A streaming device, also called IPTV box, allows you to access online content on your TV. It plugs straight in via USB or HDMI and lets you sync up with all the giant UK streaming providers, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Disney+.
Finding the right TV stick or streaming device for your home can be confusing, that's why we’ve put together this guide. Ranking the 10 best streaming devices, check out the comparison chart for info at a glance on 4K, wireless streaming, ethernet connection and much more!
Quick List - Top Streaming Devices
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If you’re looking for top-notch image quality like 4K resolution, then a streaming box might be the most reliable option. Since these tend to come with an ethernet port, they can be plugged straight into your router - so you won't have to worry about buffering or a shaky Wi-Fi connection!
However, as boxes tend to be quite large, one of these will take up space on your TV stand. Some also require an additional cable, which is sold separately, to connect them to your TV. These factors make boxes less portable. In addition, they're generally more expensive than stick devices.
The great thing about streaming sticks is their portability - they’re about the size and weight of a lighter! This means you can pop one in your pocket and take it with you wherever you go, whether you want to sneakily watch Netflix at the office or chill out with a movie in your hotel room.
They’re also very easy to connect and tend to be cheaper than a box. The downside is that sticks rely on Wi-Fi and don't directly connect to your router, so streaming won't always be smooth. They can be a little slow when loading apps too, which you might find frustrating.
Maintain high-speed connection when streaming with the latest Wi-Fi routers and extenders.
Another key factor that you should consider is the type of connection that's available on your TV, as this will determine which kind of device you can use. Both boxes and sticks can usually be connected via a HDMI or USB port at the back of the TV.
If your TV doesn't have a USB port though, you may need to buy an external USB plug for your stick device - but this isn't something that'll work with a box! So, definitely check which kind of slots your TV has before you start browsing.
Peek at our offerings of the best USB hubs while you're here.
We're sure you'll agree that image quality is one of the most crucial elements when it comes to watching media on your TV. Luckily, all streaming devices deliver at least HD picture quality, which is the standard option for most TVs.
However, if you’ve forked out for a 4K TV then you’re naturally going to want to be able to access content with a 4K resolution. Even if you don't have a 4K TV just yet, you might invest in one later on, so we'd say it's worth picking up a device with this capability anyway if it's within your budget.
Thinking of investing in a 4K TV under £500?
Lastly, think about which apps you'll want to use on your device. While major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ should be accessible on most devices, those like the BFI (British Film Institute) Player or certain sports channel apps might not be available.
To avoid disappointment, make sure you choose a device with the right marketplace that will allow you to use your favourite apps. We'll put this info in the spec table below each product review, so you can easily check which apps each gadget will provide access to.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Roku Streaming Stick+ | ![]() | Affordable TV Stick With a Highly Intuitive Interface | |
2 | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | ![]() | Amazon TV Fire Stick With 4K Resolution | |
3 | NVIDIA Shield TV Pro | ![]() | Ethernet Connection and Plenty of Apps | |
4 | Amazon Fire TV Cube | ![]() | Voice Command Compatible TV Cube for Hands-Free Control | |
5 | Roku Streambar | ![]() | 4K TV Streaming Device With Built-in Soundbar | |
6 | Chromecast With Google TV & Remote | ![]() | Updated Chromecast With Google Assistant | |
7 | Amazon Fire TV Stick | ![]() | Budget-Friendly TV Stick for Netflix, Disney+ and More | |
8 | Chromecast | ![]() | The Original Device for Streaming to Your TV | |
9 | Apple Apple TV 4K |32GB | ![]() | Access Critically Acclaimed Original Movies and Shows With Apple TV | |
10 | NOW TV Smart Stick | ![]() | Access Sky Entertainment With Standard HD Resolution |
The Roku Streaming Stick+ has a brilliantly intuitive interface system which makes it super easy and quick to find exactly what you want. We really like the fact that it doesn't push you in the direction of certain content providers and gives you total freedom to browse a huge range of media.
Furthermore, this top-quality device has lightning-quick responsiveness and impeccable image resolution. With hundreds of apps, voice control, and an affordable price tag, we honestly can't find anything to dislike about this streaming device!
