Are you familiar with the term “TV Streaming Device”? If not, today’s article is for you. Because I will tell you all about the best TV Streaming Devices to purchase right now.  

You will be amazed to know that sales of smart TVs are on a rise. Along with that, sales of TV streaming devices are on a rise. In North America, as per Statista’s report, Amazon Fire TV Stick is the most sold streaming device with a 30% market share followed by Roku Streaming Player with a 28% market share. 

In this topic before going ahead to discuss the best 17 TV streaming devices, it’s important to know the following.

Key Takeaways:

• TV streaming device origin and its necessity in our lives.
• Features of TV streaming stick.
• Benefits of using a TV streaming stick.
• After that, you will get to know about the 4 best Amazon TV Streaming Devices, their features, and their price.
• 14 Best Amazon Firestick Alternatives, their features, and cost.

Seems interesting right?

Stick to our blog to know all about TV Streaming Devices. I hope today’s topic will be quite interesting for you.

What Is a TV Streaming Device?

A TV Streaming Device is hardware that helps you to stream online video and audio on your regular TV. These come in a small cube box and are placed in front of your TV to connect with online streaming sites. 

You might be familiar with streaming devices like Roku Streaming Stick Plus, Amazon Fire Tv Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and more. These devices are connected to the internet through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. After that, they load all the data into their processor and help you to watch movies, and shows on your TV.

How Does a TV Streaming Device Work?

A streaming device is a standalone gadget that connects directly to streaming services. Connect it to the Internet and it will process all the data coming from streaming services. It’s pretty much similar to watching videos and movies on your computer.

You need to subscribe to a streaming service to use it on a streaming device. Some streaming services come with a monthly subscription whereas some are free. Connect your TV to the internet, log in to your Amazon Prime Account or Netflix or Disney+ Hotstar or any other to stream online videos, movies, shows, and many more.

The Necessity of a TV Streaming Devices

If you have a smart TV and want to access streaming services directly from there, get a TV Streaming Device. Although streaming devices can be redundant, it doesn’t mean that TV Streaming Devices won’t add value to your watching experience. Below given three reasons that will tell you the necessity of a TV streaming device. 

1) Loads Content Faster

With fast processors, TV Streaming Devices are specially made for streaming. So, it will help to load content faster and fulfill the demands & requirements of the people. If you find lag while loading the content, then you should switch to a TV Streaming Device.

2) Access More Streaming Services

Smart TVs can stream up to 1 or 2 streaming services. But, you can access more Streaming services with a TV streaming device at an affordable price. Also, streaming services are more focused to improve their technology for TV streaming devices compared to smart TVs.

3) Safe in Terms Of the Privacy

As a private streaming medium, a TV streaming device delivers more privacy & protection than a smart TV. Each streaming device comes with a set of privacy policies that will protect from privacy issues.

Considerable Factors of a TV Streaming Device

There are so many streaming devices to choose from. Here’s a short guide on some factors you should consider while choosing a TV Streaming Device.

1) Platform

The platform is the first and probably the most important factor to consider. Choosing a platform makes your viewing experience convenient and comfortable. If you are an Android user, then it’s better to use an Android Streaming Device. Whereas you will be comfortable with Apple streaming devices if you’re a heavy user of Apple TV, Mac, or an iPhone.

2) Features

The Features of TV streaming devices vary from one model to another. Having a 4K resolution is one of the most important features in recent times. Since most TVs support 4K, you also need a TV streaming device that can adapt to the new technology. Apart from resolution, it should provide a user-friendly experience and features.

3) Price 

Price remains an important factor. Not everyone is able to buy a high-end TV streaming device. If you’re not price-sensitive, then also knowing the price of a streaming device is important. It will help you to determine whether your money will be worthy in terms of its features and working quality.

Roku Streaming Devices delivers all the important features in the budget range. Whereas Apple devices are a more high-end brand and the most affordable one costs USD 149.

Benefits & Features of a TV Streaming Devices

Without any benefits we do not use anything, right? Similarly, there would be some benefits, that’s why you are using a TV Streaming Device. Let’s see the benefits one by one.

