Best 4k Streaming Devices For 2024
From affordable 4K sticks to comprehensive home entertainment hubs, the best streaming device will give you instant access to an arsenal of arresting shows and films. If you need help deciding which is the best model for you, we’ve reviewed them all to help you choose.
Just plug one of these into one of the best 4K TVs, load up one of the best streaming services, sit back and get ready to stream to your heart’s content.
See, binge-watching has come on a long way from the days of Blu-ray box sets. Between gripping Netflix originals, remastered classics on Amazon Prime and blockbuster series on Now TV, entertaining yourself has never been easier. But with so many streams to pick between, what’s the best way to get fresh shows on your screen?
Whether you want a simple stick for easy 4K streaming or a top-notch content box with voice control smarts, the list below features our pick of the best streaming kit – all comprehensively tested by the Digitonika team.
Our picks for the best device for streaming 4k of 2024
- 4K HDR
- Dolby Atmos
- Remote control
- Slick design
Highly Recommended
- 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos
- Voice Remote Pro
- WORKS WITH ALEXA
- Hands-Free Controls
- Ethernet Port
- Memory Capacity 256 GB
Highly Recommended
- Powerful 4K streaming
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Dolby Vision, plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG
- Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced
- Storage 16GB
- Memory 2GB
- 4K Ultra HD
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Wi-Fi 6
- Voice Control: Siri voice remote
- Storage: 128GB
- 4K, HDR10, HLG on a budget
- Dolby Atmos
- Works with Alexa
- Works with Google Home
- Works with Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
- Ethernet support
The Chromecast with GoogleTV works particularly well for Chromebook and Android users, because any content on those devices can easily be mirrored onto your TV. Meanwhile, using the GoogleTV OS, you have easy access to all of the popular streaming networks and services you subscribe to. You even get a six-month subscription to the Peacock Premium service for free.
And with Google Assistant built in, you can use voice commands to control your TV and streaming experience, along with other Google-supported smart devices installed in your home.
- Experts Interviewed
- Customer Value
- Top Rated Products
This device is super easy to install on any TV with an HDMI port. Then, once it’s connected to home Wi-Fi, the GoogleTV interface makes finding and playing your favorite content very intuitive. In fact, based on your viewing habits, Chromecast with GoogleTV will recommend what TV shows, movies, documentaries or sporting events you should watch next.
The interface is pretty slick, even if there’s sometimes a delay after pressing the home button. And with more than 6500 apps supported, you’ll rarely come up short for content. We found navigation is easier than ever, thanks to the remote that now comes bundled in. Dedicated buttons for YouTube and Netflix make it easy to dive right in, while the Google Assistant shortcut puts voice control just a press away.
Streaming quality is slick, with no buffering and impressively sharp 4K HDR at up to 60fps. Despite its plug-and-play simplicity, support for Dolby Atmos, as well as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, means the Chromecast has the skills to suit any cinema room.
- Setup: Fast And Easy:
After plugging the Chromecast into the HDMI port, you may find that your TV is powerful enough to give it enough juice. It’s more likely that you’ll also need to plug it into the mains as well.
Setup is incredibly easy but you’ll need a Google account. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t be buying a Google streamer if you didn’t have a Google account, would you? No.
Using the free Google Home app on your phone, you simply scan the QR code that pops up on the TV and you’re away. You’ll be asked which platforms you’ve coughed up cash for, plus the freebie catch-up service that you use so that Google TV knows which apps to drop onto your home screen.
- Design And Build:
For those with illusions of grandeur, the new Chromecast comes in Snow, Sky, or Sunrise. That’s white, blue or pink to the rest of us.
The updated pebble-like design is pretty slick, giving the Chromecast a silky premium look and feel. Not that any of this really matters because when you plug it into the back of your TV no one will see it anyway.
The bendy HDMI connector means it’s easy to plug into your telly, even if it’s really close to the wall. The real news here is the new remote control which was, totally unsurprisingly, the most requested feature by users of the old models.
Powered by 2xAAA batteries, it’s small and sleek, similar to a Roku remote, and it matches the colour of the main Chromecast unit. The remote looks a little less premium than the Chromecast itself but it does the job.
You’ll find dedicated buttons for YouTube, Netflix and the search function, along with the usual navigation ring and select button in the centre. There’s also a volume rocker on the side. A tiny LED light near the foot of the remote lights up when the microphone is activated.
Nearly half of the Chromecast’s plastic mechanical parts are made from recycled plastic so you can feel like an eco warrior even when you’re horizontal on the sofa stuffing Monster Munch into your gob.
