We've tried and tested the best streaming devices, from under £40, to make your TV smart and give you access to online content
Christopher Hall
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service.
- Jump straight to reviews
Although BBC iPlayer was one of the first streaming services to launch, it was Netflix that really kicked off the streaming craze. There’s now an abundance of streaming services offering a huge range of content, from Apple TV+ through to Disney+. It’s an exciting time for TV entertainment as there’s always something to watch.
To get to that content, you need a TV streaming device. While many newer televisions come with streaming services built-in, it’s often simpler and easier to access streaming services using a dedicated streaming device. You might also hear them referred to as a streaming box or dongle, because they come in many forms. I’m going to explain the choices so you can choose the best streaming device for you.
“These devices offer the convenience of having a central hub to view everything with, often, a better viewing experience than the built-in options through smart TVs,” explains Elizabeth Hayes, Android and Smart Home Category Lead at John Lewis. “We’ve seen sales increase, with the Amazon Fire TV Stick proving amongst our bestsellers.”
Other names you might recognise include Roku, Apple TV and Google Chromecast. All these devices can access a range of streaming services, including UK catch-up services such as iPlayer which are free to view. I’ve been testing and writing about streaming devices for the past decade. You can read my reviews of this year’s best further down, followed by the answers to some frequently asked questions. But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best streaming devices in 2024? At a glance
- Best overall – Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
- Best value – Roku Express 4K
- Best streaming device for content – Sky Stream
- Best streaming device for Android users – Google Chromecast with Google TV
- Best streaming device for iPhone users – Apple TV 4K
What to look for in a streaming device
The most important thing is to select a device that matches the performance of your TV. There are Full HD and 4K devices (the latter offering better visual 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 actually 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.
How I tested the best streaming devices
I have been testing streaming devices in my home for many years. I connected them all to a latest-generation OLED TV so I could check out the quality of the pictures, with sound pumping through my surround sound system. I’m looking for an experience that’s better than a smart TV’s built-in apps, so ease of use – a clearly laid-out remote and simple search options – is important to me.
Value for money and additional features such as Alexa or Google voice control, or integration with a smart home set-up, are also important. These are detailed in my findings. Finally, I tested each device on how easy it was to set up and sign into the streaming apps that I wanted, most of which – like Netflix – need a subscription.
It’s worth noting that for the most part, parental controls need to be set up for each service individually, rather than centrally on the streaming device itself. To complicate things further, many of these controls are handled at an account level on the web rather than through a streaming device or app. This does, at least, mean that kids can’t easily make changes to restrictions.
Best streaming devices
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Currently £32.99, Amazon
Best overall, 10 out of 10
We like: Alexa searching makes it so simple to use
We don’t like: The home page advertising
- 4K Max, 4K, HD and Lite versions available
- Alexa voice searching
- Dolby Vision and Atmos, HDR10+ streaming on top devices
Amazon has several different streaming sticks, so I’ll start by explaining the options. The £70 Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the top model, the most powerful and offering the fastest Wi-Fi connection. The £60 Fire TV Stick 4K is a little slower but the overall experience is much the same, which is why it’s my top choice.
Next is the £45 Fire TV Stick, which only offers Full HD (1080p) resolution, with Dolby Atmos audio. Lastly you have the Fire TV Stick Lite. This is very cheap at £35, but again only offers Full HD resolution and loses Dolby Atmos audio.
Connecting the Fire TV Stick 4K is as easy as plugging it into a vacant HDMI port on the back of your TV and connecting it to the power. Once physically connected, you’ll be invited to connect the Stick to your Wi-Fi network and then sign into your Amazon account.
If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you’ll already have access to Prime Video as that’s included in the subscription. There is some on-screen advertising for channels or movies on the Fire TV Stick, mostly on the home page, which some might find irritating.
Accessing other free services - BBC iPlayer, ITV X, 4 and My5 - is just a case of downloading and signing in. Then you have subscription services like Netflix, Disney+ or Apple TV+ which you’ll again have to sign in to. Beyond that, Fire TV Stick 4K also offers access to services like YouTube, Twitch and Spotify.
I’m impressed with the quality and the speed of navigation around the menus and it’s easy to find and pick something new to watch. It’s also easy to select a streaming service from the icons and watch without delay.
One of the most compelling options is voice searching using Alexa. If you already have an Echo device you’ll know all about Alexa - here you just press the button, say what you want to watch, and the options for viewing that programme will appear - it’s really easy.
Alexa on the Fire TV Stick will do more - you can ask it to give you information, control smart home devices you have and on the top 4K models you can also preview home security cameras or your video doorbell, as long they’re connected to Alexa.
