Best Streaming Device (Roku vs Apple TV vs Chromecast vs Fire TV)
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- We break down the most popular streaming devices from Roku, Google, Apple and Amazon.
Checkout our top picks here 👇
Roku Express 4K+: cnet.co/3utd85y
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: cnet.co/3upDyVx
Chromecast with Google TV 4K: cnet.co/3P4XCpH
Chromecast with Google TV HD: cnet.co/3BcgwFL
Amazon Fire TV 4K Max: cnet.co/3iDECma
2022 Apple TV 4K: cnet.co/3VQ6UIu
*CNET may get a commission from these offers
00:00 Intro
00:38 Best Overall Streaming Device - Roku Express 4K Plus
01:24 Runner Up Streaming Device - Roku Streaming Stick 4K
02:02 Best For Google Users - Chromecast with Google TV 4K
02:42 Best HD Streaming Device - Chromecast with Google TV HD
03:49 Fastest Streaming Device - Amazon Fire TV 4K Max
04:24 Best Device for Apple Fans - 2022 Apple TV 4K
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![TOP 5 Best Media Streaming Device [ 2024 Buyer's Guide ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vuCzXfZ5Wk0/mqdefault.jpg)
I've tried many different streaming devices, from Fire TV to Google TV - and I always find myself going back to the Apple TV 4K because of how quick and speedy it is. I'd always recommend Roku first and Google second, however.
This presenter has a voice fit for anime voice over! Awesome job.
I love the Roku mobile app's remote control. Easy Bluetooth headphone use!
Awesome video, super helpful! Thank you
Very informative Sarah, Thank you...
I have an older Roku but have Apple Iphone and IPad so was wondering if there is an advantage switching to an Apple streaming device?
I disagree with your take on Dolby Vision and HDR10+ which you don't even mention. It is available on the latest Roku Ultra. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ both work off active content. All the others are passive. Passive means a fixed set of HDR variables vs Active which allows for those same variables to be changed on the fly. I can notice the difference easily. Maybe you should check it out.
With Roku and Fire sticks going on sale for $20 there is no reason to have to decide which one to get. We have both on all three of our TVs! One of the things you didn't mention about the fire stick is the ability to load Android apps onto it, making it a legitimate (if basic) gaming platform. I haven't had any reason to put out the $$$ for Apple TV or a Chromcast, but with Onn 4k players going for $20 I might give one a try.
Roku is great, but I think I prefer Google TV. Our chromecast is so quick and smooth, the UI is nice and allows you to easily find content from the homepage across apps.
hahaha...google TV is junk when compared with Apple TV...
@@cezarnebun9607 apple zombie... Booooring!
@@marcparnell8233 what?
@@cezarnebun9607not Apple TV emptying your wallet lol
@@Bruv961 what wallet? Wallets are soooooo old schoooollll….time to evolve
I feel these types of videos always ignore the existence of the Nvidia Shield. Hands down the best, no contest
Yup. ☝️☝️☝️
I'm not saying the Roku isn't a fine product, but how much did they pay for this ad?
CNET always shills hard for Roku, in this very vid they pick multiple Rokus one after another, it's ridiculous to think another streamer is at least equal to there picks. They never mention for example how say firestick allows a more open format but they always mention the less clutter design of Roku which in my opinion makes for a gumm ho-hum interface...I guess it's like comparing phones, the open format of android over the more lock down Apple format.
Which of these has the best processor that can compete with internal TV apps? I have an LG QNED series 85 tv (2022 model) which supports 4k, HDR, etc., and processes incredibly well when using internal apps. The problem is that when using the internal apps, I cannot make use of my Denon x3600 receiver's on-screen menus. However, when I try to use a Roku or FireStick (both 4k), the quality in picture is clearly lesser than the TV's built-in apps. Thus, to remedy my problem, I would like to get the streamer with the best possible picture quality and processing so that it would at least be very close to the TV's internal app performance. It seems to me that the processing in the Nvidia and Apple TV 4k are far superior to that in the Roku or FireStick. Thoughts? Experience with this?