• The user doesn’t need an extra storage device. Having a good internet bandwidth provides media instantly.
• Get an overwhelming and incredible Media, Movies, Videos, games, and TV selection. I would like to give you a suggestion on picking up streaming media providers. You can pick up a few media streaming services and try, then cancel them and pick another new to try.
• Moreover, the cost of high-speed Internet service to access streaming devices and services is more or less equal to the bundle package of cable.
• It allows you to watch movies and any programs on your schedule. However, many programs are always available.
• You don’t even need to program your DVR for recording your favorite show. Because these shows are available every time after releasing the episodes.
• In case you are not familiar with streaming TV shows, then a new trend called “Binge Watching” helps to watch a full season in one sitting. It could be fun on a rainy day.

What Is the Point Of a Media Streaming Device If You Have a Smart Tv?

Many of today’s smart TVs come with a wide variety of pre-installed entertainment apps. But, external TV streaming devices will always improve the user interface.

For example, Amazon Fire Stick offers more content with easy control compared to the standard Amazon TV app. You can control your TV using your voice with the help of Alexa.

However, a smart TV comes with access to every Streaming service available there. As standard Smart TVs must have a pre-installed app Seldom for HDR streaming.

Best TV Streaming Devices in 2022

Now, it’s time to take a look at the popular TV Streaming Devices available on the market. There are so many brands and streaming devices starting from lower price range to high-end. Here’s the list of TV Streaming Devices. 

Best Amazon Fire TV Streaming Devices 2022

1) Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd gen. is designed to hike its power up 50% more than its predecessor – the 2nd gen. It offers 1080p streaming with a Dolby Atmos sound system to deliver immersive audio. It comes with an Alexa voice remote that helps to voice search, and launch shows throughout the apps.

You can access tens of thousands of movies, TV shows, and web series from Netflix, Zee5, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and more. For that, you must have an active subscribed plan on these OTT platforms. You will also get YouTube, MX Player, TVF Play, and more services for free. Firestickhub recommended using alkaline batteries for the Alexa voice remote to get a steady performance.

Also Read 👇
Amazon Fire TV Stick (2021) 3rd Generation Review

Features

• Easy to set up and stay hidden
• Allows you to optimize your data consumption by setting the video quality.
• Provides Alexa voice search for easy searching, play, pause, rewind, and forward.
• It supports full HD streaming, but 4K is unsupported.

Pros

✅ Affordable

✅ 50% faster processor than the previous model

✅ Includes remote with microphone, TV controls, and dedicated service buttons

Cons

❌ Support 1080p only, not 4K.

❌ Home screen can occasionally stutter

Price

The cost of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation is ₹3,999 INR / $52.49. (Subject to change)

2) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a standard streamer that comes with Wi-Fi 6. It helps to increase the speed, and the Live TV button on the Alexa voice remote makes it easier to jump into the TV Guide.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers all the apps you need. Moreover, it comes with a utilitarian matte black dongle that features Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos sound. At the same price as the existing Fire TV Stick 4K, this Amazon Fire TV streaming device will be worth it.

Features

• Easy to use, open the apps faster, and offer fluid navigation.
• Provides tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes on OTT platforms.
• With the Alexa voice remote, you can search over voice and watch Live TV shows, news, reality shows, and more.

Also Read, 👇
Complete Review on Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Pros

✅ Faster performance.

✅ Neat live TV integration.

✅ All of the apps.

Cons

❌ Amazon and ad content abound.

❌ Should just be a new 4K Fire Stick.

Price

It costs ₹6,499 INR / USD 85.30. (May Vary)

3) Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

With easy-to-use and fast software, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite supports full HD streaming. It comes with Alexa’s voice remote lite that doesn’t have volume controls and AV controls. It allows you to mirror your smartphone’s or laptop’s screen and supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats. 

The budget-friendly price makes it a better TV streaming device to choose from.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is a smart buy for those on a budget if you’re willing to accept some of its compromises compared to the Fire TV Stick (2020) or Fire TV Stick 4K.