I think that the Fire TV Stick 4K offers the best streaming device experience overall - all the services, all the quality, a smooth and fast streaming experience, wide range of additional features, good value for money and an easy-to-use remote. If you want a simpler interface, then the Roku Streaming Stick 4K would be a great alternative.
£32.99
Price at
Amazon
2. Roku Express 4K
Best value streaming device, 9/10
We like: Simple interface that’s all about the apps
We don’t like: Not as discreet as some streaming devices
- 4K and HD models available
- Best value for 4K content
- Plug-and-play simplicity
Roku is a big name in streaming, with several devices to choose from. The top model – the £50 Streaming Stick 4K – is a rival for the Fire TV Stick 4K mentioned above, but here’s a cheaper option that offers nearly the same quality and much the same experience for less money.
The Roku Express 4K offers 4K resolution and HDR quality, but it comes at a really attractive price at just under £40. There’s a slight downside, in that this box isn’t as discreet as a streaming stick. But at this price, it’s well worth considering.
Setup is a simple process. You just have to connect to the power and an HDMI socket (a short cable is provided), but the box needs to be visible for the remote control to work. Then you connect it to your Wi-Fi and you can install all the streaming apps you want to use. It includes all the UK catch-up services, as well as the major platforms such as Netflix and Disney+.
There is universal searching for content, but this isn’t as capable as Alexa and there isn’t any support for smart home functions. The Roku remote offers basic TV control functions and there is a very clever option in the smartphone app, called Remote Listening. This will allow you to use headphones with your phone to listen to the audio coming from your TV. That’s perfect if you don’t want to disturb someone else in the room. The remote is easy to use.
Roku’s interface is simple, based around large icons for the services you install and although there is a screen for recommendations, content discovery doesn’t have the same priority as it does on other streaming devices. If you know what you want to watch, then this is probably the best device for you, with the cleanest interface and offering good value for money.
£39.99
Price at
Roku
3. Sky Stream
Currently from £22 per month, Sky (free one-month trial frequently available)
Best streaming device for extra content, 7/10
We like: The most compact way to access Sky content
We don’t like: The ongoing costs
- 4K HDR streaming
- Access to unique Sky content and sports
- All streaming services and live TV
The best way to think about Sky Stream is that it offers all the content of Sky, all the streaming and terrestrial services in one box, and all over the internet. The catch is that there’s a subscription for Sky Stream, so you can’t buy this device and then just get watching as you can with the devices above. A basic £25 subscription gets you access to a selection of exclusive Sky programming and Netflix, or you can pay more for Sky Cinema, Sky Sports and other streaming services.
Sky Stream is a compact set-top box, about the size of a pack of cards. After connecting it to the power and HDMI on your TV, you’ll be invited to sign into your Sky account to access your services. You’ll still have to sign into any other streaming services you want to use.
Content is pulled into Sky’s interface and there are a lot of suggestions, with access to live TV and on-demand TV presented together. There’s some promotion of programmes you might not have access to, and Sky’s content gets into prominent positions. I encountered some software bugs with Sky Stream, such as dropped internet connection or dropped audio, which required the box to be restarted, making the initial experience a little choppy.
Access to live terrestrial TV services is a real bonus and unique to Sky Stream right now, meaning you can access a lot of content without the need for a satellite dish or TV aerial on your roof. The supplied remote is a decent size and offers voice searching (although it’s not as good as Alexa) but is overall easy to use.
There’s support for 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision (for an additional monthly cost), so you can get top-quality sound and vision from Sky Stream. But the ongoing costs of the package mean it’s only likely to appeal to those wanting access to Sky’s entertainment channels or sport. If it’s just the streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ that you’re after, you can get those cheaper via a conventional streaming device like Fire TV Stick or Roku.
From£22
Price per month at
Sky
4. Google Chromecast with Google TV
Best streaming device for Android users, 8/10
We like: Google Assistant makes this super-smart
We don’t like: All4 is not available
- 4K and HD versions
- 4K HDR support with Dolby Vision and Atmos
- Google Assistant voice control through remote
Google Chromecast with Google TV is something of a mouthful to say but is a solid choice for those looking to make their TV smarter. There are two versions of the Google device, one offering HD and one offering 4K. I reviewed the 4K version, which offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and costs £59.99.
Again, using this streaming device is simply a case of plugging into an HDMI on your TV and connecting to the power. You’ll sign into your Google Account, and passwords you’ve saved to your Google account for streaming apps you might have are available to speed up signing into those services.
The Google TV interface isn’t as clean and simple to use as Roku or Fire TV, but it does give you access to a wider range of apps than some other devices. In the UK All4 is missing, so you can’t catch up on Channel 4 content, which is a minor downside. However, it supports simple screen mirroring from Android devices and Chrome browsers to get content from your phone or laptop on the TV.