Right there with you, I should start by saying that I have already ditched my Roku Ultra because it sucks when it comes to its processor, I have a new model LG Oled tv as well and it does a far more superior performance, however the WebOs lacks simplicity and it does fall to the Nvidia and the Apple TV 4K 3rd gen
I'm going with the latter because if you want the best picture quality, go with Nvidia for its technology to literally turn almost anything HD / UHD their AI is powerful, and I'm going with the apple because it has a 1 gig Ethernet port, clean interface, and because that's the closest I get to the Nvidia, not buying it because it was released too long ago
Nvidia is better than Apple TV. Apple TV is just another brand of streaming devices for content, while Nvidia is designed for gaming video/graphics. If the monitor doesn't support a Nvidia, it's easier to keep the Roku, since Apple TV is a waste of money. They're barely supported by content providers of streaming devices. There is no more gain to Apple TV, than connecting a PC to a TV. The providers are more concerned with what their programming looks like on a Roku, Google Chromecast aka Android device, online web app, than an Apple (computer) TV Box. or you can use a high spec Chromebook with Linux support, aka Android
I like Roku and Apple TV, I hate the Amazon sticks, but I prefer Google TV by a mile
I hate amazon stick to and people say it sucks
What about the nvidia shield?
I wonder if with Roku you can watch your recordings on different televisions.
Roku sucks. You can no longer put different channels on it (like accuradio). The home page comes up blank. You are forced to use the channels that they want you to use.
Roku ultra for $85 from Amazon on prime days this year 2023 , and the 2022 model of Roku Ultra !
Onn UHD Streaming device is best for it's price $20 and TiVo Stream 4K is second best being $30/$35 and comes with an extra USB-C port for memory and remote with an air mouse, best for price and performance the Cube 3rdGen for $60 with the s922x processor
Facts
I bought the Chromecast 4K recently. It's good, but it's lacking polish in some areas (especially resuming and controlling content your cast from your phone). Still, my family can't live without Casting functionality so it's pretty much the only choice for me.
You can cast on Roku.. I prefer Roku over all others for sure, only thing that sucks about Roku is the non rechargeable remotes eat battery's like crazzzy
Is there a way to chromecast to bypass useless app interface navigation ¿ like in my old pre smart tv , just auto cast, no apps crap .
I found with Roku is better for live sports streaming. Specifically with good internet download speed.
I have my old PC hooked up to the TV as a monitor.
What about Nvidia Shield TV? I have shield and it's great. Plenty of apps, however, some apps are exclusive to Roku and Apple. I think Shield TV is the best streaming device.
obviously you have not tried Apple TV...the new 4K is awesome and very fast...no lag whatsoever...most of the other streaming devices don't even compare...FACT
@@cezarnebun9607 FACT... Your Apple TV 4K doesn't support Audio Passthrough. If you care about lossless audio, that's a bummer.
@@jerrypawns8710 hahaha...most people can't even tell the difference...just hook it up to a good AMP and be done...
If Shield isn't on the list one way or another the whole list is getting disregarded.
It is my understanding that you cannot side load android apps onto Roku devices. Is that correct?
That is 100% correct
Suggesting that HDR isn't worth an extra $10 is absurd. I get it, not everyone notices a huge difference, but if you paid hundreds or thousands for an HDR TV, it's probably also worth that extra fraction of a cent per hour.
If you’re referring to the Roku devices then you misunderstood. She was talking about an additional $10 for proprietary DolbyVision support. The regular device has HDR10 support, and she’s saying there’s not much difference between the 2 standards.
Yeah we've been ROKU customers for years and years. I must have 20 ROKUs hanging around. But I'm thinking about AppleTV just for a change. But DOES APPLE HAVE VOICE CONTROL ON THE REMOTE? Can anyone help with the answer?
I would have liked to see some information on the fire TV cube and the Nvidia shield
Plenty of other in-depth videos from other channels about the Nvidia Shield and Fire TV Cube.
I have and love the Nvidia shield but I am a true home theater nut not sound bar. I have a built dedicated Home theater PC and 2 Apple tv's a Roku and several firesicks in a box collecting dust. After all Nvidia are the people that build chips for PC video cards. And few have heard of Nvidia shield TV.
