Not every TV includes all the entertainment apps you need out of the box. If you watch the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+, it may be worth investing in a streaming stick or box. This little gadget plugs into the HDMI socket at the back of your TV and gives you access to more apps and channels.
The devices go by many names – streaming sticks, streaming boxes, media players – but they all do the same thing: plug into your TV via HDMI and connect to the internet so you watch a wealth of content. Many can run other apps and even games.
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With many devices costing around £50/$50, they’re one of the best value smart home devices you can get, and during sale seasons they become even more of a steal. Most importantly – we’ve put them all to the test to see which ones come out on top.
Here, we round up the best media players, streaming sticks and boxes we’ve reviewed, so you can access endless TV shows and films. We also have a list of the best HDMI cables that you can pair with these streamers and, if you’re looking to branch out into more content libraries, check out our current rankings of the best TV streaming services.
Best streaming stick and box reviews
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) – Best overall
Pros
- 16GB of storage
- All popular streaming services
- Ambient Experience and generative AI
Cons
- Still too much self-promotion
- Voice Remote Pro would have been nice
- Micro-USB power connector
The 4K Max (2nd gen) is the best Amazon Fire TV Stick yet, with the most storage, the most powerful performance and a wide range of features.
It delivers 4K resolution at 60Hz, with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and other HDR and surround-sound formats.
The Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced remote adds more buttons for TV control, including a live TV key which is useful for live sports. The Ambient Experience gives you a customisable screen saver with useful productivity widgets such as weather and reminders. If you’re in the US, you can also take advantage of generative AI features.
It doesn’t have hands-free Alexa like the more expensive Fire TV Cube, but at only £10/$10 more than the next model down, it’s still the best choice if you have a 4K TV. If you only have a 1080p panel, opt for the 3rd-gen Fire TV Stick instead.
Bear in mind that there are ads on the home screen, and heavy promotion for Amazon-owned content from Prime Video and IMDb TV. But, with a well-stocked app store containing all popular streaming services, it’s easy to recommend.
Who should buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen)?
Entertainment enthusiasts who want a mix of all the best features for a reasonable price.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen): Further considerations
It gives far too much precedence to Amazon’s own-brand shows.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023) review
2. Manhattan Aero Freely – Best for Freely
Pros
- Cheap initial price, no subscription costs
- No TV aerial required
- Integrated TiVo OS smart platform
Cons
- No aerial fallback
- Needs 10Mbps broadband minimum
- Limited physical connectivity
If you want access to terrestrial TV for less, the Manhattan Aero Freely is the streaming box for you. This tiny device is very easy to set up but it gives you access to Freely out of the box, so you can tap into all the major channels such as BBC One and Channel 4, all without the need for a satellite or a subscription.
Of course, if you do decide that you’d rather dive into streaming so that you can enjoy the latest shows on your own schedule, you also get access to the big services here. The Aero Freely runs on TivoOS, where you can download apps for the likes of Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube.
What’s most impressive however is that in spite of the Aero Freely’s affordable £69.99 price tag, it boasts some of the best streaming quality we’ve seen from a device of its kind. We’re talking 4K streaming with HDR10+ to boot, and there’s even Dolby Atmos compatibility for truly cinematic audio.
When the rest of the house has gone to bed, you can simply connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones to the Aero and avoid waking anyone up as you catch up on your favourite show. It would have been nice to see more ports available, but it’s a minor gripe given just how much the streamer exceeds where it counts.
Who should buy the Manhattan Aero Freely?
Fans of terrestrial TV who want an affordable streaming box.
Manhattan Aero Freely: Further considerations
If your internet cuts out, the Freely can’t fall back on an aerial connection.
Read our full Manhattan Aero TV streamer review
3. Roku Streaming Stick 4K – Best Roku streamer
Pros
- 4K streaming for less
- Smooth performance
- Great remote
Cons
- No HDMI extension cable
- No headphone jack
- Homepage not as detailed as Amazon’s
The Streaming Stick 4K from Roku brings 4K streaming at an affordable price. The device has a lot going for it, including an easy-to-use interface, smooth performance and a decent remote with controls for volume, power and voice support.
Roku also offers thousands of hours of free content with The Roku Channel, and a huge range of streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+.
The Streaming Stick 4K doesn’t have a headphone jack directly on the remote, and the lack of an HDMI extension cable may make setting up a little tricky. However, it does have support for Dolby Vision.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max still has the edge here due to a more tailored and comprehensive homepage. Roku needs to get better at suggesting content and making shows readily available without users having to go directly into apps.
Who should buy the Roku Streaming Stick 4K?
Anyone who wants a cheaper yet feature-packed alternative to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Further considerations
The user interface is a bit bland compared to the competition.