You may also check 👇
Amazon Fire Stick Vs Fire Stick Lite: Here’s Your Guide to Choose Between Them!

This HD streamer won’t offer sparkling 4K detail, but you do get the basics of HDR / HDR10+ support, as well as 60fps playback for smooth action in a movie blockbuster or sports match. The Quad-core 1.7 GHz processor is a step up from the 1.3 GHz processor used in the 2nd-generation Fire TV Stick too.

You are sacrificing on the remote, though this isn’t irregular for streamers at this price.

Less forgivable is the at-times dominating presence of Amazon-owned or Amazon-affiliate content across the Fire TV operating system, including ads for Audible subscriptions on every menu pane – but if you’re a Prime subscriber this should be less of an issue for you.

Features

• At an affordable price offers fast streaming.
• Support mirroring of content and provides shortcuts with buttons.
• Offers tens of thousands of movies, web series, and shows on popular OTT platforms like Netflix, Zee5, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and more.

Pros

✅ Easy to set up and use.

✅ Support HDR streaming at 60fps.

✅ Good value.

Cons

❌ Only HD streaming.

❌ Persistent ads.

❌ No volume controls.

Price

The cost of the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is ₹ 2,499 INR / $32.80. (Subject to change)

4) Amazon Fire TV Cube

With an in-built Alexa, the Amazon Fire TV Cube allows you to stream up to 4K. It offers Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ for enhanced visibility and Dolby Atmos for delivering an immersive sound. It also features an infrared (IR) blaster to control Cable boxes, Sound-bars, Blu-ray players, and other IR-controlled devices.

Its processor delivers a four times faster working experience to cut down the amount of time. Moreover, a prime member can access an unlimited number of movies and TV shows, and ad-free music. It has a power and volume button that helps to control your TV also. 

Features

• Most powerful, easy to use, and allows you to access apps, live TV, and more quickly.
• Offers tens of thousands of movies, web series, and shows on popular OTT platforms like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and more.
• In-built Alexa can check the weather, inform about notifications, and turn off the lights, and TV.

Pros

✅ Speedier performance.

✅ Alexa’s cable box controls are great.

✅ Great 4K HDR picture quality.

Cons

❌ Home screen can’t be edited, packs ads

❌ Awkward Ethernet adapter

Price

The cost of the Amazon Fire TV Cube is ₹ 12,999 INR / USD 170.62. (May Vary)

Amazon Fire TV Stick Alternatives in 2022

1) Roku Streaming Stick 4K

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is an upgraded version of the Streaming Stick Plus. Although it’s small in size, it is noteworthy. Finally, this Roku Stick comes with Dolby Vision to stream your favorite shows in the right color balance, and contrast. 

It allows you to jump from 1080p to 4K in short amounts of time and offers fast app loading. However, you can listen to your shows via the Roku app and wireless headphones without disturbing anybody. It delivers improved performance on private listening.

Features

• Offers a perfect streamlined interface, containing apps over the content.
• Perfectly balanced the price and performance.
• Provides snappy navigation and smooth streaming.
• Comparable to the Chromecast with Google TV.

Pros

✅ Relatively affordable.

✅ Full 4K HDR capabilities.

✅ Finally has Dolby Vision.

Cons

❌ Dolby Atmos is missing.

❌ Amazon offers better live TV integration.

Price

The cost of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is ₹ 5,996 INR / $78.70. (May Vary)

2) Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV is a traditional streaming device that offers 4K UHD streaming. With a simple interface and operating system, it supports HDR and Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.

Starting from HBO Max to Disney Plus to Netflix, it supports 6,500 Android TV Apps. With the power and volume button, the new Chromecast remote could replace your TV’s remote. You need to either turn on the TV or the TV input button for switching to gaming consoles.

Read Also, 👇
Fire Stick vs Chromecast – Which One is Better in 2022?

Features

• A traditional streaming device that supports 4K UHD streaming.
• Offers HDR and Dolby Vision for excellent picture quality, and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.
• Support 6,500 Android TV Apps.

