Best TV Streaming Device 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

There have been several updates to the original Fire Stick over the past few years, and this one combines the revolutionary voice-controlled remote with top-notch viewing quality.

You can enjoy all of your favourite streaming and catch up services, such as Prime Video, BBC, Netflix, ITV, All 4, Disney and Curzon Cinema in 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ quality.

There are thousands of other apps and channels too, such as news channels, music streaming services and internet browsers. Some of the services will require a subscription, but there are plenty of free-to-view options too.

The buttons on the new remote can also control your compatible television, soundbar and speakers. Because it is smart, the Alexa Voice Remote can also work alongside your smart lighting, thermostat, plugs and other devices. You don’t just have to own Amazon products either – Samsung SmartThings, TP-Link, Ring and Hue all apply.

To set it all up, just pop the stick into the HDMI port at the back of your HDTV, plug it into the mains, connect it to the internet and you’re good to go. It can connect to the Wi-Fi, or you can purchase a separate dedicated Ethernet Adaptor for a more reliable wired connection.

Even though it is 4K, you don’t need a 4K telly to enjoy it. It will work with HD Ready (720p) and Full HD (1080p) TVs, but your programmes will only be shown in the format your television supports – it won’t actually make your telly 4K.

This model is a lot quicker to process data than previous models, so even though you may not get the video quality it can provide, you will notice a difference in speed. So, we would say it is still worth it for the little jump in price.

Seen by many as the option which offers the most variety, Roku may not be the first name you think of when you are considering a media streaming kit in a world of Firesticks and Smart TVs, but it should be. A little bit of bonus info, too – Roku actually powers Sky-made NOW TV sticks, so they know what they’re doing.

An advanced wireless receiver will pick up the signal even if it is on the weak side, so streaming will never be patchy. Perfect if you want to watch telly in the back bedroom, nowhere near the router. You can also point the remote anywhere, and the stick will pick up your commands, which is ideal for those lazy Sundays where you don’t want to move too much.

This player is also available in a Box form for a lower price, but if you want the highest quality picture, then this 4K stick is the way forward. There are 150,000+ TV programmes and movies on offer, so you’ll never have another night in where you spend hours flicking through what to watch.

There are 2000 free and paid channels to enjoy, so whether you want to try and cut down on your monthly subscriptions and only pay for what you watch, or want an entirely cost-free experience, the choice is in your hands. Both Amazon Prime and Netflix are available, so whether you have a favourite or you love both, you aren’t restricted once you buy the subscriptions. You also get all of the main channel catch-up services, as well as YouTube, TuneIn radio and the TV Player app.

As a bonus, you can also get NOW TV on the Roku Stick. So if you have your eye on this rival, but are a little miffed at the limited selection of catch-up services, this is the solution. It may be more expensive but is relative to how much more it offers in our opinion.

Regarding what it doesn’t offer though; there is no internet browser option, but we think this is something you can probably do without in a world of smartphones. There’s also no UKTV Play app which may put a few people off who like channels such as Dave or Drama. There is no BT Sport, but it could come at a later date through NOW TV. It doesn’t have voice control either, but again not the end of the world. There are tablet and smartphone apps which will allow you to control the basics, too.

If you want to (legally) be able to access channels which otherwise only come as part of an expensive pay-monthly package, then NOW TV had you in mind when they launched their services.

The basic premise is that you can buy passes which last a day, week or a month, that allow you to access those channels for one fixed price. For instance, the Entertainment Pass unlocks over 300 Box Sets and 11 live channels, a lot of which are Sky-centric. Not overly surprising seeing it is a product launched by Sky.

With this particular item, you get two months included for free, so you can test the waters and decide whether you want to buy. Or maybe you just want to watch Game Of Thrones without taking out an entire 12-month contract…

You can add additional Passes too, such as Sky Cinema with over 1000 movies, 10 Sky Sports channels, and a selection of kids shows. You can also watch catch-up TV on apps like BBC iPlayer, or stream films and boxsets on Netflix.

NOW TV only streams in 720p, but if another service is in full HD, then 1080p is possible. Every package is priced differently depending on what you get and how long for, and they automatically renew unless cancelled. If you want to go subscription-free, there are enough free features to meet your requirements, although not quite as many as the Firestick.

The interface isn’t the easiest of all of those we have tried and definitely takes a little getting used to. The whole startup process is also slow, with you having to put in your details on a separate device and wait for it to load. For under £20, it is worth a shot even if you only use it once in a blue moon.

The original Fire Stick, but with the Alexa Voice Remote included for a much more seamless experience.