Read our full Roku Streaming Stick 4K review
4. Nvidia Shield TV (2019) – Best high-quality streaming
Pros
- 4K@60Hz HDR10 support
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision
- Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
The Nvidia Shield TV offers one of the most complete media streaming experiences on the market right now, although it’s not the cheapest gadget in our chart by a long shot.
It features 4K@60Hz playback, like its predecessor, but the new Shield TV takes things a step further with AI-based 4K upscaling that makes even 360p content look sharp and crisp. It’s not as good as native 4K content, but it’s certainly the next best thing.
Couple that with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support across Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Google Assistant support, access to AAA gaming via GeForce Now and a new triangular remote with backlit media keys, and you’ve got a truly premium media streaming experience.
Who should buy the Nvidia Shield TV (2019)?
Detail obsessives who want high-quality 4K streaming.
Nvidia Shield TV (2019): Further considerations
It’s quite a bit more expensive than the alternatives.
Read our full Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review
5. Roku Streaming Stick Plus – Cheaper 4K streaming
Pros
- Simple interface
- Intuitive remote
- Wide range of apps
- Cheaper than some other 4K media boxes
Cons
- No Dolby Vision or Atmos
- Limited smart home integration
- No HDMI extender
While Roku still sells its premium 4K Stick, it also offers a cheaper UHD option if you want to keep your budget down. Unlike the previous generation, this stick plugs directly into the back of your TV, rather than hanging down.
You’ll still get the same wide range of streaming apps, the easy-to-use interface and the accessibility-friendly remote. The main compromise you’ll make is forgoing Dolby Vision and Atmos support, which is available on Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Smart home integration with Roku sticks is also limited compared to devices from Amazon and Google. That said, if none of these compromises are dealbreakers, you can save some dosh with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus.
Who should buy the Roku Streaming Stick Plus?
Anyone who’s after 4K streaming on a budget.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus: Further considerations
You don’t get access to Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos.
6. Google TV Streamer – Best Google TV option
Pros
- Sleek design
- Clean interface
- Smooth performance
- Optional wired internet
Cons
- Smart Home panel is no longer exclusive
- Not as discreet as Chromecasts
- On the expensive side
The Google TV Streamer is the brand’s most powerful media box, with a faster processor than the last-generation Chromecast, more RAM and the option of an ethernet cable. However, it’s also the most expensive – and one key feature that was exclusive at launch is now rolling out on older and cheaper devices.
This is the Smart Home panel, which gives users control over supported devices on the Home app, including lights, thermostats and doorbells. Add to that its bulkier build (rather than a discreet dongle), and it’s hard to see how this device is nearly double the price of the Google Chromecast with Google TV. However, Chromecast is no longer available to buy, so this is really the only option available.
Nonetheless, you won’t be disappointed with the performance of the TV Streamer. It supports 4K content with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a wide range of HDR formats. The Google TV interface is clean and simple to use, and a wide range of apps are supported. However, casting for the Netflix app is no longer supported for this device.
Who should buy the Google TV Streamer?
Tech enthusiasts who want a hub for entertainment and smart home devices alike.
Google TV Streamer: Further considerations
There are more affordable alternatives that focus purely on streaming.
Read our full Google TV Streamer 4K review
7. Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) – Best smart speaker combo
Pros
- Excellent, fast performance
- HDMI passthrough
- Doubles as an Echo Dot
Cons
- Expensive
- Ad-heavy software
The 3rd-generation Fire TV Cube once again combines all the benefits of an Amazon streaming stick with an Echo Dot smart speaker, but this time with faster and slicker performance.
This media streamer supports 4K HDR video, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and is simple and easy to use thanks to Amazon’s interface. You have the option of hands-free control with your voice – you can also use your voice for all the usual smart speaker commands such as reminders, playing music, asking questions etc.
This is one of the pricier media streamers on the market though, so only consider it if you really want an Echo Dot as well as a streaming stick. You’ll also have to put up with Amazon’s tendency to including lots of ads on its OS.
Who should buy the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)?
Anyone who wants a streaming device and a smart speaker rolled into one.
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen): Further considerations
You have to pay quite a bit for the privilege of owning one.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) review
8. Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Box (2023) – Best budget buy
Pros
- Feature-rich remote
- Google TV software makes sense of streaming
- Super cheap even without sale prices
Cons
- Performance can drag on occasion
- No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support
- Google TV guide still has some blind spots
US readers can get an excellent Google TV Streaming Box for less than $20 from Walmart, undercutting competition from the likes of Amazon and Roku (outside of major sale seasons, that is).
The Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box comes with a great remote, with many shortcuts for apps and settings, as well as support for voice control. The TV OS is simple to navigate, and includes an abundance of apps.