- Stream free movies,shows, and clips:
The new Chromecast offers access to more than 6,500 apps meaning you can browse more than 400,000 films and TV episodes.
You’ll find most of the big app names covered, including Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube (obvs) and unlike the old days, Prime Video from arch-rivals Amazon is here too. The freebie TV catch-up services like iPlayer are mostly covered, though weirdly this doesn’t currently include Channel 4’s All 4.
Google is clearly not a Great British Bake-off fan. Also MIA is Apple TV+ and Sky’s Now TV. Not that important if you’re not a subscriber to either, but possibly a deal-breaker if you are. It’s also worth noting that there’s currently no support for Google Stadia.
- Picture And Sound:
The new Chromecast offers you 4K HDR up to 60fps, including support for both Dolby Vision and rival HDR10+. We found the pictures to be really sharp with no buffering issues.
New to the Chromecast on this model is support for Dolby Atmos, the 3D audio format that pushes sound your way from all directions, including overhead. Obviously you need compatible speakers to make this work. Sadly, we didn’t have Dolby Atmos speakers to hand to test this out on, but good old surround sound was top-notch.
PROs
- 4K HDR
- Remote control
- Slick design
- Dolby Atmos support
CONs
- No Apple TV+ or Now TV apps
- No Google Stadia support
- Somewhat pricey for a mini streamer
Meet the ultimate streaming player, Roku Ultra. It’s the fastest and most powerful Roku player ever and now includes our best remote. Enjoy a cinematic experience as you watch what you love in spectacular 4K and Dolby Vision® picture with immersive Dolby Atmos® sound. Get fast, seamless TV streaming in any room in the house thanks to our best Wi-Fi® with up to 50% more range—or choose to wire up over Ethernet.
Start streaming channels including Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, Freevee and Hulu in a snap with a lightning fast interface. Say “Hey Roku” from across the couch to power up your TV, control your streaming, and even find your lost remote. Use the rechargeable remote to quickly search and type with your voice, enjoy private listening, and set shortcuts for your favorite channels. Plus, enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.. Roku is America’s #1 TV streaming platform based on hours streamed – Hypothesis Group, December 2022
What’s in the box
Roku Ultra streaming player
Roku Voice Remote Pro
Headphones
USB charging cable (for remote)
Power adaptor
About Roku Ultra 4K
- Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels that launch in a snap with the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
- Super-fast startup: Stream your favorite channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more in a snap
- Best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, seamless TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Cinematic streaming: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, plus Dolby Atmos sound
- Best remote: Roku Voice Remote Pro is conveniently rechargeable with personal shortcut buttons
- Hands-free voice controls: Say “Hey Roku” to play entertainment, power up your TV, and find your lost remote
- Private listening: Use wired or wireless headphones to crank up the volume without disturbing a quiet house
- Find your lost remote: Say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” or press the button on your streaming device
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote
- Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 400+ free live TV channels.
Power & performance: Start streaming faster with lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap. Powered by a quad-core processor, Roku Ultra is the fastest and most powerful Roku player ever.
Wi-Fi : Enjoy fast, seamless streaming in the highest picture quality thanks to our best Wi-Fi® with up to 50% more range—or choose to wire up with Ethernet.
Cinematic streaming: Watch in awe as colors come to life with spectacular Dolby Vision® picture and immerse yourself in Dolby Atmos® audio with compatible TVs and speakers.
Supported Services: Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube
PROs
- Memory Capacity 256 GB
- 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos
- Voice Remote Pro
- Ethernet Port
- Hands-Free Controls
- WORKS WITH ALEXA
- Bluetooth streaming
- Works with Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
- Works with Google Home
CONs
- Voice features still lag behind Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- No Twitch app
- No USB-C charging for Voice Remote Pro
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device
What is Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device?
Specifically, the Fire TV Stick 4K can stream ultra high definition (UHD, or 4K) video, including high dynamic range (HDR) media in HDR10 or Dolby Vision. This makes the stick even more capable than last year’s Fire TV, which only supported HDR10. According to Amazon, the stick is also faster than the previous Fire TV.
Is Fire Stick 4K Max better for streaming?
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is far and away the best Fire TV Stick that Amazon makes. It launches apps quickly, and navigating around feels fast and smooth, thanks to its robust processor. It also comes with Dolby Vision support and Wi-Fi 6 for faster streaming.
Does Fire Stick 4K Max work on any TV?
