Category
Streaming Device Reviews
The best streaming players and boxes, rounded up from the critics — what to buy now that the old Roku is showing its age.
Streaming boxes
Google TV Streamer Review: The Clear Buying Verdict
Critics report that the Google TV Streamer is quick, polished and especially useful in a Google Home setup. It supports the major HDR formats, offers broad app and casting support, and adds Ethernet, Matter and Thread. The improved remote is another practical win. The trade-off is value: reviewers found the roughly $100 price difficult to defend against cheaper streaming sticks, while What Hi-Fi? also reported uninspiring sound and limited picture dynamism.
Roku Ultra (2024) Review: The Honest $100 Verdict
Critics report that the Roku Ultra (2024) is fast, easy to use and capable of excellent 4K HDR playback. The backlit USB-C remote, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth and Quick Media Switching are useful upgrades. The problem is value. CNET calls the performance increase marginal, while Tom's Guide says the familiar design and $99 price may leave owners of the previous model with little reason to upgrade.
Amazon Fire TV Cube review: Is Alexa worth the premium?
Critics report that the third-generation Fire TV Cube is fast, app-rich and unusually capable, with hands-free Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E and an HDMI input for connected equipment. The trade-off is hard to ignore. It costs around $140, Alexa and equipment control can be unreliable, and What Hi-Fi? found little picture or sound improvement over the much cheaper Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Apple TV 4K Review: A Clear Premium-Streamer Verdict
Reviewers agree that the third-generation Apple TV 4K is exceptionally fast, responsive and strong on picture and sound. The smaller fanless box, USB-C Siri Remote and lower starting price improve the package without changing its familiar formula. It is especially compelling for Apple users and home-theater enthusiasts. The honest trade-off is price: Roku and Fire TV alternatives remain cheaper, while Ethernet and Thread require the more expensive 128GB model.
Streaming sticks
Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review: Is It Still the Best Buy?
Reviewers agree that the Roku Streaming Stick 4K remains an easy recommendation for straightforward 4K streaming. Tom's Guide praises its snappy performance, broad app selection and clean interface, while CNET gives it 9/10 and highlights its Dolby Vision support, search and dependable Roku platform. The trade-off is limited voice-assistant functionality, no gaming-service support and strong competition at the same $50 price.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review: The clear verdict
Critics agree that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is fast, supports the major 4K HDR and audio formats, and works especially well for Prime Video and Alexa users. Its weakness is Fire TV itself: the home screen favors Amazon content, carries too many ads and delivers inconsistent search results. Roku and Google offer more neutral alternatives, while PCMag says buyers considering the 2023 second generation should not expect Wi-Fi 6E to transform streaming unless they have the right router and a busy network.