This new release is the most powerful Amazon TV Fire stick and is worth every penny! It's got 4K resolution, has fast connection time, and is a much more portable size than its predecessor.
This indispensable gadget comes with voice control activation and a physical remote too, so you can control it however you feel comfortable. We also love that the remote is now capable of controlling your TV's volume and on/off switch too, a function that wasn't available on earlier versions.
Nvidia has produced a wonderfully well-thought-out streaming device here. It runs using the Android TV marketplace, the same as Google Chromecast, so there are plenty of shows to scroll through when you just don't know what to put on.
If talking to your telly feels a bit too Blade Runner then you'll be glad to know this device comes with a physical remote that's nice and sturdy. Best of all, if you ever misplace your remote you can use the Nvidia Shield app to help you locate it. Finally, a company helping to solve life's real problems!
Looking for a streaming device that'll also double up as an intelligent assistant? Look no further than the Fire TV Cube from Amazon! This gizmo can be controlled hands-free, making it ideal for a busy household. Furthermore, the assistant is capable of understanding your voice over the sound of whatever's on TV.
We love the look of this gadget too, it's sleek and sophisticated. Plus, it has an ethernet port and a light that will indicate when it's up and running - chic and convenient!
Roku have been around since 2002, and were basically the pioneers of streaming content to your TV - their owner was even the vice-president of Netflix for a while! This device, released in 2020, is minimalist in design and has excellent 4K capabilities.
We particularly like the range of apps available on this gadget and the fact that it not only delivers sharp and vivid streaming quality, it also has internal speakers with an immersive cinematic sound! The only reason that it's so low in our ranking is the expensive price tag.
This upgraded version of the other Chromecast device on our list takes the leap from HD 1080p to 4K resolution, but remains at a very reasonable price. It also benefits from the addition of an ethernet port, which is always convenient if you have trouble with your Wi-Fi and buffering videos.
More so, this product includes a voice remote control that has a dedicated Google Assistant button to let you search by voice for specific programmes. The remote is also useful for controlling volume as well as other functions on compatible smart home devices.
This Amazon Fire TV stick delivers 50% more powerful streaming than the previous generation. It offers a wide array of excellent apps, plus it has an easy-to-navigate interface and excellent image quality. In addition, the Alexa voice control function is incredibly handy!
We do have one small gripe, which is that the interface constantly promotes all things Amazon - this can be annoying when you've got to scroll through various promotions just to catch up with the latest episode of Bake-Off!
First released in 2013, this product has been regularly updated and the latest version is around 15% faster than the original. We think it's a true testament to its quality that the Chromecast is still considered one of the best streaming devices in the business.
There are a few issues though. Firstly, you'll always need a phone or a tablet on hand in order to play your selected content via the Chromecast and onto your TV screen. Secondly, this product is known to be unstable and often has connection hiccups.
We have to give credit to Apple, they have an unrivaled ability to create devices that perform amazingly and look brilliant too. This device definitely ticks those boxes - it has 4K resolution, an easy-to-use interface, and a very stylish remote.
The obvious downside is that when you buy an Apple product, you're paying extra for the brand name. There are certainly cheaper alternatives out there that offer the same functionality and capabilities. Still, if you're a die-hard Apple fan and have the cash to splash, you won't be disappointed with the quality!
This handy little streaming stick from Now TV is perfect if you love the content that Sky puts out, as it has bundles for sports, movies, and kids' entertainment that can be purchased with no long-term obligations. Furthermore, it has all of the necessary UK channel catch-up services!
Unfortunately, this product has a few flaws. The interface is frustratingly slow and the image quality could be improved - it only provides HD at 720p, not the optimal 1080p resolution that you might expect. For the price though, this is a brilliant introduction to the world of streaming devices.
Written and researched by: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Roku|Streaming Stick+
No. 2: Amazon|Fire TV Stick 4K Max
No. 3: NVIDIA|Shield TV Pro
No. 4: Amazon|Fire TV Cube
No. 5: Roku|Streambar
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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