I use a Nvidia Shield Pro solely because Roku doesn't support DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD (I use Plex, so this is important to me). Until Roku supports all codecs (or at least most codecs that you can easily find in movies), Nvidia will be the best option for users who care about audio quality.
It's like they were paid to not mention Nvidia.
Don't know why they never included Nvidia in this line up Cnet fail
Google doesn't do a good job with hardware. The D-pad on the remote that comes with the Chromecast with Google TV 4K slowly became unresponsive after 6 months of use.
Yeah I've noticed after the latest update that the D-Pad on my Chromecast remote likes to jump around, and double click when I have to search using the on screen keyboard, but the Google assistant feature still works great.
I have a Roku and Fire TV stick. Fire TV has a browser and the most market share for these type of devices. Roku does not have a browser. Roku has a better homepage. FireTV fills its homepage with ads.
1) Nvidia shield 2) roku ultra 3) apple TV 4) fire tv 4k with new remote 5) Google Chromecast
I just got Roku and while it has a good selection of apps, it doesn't let you download twitch. 😿
How is the fire stick 4k max the fastest one. I have had a fire stick 4k max since launch. It is super laggy, freezes constantly, apps crash... I have even exchanged it and new one is the same.
The best streaming device will fail if your internet speed is slow.
@@knuckles1006 lol. I have a 2GB internet connection. The problem is not internet. Nor would that explain general UI lag or app launching lag/crashes when content is not streaming. Amazon fire sticks are just under powered in the CPU and ram department period. I'm not an apple fan boy by any means. Apple TV does not lag because it has an over powered CPU and 4gb of ram... Much stronger specs than a 2gb of ram in a fire 4k Max.
As Jaco mentioned, you didn't even include the Nvidia Shield so this review is useless...........
She looks like a lady in a WWII photo in the French countryside.
You woke up and said F those community guidelines😂
It’s the slouch that’s giving me the same vibes
Not really, my sister-in-law is french, she looks likes an average young-white lady.
Ok.....
Apple TV 4K hands down best user experience.
Roku is the best by far, all who say different is because they havent tried them
No Nvidia shield?
No one knows what that is dawg💀
0:30 How much did Roku pay you to make such claim? The best, because of frame-rate and dynamic range matching, is the AppleTV 4K 2nd-gen. or newer. If you watch only Prime Video and UA-cam then the Fire TV Cube 3rd-gen. is your best bet. Regardless of whether your an Apple fan or not.
I think Apple TV is best but it’s way to expensive so probaly the fire stick
Great 👍
I'm using the upgraded Apple TV and I like it except for the remote. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Apple TV also can serve as a Homekit hub and does support Dolby Vision. I've tried some of the other devices, but their remotes and UI's pretty much suck.
Roku is far better
And way cheaper.
No brainer
Mostly a ROKU house here. For the fact it platform independent is the main seller here.
I've been a long time Roku user(Roku LT hocky puck days), but after last year I'm now a mix of Roku, and Google because of the UA-cam TV spat Google had with Roku(the only cable like service that does not Geo block me), and I can switch to whichever one has the app/content I want to watch, plus when I went upgrade some older Roku boxes on the kids TV, bedroom TV's, work(I run a senior center for a small non profit where I use my streaming I'm accounts for my clients)etc.. the Walmart branded ONN boxes were 1/2 the price of Roku with most of the same apps/content, and a voice remote included with even the $15 ONN stick that Roku does not include with their express units that are $30.
@@CommodoreFan64 When the spat happened you could still mirror your phone to any ROKU. I did that and it was short term as youtube was back soon after.
Those ONN boxes were junk and any TV with built in roku or amazon as the OS is junk and under powered as well. I like the ROKU sticks and I still have ROKU 3 working its magic right now. I never had any issues since and can stream anything and mirror cast at will as well.
Why don't reviewers talk about how hot Roku's get? Do the other devices get just as hot?
I've been a long time Roku user(Roku LT Hockey puck limited to 720p), and I also run a mix of official Google Chromecast 4k, and the Walmart ONN streaming sticks/boxes, and they all get warm to some degree. It's just the nature of packing fanless(there was a premiere model a few years ago with system fan, and some people complained about the buzzing noise the little fan made, yet they don't say anything about something like a game consoles with them that are lounder 😅)ARM socs into such tiny packages with minimal, or no heatsinks.