Pros

✅ Sensible layout.

✅ Lots of streaming services.

✅ Remote included.

Cons

❌ General Google searches are poorly formatted.

Price

It costs USD 49.99 on Google Store / ₹ 3,990 INR. (May Vary)

You May Also Like, 👇
Fire Stick vs Chromecast – Which One is Better in 2022?

3) NVIDIA Shield TV

The 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV is one of the best TV Streaming Devices that is able to stream UHD 4K. Its small size makes it fit into the crowded space. However, it allows you to access thousands of apps.

This Shield TV includes a remote control that illuminates in the dark. Even supporting PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers can make you pay more. The Shield TV supports 4K HDR streaming while playing games with Google Stadia on the Chromecast Ultra.

Features

• Looks like a mobile power charger, it’s one of the best TV Streaming Devices.
• Support 4K HDR streaming while watching any movie or show, and playing games.
• Comes with the support of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers.

Pros

✅ Excellent game-streaming.

✅ Quick rendering of UHD content.

✅ Lots of great apps.

Cons

❌ AI upscaling doesn’t add that much.

❌ Somewhat expensive.

Price

The cost of the NVIDIA Shield TV is ₹ 19,999 INR / $262.50. (Subject to change)

4) Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus

Roku streaming stick 4K plus comes with the Roku Voice Remote Pro. Its always-on voice command feature helps you to control your TV with your voice. But, you need to be within a shout’s distance. However, the remote is rechargeable which reduces the need for batteries.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K plus is a fantastic streaming device with a simple and customizable interface. It offers snappy performance and allows you to access a ton of apps except for YouTube. Dolby Vision is the biggest update to enhance the visuality of your content.

Features

• Simple, customizable interface, snappy performance, and a ton of apps.
• Offers a headphone jack for private listening over wired headphones.
• Four programmable buttons for branded apps on the remote.

Pros

✅ Voice Remote Pro eliminates batteries.

✅ Snappy 4K HDR streaming.

✅ Gains Dolby Vision.

Cons

❌ No Dolby Atmos.

❌ Not a big upgrade from the previous model.

Price

The cost of a Roku streaming stick 4K plus is USD 69.99 / ₹ 5,499 INR. (May Vary)

5) Apple TV 4K

The new Apple TV 4K (2021) is the upgraded version of its predecessor. In terms of looks and design, it’s pretty much similar to the previous one. The upgrade has been done inside. The A10X chip has been replaced with an A12 Bionic that enhances its performance a little bit more. 

Till now, it doesn’t support a ton of apps. It offers mostly sports and other fast-paced action. The biggest upgrade is the remote. It has redesigned Siri Remote that retains a nice touch interface and gestures. The addition of actual buttons including an intuitive jog wheel recalls the old iPods. 

Features

• Supports 4K at 60fps with HDR.
• A12 Bionic chipset enhances the overall performance.
• Redesigned the Siri Remote with a comfortable touch interface and gestures.

Pros

✅ New and improved remote.

✅ High frame rate HDR streaming.

✅ Multi-user support.

Cons

❌ Expensive.

❌ Not noticeably better than first-gen.

Price

It costs ₹ 18,900 INR / $248.08. (Subject to change)

6) Roku Ultra

The new Roku Ultra comes with a faster processor and offers wireless streaming. It’s one of the great streaming boxes like always. Without subscribing to Roku, you can stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, and so on. It also supports voice search facilities.

The Roku remote has two customizable buttons that can be programmed to open your favorite channels or go to Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and Vudu. Moreover, it provides earbud headphones with remote control for private listening.

Features

• Features Dolby Vision for streaming high-quality movies and TV shows.
• A USB port allows for folks to playback their own library of movie files on the TV.
• It offers tons of free channels without subscribing to Roku for streaming.

Pros

✅ Great performance.

✅ Inventive remote control.

✅ Dolby Vision HDR.

Cons

❌ Expensive.

❌ Not much has changed since last year’s model.

