Best Streaming Stick

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Streaming sticks have become a go-to solution for turning any TV into a hub for online content. These compact devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port and connect to Wi-Fi, letting you stream shows, movies, and more from a variety of services. They’re portable, affordable, and often a budget-friendly alternative to smart TVs or larger streaming boxes. When choosing a streaming stick, consider factors like supported services, video quality (with some offering 4K and HDR), and ease of use. After testing several options, we’ve found the best streaming sticks that balance reliability, user-friendliness, and access to popular streaming platforms.

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick (Refurbished)

    10

    We think this refurbished Fire TV Stick is a great budget-friendly option for most people looking to stream their favorite shows and movies.

    10

    We think this refurbished Fire TV Stick is a great budget-friendly option for most people looking to stream their favorite shows and movies.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and user-friendly interface
    • Includes Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls
    • Access to a wide range of streaming services

    Cons

    • Not 4K capable
    • Limited storage space
    • Some apps may load slowly

    We’ve been using this refurbished Fire TV Stick for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The setup was a breeze – we just plugged it into our TV’s HDMI port and followed the on-screen instructions. In no time, we were streaming our favorite shows from Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

    The Alexa Voice Remote is a standout feature. We love being able to control our TV’s power and volume with the same remote we use for streaming. Voice commands work well too – we can simply ask Alexa to play a specific show or search for content across multiple apps.

    While this model doesn’t support 4K streaming, we found the Full HD picture quality to be sharp and clear on our 1080p TV. The device is responsive when navigating menus, though we noticed some apps take a moment to load.

    One thing to note is the limited 8GB storage. We had to be selective about which apps we installed. But for most users, this shouldn’t be a big issue.

    Overall, we think this refurbished Fire TV Stick offers great value. It’s an affordable way to turn any TV into a smart streaming device, with access to tons of content and the convenience of Alexa voice control.

    Sale
    Amazon Fire TV Stick (Refurbished)
    • A Certified Refurbished Fire TV Stick is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Certified Refurbished Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (Refurbished)

    9.7

    We recommend this refurbished Fire TV Stick 4K for its great value and reliable streaming performance.

    9.7

    We recommend this refurbished Fire TV Stick 4K for its great value and reliable streaming performance.

    Pros

    • Smooth 4K streaming with Wi-Fi 6 support
    • Vast content library and free streaming options
    • Alexa voice control and smart home integration

    Cons

    • Generic packaging as a refurbished product
    • Limited internal storage (8GB)
    • Some apps and features require subscriptions

    This certified refurbished Fire TV Stick 4K offers an excellent streaming experience at a budget-friendly price. We found the setup quick and easy – it took just a few minutes to connect to our Wi-Fi and sign in to our Amazon account.

    The picture quality is impressive, with vibrant 4K HDR content that really pops on compatible TVs. We streamed shows from Netflix and Prime Video without any buffering issues. The new Wi-Fi 6 support seems to help maintain a stable connection even with other devices on our network.

    We love using the Alexa voice remote to search for content and control our smart home devices. It’s handy to dim the lights or check our security cameras without reaching for our phones. The remote also has handy shortcut buttons for popular streaming services.

    While it comes in generic packaging, the device itself looks and works like new. We didn’t notice any differences compared to a brand-new model. The 1-year warranty provides peace of mind too. For the price, this refurbished Fire TV Stick 4K is a great way to upgrade an older TV with the latest streaming capabilities.

    Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (Refurbished)
    • A Certified Refurbished Fire TV Stick 4K is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Certified Refurbished Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
  • Fire TV Stick with Alexa

    9.5

    We recommend this streaming stick for its excellent value, user-friendly interface, and Alexa integration.

    9.5

    We recommend this streaming stick for its excellent value, user-friendly interface, and Alexa integration.

    Pros

    • Fast Full HD streaming
    • Wide content selection
    • Voice control with Alexa

    Cons

    • Not 4K compatible
    • Amazon-centric interface
    • Some apps require subscriptions

    The Fire TV Stick impressed us with its quick setup and snappy performance. We plugged it in behind our TV, and within minutes, we were browsing through a vast library of content. The interface felt smooth and responsive, making it easy to find our favorite shows and movies.

    We loved using the Alexa Voice Remote. It let us search for content, control playback, and even adjust our TV’s volume without pressing a button. The preset buttons for popular streaming services were handy, saving us time when switching between apps.

    The streaming quality was top-notch for Full HD content. While it’s not 4K, the picture looked sharp and clear on our 1080p TV. We enjoyed the immersive sound from Dolby Atmos on compatible titles, which added depth to our viewing experience.

    We found the content selection vast and varied. From popular services like Netflix and Disney+ to free ad-supported options like Tubi, we had plenty to watch. The live TV integration was a nice touch, letting us access news and sports through services like SLING TV.

    Setting up the Fire TV Stick was a breeze. The on-screen instructions guided us through the process, and we were streaming in no time. The compact design meant it fit neatly behind our TV without any clutter.

