Have you ever turned on your TV to discover that it doesn't have access to the streaming service you want to watch? Or maybe you've been frustrated by how slow and unresponsive the user interface is. If so, you're almost certainly someone who could benefit from a new streaming device.
How to use your phone as a Roku TV remote
Whether you lost your remote or want a more streamlined navigation experience, using your phone to control your Roku TV is a game-changer.Streaming dongles and boxes are easy ways to get a massively upgraded experience on almost any TV or display, and many of them are small and convenient enough to hide away behind your TV. They give you easy access to apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without breaking the bank.
Best streaming devices to buy right now:
-
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
Best overall streaming deviceAmazon's top version of its 4K stick is a marvel that boasts all the major streaming apps in one place and is quick and responsive to use. This model includes future-proofed Wi-Fi standards to make sure it lasts for a long time. Its 4K output is reliable and also speedy, and the stick itself is discreet enough, while the remote is similarly intuitive.
-
Chromecast with Google TV
Best streaming device for castingGoogle's return to the world of streaming has produced the Chromecast with Google TV. The software experience is great, and being able to cast to the device is super helpful. If you ever used an old-school Chromecast, you'll know how satisfying it is to throw things onto your TV from your phone using its simple interface. With Google Home, you can cast things to your TV with just your voice.
-
Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen
Best value streaming deviceIf you want the Amazon experience for your streaming, but don't have a 4K TV or don't think you want to spend that much on 4K support, this is a great alternative. It's Amazon's full package, just without 4K capability, and it works great as just that. If you think you'll go 4K soon, we'd probably splash out on the pricier version. For an even bigger saving, check out the Fire TV Stick Lite.
-
Roku Express 4K
Best value Roku streaming deviceRoku is known for making low-cost streaming devices that are easy to use, and this puck is no exception. It's well-priced, and the UI is simple to use. In addition, it's got all the major apps accounted for to make sure that you can watch whatever you want, in 4K no less. That's a potent package, and it's a top contender. Roku makes a bunch of other great models that are even more affordable, too.
-
Apple TV 4K (2022)
Best Apple streaming deviceThe Apple TV 4K, in its latest, 2022 version, is a perfect match for anyone who uses an iPhone, iPad, or Mac in their normal life, with great integration and casting over AirPlay 2. It's ideal for wider streaming, as well, with 4K streaming quality and easy setup making it a breeze to use. It's more expensive, but if you have HomeKit smart home devices, you can also use the Apple TV 4K (2022) as a home hub to control your devices remotely.
-
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
Best Dolby Vision streaming deviceOne thing the Roku Express 4K can't offer is support for Dolby Vision, a form of High Dynamic Range (HDR) tech that displays a wider range of tones, giving better contrast and brighter highlights. Unlike some HDR standards, Dolby Vision dynamically optimizes the settings from scene to scene. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K can play Dolby Vision content if you have a compatible TV.
-
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Best value 4K Amazon streaming stickThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers much of what the Fire Stick 4K Max can offer, with a couple of exceptions. There's no support for Wi-Fi 6E and a slightly slower processor. It still offers the same great 4K HDR quality and streaming apps, and it's $10 cheaper than its bigger brother. If you can't take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, you might prefer to save yourself a few dollars and still get a great streaming experience.
-
Roku Streambar
Best streaming device for soundYou can stream shows and movies in high-quality 4K HDR, but if your sound quality is poor, your experience isn't going to be great. Soundbars are an effective way to get high-quality sound to match your images, but it usually means buying another device. The Roku Soundbar offers the best of both worlds, with Roku streaming built into a decent compact soundbar. There's no Dolby Vision support, however.
FAQ
Q: Why not settle for the apps on your TV?
Many new smart TVs have apps like Netflix built-in or the apps are easily downloadable if they're not already installed. Some even have a dedicated Netflix button on the remote. But the convenience of having the app available on a smart TV doesn't mean that it's the easiest way to use it. Rewind and fast-forward are important controls, and it’s often easier on a streaming stick remote rather than the controller that’s primarily meant for your TV.
Q: Should I buy a streaming device with remote microphone control?
Again, very few TV remotes have microphones built-in, whereas Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and others have smart remotes which, at the touch of a button, let you control the stick with your voice. There are other benefits no TVs have. For instance, with Apple TV, when you miss a snippet of dialogue, you can press the button and ask, "What did he say?" The Apple TV box responds by rewinding for 15 seconds and replaying the video with subtitles, which are switched off again afterward.
Q: Do I want other apps beside streaming channels?
For instance, how about gaming? Apple TV has many games onboard. It’s true that the Apple remote is not ideal for gaming, but there’s compatibility with several games console controllers which makes for the best of both worlds. Gaming is the main reason the Apple TV box comes with different storage capacities, so you can download and store games rather than just streaming them, as you do with movies. As well as apps like Netflix, there are also services where you can rent or buy the latest films or TV shows.