TV watching experience keeps getting better with the introduction of gadgets like TV streaming devices. For those of you who are not familiar with it, a TV streaming device allows you to stream music and video from online services by connecting your television to the Internet. While there are many options to choose from, this blog will help you select the best one for yourself.
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How does a TV Streaming Device Work?
All the devices work in the same way. Your TV streaming hardware is capable of connecting to both the Internet (it can either be Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and your TV. You have to connect the device to your TV via HDMI.
Once done, you can then stream content from all types of online streaming channels or platforms. These include both the channels that require a monthly subscription and the free ones. You browse through the channels via a remote.
In case, you do not have prior experience with TV streaming devices and are planning to invest in one, here’s a comprehensive list for you.
1. Amazon Fire Stick
What makes us pick the Amazon Fire TV stick is the fact that this device comes at an affordable price. Amazon produces streaming devices that mostly come at a reasonable price. Apart from that, the devices also have an easy to navigate interface. This implies that all the shows or movies that you recently watched appear on top of your screen which makes it easy for you to resume watching any that you wish to.
Apart from that, another good thing about Amazon Fire Stick is that you can voice control it through Alexa. It does not matter where on the device you are. You can very conveniently command the fire stick through Alexa to ‘pause’ or ‘rewind’ at any given point in time. All you have to do is hold down the microphone on your remote. Alexa will take care of the rest.
You may not realize it but this feature comes in handy when you are struggling to search for a title amongst the list of thousands of them. Just speak into the remote and your job’s done. Another very cool feature that the fire stick offers is that when you search for a title, it also displays all the options through which you can watch it.
The good and the bad
As already discussed, Amazon Fire Stick comes with an easy to navigate interface and works very well with Alexa. However, there are a couple of downsides of this device as well. Perhaps the biggest weakness is that it does not support YouTube apps.
How does it work?
The Fire Stick plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. When you select the option of HDMI on your TV, you can then control the device through your TV’s remote. All you have to do is download apps that you wish to (for example Netflix) within the device and relish watching what you please.
Who is it for?
The Fire Stick works well for almost everyone especially the people who want to control their device through mobiles instead of a remote. However, keep in mind that Amazon prefers its content more than that of its competitors. So, if you are looking for some more diverse options, you can try some other streaming device.
2. Roku Stick
The company refers to the services as well as the apps that are available on Roku as Channels. And currently, you can find thousands of options to choose from the Roku Channel Store. Not only will you find names like Amazon Instant Video and Sling TV but you will also get to see other prominent streaming media names. These include the likes of Netflix, Twitch and Hulu Plus.
You might think that these big names are the only apps and services that Roku promotes. However, the truth is that you will also get options to choose from niche apps and services that include the categories of weather, movies, sports, and news. Roku Stick is a great option for beginners as it offers one of the most friendly gateways. Until now, Roku has released seven models, each of which you can control with a basic remote. The remote includes all the basic buttons.
The device also comes with some pre-installed programmed apps that vary depending on the model you select. The best part is that you can even choose to watch free movies and shows that you get access to in Roku’s channel library. If you choose the more advanced models of Roku Stick (Roku Ultra), you even get an option to watch videos in 4K, control your remote with voice and even plug your headphones in the remote.
The good and the bad
Some of the strengths of this device include the fact that it is great for beginners as it is simple to set up as well as use. Apart from that, the device also offers very good compatibility with the streaming apps. However, a downside to using this device is that it has a clunky interface.
How does it work?
It works in the same way as the Amazon Fire Stick. You connect it to your TV’s HDMI port. You can even opt for downloading the Roku app on your mobile so that you can control it through your mobile.
Who is it for?
As mentioned earlier, Roku Stick is best for beginners. Apart from that anyone and everyone who wants access to the most amount of streaming apps should invest in this device. You will be surprised to learn that it is the cheapest device on the shelf that provides you with an option to watch videos in 4K.
3. Google Chromecast
Unlike the above two devices, Google Chromecast does not operate with the help of a remote. You will have to control this device through your tablet, phone or maybe your laptop. The most convenient option, perhaps, being the mobile of course.
