Best Streaming Stick & Box 2021: Top Media Players

The 4K Max is the best Fire TV Stick yet, with improvements including Wi-Fi 6, a faster processor and support for picture-in-picture. If you have a Ring doorbell, the video will appear when someone presses the button, too.

It will deliver 4K resolution at 60Hz, with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and other HDR and surround-sound formats.

The 3rd-gen remote adds more buttons for more TV control, while behind-the-scenes improvements (such as an upgrade to the underlying Android version) mean you’ll now get Atmos from Netflix, and you can control the volume of Bluetooth headphones and speakers using the remote control.

It doesn’t have hands-free Alexa like the more expensive Fire TV Cube, but for only £5/$5 more than the 2018 Stick 4K, it is the best choice if you have a 4K TV. If you only have a 1080p panel, opt for the 3rd-gen Fire Stick. 

There are ads on the home screen, and heavy promotion for Amazon-owned content from Prime Video and IMDb TV. But, with a well-stocked app store containing all popular streaming services, it’s not difficult to recommend.

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review

The Chromecast with Google TV is the firm’s best ever streamer. It’s now up there with the best from Amazon. Even if you’re not considering rivals, it’s worth upgrading from an older Chromecast.

The remote control with Google Assistant and the excellent Google TV interface combine to create a great way to browse and discover content from a range of services and in 4K with wide HDR support, too. In addition, 

In addition, the device now has support for Google Stadia, so you can use it for gaming as well as streaming. 

Whilst the remote doesn’t have a headphone jack, you can connect Bluetooth earphones for private listening. You also can’t switch users on this device. 

Read our full Google Chromecast with Google TV review

If you have an iOS device, then the latest Apple TV 4K is a compelling choice. The upgraded A12 Bionic chip brings support for high framerate HDR content, and the OS is simple and slick. 

The redesigned Siri remote is easy to use, with a mix of click-based controls and swiping. Siri is also included on the remote, so you can control via your voice. There’s also the option to play audio via the HomePod, should you prefer. 

However, there’s no escaping the high price, and competition from other media streamers is stiff, too. But, if you’re an iPhone, iPad or Mac user, you’ll love the AirPlay support the Apple TV offers, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your phone or tablet to the big screen instantly.

Read our full Apple TV 4K (2021, 32GB) review

The Streaming Stick+ from Roku brings 4K streaming for an affordable price. The device has a lot going for it including upgraded wireless, smooth performance, and a decent remote that is easy to use, with controls for both the volume and power, and voice support. 

The Streaming Stick+ doesn’t have a headphone jack directly on the remote, and the lack of a HDMI extension cable may make setting up a little tricky. In addition, the YouTube app won’t be available from 9 December 2021, which could be a dealbreaker for some people. 

If you don’t watch YouTube, then it’s still a decent device to consider.

Read our full Roku Streaming Stick+ review

The 3rd-gen Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great-value media streamer if your TV doesn’t have all the apps you need.

It has support for HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos content, and has an easy-to-use interface with a broad range of apps, including Twitch – which isn’t available on other rivals such as Roku. Of course, Amazon could do with toning down the self-promotion. 

The inclusion of Alexa voice support, volume buttons and power buttons on the remote also give you much more control over your TV than the Fire Stick Lite. That said, there’s no 4K support, and the 4K Max Stick doesn’t cost much more. 

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick (2021) 3rd-gen review

The Nvidia Shield TV offers the most complete media streamer experience on the market right now, although it’s not the cheapest gadget in our chart by a long shot.

It features [email protected] playback, like its predecessor, but the new Shield TV takes things a step further with AI-based 4K upscaling that makes even 360p content look sharp and crisp. It’s not as good as native 4K content, but it’s certainly the next best thing.

Couple that with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support across Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Google Assistant support, access to AAA gaming via GeForce Now and a new triangular remote with backlit media keys and you’ve got a truly premium media streaming experience.

Read our full Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review

If you still primarily watch TV over streaming services, the Manhattan T3-R is a great option. It offers Freeview Play, complete with 85 channels (15 of which are HD), and you’ll also find catch-up apps from all the main UK broadcasters if you miss something on TV.

Boasting a 500GB or 1TB HDD, you’ve also got the option of pausing, rewinding or recording TV shows, with the ability to record two channels while watching a third simultaneously. And, most importantly, the software is simple, easy to use and stutter-free.

The only complaint? The lack of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video apps, meaning there’s a lack of 4K content beyond what’s available on YouTube and BBC iPlayer.

Read our full Manhattan T3-R review

If you’re looking to combine your media streamer with a smart speaker, then the 2nd-gen Amazon Fire TV Cube is one to consider. Whilst it’s more expensive than other streaming sticks, it has all the apps you need and offers a built-in Amazon Echo speaker, which can be used for multiple things. 

You can navigate your Fire TV interface hands-free (something none of the Amazon sticks offer) and use it to check weather forecasts, get news updates, set timers, reminders, control smart home kit and more. There’s also support for picture-in-picture with Ring doorbells. 

Speaker capabilities aside, the Fire TV Cube has support for 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. The only downside is that it is not really a useful device if you already have an Echo speaker. If that’s the case, you may as well save some cash and buy a Fire TV stick instead. 

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Cube review

If you just want all the streaming apps for a low price, then the Fire TV Stick Lite is the one for you. All the main free and paid catch-up and on-demand streaming services are catered for, and Amazon’s interface is easy-to-use – even if it is a little heavy on the self-promotion. 

With Alexa voice support directly available on the remote, it’s easy to search for what you need. It’s also quick and easy to set-up, with a refined design that sits unobtrusively behind your TV. However, there are no volume or power buttons on the remote, something you do get on the more expensive Amazon sticks. 

Streaming maxes out at 1080p FHD at 60fps, so if you are looking to enjoy 4K or HDR10 content instead, look to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max instead. 

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite review

If you like the sound of the Roku system with its roster of catch-up TV and streaming apps, games and high-end features like AirPlay 2 support, and also want to upgrade your TV audio system at the same time, the Roku Streambar is a capable and budget-friendly option. 

Offering the capabilities similar to that of the Roku Streaming Stick+, including 4K HDR support, it’s a fully-fledged Roku streamer embedded within a great-sounding, compact soundbar that’ll sit in front of your TV. It’s a huge upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers and, with AirPlay support, it’s a particularly great buy for Apple users. 

However, it is at the high end when it comes to streaming boxes, and the loss of access to YouTube is something to keep in mind. 

Read our full Roku Streambar review