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Best streaming devices for 2022
Many smart TVs come with some kind of operating system that is capable of downloading streaming apps, but add-on streaming devices often have simpler remotes, more apps, better search function and more frequent updates than the OS built into your set. Plus, they’re a much more affordable alternative to upgrading your entire TV.
We’ve reviewed nearly every streaming device and major smart TV system available today, including Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire and Apple, and have made some new changes to our list in response to recently released products.
Google’s latest offering bested both Amazon and Roku in one of our categories, while Apple’s 2022 update to the Apple TV 4K manages to lower the price of one of the most expensive streaming devices on the market, but didn’t make a whole lot of changes to its device beyond that.
Check out CNET’s top three picks below, and for our complete list of the Best
Streaming Devices, go to cnet.co/3GlpJ1x.
BEST STREAMING DEVICE OVERALL: ROKU EXPRESS 4K PLUS
Roku is our favorite streaming system, with the most streaming app options, the simplest streaming platform interface and the best search function. It also has a content-agnostic platform that doesn’t push any one media streaming service provider, like Amazon Prime Video or Apple+, over another.
The Express 4K Plus streaming media player is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR. Even if your current TV doesn’t support those formats, your next one probably will.
Thanks to the AirPlay update, this Roku device is one of the least expensive ways to connect your iPhone or other Apple device to your TV.
It is cheaper than the company’s Streaming Stick 4K Plus and other 4K HDR streaming devices, and it’s our top pick for best streaming device overall.
The brand-new Chromecast with Google TV HD is far and away the best HD-only, entry-level streaming device you can find. If you’re looking for a cheap streamer for your HD TV, this is the one to get. It’s speedy and offers the same form-factor and remote as the Chromecast with Google 4K, which means that it doesn’t need a line of sight to work and can seamlessly control your TV’s power, volume and inputs. It also comes with a built-in button to access the Google Assistant.
Other entry-level HD streaming devices skimp on hardware features in order to sell their players at a lower price. For example, the remote that comes with Roku’s entry-level streamer, the Roku Express, lacks voice control or the ability to adjust the volume, never mind being able to turn the TV on or off. Amazon’s Fire TV Lite isn’t much better. It offers Alexa support, so you can use your voice to control the TV, but it still lacks physical volume, mute and power buttons.
FASTEST STREAMING DEVICE: AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX
If you’re looking for a speedy device, look no further than the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
The Max loads apps almost immediately, and navigating around the system is swift and smooth. Even better, the Max supports Wi-Fi 6 and nearly all the latest playback standards, including Dolby Vision.
The downside to the Max is its Fire TV platform and the fact that ads are featured prominently throughout. We just don’t appreciate the TV becoming a giant rotating billboard for content or ads when in screen saver mode. But this is a good choice for those looking for a fast device or those hooked into the Amazon ecosystem.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the best Fire Stick on the market today, and it’s worth the extra money over the standard Fire TV Stick 4K.