Of course, at this price there are sacrifices. While you get 4K quality, there is no Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support. In addition, apps are slow to load, meaning performance isn’t as snappy as premium models. Nonetheless, if you’re on a budget, this is one streaming stick to consider.
Who should buy the Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Box (2023)?
US consumers who want access to tons of streaming services without paying a fortune.
Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Box (2023): Further considerations
The device isn’t available in the UK.
Read our full Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box (2023 model) review
9. Sky Stream – Best for Sky TV fans
Pros
- Compact box
- Slick setup & interface
- No dish needed
- Nice remote control
Cons
- Can get expensive
- No hard drive for recordings
- Delay vs Sky Q
The Sky Stream is a bit different to other media sticks, in that it requires a monthly subscription to access the Sky channels it offers. If that’s what you’re after, this is a great way of getting premium entertainment without forking out for a whole new TV or installing a satellite dish.
Sky Stream provides up to 4K Ultra HD content with HDR support, as well as Dolby Atmos. Navigation on the interface is simple, with rails for various collections, and the ability to pick up where you left off watching on a number of apps such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
However, the monthly costs can add up. A basic subscription only includes Sky Entertainment, Netflix Basic and content capped at HD. If you want 4K streaming, a better Netflix plan and things such as Sky Cinema or Sky Sports, this will all cost extra. You also can’t record content onto a physical hard drive as you can with Sky Q.
If you’re happy with those compromises, then this is the most flexible way to get Sky – with monthly rolling options available.
Who should buy the Sky Stream?
True binge-watchers who want the widest library of entertainment available.
Sky Stream: Further considerations
It can cost a lot over time, especially if you add in a Sky Sports package.
Read our full Sky Stream review
Other streaming devices tested
Curious to see what else is out there? Here are some options that didn’t make the list:
- Netgem Freely Pleio – Although it’s been replaced in our list by the Manhattan Aero Freely, the Netgem Freely Pleio is still a great option for anyone looking to have easy access to terrestrial TV channels over the internet. Despite its small build, the Pleio can put out 4K content with support for HDR10+ and HLG, and there’s even the option to enjoy cloud gaming, although we did find it to be laggy on occasion.
- Sky Glass 2 – If you’re tempted by the idea of a new streaming stick, but also want to upgrade your TV, the Sky Glass 2 can give you everything you need in one fell swoop. Sky’s own-brand television comes with the company’s interface as standard, so you can easily access TV channels and streaming services, all without having to plug in extra dongles or accessories.
- Sky Glass Air – While the Sky Glass 2 TV is a great option for anyone after an all-in-one streaming device, it’s Sky Glass Air that offers a better deal overall, with a cheaper price tag. Sure, you do miss out on improved lighting and contrast, but it’s the type of visual fidelity that most people won’t pay attention to. Plus, the Sky Glass Air is lighter than its pricier sibling, making it an easier TV to wall-mount if that’s what you’d like to do.
Streaming stick news that could affect your buying decision
Although the most recent Apple TV 4K from 2022 doesn’t feature on this list, Apple’s streaming devices are still popular (even among non-Apple users) for their fast processing speeds and overall image quality. If you’re tempted by an Apple streamer, you may want to hold off on purchasing one for the time being.
One of the big reveals from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg was that a new Apple TV device would be coming to market. However, the device never surfaced. All signs now point towards 2026 as the launch for Apple’s next entertainment unit. Of course, we won’t know how good the device is until we get it in for testing, but it’s still worth bearing.
Given that we had a refresh of Roku streaming sticks in 2025, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a major shift in Roku products offered any time soon, but this may not be the case for Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks. The Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) hit the scene back in 2022 and, even though it’s still a great device today, it could arguably do with a refresh to add features such as a faster Wi-Fi connection.
The Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select did launch in 2025, but it’s one of the few Fire TV devices to receive many negative reviews due to limited apps, no sideloading, an overload of ads and more. Therefore, we’d suggest sticking with the Max model at the top of the chart if Amazon is your preferred OS of choice.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Can I get a better streaming stick deal?
One of the best things about shopping with Tech Advisor (aside from being able to lean on our expert advice) is that the deals widgets featured alongside each product depict the best and most up-to-date prices available.
With the ability to instantly scan the price tags of all major retailers, these widgets save you having to do all of that searching manually, so you get straight to the cheapest price and on with the rest of your day.
If you’re really tied to a strict budget, or you don’t mind holding off on a purchase in the hopes of finding a cheaper price, the best thing you can do is stick with us during our coverage of the Amazon Prime Day sale, as well as Black Friday. These two shopping events provide the best opportunity to find streaming sticks at an all-time low cost, alongside tons of other devices.
In fact, if you have your eye on an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Prime Day is certainly your best bet as that’s when Amazon typically debuts the lowest prices on all of its own brand products. You do need to be signed up to Amazon Prime to access the deals, but there’s always a free trial available for newcomers who want to get in on the action without spending a penny.