You may think that this is a rather bad feature but you fail to understand that controlling the device through your mobile has its advantages. You can easily ‘cast’ whatever is on your smartphone onto your TV screen. Which makes it a favorable device for family and friends’ gatherings. As you can easily display all the videos and photos from your mobile onto your TV screen. And the whole room can enjoy watching them.
Another good part is that you do not have to waste a good 10-15 minutes every day searching for the TV remote. Which also translates into one less product cluttering the coffee table. However, there is a downside to this feature as well. You will have to download all the streaming apps that you wish to watch on your mobile or tablet. Which means that a good amount of storage space will be consumed.
The good and the bad
The good part about Google Chromecast is that it supports all of Google’s smart home devices as well as the Google Assistant. The downsides, however, include the absence of a remote. This can both be a positive and a negative, though. Another con is that it is not compatible with Prime Video or Apple photos. Sad.
How does it work?
You will have to connect Chromecast to your TV’s HDMI port as well. However, unlike in Roku and Amazon’s devices, you will have to use your tablet or mobile to operate Chromecast. But that does not imply that you cannot use your smartphone for other purposes while Netflix playing on Chromecast through your mobile. Netflix will keep working in the background. So you can enjoy.
Who is it for?
IF you recognize yourself as someone tech-savvy and want to integrate your streaming device into your whole tech ecosystem, Chromecast is for you, my friend.
4. Apple TV
All the Apple lovers, this device is for you. If you are a die-hard Apple products’ fan, then you will also know that the company does not sell cheap products. So, it should not surprise you when I say that Apple TV is by far the most expensive TV streaming devices. The devices that Apple offers come in two models (the HD model and the 4K model). As the name may also suggest, the 4K model is more expensive than the HD one.
And when you compare Apple’s 4K model’s price with what Roku offers, the difference is astonishing. But Apple is known for its expensive products, isn’t it? But the price of the streaming device comes with exceptional features as well. You get to relish an advanced A10X Fusion processor. Which means that the device works fast. However, if you have subscribed to one of the best Internet connections, you won’t notice this difference. As you will already be streaming at a fast speed.
You do not need to rely on Alexa or other voice control devices for controlling Apple TV, as Siri does it all for you. And it works pretty well. The number of languages that Siri can respond to is 20 in number. While Alexa can only understand 3 and Roku 4.
The good and the bad
The good thing about this device is that it works seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. Thus, connecting all your Apple devices without any extra effort. The Siri voice search also adds to the positive things about the device. However, there is one con. It is EXPENSIVE. And yeah, that is pretty much about the bad things about the device.
How does it work?
The starting drill is the same. You have to connect your device to your TV’s HDMI port. However, the Apple TV device will need to sit somewhere near your TV set as it is bulkier than other streaming devices. Which means that you cannot leave it hanging with your TV.
Who is it for?
The device is for Apple lovers of course. Apart from that, anyone and everyone who can afford to buy an expensive TV streaming device.
With that, the guide for the TV streaming hardware comes to an end. You can choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget. However, remember that you will also need a blazing fast Internet connection for the devices to function properly. You can consider Cox as Cox Customer care is as good as the services they offer.
FAQs
Is Roku the best streaming device?
Depends on your budget. If you want to view 4K resolution videos on a friendly budget then Roku is the best option for you. Even if you are a beginner, then you should opt for Roku.
How do I stream to my TV?
Streaming on your TV through the streaming device requires you to connect or plug in the streaming hardware inside your TV’s HDMI port. You will also need to connect your device to the Internet so you can connect the streaming apps.
How can I stream TV without cable?
You can subscribe to online streaming apps like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix. You can also choose from Sling TV.
Is Roku better or Fire Stick?
It depends on what you are looking for. If you want access to more streaming apps, Roku should be your choice as Amazon offers a limited number of apps. Also, Amazon is more cluttered. But if you are looking for an easy search for options and easy to use interface, then opt for Roku.