The compact remote offers TV controls that are easy to set up and Google Assistant supports the experience, allowing you to find content to watch across services, while also returning information and offering smart home controls that you’ve set up with Google Home.
The remote is a little small and less intuitive than Fire TV or Roku when it comes to use, and it lacks a dedicated play button.
£59.99
Price at
John Lewis
5. Amazon Fire TV Cube
Best for streaming device for voice control, 8/10
We like: Hands-free control and top-quality visuals
We don’t like: As a streaming device it’s expensive
- Hands-free Alexa voice control (like an Echo speaker)
- Can control other TV devices
- Full streaming with 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Amazon Fire TV Cube is an interesting streaming device because it will do a lot more than a simple streaming stick. The user experience, the services it offers, and quality is the same as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max reviewed above. But there’s an additional dimension to the Fire TV Cube which makes it worthy of your consideration, even if it is considerably more expensive.
Since this is a physically larger device, it’s designed to be on show rather than hidden behind your TV. It’s equipped with microphones and offers Alexa voice control, so you can make requests as you would on an Amazon Echo speaker. That allows you to easily search for content without having to press any buttons on the remote.
You can also ask the Fire TV Cube to give you weather information, recipes and control your smart home devices, but it will also offer to stream music or play the radio through your TV’s speakers.
There’s an HDMI input on the Fire TV Cube, so you can connect other devices and control those, with the option for an IR blaster accessory to support older devices too. It’s a versatile entertainment device.
Setup is just as simple as other Fire TV devices. You connect it to the power, plug it into an HDMI (cable not included), but then you have the option to connect to Wi-Fi or use Ethernet for a wired connection. You’ll then have to sign into your Amazon account and each of the services you want, in the same way as the Fire TV Stick.
Fire TV Cube is more expensive because it will do more. Some people will be attracted to the extra functions, but if it’s just streaming that you’re after, then the cheaper Fire TV Stick will be better for you.
£99.99
Price at
Amazon
6. Apple TV 4K
Best streaming device for iPhone users, 8/10
We like: It’s got a lovely smooth user interface
We don’t like: It’s expensive as a streaming device
- 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Great for iPhone users
- Small remote
Apple TV 4K is another set-top box, so it’s a little larger than some of the sticks available. It offers a user interface familiar to anyone who has used the Apple TV app on their iPhone or iPad. And it’s the wider link to the Apple ecosystem that makes the Apple TV 4K attractive. It’s available from £149.
The setup is nice and simple, signing into your Apple ID after connecting it to the power and the HDMI on your TV (cable not supplied). There are two versions of the Apple TV 4K, one with Wi-Fi only and the other with Ethernet for a wired connection. Then you download and sign in to any streaming services as you would on any other device. You’ll get access to anything you have in your “iTunes” Library, of course, from purchases on your phone.
Discovery is good, with content options being shown to you, pulled from your services, while Apple TV+ (which requires a separate subscription) is naturally high on the suggestions list. There’s the option to rent or buy movies through Apple, of course, while the streaming quality it offers is top-notch.
But Apple TV also gives you a link to your TV that you can take advantage of with your iPhone, iPad or Mac. That includes an AirPlay 2 connection so you can send content from your iPhone to your TV. Roku also offers AirPlay 2, so it’s not that unique, but when it comes to showing off your photos, it’s a better experience with Apple TV 4K.
More recent additions to Apple TV 4K include the ability to connect an iPhone and use it as a camera for FaceTime calls on your TV, you can access Apple Arcade games (subscription required) as well as Apple Fitness+ (subscription required). Finally, there are some smart home skills in Apple TV 4K too, as this box will allow you to access your HomeKit connected devices when you’re out of the home, for remote control.
£149
Price at
Apple
7. Nvidia Shield TV Pro
Best streaming device for gaming, 8/10
We like: Huge functionality
We don’t like: More complicated than rivals
- Full Android console
- Offers Google TV and gaming
- 4K and HDR quality with AI upscaling
The Nvidia Shield TV often appears on best streaming device lists, but it goes well beyond just giving you access to streaming apps. It’s better to think of it as a full Android computer hooked up to your TV. Yes, it does streaming really well, but if that’s all you want, then this isn’t the device for you.
There are two versions of the Shield TV; the regular Shield TV (£129) that looks like a tube and the Shield TV Pro (£189) that I reviewed, which is an angular slab. The latter is a little more powerful and has USB connections for additional external storage, or for USB accessories, like a keyboard and mouse.
Setting up the Nvidia Shield is no more complicated than other streaming devices, however, as you just need to connect to HDMI (cable not supplied) and the power. Setup can be done through your phone for much of the process.
