Not every TV includes all the entertainment apps you need out of the box. If you watch the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and more, it may be worth investing in a streaming stick or box. This little gadget plugs into the 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 can run other apps and even games.
With many devices costing around £50/$50, they are one of the best value smart home devices you can get – and during sales such as Black Friday, they become even more of a steal.
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 Black Friday streaming stick and box deals
This month, it’s the Black Friday sales. Historically, we’ve seen some big discounts across streaming sticks from the likes of Roku, Amazon Prime Video, Google TV and more. However, it can be hard telling what is actually a good deal if you don’t keep regular track of prices. Fortunately, we do at Tech Advisor, and only recommend offers that are worth purchasing – and some offers have already started to roll in.
- Roku Streaming Stick Plus – £24.99 (37% off)*
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) – (43% off)*
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K – £39.99 – (£10 off)
Best streaming stick and box 2025
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) – Best overall
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 TV 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.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023) review
2. Roku Streaming Stick 4K – Best Roku streamer
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.
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.
Read our full Roku Streaming Stick 4K review
3. Nvidia Shield TV (2019) – Best high-quality streaming
Pros
- 4K@60Hz HDR10 support
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision
- Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
The Nvidia Shield TV offers the most complete media streamer experience on the market right now, although it’s not the cheapest gadget in our chart by a long shot.
It features 4K@60Hz playback, like its predecessor, but the new Shield TV takes things a step further with AI-based 4K upscaling that makes even 360p content look sharp and crisp. It’s not as good as native 4K content, but it’s certainly the next best thing.
Couple that with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support across Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Google Assistant support, access to AAA gaming via GeForce Now and a new triangular remote with backlit media keys and you’ve got a truly premium media streaming experience.
Read our full Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review
4. Roku Streaming Stick Plus – Cheaper 4K streaming
Pros
- Simple interface
- Intuitive remote
- Wide range of apps
- Cheaper than some other 4K media boxes
Cons
- No Dolby Vision or Atmos
- Limited smart home integration
- No HDMI extender
While Roku still sells its premium 4K Stick, it also offers a cheaper UHD option if you want to keep your budget down. Unlike the previous generation, this stick plugs directly into the back of your TV, rather than hanging down.
With this, you’ll still get the same wide range of streaming apps, the easy-to-use interface and the accessibility-friendly remote. The main compromise you’ll make is forgoing Dolby Vision and Atmos support, which is available on Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Smart home integration with Roku sticks is also limited compared to devices from Amazon and Google. That said, if none of these compromises are dealbreakers, you can save some dosh with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus.
5. Google TV Streamer – Best Google TV option
Pros
- Sleek design
- Clean interface
- Smooth performance
- Optional wired internet
Cons
- Smart Home panel is no longer exclusive
- Not as discreet as Chromecasts
- On the expensive side
The Google TV Streamer is the brand’s most powerful media box, with a faster processor than the last-generation Chromecast, more RAM and the option of an ethernet cable. However, it’s also the most expensive – and one key feature that was exclusive at launch is now rolling out on older and cheaper devices.
This is the Smart Home panel, which gives users control over supported devices on the Home app, including lights, thermostats and doorbells. Add to that its bulkier build (rather than a discreet dongle), and it’s hard to see how this device is nearly double the price of the Google Chromecast with Google TV. However, Chromecast is no longer available to buy, so this is really the only option available.
Nonetheless, you won’t be disappointed with the performance of the TV Streamer. It supports 4K content with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a wide range of HDR formats. The Google TV interface is clean and simple to use, and a wide range of apps are supported in the US – though the UK is still waiting on BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 at the time of writing.
Read our full Google TV Streamer 4K review
6. Manhattan T3-R – Best for Freeview
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great selection of UK on-demand apps
- PVR capabilities
Cons
- No Netflix or Amazon Prime
- Expensive
- Limited access to 4K content
If you still primarily watch TV over streaming services, the Manhattan T3-R is a great option. It offers Freeview Play, complete with 85 channels (15 of which are HD), and you’ll also find catch-up apps from all the main UK broadcasters if you miss something on TV.
Boasting a 500GB or 1TB HDD, you’ve also got the option of pausing, rewinding or recording TV shows, with the ability to record two channels while watching a third simultaneously. And, most importantly, the software is simple, easy to use and stutter-free.
The only complaint? The lack of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video apps, meaning there’s a lack of 4K content beyond what’s available on YouTube and BBC iPlayer.
Read our full Manhattan T3-R review
7. Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) – Best smart speaker combo
Pros
- Excellent, fast performance
- HDMI passthrough
- Doubles as an Echo Dot
Cons
- Expensive
- Ad-heavy software
The 3rd-generation Fire TV Cube once again combines all the benefits of an Amazon streaming stick with an Echo Dot smart speaker, but this time with faster and slicker performance.
This media streamer supports 4K HDR video, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and is simple and easy to use thanks to Amazon’s interface. You have the option of hands-free control with your voice – you can also use your voice for all the usual smart speaker commands such as reminders, playing music, asking questions etc.
