CNET’s best media streamers of 2016
Here are CNET’s favorite devices for getting Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, Spotify and the rest onto your big screen.
ROKU STREAMING STICK 2016 ›
Product review: cnet.com/products/roku -streaming-stick-review/ #ftag=CAD187281f
› CNET rating: 5 stars out of 5 (Spectacular) ›
The good: The $50 Roku Streaming Stick is one of the least expensive devices to stream video from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Sling TV and other online services. It’s just as responsive as other devices — meaning it’s lightning-fast — and an updated app lets you listen via your phone’s headphone jack. Roku’s ecosystem offers more apps, better search and more customization than any other. › The bad: No Ethernet port means it only works via Wi-Fi, not a wired connection. Some app interfaces are less polished than on rival devices. Private listening feature loses lip-sync with some Bluetooth headphones. ›
Cost: $49 › Bottom line: The new Roku Streaming Stick is the best value in streaming-video hardware, period. APPLE TV (2015) › Product review: cnet.com/products/appletv-2015/#ftag=CAD187281f
› CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent) ›
The good: Apple TV delivers the most polished video experience today, with speedy reactions and a familiar yet attractive interface. It has the best remote on the market. Siri voice search is excellent, and useful voice commands add unique capabilities. The selection of apps is excellent, and AirPlay can be used for unsupported apps.
› The bad: Apple TV costs more than similar devices like the Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast for basically the same core functions. There’s no dedicated app for Amazon or any other a la carte video service beyond iTunes. ›
Cost: $124.99 to $229.96 › Bottom line: Apple TV’s awesome remote and voice control make it one of the best entertainment devices, especially for anyone who already owns plenty of Apple gadgets.
GOOGLE CHROMECAST (2015) ›
Product review: cnet.com/products/ google-chromecast -2015/#ftag=CAD187281f
› CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good) ›
The good: The Google Chromecast is a dirtcheap wireless video dongle that streams Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, HBO Now and thousands of other apps and games to your TV using an Android or Apple phone or tablet, or a PC, as the controller. Its small size hides neatly behind your TV and makes it easy to take with you when traveling, and the new version adds compatibility with 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. ›
The bad: The lack of a dedicated remote means you always need a smartphone, tablet or PC nearby to use it. Slightly more expensive boxes and sticks, with their physical remotes, tactile buttons and onscreen displays, are more convenient to use. The only way to watch Amazon videos is by streaming from a PC. › Cost: $35 to $54.99 ›
Bottom line: The innovative Chromecast might be the ultimate living-room accessory for your phone or tablet, but more traditional streaming devices deliver a better streaming experience.
AMAZON FIRE TV (2015) ›
Product review: cnet.com/products/ amazon-fire-tv-2015/ #ftag=CAD187281f › CNET rating:
3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good) ›
The good: The Amazon Fire TV can access thousands of the most popular streaming apps. Its interface is very quick to respond, and Amazon content launches almost immediately. Parental controls and support are top-notch. Voice search from the remote works very well, and the integrated Alexa digital assistant is a cool addition. It’s the least-expensive external device to stream in 4K. It offers hundreds of games, expandable storage via SD card and an optional Gaming Edition with a Bluetooth controller. › The bad: Popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and others take a back seat to Amazon’s own TV shows and movies. Search results prioritize Amazon, and often hide results from other providers even if you’ve installed them. There’s no way to customize the interface. Roku still offers better app support for core audio and video apps. Unlike the previous version, there’s no optical digital audio output. › Cost: $99.99 ›
Bottom line: The Fire TV is a formidable streamer with 4K capability and oodles of features, but it tries too hard to serve up Amazon’s own TV shows and movies.