystem, allowing users to access their music libraries, view photos stored in the cloud, and watch movies by asking Siri.
Multi-user support in the device’s Control Center allows users to set up individual profiles for each member of the household, making it especially useful for households with varying tastes in television viewing.
Everyone in the household can quickly and easily search for and discover their preferred shows, movies, and music, all in the same place and with recommendations customized specifically for them. Learn more about how to stream beIN Sports on Apple TV.
Nvidia Shield TV
With only 8GB of storage and 2GB of RAM compared to 16GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, the Shield is more expensive than the competition even before a game controller is added, but it is the best option if you need a versatile media player.
However, gaming is where the NVIDIA Shield really shines, as it grants users access to the powerful NVIDIA GeForce Now and NVIDIA GameStream game subscription streaming services.
In addition to 4K video streaming and High Dynamic Range (HDR), it features a wide selection of console- and Android-level games, Steam Link, an integrated Google Assistant with smart home control, network attached storage (NAS) access, the ability to host a Plex media server, HDHomeRun compatibility, and much more.
Conclusion
In addition to having WIFI, the vast majority of our streaming devices also feature 4K resolution. Ultra-High Definition (UHD) content, not to mention the mind-blowing advantages of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, is starting to make a real impact in the entertainment industry, making the latter a necessity. You can check out the top 5 streaming devices.
Simply put, if your television is compatible with both of the aforementioned technologies, you will be treated to images of unprecedented sharpness and color depth.
Leave a comment telling us which streaming device you think is the best!
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