How we test streaming sticks
When it comes to the latest streaming sticks, one of our tech experts will install them on their own personal TV, using them as their go-to streaming devices for at least a week. This gives our writers the chance to emulate the standard use cases for most streaming sticks, moving between multiple apps, seeing how quickly services load and the detail/consistency of the image provided. The user interface is also tested to see how it compares to alternatives on the market.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for streaming stick reviews and buying advice
As you may have guessed from our tireless entertainment reporting, we’re not just obsessed with the latest films and TV shows, we also want to make sure that you’re watching them in the best way possible. Just like with any of the other devices we review, our team puts in the work so that you make the right purchase each and every time, thanks to in-depth write-ups that let you know exactly what it’s like to use each streaming stick before you ever part with your hard-earned cash.
Who curated this article?
This article was put together by Tech Advisor’s very own Entertainment Editor, Hannah Cowton-Barnes. As someone who spends countless hours streaming the latest in must-see TV and jaw-dropping cinema, no one understands the finer details that make for a great entertainment experience quite like Hannah, which is why her seal of approval speaks volumes about the products that are featured here.
How to choose the best streaming stick
There’s now more choice than ever when it comes to streaming devices, and while that can be good for innovation, it does make things a bit tricky when it comes to deciding which one actually makes the most sense for your needs. To help whittle things down a bit, the best place to start is by looking at the features of your TV.
If you have a TV with a resolution of 1080p (also listed as HD) there’s no need for you to buy a 4K streaming device as that uptick in quality won’t make its way through to the image that you see. This also extends to the type of streaming subscription that you have – more often than not, only the most expensive tiers provide 4K streaming, so if you pay for the entry-level tier of Netflix for instance, you won’t have access to a 4K stream to begin with.
Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry
On the flip side, even if you have a 4K TV, if you’re not that fussed about visual detail and just want a device that gives you quick access to Netflix or Disney Plus, opting for a 1080p streaming stick can be an easy way of saving money.
Only those who are obsessed with having the best picture quality possible, and access to even more apps such as those for cloud gaming like Game Pass, should consider spending £50/$50 or more when picking up a streaming stick.
Buying advice for a streaming stick or streaming box
What is the purpose of a streaming stick or box?
Even if you have a so-called ‘smart TV’, it’s likely to offer an inferior experience – not to mention a deficit in content – compared to the media streamers we’ve reviewed here.
The content available through each streamer is the most important factor for a lot of people. This is why it’s crucial to check that the services you want are available. It’s rare for one device to offer everything, but many have a wide range, with hundreds of apps to choose from. Amazon-owned app Twitch isn’t available on devices such as Roku, for example.
What is the difference between a streaming stick and a streaming box?
The difference here is minimal but a stick is what you’d imagine: a stick-like device that plugs directly into your TV. Designs have changed a little over time so some, like the Fire Stick, have a small cable and tend to be called dongles.
Streaming boxes are, well, boxes and they tend to sit underneath your TV and connect via an HDMI cable.
There are no huge benefits to either unless you have a wall-mounted TV and have nowhere to sit a box. In this case, get a stick so it can be hidden behind your set.
What are the key specs and features to look out for?
When buying a streaming device, check it has the specs and features you need. Not all support 4K Ultra HD resolution output and you’ll also want to check for HDR for a more vibrant picture.
The design of the remote is also something to consider. Some have the ability to control your TV (normally power and volume) and might even have a headphone jack so you can easily listen privately. Others might support voice search via Alexa or Google Assistant.
In short, as long as you have a HDMI port, a streaming stick should work on any TV.
Can you game on a streaming stick or box?
Gaming is a bonus feature on some media streamers. You can play casual games such as Tetris on Roku and Amazon devices, or opt for the Nvidia Shield TV for something a little more console-esque. You can even buy optional gamepads for some if you’re serious about wanting to play like that.
Do Roku devices have YouTube?
Yes – Roku was set to lose YouTube on 9 December 2021. However, a last-minute deal between Roku and Google reversed these plans and ensured that the YouTube app will remain on Roku streaming sticks and boxes for at least a few years.
In addition, the new deal reinstated YouTube TV back onto Roku devices – this app had been gone since April 2021. The inclusion of the YouTube app on Roku devices has now been reflected in the order of our chart.
What is the best time to buy a streaming stick or media box?
Historically, we’ve seen the biggest discounts on these products during well-known sale seasons. The Prime Day sales bring huge discounts on Fire Sticks in particular, while Black Friday sees price slashes across a range of products.
When a new model is released, older products also tend to drop in price, so it’s always worth checking sites if you’re not bothered about having the newest streaming stick.