This is one of the pricier media streamers on the market though, so only consider it if you really want an Echo Dot as well as a streaming stick. You’ll also have to put up with Amazon’s tendency to including lots of ads on its OS.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) review
8. Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Box (2023) – Best budget buy
Pros
- Feature-rich remote
- Google TV software makes sense of streaming
- Super cheap even without sale prices
Cons
- Performance can drag on occasion
- No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support
- Google TV guide still has some blind spots
US readers can get an excellent Google TV Streaming Box for less than $20 from Walmart, undercutting competition from the likes of Amazon and Roku (outside of major sale seasons, that is).
The Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box comes with a great remote, with many shortcuts for apps and settings, as well as support for voice control. The TV OS is simple to navigate, and includes an abundance of apps.
Of course, at this price there are sacrifices. Whilst you get 4K quality, there is no Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support. In addition, apps are slow to load, meaning performance isn’t as snappy as what you’ll find on premium models. Nonetheless, if you’re on a budget, this is one streaming stick to consider.
Read our full Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box (2023 model) review
9. Sky Stream – Best for Sky TV fans
Pros
- Compact box
- Slick setup & interface
- No dish needed
- Nice remote control
Cons
- Can get expensive
- No hard drive for recordings
- Delay vs Sky Q
The Sky Stream is a bit different to other media sticks, in that it requires a monthly subscription to access the Sky channels it offers. If that’s what you’re after, then this is a great way of getting premium entertainment without forking out for a whole new TV or installing a satellite dish.
Sky Stream provides up to 4K Ultra HD content with HDR support, as well as Dolby Atmos. Navigation on the interface is simple, with rails for various collections, and the ability to pick up where you left off watching on a number of apps such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
However, the monthly costs can add up. A basic subscription only includes Sky Entertainment, Netflix Basic and content capped at HD. If you want 4K streaming, a better Netflix plan and things such as Sky Cinema or Sky Sports, this will all cost extra. You also can’t record content onto a physical hard drive as you can with Sky Q.
If you’re happy with those compromises, then this is the most flexible way to get Sky – with monthly rolling options available.
Read our full Sky Stream review
10. Roku Streambar – A great all-in-one entertainment package
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Decent sound
- Huge range of content
Cons
- Older TVs without HDMI-ARC/Toslink not supported
- Expensive
If you like the sound of the Roku system with its roster of catch-up TV and streaming apps, games and high-end features like AirPlay 2 support, and also want to upgrade your TV audio system at the same time, the Roku Streambar is a capable and budget-friendly option.
Offering the capabilities similar to that of the Roku Streaming Stick+, including 4K HDR support, it’s a fully-fledged Roku streamer embedded within a great-sounding, compact soundbar that’ll sit in front of your TV. It’s a huge upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers and, with AirPlay support, it’s a particularly great buy for Apple users.
However, it is at the high end when it comes to streaming boxes.
Read our full Roku Streambar review
Buying advice for a streaming stick or streaming box
What is the purpose of a streaming stick or box?
Even if you have a so-called ‘smart TV’, it’s likely to offer an inferior experience – not to mention a deficit in content – compared to the media streamers we’ve reviewed here.
The content available through each streamer is the most important factor for a lot of people. This is why it’s crucial to check that the services you want are available. It’s rare for one device to offer everything, but many have a wide range, with hundreds or even thousands of apps to choose from. Amazon-owned app Twitch isn’t available on devices such as Roku, for example.
What is the difference between a streaming stick and a streaming box?
The difference here is minimal but a stick is what you’d imagine; a stick-like device that plugs directly into your TV. Designs have changed a little over time so some, like the Fire Stick, have a small cable and tend to be called dongles.
Streaming boxes are, well, boxes and they tend to sit underneath your TV and then connect via an HDMI cable.
There are no huge benefits to either unless you have a wall-mounted TV and have nowhere to sit a box. In this case, get a stick so it can be hidden behind your set.
What are the key specs and features to look out for?
When buying a streaming device, check it has the specs and features you need. Not all support 4K Ultra HD resolution output and you’ll also want to check for HDR for a more vibrant picture.
The design of the remote is also something to consider. Some have the ability to control your TV (normally power and volume) and might even have a headphone jack so you can easily listen privately. Others might support voice search via Alexa or Google Assistant.
In short, as long as you have a HDMI port, a streaming stick should work on any TV.
Can you game on a streaming stick or box?
Gaming is a bonus feature on some media streamers. You can play casual games such as Tetris on Roku and Amazon devices, or opt for the Nvidia Shield TV for something a little more console-esque. You can even buy optional gamepads for some if you’re serious about wanting to play like that.
Do Roku devices have YouTube?
Yes – Roku was set to lose YouTube on 9 December 2021. However, a last-minute deal between Roku and Google reversed these plans and ensured that the YouTube app will remain on Roku streaming sticks and boxes for at least a few years.
In addition, the new deal reinstated YouTube TV back onto Roku devices – this app had been gone since April 2021. The inclusion of the YouTube app on Roku devices has now been reflected in the order of our chart.
What is the best time to buy a streaming stick or media box?
Historically, we’ve seen the biggest discounts on these products during well-known sale seasons. The Prime Day sales (the next of which is in October 2024) bring huge discounts on Fire Sticks in particular, while Black Friday sees price slashes across a range of products.
When a new model is released, older products also tend to drop in price, so it’s always worth checking sites if you’re not bothered about having the newest streaming stick.
from Tech Advisor
via Best streaming stick & box 2025