You should do a video about streaming devices vs cable tv. So I can show the 50plus user when I get the question about buying a Roku. They think they can cancel cable and watch on the Roku for free.
As a long time Roku user, you can watch a lot of stuff for free, just not most of the live cable channels with sports, etc.. without paying someone like UA-cam TV, or Sling.
So can ROKU Streaming 4k control TV power?
I have a Roku Express hooked to a Vizio TV. When I power up my Roku it turns on my TV. I've seen other Roku units with TV power on/off but I didn't see that until after I bought mine.
@@paulsmith9341 Oh ok Thanks 👍🏼
I've been a long time ROKU user(Roku LT hockey puck days that struggled to do 720p at best)It depends on the brand of TV as there might be some outliers that might not work, but I've found with my 55in Sceptre 4K TV the range on the voice remote is about 1/2 the distance with the 4K stick then the remote that came with the TV. However on my Roku Express 3900X(the last Roku to support composite 4:3 output, and still have full app/channel support) I have hooked up to an old early 00's 27in Panasonic CRT that I use for retro gaming, and as a 2nd screen for sports right next to my 4K TV so almost the same distance from my couch, and the voice remote I got for it seems to work far better turning off the CRT TV.
I also have an official Google Chromecast 4K attached to my Spectre 4K TV, and the power button issue is about the same, but one bonus is I have an older Philips 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound setup, and the Chromecast is able to control the volume of it(nothing else not power input selector, etc..) where the Roku Voice remote can't, lastly I find the voice remote on the Chromecast far more useful since I also have Google/Nest Home devices, as I can control them from that, and even basic Google assistant features, like get the weather, asking a simple question, better content search, etc.. that Roku does not support at all on it's voice remote. Hope that helps, and if there is anything else feel free to ask, and I will try to answer as best as I can.
I’ve seen Xbox Ones go for like $130 online at GameStop. You could probably get one in person for less and would mean there’s less damage during shipping, though the controller is pretty crappy and the condition is kinda a gamble, though if you’re able to get one that works good enough it could be a good streaming box + cheap console
Streaming services tend to abandon consoles earlier than other streaming devices so take that with a grain of salt.
I have found that the best streaming device is an Intel PC running a lite weight Linux, like Lubuntu or you can use a Chromebook with Linux support, aka Android
Nvidia shield all day every day.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro 💯 - Roku Premiere 4K
I appreciate the review. Already have an Apple TV 4K, but it's nice to see how the other major players are progressing.
Can you recommend the Apple TV 4K with confidence? For those of us in the Apple ecosystem it seems like a no brainer but this video made a strong case for Roku
@@javtimestwo If a person is heavily invested on "Apple" digital content (via iTunes) then it's a YES.
All streaming devices do pretty much same thing (you can "mirror cast" off your iPhone). "Roku" have loads of free video & music content but it's mostly old media (like 1960+) beside "UA-cam" streaming. "Google TV" is concerning because it's connected to your "Gmail" account meaning everyone can see your "UA-cam" history & other "Google" related searches. "Amazon FireTV" is also concerning too if you do a lot of shopping on your "Amazon" account, anyone can see your past purchased, viewed items & Wish list history and can make purchases off your TV...same goes for "Roku". But "Apple" is more secure when buying digital media with Pass code needed every time you want to download something.
My choice is the ROKU 4K steaming stick because of price and great quality. Just my opinion.
The Apple TV wins hands down for its ease of use, clean user interface, speed and efficiency, privacy, no ads, integration with other Apple products. It’s my most used and loved Apple product.
I want to love apple products but they're way too over priced for the product/service they provide. (Only exception for me is their laptop, since I enjoy coding on their devices. iPhones are fairly priced as well. Everything else is what I'm referring to)
You’re kidding yourself if you don’t think that studios aren’t paying for promotional placement in the Apple TV interface
@stevenrhodes
Apple as a whole is unparalleled to any other competitive product out there, so I fully agree with you.
For those who think Apple products are overpriced, here's a heads up...