You’re then presented with the Google TV interface, just like with the Chromecast device reviewed above. This comes with Google Assistant for searching and smart home control functions via the remote. Being an Android device, it offers access to a full range of services but, again, the All4 catch-up app is missing.
There’s support for top-quality streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos, and 4K resolutions. There’s also AI upscaling to make your content look better, which does seem to deliver improved results and might be attractive to home cinema fans.
Extending beyond the movie streaming experience, you also have access to Android games through Play Store, or you can use GeForce Now for cloud gaming, allowing you to play Xbox, Steam and other games you already own. You can connect a Shield Controller or a Bluetooth controller, although the details to get access to games can be a little frustrating. You can pay for membership for faster access and higher-quality game streaming, although it’s not unique since this option is also available on Google Chromecast with Google TV.
All of this marks out Nvidia Shield TV as a sophisticated device with massive potential, but it’s a lot more complex than a simple streamer like a Fire TV Stick and a lot more expensive. This one will appeal to those more technically minded. It might be over the top for those who just want to stream the latest episode of The Crown of an evening.
£189
Price at
Amazon
8. Roku Streambar
Best streaming device with a speaker, 7/10
We like: Streaming and a soundbar in one package
We don’t like: No Dolby Vision support
- Boosts TV sound while adding streaming
- Simple interface
The Roku Streambar is a little different to other devices on this list, because it includes a compact soundbar combined with a Roku streaming experience similar to the other Roku devices I mentioned earlier. It costs £129.99.
From a streaming perspective, the experience is the same, but this model doesn’t support Dolby Vision, so in terms of picture quality, it’s not quite as capable as some of the other streaming devices.
That’s not the point though: the Streambar is about boosting the sound of your TV too, so it’s ideal as an all-in-one solution for a bedroom, university halls or a holiday home, for example.
The difference here is that you also have to think about the sound output from your TV, so you’ll either need HDMI ARC (audio return channel) or an optical connection (which most TVs have), to pipe the audio from your TV to the speaker when you’re not streaming content - i.e., when watching live TV. This might need the speaker settings on your TV changing too. But the benefit is that everything then sounds better, no matter what you’re watching.
Otherwise, the setup is a case of signing into the individual streaming services, with support for all the UK catchup services and premium subscription offerings too. As we’ve said previously of Roku, the interface is simple and the supplied remote offers TV controls, volume controls for the soundbar and simple voice searching too.
The Streambar is certainly a little different, but if you’re not happy with the sound quality from your TV, it could be the perfect device to boost sound and add smart streaming all in one package.
£129.99
Price at
Roku
Streaming devices FAQ
Is it better to get a smart TV or a streaming device?
Smart TVs will often offer the same access to streaming services as a streaming device, but often the experience is slower, with less frequent updates to the apps themselves. In my experience, using a streaming device results in a much better experience, especially when it comes to speed of navigation and options available. It’s just a simpler experience overall.
Do streaming devices work on any TV?
A streaming device is a good way to add connectivity to an older TV, but all these devices will need an HDMI connection. You can check if your TV has an HDMI input by looking at the back or side of your television. HDMI inputs are trapezoid slots, about half an inch long, and should be marked as HDMI. Most TVs from the last 20 years will have them.
It’s important to remember that, to stream advanced display formats like Dolby Vision, you need to have a TV that supports Dolby Vision to see any benefit.
Do streaming devices need Wi-Fi?
Yes, all streaming devices are designed to be connected to Wi-Fi first and foremost. Some have additional wired connections (Ethernet) and some will let you use an adapter to add a wired network connection, like Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV.
What Wi-Fi speed do I need for streaming?
Good quality Wi-Fi will mean less buffering and allow better quality content to stream. You’ll need up to 25Mbps for 4K content, but HD content only needs around 6Mbps. Consider though, that if you have multiple devices connected and streaming, then you’ll need to ensure you have the bandwidth to support them. If Wi-Fi connectivity is patchy or slow, consider a wired connection or Wi-Fi booster.
How do I set up a streaming device?
Typically you just have to plug the device into a power supply and your television. Then you will have to connect it to Wi-Fi and then sign into your streaming accounts. The setup is slightly different for each device, but once connected to your television, you’ll get full instructions to follow shown on the screen.
Is there a monthly fee for Fire Stick?
No, there’s no ongoing cost for an Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, but you need an Amazon account for it to work.
Do any streaming devices have free content?
Yes, aside from the UK catch-up channels which your licence fee grants you access to, all streaming devices offer access to services like YouTube. But there are a range of other free services supported by advertising, including Freevee, Roku Channel (only on Roku devices) and Pluto TV.