The remote can launch, control and change content with just your voice, which is perfect if you’ve got so used to letting your smart speakers turn your lights on and off, or adjust the thermostat. You need to press and hold the button, which is actually a nice touch to avoid any accidental commands being picked up.

There are all of the usual apps available, such as Netflix and Hayu or catch-up services like All 4 or My 5. You can also browse the internet on Firefox or Silk, listen to music on YouTube or TuneIn, or just ask Alexa to check the weather or the score of the Chelsea match.

Amazon Skills allow you to control other aspects of your home with compatible linked devices, such as lighting or security cameras. As with all of the Fire Sticks (and general Amazon products really), it is better if you have a Prime Membership as you’ll have access to further services such as Prime Video, but it isn’t a must.

You can watch live television if you don’t have a satellite in place too, through apps such as BBC Sport or the ITV Hub, although additional fees and licences may apply. A Prime Membership will allow you to just pay for what you download and use.

The Stick just needs plugging into your HDMI port, into the mains and connecting to the Wi-Fi. You’re good to go straight away. Because there isn’t much to it, you could take it to hotels, on holiday or even just transfer it to your television upstairs if you fancy an early night. You just need Wi-Fi.

Some people out there are Apple through and through. The thought of owning anything by another brand sends shivers down their spine. Other computers, phones, tablets and headphones just don’t match up.

Whether this is you, or you have not yet seen something which has caught your eye and need us to up our reviewing game, then you’ll be pleased to hear this is a package which offers a huge amount.

There are over 60 video services, and while this is undeniable not as many as the thousands offered by Roku and Amazon, you can get access to the hottest films and shows quicker than from streaming sites. You can rent or buy individual films and boxsets straight from iTunes, and 4K quality costs the same as standard quality.

You can watch live television through the TV Player app, and Netflix and Amazon Video are there too (Apple and Amazon obviously hugged and made up at some point as it was once a glaring omission). Just link them up, and you’re good to go. The Apple TV Home Screen acts as a search place essentially. NOW TV is also available, although we will warn you that the app is nowhere near as clear and concise as on the dedicated box/stick.

The Apple TV app is available on phones and tablets from the same brand as standard, so you can watch on the go too. This is a feature a lot of other services lack, as they’re restricted just to the TV they’re plugged into.

Siri gives you voice control ability, and the glass Touch surface on the remote means free control over menus and options as opposed to being crammed with buttons. An A10X Fusion chip also gives you enough power to download games from the app store and play through the TV, and AirPlay allows you to view photos which are on your phone.

There is no denying it is one which appeals mostly to those already with experience of Apple products. But it offers one of the sleekest experiences, and some apps which are just incredibly different for those who are yet to make the move too – Streaks Workout will help you get fit, TV Maps can help you see the world from your sofa and TED talks will help you get your brain working. Basically like having a phone in your TV. It is more than just a streaming device, and the definition of Smart.

The latest media player offered by the Sky subsidiary, which is very popular amongst those who like to have full control over what they pay to watch.

What is the difference between the NOW TV Stick and the NOW TV Box, you may be asking? Well in truth, there isn’t a glaring amount of difference (apart from the price). The stick is meant to be tucked away out of sight, but the box does have a few more features thanks to the boost in size and power. The ability to connect it straight to an Ethernet cable as opposed to having to rely on Wi-Fi will be a big factor that appeals to some.

Then there is the difference between the ordinary box and Smart box. Why is this Smart one better? Well, you get the Voice Control and 4K ability, supported up to 60p. There is also microSD storage, live pause technology and ‘Night Mode’. The latter reduces loud sounds so you can safely binge your favourite shows at night without waking everybody up. And, there is support for Netflix and Prime which was until recently omitted.

The older model is being phased out, so this is the one you want for future proofing your purchase. However, NOW TV still only operates in 720p itself which is disappointing. Although it has promised this will get to 1080p ASAP.

The box did use to have an inbuilt Freeview tuner so you could connect an aerial to it and use it to watch Freeview channels, but this feature has been discontinued unfortunately so beware before you buy as some of the other info out there is confusing depending on which model it refers to.

Apart from this though, it is still a strong option for anyone who likes a flexible choice. A couple of extras features compared to the stick may sway people, but whichever you plump for, welcome to the world of satellite TV without the hefty long-term subscription.

Another one which throws something a little different into the mix, just like Sky.

You have been able to get some streaming services through games consoles for a while now. The Nintendo Wii had a BBC iPlayer app – that is how long this technology has been around. But the Nvidia Shield takes it to a new level.