You can't put a price on security and privacy and as with anything in life, You get what you pay for..
@@Vincentgonzalez1993 it’s literally only $150 for the most expensive model of Apple TV. That’s cheap considering it’s Apple.
@@rox-star not to mention iPhones are blazingly fast even 5 years later. I still have a iPhone 8 Plus that I use once in a while since I have a 11 now. And the 8 Plus is shockingly capable of even playing games at full graphics. Doesn’t ever slow down etc. I’d say it’s worth the money personally. Android phones cost literally the same price as iPhones, that’s another reason why I don’t understand how people say apple is overpriced sometimes. They are to some degree. But how are they when you can buy a android for 900 and get a iPhone for 900. It’s the same thing but the iPhone will far outlast an Android. I love Android, I actually use one sometimes at home but there is comparison in my opinion as to what one is better.
Why no Nvidia Shield mention?
Its too expensive
The best smart tv box/stick is roku then googletv then firestick then apple box apple boxes are super expensive and jut litterally a paperweight expensive paperweight...
I have owned 5+ chromecast devices over the years including the Ultra and my tv is a Roku tv.
For me.. the Apple TV 4K DESTROYS every other streaming device I’ve EVER used in my life for one simple reason: BLISTERING SPEED. The damn thing literally has the processor of last years iPhone in it and quite literally stores all the apps you’re using in memory just like a smartphone would.. meaning that if I want to hop into UA-cam for a second, I can hold a button and say “open UA-cam” and within 2 literal (not exaggerating) seconds I’m back in that app. And if I was watching something in Netflix just before that and I hit the button again and tell it to go to Netflix.. it doesn’t even reload the Netflix logo, it goes right back to the show.
It is mind-blowingly fast. I will never own a cheaper streaming device again.
iPhones don't even have true multitasking to begin with.
😂😂😂
This is interesting, I bought a Fire TV Stick 4k Max on black Friday and I think it's much slower than the Roku streaming stick 4k I have as well. The Apple TV 4K blows them out of the water, but it better at 3x the cost.
Apple TV's remote is beyond awful though. I'm happy with my Android TV, but for my older HDTV's, I use Fire Stick. The remote is easy to understand, compact and so far, very battery efficient.
@@sugreev2001 the newer remote is much better than the previous one. you can shut off the track pad like part and just have a d pad and click button.
@@sugreev2001 I agree that the apple tv remote is difficult to use. I could not get it to play well with my Yamaha receiver. I kept my Firestick Max and returned the firestick 128g (upgrade). I am an apple user with a mini mac and an iphone (airpods pro 2) as well.
😀
And yet Nvidia Shield wipes the floor with Apple TV 4K.
@@PSYCHOV3N0M I suppose that depends on how you look at it. The shield doesn't have HDMI 2.1 or Wi-Fi 6, the AppleTV has significantly more storage out of the box, but the Shield gives you USB ports so you can expand the storage. The Apple TV 2022 now has the faster processor and more ram than that Shield. So, I think "wipe the floor" could be exaggerating a bit. If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, the Shield is the far better choice.
I got Amazon and Google
Apple TV 4K that's my favorite it works best with my iPhone love the features
Yep yep yep. Everyone knows their TV resolution, video systems, and how this relates to streaming. :P
I have apple TV First generation
3:49 The category is fastest streaming device.
If we're talking Wi-Fi speeds, the 2022 Fire TV Cube has Wi-Fi 6E unlike the Fire Stick 4K Max which only has Wi-Fi 6.
If we're talking about app loading speed, the 2022 Apple TV 4K wins.
Great review from Bart simpon.
The presenter here is just gorgeous 😍❤️
Nvidia Shield. The best, nothing to say more.
Yup. None of these can play a uncompressed 4K movie rip in Dolby Vision. Nvidia can.
Totally forgot about Nvidia shield
Correction the worst
I got an old mini pc with Chrome OS with android APPS. works great and its quiet.
I work at KFC in a suberb 40 miles west of Chicago and lick the receipts and customers credit cards before giving them back to them at the drive through. Some cards have a salty taste and sometimes the cards stick to my tongue.
