Here are the best media streaming sticks and boxes available right now that can be used to watch movies and TV shows on apps like Netflix and Disney+.
Not all TVs have access to every streaming platform you need, and if you want to watch the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and more, then it may be worth investing in a streaming stick or box. This is a little gadget that plugs into a HDMI socket at the back of your TV.
They go by many names – streaming sticks, streaming boxes, media players and more – 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 of them also have the ability to run other apps and even games.
With many devices costing under £50/$50, they are one of the best value smart home devices you can get. During sale seasons such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, these products often receive huge discounts, too.
Here, we round up the best media players and streaming sticks and boxes we’ve reviewed, so you can access endless TV shows and films.Best streaming stick and box 2024
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 ever, 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 more TV control, including a live TV key which is very useful for when live sports are airing. The Ambient Experience gives you a customisable screen saver with useful productivity widgets such as the weather and reminders. If you’re in the US, you can also take advantage of the 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 Stick.
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.
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 for 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 both the volume and 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 and Dolby Atmos.
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.
Pros
Slick interface
4K with wide HDR support
Google Assistant
Cons
Can’t switch users
No headphone jack on remote
The Chromecast with Google TV is the firm’s best ever streamer.