Price

It costs USD 97.75 on Amazon / ₹ 7,499 INR. (Subject to change)

7) Xbox Series S

Besides a gaming console, the Xbox Series S also works as a TV streaming device. It can run streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and more. You can put Kodi on the Xbox Series S and stream movies from anywhere.

It’s capable of delivering games at 1440p and runs all the goodies on Xbox Game Pass. The Xbox Series S is a solid alternative to the expensive Xbox Series X. The only drawback is it doesn’t support 4K gaming. 

Features

• Support Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos.
• Can be used as a solid alternative to Xbox Series X.
• Offers a 512 GB SSD that runs the major games faster.

Pros

✅ Can stream 4K content.

✅ HDR support for videos and games.

✅ Comfortable controller.

Cons

❌ Doesn’t play games in 4K.

Price

It costs ₹34,160 INR on Amazon / $448.40. (Subject to change)

8) MI TV Stick

Xiaomi MI TV Stick runs on Android TV 9 Pie which supports 1080p playback. With DTS and Dolby Atmos, it delivers an immersive and realistic sound. You can download all the popular video streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Disney Plus, and audio streaming apps Spotify from Google Play Store.

MI TV Stick offers Chromecast which features screen mirroring and media casting. It provides a Bluetooth remote that comes with Google Assistant for voice control. Even though it’s so small, it can easily fit in your pocket and you can take it anywhere you want.

Features

• Runs on Android TV 9 Pie that supports Chromecast connection and voice search.
• DTS and Dolby Atmos offer a smoother, immersive, dynamic, and realistic stereo sound.
• You can bring it anywhere not to miss any episode or show.

Pros

✅ Easy to set up and use.

✅ Light and portable.

✅ Deliver a smarter experience with Android TV.

Cons

❌ Can’t stream at 4K.

❌ Provides a sluggish UI

❌ Absence of HDR content.

Price

The cost of the MI TV Stick is ₹2,999 INR / USD 39.36. (Subject to change)

9) Roku Express 4K Plus

The all-new Roku Express 4K Plus offers 4K streaming at the lowest price compared to other 4K streaming devices. It provides an improved remote, so you don’t need to worry while clicking the paddle. 

It’s a little bit heavier but features smooth wireless streaming, premium HDMI cable, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It also offers a customizable home screen supporting Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more. It also delivers an Alexa voice remote to control your voice.

Features

• Budget-friendly 4K streaming device.
• Offers UHD image quality and snappy performance.
• Tons of power, tons of fun, and smooth wireless streaming.

Pros

✅ Excellent 4K HDR performance.

✅ Decent navigation.

✅ Improved remote.

Cons

❌ Awkward design.

❌ No Dolby Vision or Atmos.

Price

It costs USD 38 / ₹2,900 INR. (May Vary)

10) MI Box 4K

Runs on Android TV 9 Pie, Xiaomi MI Box 4K is one of the cheapest 4K streaming devices. It can stream 4K at 60fps and features HDR10, Dolby Audio 5.1 with DTS 2.0 for immersive aural sound quality. It also supports Google Assistant and Chromecast.

It has a Cortex-A53 quad-core CPU and Mali 450 GPU along with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of ROM. So that, you can install apps, watch movies, and play HD games with stable performance and impressive speed. It also provides a Data saver option like a smartphone to save up to three times of data usage.

Features

• Powered by a 64bit 2.0GHz powerful quad-core processor.
• Offers a high performance with a high storage capacity.
• Support both wireless and wired connections.

Pros

✅ Easy to set up and use.

✅ 4K, HDR 10 picture quality.

✅ Offers 50,000+ movies, shows, and music.

Cons

❌ Doesn’t support Live TV options.

❌ Sluggish UI with a lot of bugs.

Price

The price of the MI Box is ₹ 3,999 INR / $52.49. (May Vary)

11) TiVo Stream 4K

Another TV Streaming Device TiVo Stream 4K deserves a place in this list. It offers a better interface to aggregate content and recommendations are on the nose. It has HBO and Peacock.