Licky Ry👀
Which cards have the best taste? I'm gonna guess American express
Nvidia shield is the best
Samsung smart tvs are terrible and don’t get updates for newer streaming services. Had to get a chrome google Tv dongle
If you want more control options do not get roku. Android is the way to go
operating added paid subscriotions cost should be mentioned
The fact they didn't include Nvidia Shield Pro.............................
Nvidia Shield Pro is the best PERIOD.
How can you award a best if you haven't tested them all, namely Nvidia Shield.
Roku for the geezers
Apple TV wins hands down! I was using Xiaomi MiBox before and switching Apple TV was a day and night difference. It almost feels like I brought a new TV! And it’s really really fast
Yeah gonna disagree about Roku not shilling out. They were the first to mainstream sponsored buttons on their remotes, and in many cases you can’t reprogram them.
Nah, the OUYA IS THE BEST STREAMING DEVICE!
Some people just like paying the Apple tax.
Chromecast with Google TV
Nvidia Shield.
@@PSYCHOV3N0M trolllll
Apple put USB C on everything except the iPhone where it will actually make the biggest positive difference 😂
Apple would get rid of the port altogether and just make you wirelessly charged before they put a USBC on their iPhone. Then turn around and tell everyone how brave they are 😂.
@@grahamjl766 that would be the most apple thing to do
Amazon 🔥 stick. But it’s not easy to find the last show you watch unless you know the streaming service you were using
Apple TV for the win I’ve had mine for 5 years but on the other hand my friend has had a fire stick well not one but one every year because they don’t last and get slow over time
Nvidia Shield for the win.
Really. Apple TV make №1?
They say "top pick for apple fans"... ... ... Okay what about *EVERYONE ELSE?* If it doesn't allow everyone's phone to stream to it, then what's the point? Apple should not even be on the list let alone number 1.
Apple TV 4K is the best for sure no question about it.
It seems her criteria for best, is how inexpensive it is
Gian
The AppleTV is so far better than the Roku it’s not even funny. My android loving wife admits that she even prefers it to the Roku. The roku channels are the only roku advantage but I rarely see anything on there worth watching that I can’t find elsewhere. Roku needs to clean up and streamline their interface in a bad way.
Apple is unparalleled to any competition and is in a league of it's own in all things Apple.
You can't put a price on privacy and security and as with everything in life, simply put...
You get what you pay for!
Appple TV’s screensavers are worth the price of admission. For real, they are mesmerizing. 😎
Apart from the price tag, Apple TV is still the best
You spelled Nvidia Shield wrong.
😂😂😂
4:32 apple fans?
why not apple customers or
apple who prefers apple
so people buy apple products because they are "fans"?
or because they are reliable dependable, durable, privacy focus, ... just all around less headache?
Which one am I thinking of getting? Geez the whole point of watching this video was I wanted you to tell me which I should get
Roku ultra is what you want and it's always on sale
You can cast your Android and Apple products to it too
Nvidia Shield wipes the floor with all of them.
Roku can't even sideload apps like Fire Stick and Chromecast can. 😂😂😂
@@PSYCHOV3N0M firestick can't sideload, amazon stopped it.
The Apple TV 4K 2017, 2021, or 2022 is the best.
Nvidia Shield all the way!!!!!!!!!
If CNET says Roku is best, it’s the best. Love Apple but the AppleTV remote drives me crazy. Constantly accidentally hitting button and changing the channels.
Keeping for legitimate lol 😆 apps nice ida id rather just do normal android box thank you that what some of roku are maded for so when your out your going to keep buying when they wanna update apps
Huh this video is totally miss leading.
It’s should be called the best cheap streaming device for the simple fact that price is what the main focus.
The Apple TV is the king of the hill when I comes to features and app support!!
Apple supporting HDR 10 + is a better deal because it will help push adaption of the open standard.
1. Stop drinking the Apple Cult indoctrination Kool-Aid. No one cares about HDR10+. Dolby Vision has the most adoption.
2. Nvidia Shield wipes the floor with Apple TV 4K in terms of features and app support.
Educate yourself before blindly praising Apple. 😂😂😂
I GO WITH FIRE STICK N ROKU THE BEST OFF ALL 4