    Sale
    Fire TV Stick with Alexa
    • 50% more powerful than the previous generation for fast streaming in Full HD. Includes Alexa Voice Remote with power and volume buttons.
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K

    9.4

    We think the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a top choice for most people looking to add smart features to their TV.

    9.4

    We think the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a top choice for most people looking to add smart features to their TV.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and use
    • Fast, smooth streaming
    • Great picture quality

    Cons

    • Some apps load slowly
    • Remote can be unresponsive
    • Limited storage space

    We plugged the Roku Streaming Stick 4K into our TV’s HDMI port and were up and running in minutes. The stick is small and hides neatly behind the TV. We love how it doesn’t take up extra space on our entertainment center.

    The streaming quality is impressive. We watched shows in 4K HDR and the colors popped. The Wi-Fi connection was strong, and we didn’t notice any buffering. The voice remote made finding content easy – we just asked for what we wanted to watch.

    We did notice that some apps took a while to load. The remote also didn’t always respond right away. But these were minor issues. Overall, we found the Roku Streaming Stick 4K to be a great way to access tons of content. It’s simple to use and delivers a top-notch streaming experience.

    Sale
    Roku Streaming Stick 4K
    • Hides behind your TV: The stick design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max

    9.3

    We think the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a great buy for anyone looking to upgrade their streaming setup with faster performance and better Wi-Fi.

    9.3

    We think the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a great buy for anyone looking to upgrade their streaming setup with faster performance and better Wi-Fi.

    Pros

    • Super fast performance
    • Excellent Wi-Fi 6E support
    • Lots of storage for apps

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Amazon-centric interface
    • Some apps still lack 4K content

    We were impressed by how snappy this new Fire TV Stick felt. Apps opened quickly and menus were smooth to navigate. The quad-core processor really shines when switching between apps or scrolling through long lists of content.

    The Wi-Fi 6E support is a standout feature. We noticed faster buffering and more stable connections, even when other devices were using the network. This made a big difference for 4K streaming, which stayed sharp without interruptions.

    With 16GB of storage, we were able to download tons of apps and games without worrying about space. The picture quality looked great on our 4K TV, with vivid HDR colors. We also liked the new Alexa remote with its shortcut buttons for popular apps.

    Sale
    Fire TV Stick 4K Max
    • Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

    9.1

    We think the Fire TV Stick 4K is a top choice for most people looking for a powerful, user-friendly streaming device.

    9.1

    We think the Fire TV Stick 4K is a top choice for most people looking for a powerful, user-friendly streaming device.

    Pros

    • Excellent 4K picture quality
    • Wide app selection
    • Alexa voice control

    Cons

    • Amazon-centric interface
    • Ads on home screen
    • No Apple TV+ app

    The Fire TV Stick 4K blew us away with its crisp 4K picture. We streamed our favorite shows in stunning detail, with vibrant colors that popped off the screen. The Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support really made a difference in dark scenes, bringing out subtle details we hadn’t noticed before.

    Setting up the stick was a breeze. We plugged it in, connected to Wi-Fi, and were watching in minutes. The new Wi-Fi 6 support helped maintain a stable connection, even with other devices on our network. We didn’t experience any buffering or lag while streaming 4K content.

    The Alexa voice remote is a game-changer. We loved being able to just ask for our favorite show and have it start playing instantly. It also let us control smart home devices, which was handy for dimming lights during movie night. The remote feels solid and responsive, with handy shortcut buttons for popular apps.

    Sale
    Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
    • Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance.
  • Fire TV Stick Lite

    9

    We recommend the Fire TV Stick Lite for budget-conscious buyers seeking a simple streaming solution with Alexa integration.

    9

    We recommend the Fire TV Stick Lite for budget-conscious buyers seeking a simple streaming solution with Alexa integration.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and hidden design
    • Access to many free and paid streaming services
    • Voice control with Alexa

    Cons

    • No TV controls on remote
    • Limited to 1080p resolution
    • Some apps may require subscriptions

    We found the Fire TV Stick Lite incredibly easy to set up. We just plugged it into our TV’s HDMI port, connected to Wi-Fi, and were streaming in minutes. The stick stays hidden behind the TV, keeping our entertainment area clutter-free.

    The Alexa Voice Remote Lite worked well for finding content. We could ask for specific shows or genres, and Alexa quickly pulled up results from various apps. It’s nice not having to type out searches, but we did miss having TV power and volume controls on the remote.

    While limited to 1080p, the video quality looked good on our test TV. We streamed shows from Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ without any buffering issues. The Fire TV interface felt snappy as we browsed through apps and menus.

    We liked having access to free content through apps like Freevee and Pluto TV. There’s a good mix of movies and TV shows available without a subscription. For music lovers, we could stream tunes from Spotify and Amazon Music.

    The 8GB of storage was enough for our needs, but users who want lots of apps might find it limiting. We didn’t notice any lag when switching between recently used apps.