Firstly, it is one of the most capable 4K HDR-enabled media streamers we tested. Quality is superb, and all the essential apps are there such as Netflix and Amazon Video. In fact, there are thousands of apps on offer; BBC iPlayer, Spotify, Plex and Kodi are just some available.

The interface is nice and clear so you won’t get swamped in a never-ending circle trying to find a particular app or programme. As a bonus, you get a powerful remote control with in-built Google Assistant, the technology of which can find what you are after in seconds. There is a separate gaming controller too, which gives you something more dedicated when you’re not watching the telly.

The fact it is Android and Google Play-based is going to appeal to some people, especially if you have strong opinions on the Android vs Apple argument. It also means that it will be regularly updated, so while the others may need to be entirely replaced with the release of the next model, this system will be pretty time-proof.

There isn’t just give you on-demand telly, though. It is also an on-demand PC game streaming service. Yes, some other sticks and boxes give you games, but they aren’t really games for ‘gamers’, more to pass the time. You can play exclusive Android games or cast your PC game library from your GeForce® GTX-powered rig. The ability to view it all in 4K will certainly enhance the experience.

There is integrated Chromecast so you can share from your smartphone straight to the TV. You could even bring up a film or video to see it clearer. If you have NOW TV or want to watch something on All4, even though you can’t watch it directly through the device, Chromecast will allow mirroring. Your options are unlimited.

It is surprisingly small for what you get, and if the price is putting you off, then the value is definitely earned back in terms of ability and the choice of free games. It is still cheaper than Apple TV, after all. Few people know about this streaming solution compared to all of the other options on this list, but it is very worth checking out.

The hard-drive is 16GB, so if you are an avid gamer this will soon be taken up. You can add extra USB for storage though. It also plays from additional USBs quickly and efficiently, and we never once faced buffering issues.

The original Chromecast was a fab product for anyone who could access and control all of their TV and films on their smartphone or laptop but wanted to stream it to a big screen occasionally.

The Ultra is an update for those with top-notch televisions, though. You can stream 4K and HDR picture quality over your WiFi network, so you view everything in the best possible manner. Because there are no extra parts involved, what you see on the laptop screen is what you get on the screen, with no lagging or buffering.

You can also use the Backdrop function to show your photos, social media posts and the news headlines. It isn’t just one for those with 4K TV’s though, as if your telly is Ultra HD it will automatically optimise to suit. Don’t panic if you have weak Wi-Fi either, as there is an Ethernet port to allow for wired connections.

The actual device fits into your HDMI port so is unobtrusive and compact. You just need a power socket, and you’re good to go. Once you have downloaded the Chromecast app on your Android or iOS device, you can open a compatible app and tap the Cast button. It is as simple as that. When it isn’t streaming content, it will display photos until it is told to do otherwise too.

Don’t think it completely renders your phone as unusable while you all watch RuPaul’s Drag Race, though. Because it just takes the URL from the streaming location once you tap the ‘Cast’ button, you are free to use your phone at the same time without disturbing the picture. There is support for apps including BT Sport, NowTV, Napster, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport, but nothing for Prime Video yet which could put some off.

Obviously, as it is only a cast, there is no remote or interface. You have to rely heavily on your phone or tablet. While we’d love an update and the ability to access some basic apps through the actual device, we guess this isn’t really the aim of it. It is also not one for the casual gamers out there – support is poor. Other than these little niggles? A great item which doesn’t require any extras to make the most out of it (except the phone/tablet/laptop of course).

A nice easy way to make your TV smart. It is the older version of the Google Chromecast Ultra, but that isn’t to say it is any less worthy of a place in your home.

It misses a few things in comparison, such as the HDMI port or 4K quality. But apart from this, it is still the fabulous plug in and play dongle which brings your programmes to the big screen in a wireless fashion.

Once you have your device in your hands, you can stream from it. This makes it ideal for all the family to use. Perhaps you are all showing your favourite YouTube Videos, or want to stream Netflix from the computer. No need for logging in or passwords.

Google Home can also be incorporated. Just say “OK Google, play Orange Is The New Black from Netflix on the Living Room TV”, and it will do as you say. If you’re used to the Smart hands-free luxury of appliance control, then it is the perfect solution.

You can also listen to Spotify playlists or stream NOW TV through it, so there is a great choice. Some offerings require a subscription if you want, but they are worth it. Because you can’t access them directly through the Chromecast though, you will need a phone or tablet to access the content.

It works with iPhones, iPads, Androids, Macs, Windows devices or Chromebooks though, so whichever you have, you should be safe.