Moreover, it allows you to access tons of apps including YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Fubo. Sling users will appreciate this integration. It also supports the Google Assistant to follow commands over your voice.

Features

• Support your own media from external storage.
• Offers tons of applications at an affordable price.
• Lives in the new Chromecast’s long shadow.

Pros

✅ Speedy 4K streaming.

✅ Support most if not all services and apps.

✅ Remote offers easy access to live TV.

Cons

❌ Constrained live TV offering.

❌ Poor recommendations.

Price

It costs ₹ 5,599 INR / USD 73.49. (May Vary)

12) Xfinity Flex

The Xfinity Flex is a very cheap device to access the streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. But, there is a limited number of apps that you can access. You can’t get either Disney Plus or Spotify. So, it limits its usefulness.

But, it makes up for almost all the gaps. Flex devices get early access to NBC’s Peacock – the latest streaming service. Moreover, the Flex allows you to monitor and control other connected devices to your network. There’s no harm in picking it up and waiting for the arrival of other streaming services.

Features

• Get early access to the latest streaming service of NBC’s Peacock.
• Comcast gives Peacock premium to the Flex devices.
• As it is free, you can pick it up without any hassle.

Pros

✅ It’s free!

✅ Cross-app searches.

✅ Let you control xFi products.

Cons

❌ Stiff buttons on the remote.

❌ Limited apps.

Price

The cost of Xfinity Flex is USD 29.99 / ₹ 2,299 INR. (May Vary)

13) Airtel Xstream Box

The Airtel XStream Box is another TV Streaming device for 4K HDR streaming. It features Dolby Atmos, an in-built Chromecast, Google Assistant for voice commands, a one-year Disney Plus Hotstar subscription, and three months of Amazon Prime videos.

Powered by Android TV 9 Pie delivers an amazing watching experience at 4K with clarity, vibrant images, and realistic colors. It offers tons of Apps like Netflix, Disney plus, Prime video, music,  games, and much more.   

Features

• You can use your smartphone as a remote.
• Offers 500+ TV channels and 5000+ Apps.
• Comes with an in-built Chromecast and Google Assistant for voice search.

Pros

✅ Offers free channels including a One year Disney Plus Hotstar VIP subscription.

✅ Provide an in-build microphone-based remote controller for voice commands.

Cons

❌ Delivers slow UI.

❌ Tough interface to use.

Price

It costs only ₹2,000 INR / $26.25. (May Vary)

14) Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi 4 can be used as a TV streaming device with Widevine support. You can connect it to your TV with an HDMI port and four USB ports. Even it allows you to attach game controllers and other accessories. The drawback is to set up everything on my own. So, you can go for it if you wish to put in some effort.

Features

• Widevine support makes Raspberry Pi 4 a TV streaming device.
•  Allows you to attach a game controller and other accessories.

Pros

✅ Great tool for learning about computers.

✅ Offer unparalleled customization features.

✅ Powerful tool with great value.

✅ Major uses in projects, automation, etc.

Cons

❌ Take a long time to set up.

❌ Doesn’t support 4K streaming.

❌ Becomes too hot while working, and can be damaged.

Price

Depending on the RAM price varies. The price of a 2GB model is ₹ 6,999 INR / USD 91.87 whereas a 4GB model costs ₹ 7,999 INR / USD 104.99. (May Vary)

Last Words

If you want to make your regular TV (must have HDMI port) a smart one, these are the well-known TV Streaming Devices out there. Amazon Fire TV Sticks are the most used media streaming devices, apart from that, there are several Amazon Fire TV Stick alternatives available in the market. All are described here so that you can make a clear decision to buy.

I hope you will be helpful with this article, please share to help others also. Make a comment and let me know your thoughts regarding a TV Streaming Device. Feel free to ask any queries and you can also suggest something new in the comment section.

Stay connected with Firestickhub for more informative articles on Fire TV Sticks and other streaming devices as well. Signing off today, see you soon with another interesting topic. Till then stay safe and stay tuned with us.

FAQs