The Best Media Players for Streaming
With the advent of streaming platforms, most content is consumed through cloud servers. Instead of needing tons of storage for HD content, you simply need a good internet connection and a device to stream from. We've found the top media players for streaming on the market, so if you're looking to set up a streaming TV or monitor you've come to the right place. Read on below and we'll show you the best options available for media streaming devices.
What to Look For
In our hunt for the best media players on the market, we looked at the following: Does it support high-resolution and high-fidelity content like HDR and 4K? What streaming services can it connect to? And how easy is it to install? The Roku Streaming Stick 4K, for instance, is incredibly easy to set up. Plus, it supports Dolby Vision content so you’re getting some of the best quality streaming available. If you want something that connects to Prime Video, you could try the Amazon Fire TV Cube. It has a built-in speaker and connects with your Amazon account, with the option to use Alexa commands. Below, we’ll keep diving into these top-tier streaming media players.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Time to binge watch
It’s amazing how far technology has come. This small device that looks like an oversized thumb drive is essentially a tiny computer that connects to the internet to stream content from different apps like Netflix and Hulu. It acts almost like a smart TV operating system: you can select your favorite channels and streaming platforms. If you use Prime Video, the Fire TV Stick syncs up flawlessly for watching your favorite movies and shows.
Pros:
- Thousands of apps available mean you’ll likely find what you want to watch here
- Includes a web browser app
- Apps and controls feel responsive
- Easy to navigate UI
Cons:
- Small amount of onboard storage space
Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Dolby Vision
If you’re tired of having multiple devices and remotes, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K could fix that and simplify your life. And with this streaming media player, you can even use your voice to control your TV. This is an excellent device for easy content enjoyment that anyone can use. There’s no fussing with inputs or audio, it all just works out of the box. You get to choose which apps to download, of which there are plenty to choose from.
Pros:
- Works on almost any TV or monitor
- Has excellent longevity, lasts for years
- No ads on the Roku TV operating system
- Plenty of free content options, including Youtube and other video sites
Cons:
- Unfortunately, no web browser app is available
Roku Ultra Streaming Device and Voice Remote
More power, more freedom
Streaming sticks are fine, but they lack a bit of pizzaz. The Roku Ultra streaming device, on the other hand, has plenty of razzle and dazzle. While it might be significantly larger than a Roku Streaming Stick or Amazon Fire TV Stick, it needs the housing for the more powerful internals. The quad-core processor handles ultra-high-definition content with ease.
Pros:
- Apps load quickly and run smoothly
- Can run some simple games natively
- Works with high-fidelity content for ultimate picture quality
Cons:
- No WiFi 6 support, although for most uses WiFi 5 is fine
Google Chromecast Streaming Stick
Bust out the popcorn
The mighty Google strikes again with another knockout streaming stick. The Chromecast has been upgraded with a new remote and 4K streaming capabilities. We love how easy it is to set up this streaming player. All you need is the Google Home app and a WiFi network. The installation instructions are laid out cleanly and are easy to follow. One of our favorite features lets you cast from any device to your TV. All you need is to connect to the same network.
Pros:
- Works with both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks for fast data transmission
- Compatible with game streaming services to play triple-A games without needing a high-end console or PC
- Works great for streaming from other devices to the TV
- Apple TV is available from the Google Play store
Cons:
- The remote could be a bit more ergonomic
Amazon Fire TV Cube Streaming Device with Alexa
Jack of all trades
Unlike most streaming sticks, this device has its own speaker. It can play music, podcasts, or whatever your heart desires. And if you’re using a monitor without speakers, for instance, you won’t need to purchase any separately. For those that use Alexa or Google Home, it can also always respond even when the TV is off. This is the perfect companion for a smart home living room. You can control everything through Alexa or Google Home without ever needing to grab the remote.
Pros:
- Powerful processor that handles tasks lightning fast
- Speaker gets decently loud, audible across rooms
- Easy to set up with Prime Video and Alexa
Cons:
- A bit larger than streaming sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a very fast internet connection to use a streaming media player?
Unless you’re on dial-up, you’ll likely have enough bandwidth to handle streaming movies. For streaming HD video in 4K resolution, you’ll need around 25 Mbps of bandwidth (around 3.25 megabytes per second of download speed). The more advanced streaming features like Dolby Vision or HDR 10 will use more bandwidth as there’s more data to transfer.
How do I connect a streaming media player?
You’ll want to read the instructions, however, for the most part, it’s very simple. Generally, there’s a smartphone app that pairs with them, so download that first. Then, plug the HDMI port from the device into your TV and hook up the power cable. Then, it’s usually a matter of connecting to the WiFi network put out by the streaming player so you can connect it to your home’s WiFi network.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.