App selection

Roku has one of the most complete app libraries, though Apple's iTunes service is notably missing. You'll need an Apple TV to access iTunes.

Apple TV also has a good app selection, though out of 25 leading services The Associated Press checked, it's missing direct access to Amazon, Google Play, Vudu and PlayStation Vue. You can get the first three indirectly with a Chromecast-like feature called AirPlay if you have a companion iPhone or other Apple device.

Amazon's Fire TV device is missing iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, ABC, Freeform and the NFL (though some games are shown through Twitter's app).

The selection on Android TV is also limited, but you can supplement that with apps for Chromecast. With an Android phone, you can get all but iTunes, though getting Amazon video is tough, as it requires getting Amazon's "Underground" app store first. With an iPhone, you're missing iTunes, Amazon and USA Network, even with AirPlay. If you just have a Chromecast device with an iPhone, you're also missing Freeform (formerly ABC Family) and CNN.

You'll still need individual subscriptions to these services. The streaming device merely enables playback on the big screen. or high dynamic range, promises brighter whites, darker blacks and a richer range of colors — but you need an HDR TV and HDR video.

Google's new Chromecast Ultra also has 4K and HDR support for $69. Because Mi Box also does Chromecast, you get more overall for the same price. Mi Box also has a voice remote.

The Roku Premiere also offers 4K for $80, but its remote lacks voice support. Amazon's regular Fire TV has 4K and a voice remote for $90. Neither has HDR. For now, HDR sets are rarer than 4K, and even 4K sets aren't that common.