Streaming services are proving to be an ever-popular way to watch movies and TV shows, but unless you have a smart TV you won't be able to watch them on your 'big screen' without one addition: A streaming device.
Also known as a streaming stick or smart TV stick, these devices usually connect to the HDMI port on your TV or monitor and connect directly to the internet. Apps for streaming services like Disney+, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video etc are then installed, usually through the proprietary firmware on the stick. You'll be able to log in to your existing subscriptions and watch all the TV shows and movies you've come to love, without the need to purchase a new TV or hook up a laptop or desktop computer.
Best streaming devices we recommend in 2025, watch TV shows and movies with a streaming stick
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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Simply put, Amazon's Fire TV Stick is the option you want if you want a simple-to-use streaming device that won't break the bank and offers good quality audio and visual. Is it the most premium option on the market? No. Is it one of the more cost-effective options? Yes. Does it do everything you want and need? Also, yes.
With 4K Ultra HD video resolution (providing the device you're watching on supports that) and Dolby Atmos audio, you're going to be satisfied with the quality of whatever it is you're streaming. You will need an HDMI port in order to use the Fire TV Stick, but most Smart TVs and laptops support that anyway. Another feature of the Fire TV Stick is that it's one of the most compact and portable devices on the market. Yes, it comes with its own remote but the device itself is akin to a standard USB stick. The only downside to that is that it makes it easier to misplace and lose.
On top of the quality of technology on offer, the Amazon Fire TV Stick's library contains all major streaming services. Of course, geolocking and regional services may not show but the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, Apple TV, and of course, Prime Video etc. are all available.
Roku Ultra Media Player
If you're looking for a streaming device that offers plenty of quality and isn't a Fire TV stick, or you don't want to risk easily misplacing it, then the Roku Ultra is probably the option you're looking for.
The Roku Ultra differs from the Fire TV Stick in some ways and has its own useful features. It offers 4K viewing, Dolby Atmos audio and all major streaming services are available through the media player. It's also a box, rather than a stick, so it's harder to misplace by accident. It also features Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect your headphones to it, if that's how you prefer to listen to the audio.
However, it does come with multiple cables. A power cable, an HDMI cable and a charging cable for the remote. It also requires Wi-Fi connectivity to browse your streaming options. Despite these slight inconveniences, it is 30% faster than any other Roku player and is often on sale, so if you shop around and time it right, you can pick up a Roku Ultra 4K streaming device for considerably less than its MSRP.
Apple TV 4K
If you're looking for the best of the best, irrespective of price, or you're a fan of Apple products, then you'll want to consider the Apple TV 4K streaming device.
Different options are available, including a 128GB model that comes with Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity features. You get 4K viewing, providing your TV or other device supports that, and Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio sound. It comes with a power cord to plug in and a Siri remote, meaning the controller can be voice-controlled. The device is powered by Apple's A15 Bionic Chip, which allows for seamless scrolling and minimal loading times. But you will need an Apple account for rentals and purchases.
Again, all major streaming services are available through the app store. Our only gripe with this model is the price, and that it's more convenient to use when you have an Apple account. Otherwise, its premium look, design and performance shine through, giving you the best overall option on the market, if you're not on a budget or not wanting to get an Apple account.
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV streamer is a solid choice if you're looking for a streaming device. It offers 4K viewing, Dolby Atmos audio and it's arguably the best looking device on the market. If you're looking for something that won't let you down and looks the part, this could be what you want.
While the Apple TV 4K might be the top option for Apple users, the Google TV Streamer is the equivalent for Android users. It's sleek design it meant to sit alongside your television rather than to just be slotted into a port on the side of a device or hidden out of sight. As it supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for great visuals and given itss price tag, it's clear that it sees the Apple TV 4K as its rival in the market, as opposed to the more affordable Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku Ultra.
Despite the promising looks and technology, the audio on offer lets it down slightly, as other options in this guide perform better. Not to say that the Google TV Player's audio is bad, it's just not the best. Again, you can get most major streaming apps and both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity are available. One final negative is that 32GB of storage means there's less memory available than other options on this page.
It's harsh to say it's not bad, as it's actually quite good, it's just that other options in this guide are easier to justify.
What to watch on your streaming devices
All of the streaming devices above will allow you access, providing you have a subscription, to all major streaming services. That means you can watch content from the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, Apple TV and more.
If you're looking for Star Wars, Marvel or other sci-fi hits, Disney+ is a great option. Paramount Plus is where you want to go for all Star Trek content. If you're looking for a seemingly endless library of stuff to stream, you'll want a Netflix subscription and if you want access to blockbusters and recent releases, Prime Video is what you'll want.
Above, we've highlighted four of the best options for streaming devices on the market. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is the best value-for-money option, the Apple TV 4K is the best premium option, the Roku Ultra is the best value box option and the Google TV streamer is the best choice for Android users.
Best streaming devices frequently asked questions
What's the best streaming device on the market?
Overall, it's the Apple TV 4K. Different versions are available but with 4GB of RAM, an A 15 bionic chip, Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio and 4K HDR visuals, combined with all the apps you could want or need and access the storage to hold everything you need in one place, it can't be beaten.
Do you still need streaming subscriptions with a streaming device?
Yes. Unfortunately, having a streaming device like the ones in this guide doesn't give you automatic access to streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus etc. You will still need to have an account with those services and subscribe.
Why do I need a streaming device?
The best streaming devices, which we've highlighted above, are handy tools. Yes, many smart devices can download the major streaming services, but these devices hold them all in one place, which saves you scrolling and searching for individual services. They're particularly handy if you don't have a smart TV with everything pre-installed, giving you access to the apps you want and need, without having to connect a PC to a tele, to search for what you're looking for, or even purchase a new tele altogether.
