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The best streaming devices for watching Netflix, Prime Video and more on your TV
Modern TV watching has shifted from linear programming to on-demand streaming, with an abundance of streaming services offering a huge range of content, from Apple TV through to Disney+. Some of these services are free to watch – like BBC iPlayer or ITVX – but many require a subscription.
To access these services you need a streaming device and while many newer televisions come with this built-in, for older TVs you’ll need a separate streaming stick or box. Streaming devices come in many forms, so I’m going to explain the options and help you choose the best streaming device for you. Big names include Fire TV Stick, Roku and Apple TV 4K.
I’ve been testing streaming devices for over a decade. You can read my reviews of this year’s best streaming devices further down, followed by the answers to some frequently asked questions. But if you’re in a hurry, here are my top five:
The best streaming devices: At a glance
How to choose the best streaming device
The most important thing is to select a streaming device that matches the performance of your TV. There are Full HD and 4K options (the latter offering better picture quality because of the higher resolution), but to benefit from that, you need a 4K-capable TV.
The same applies to HDR – high dynamic range – which can again boost the visual quality, but your TV has to support it. You’ll see terms like Dolby Vision being used, but if your TV screen doesn’t support Dolby Vision, it won’t make any difference to what you see. So that’s the starting point: work out what your TV can support, then buy the best streaming device to suit your needs.
Finally, there are a range of other functions on offer. You might be able to use your phone to control these devices, you might be able to share photos and videos from your phone to your TV or use it to play games – but again, decide what’s important to you, because sometimes less is more.