    Fire TV Stick Lite
    • Our most affordable Fire TV streaming stick - Enjoy fast streaming in Full HD. Comes with Alexa Voice Remote Lite.
  • Google Chromecast with Google TV

    8.7

    We think the Google Chromecast with Google TV is a top choice for most people looking for an easy-to-use, feature-packed streaming device.

    8.7

    We think the Google Chromecast with Google TV is a top choice for most people looking for an easy-to-use, feature-packed streaming device.

    Pros

    • Simple setup and user-friendly interface
    • Excellent 4K HDR picture quality
    • Smart voice control with Google Assistant

    Cons

    • Requires external power
    • Limited storage space
    • Some apps may lag on occasion

    The latest Chromecast takes streaming to a new level. We plugged it in and were up and running in minutes. The sleek design fits neatly behind our TV, out of sight.

    Picture quality is a standout feature. We watched shows in 4K HDR, and the colors popped off the screen. The device upscales lower-resolution content well too, making older shows look better than ever.

    Google’s voice control is a game-changer. We asked for specific shows, searched by genre, and even got viewing suggestions just by talking to the remote. It’s like having a knowledgeable movie buff at your fingertips.

    The Google TV interface brings together content from different apps. We didn’t have to jump between Netflix and Hulu to find something to watch. Everything was in one place, with personalized recommendations based on our viewing habits.

    While storage is limited, we found it enough for our needs. The device sometimes lagged when switching between heavy apps, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.

    Kids will love their own profiles with fun themes and parental controls. We set up screen time limits and picked age-appropriate content, giving us peace of mind.

    Google Chromecast with Google TV
    • Get fast streaming and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR. **
  • Roku Streaming Stick+

    8.7

    We think the Roku Streaming Stick+ is a top choice for most people looking to stream 4K HDR content with ease and reliability.

    8.7

    We think the Roku Streaming Stick+ is a top choice for most people looking to stream 4K HDR content with ease and reliability.

    Pros

    • Strong Wi-Fi performance
    • 4K HDR streaming capability
    • User-friendly interface

    Cons

    • No Ethernet port
    • Remote lacks a headphone jack
    • Limited internal storage

    The Roku Streaming Stick+ impressed us with its powerful Wi-Fi receiver. We found it worked great even when we tried streaming in rooms far from our router. This made it easy to watch shows without buffering issues.

    We loved the picture quality on this device. It handled 4K and HDR content smoothly, bringing out rich colors and sharp details on our TV. The stick format also made it simple to set up – we just plugged it into an HDMI port and were ready to go.

    The remote was a nice bonus. We could turn on the TV, change volume, and search for shows with voice commands. It felt responsive and intuitive to use. We also liked the wide range of free and paid channels available. There was always something new to watch.

    Sale
    Roku Streaming Stick+
    • Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room. Backyard movie night. Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K

    8.6

    We think the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a great choice for most people looking to upgrade their streaming setup.

    8.6

    We think the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a great choice for most people looking to upgrade their streaming setup.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and use
    • Excellent picture quality
    • Voice control remote

    Cons

    • Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues
    • Remote can be finicky
    • Limited internal storage

    We’ve been using the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for a while now, and it’s quickly become our go-to streaming device. The stick plugs right into your TV’s HDMI port, keeping things tidy behind the screen. Setup was a breeze – we had it up and running in just a few minutes.

    The picture quality really impressed us. We streamed 4K HDR content, and the colors were vibrant and the details sharp. The stick handled everything we threw at it, from Netflix to Disney+ to YouTube, without any lag or buffering issues.

    We love the voice remote. It’s so handy to just say what we want to watch instead of typing it out. The remote also controls our TV’s power and volume, which means one less remote to keep track of. That said, we did notice the remote can be a bit slow to respond sometimes, which can be frustrating.

    Sale
    Roku Streaming Stick 4K
    • Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup

Buying Guide

When shopping for a streaming stick, there are a few key things to keep in mind. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.

Performance

Look for a stick with fast processing speeds and enough RAM to handle streaming without lag. 4K and HDR support are important for the best picture quality on compatible TVs.

Remote Control

A good remote should have dedicated buttons for popular streaming services. Voice control can also make searching for content much easier.

App Selection

Make sure the stick supports all your must-have streaming apps. The more options, the better.

Ease of Use

The interface should be simple to navigate. Quick boot-up times and smooth menu transitions are ideal.

Price

Streaming sticks range from budget-friendly to premium. Consider how many features you really need.

Connectivity

Look for dual-band Wi-Fi support for a stable connection. An Ethernet adapter can be useful if your Wi-Fi is unreliable.

Additional Features

Some nice extras to consider:

  • Private listening through headphones
  • Screen mirroring from your phone
  • Gaming capabilities

We recommend making a list of your top priorities before shopping. This will help narrow down your options to find the perfect streaming stick for your setup.