A compatible TV – this is any TV that has HD or UHD plus a HDMI port (most TV screens today will have this) A wireless internet connection. An Amazon account. You don’t have to be an Amazon Prime customer to use the Amazon Fire TV Stick but you do have to have a regular Amazon account.
All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, supports Wi-Fi 6, watch free & live TV
- Wi-Fi 6 support : Reduces network congestion for smoother video streaming across multiple devices.
- Fast speeds : Enjoy fast speeds and low latency when streaming 4K content or playing games in the cloud.
- Dual-band : Supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands,
so you can connect to the
least-crowded frequency. - Over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes : Enjoy favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, Peacock, STARZ, Paramount+, and others. Stream live TV, news, and sports, and even watch for free with Pluto TV, Amazon Freevee, YouTube, and more.
- Stream free movies,shows, and clips: Power on and start watching a world of free entertainment through ad-supported streaming apps like YouTube, Amazon Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV. You can access over 300,000 movies and TV episodes without paying for subscriptions. And, the new Fire TV Channels hub brings you free news clips, sports highlights, music videos, movie trailers, cooking tips, comedy bits, gaming videos, and more.
- Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls: Just press and ask Alexa to find, launch, and control content, or even switch to cable. Quickly get to favorite apps with preset buttons, and go beyond streaming to check sports scores and play music. Dedicated power and volume buttons control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receiver.
- TV compatibility : TV must support minimum HDCP requirements for protected content playback. Compatible with 4K UHD TVs with HDMI capable of 2160p at 24/25/30/50/60 Hz and HDCP 2.2 or high-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 1080p or 720p at 50/60 Hz.
- Simple to set up and use :
Step 1: Plug Fire TV Stick 4K directly into your HDMI input.
Step 2: Attach power cable, and plug into wall outlet.
Step 3: Pair remote with TV, connect to internet, and enjoy.
- Included in the box: Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Alexa Voice Remote, power cable and power adapter, HDMI extender cable for Fire TV Stick 4K, 2 AAA batteries
- Warranty and service :1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately.
Overall, we’re impressed with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The interface is super responsive, quick to load, and it’s set out in an intuitive way.
PROs
- Powerful 4K streaming
- An ultra-cinematic 4K experience
- powered by a quad-core 1.7 GHz processor
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Smart Home
- Dolby Vision, plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG
- Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced
CONs
- Ethernet adapter not included
- Big and awkward for a stick
- Performance varies between apps
- UI biased towards Amazon
What is Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) brings the best of TV together with your favorite Apple devices and services — including the new FaceTime experience on TV.Footnote With 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, it delivers a truly cinematic experience to your screen.Footnote You can enjoy content from Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Photos, as well as Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+, and live channels from Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.Footnote
The included Siri Remote (3rd generation) with USB-C makes it easy to control Apple TV 4K using the touch-enabled clickpad or just your voice — and if it goes missing, you can now find it fast with your iPhone.Footnote⁷ Apple TV 4K also works as a smart home hub, letting you connect and control all your favorite smart home accessories.Footnote
Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi) comes equipped with 64GB of storage, and Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) comes with 128GB of storage and Thread networking support.Footnote
- Experts Interviewed
- Customer Value
- Top Rated Products
Apple’s updated 4K TV box is only an incremental improvement over the original, but that still makes it one of the best streamers you can buy. Its chip is zippy, while an HDMI 2.1 port boosts 4K HDR frame rates to a slicker 60fps. Wi-Fi 6 improves connectivity too, with a noticeable bump in speed and stability.
We like the refreshed Siri Remote, which is beefier than before but remains a polished controller. It also comes complete with a universal power button that can zap both your TV and your home cinema.
When it comes to content, all your favourite apps are there – from Netflix to Prime Video to Disney+. And they all support 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Atmos. Apple Music’s Spatial Audio works well, too. Watchers with AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro or AirPods Max can also enjoy Atmos content with dynamic head tracking.
We found the picture quality to be excellent, even in definitions lower than 4K. Full HD shows get help from HDR processing. The Colour Balance feature, meanwhile, uses your iPhone’s camera and light sensor to optimise your screen’s saturation against ‘industry standards’. It’s not Dolby Vision, but it’s neat.
The Apple TV 4K is undeniably pricier than most streaming devices. But Apple fans won’t find a more convenient 4K media hub: from Apple Arcade to iTunes to AirPlay, the box brings it all together seamlessly.
What’s in the box:
Apple TV 4K
Siri Remote
Power cord
Setup :
Indeed, the initial setup is now ridiculously easy if you have an iPhone – no longer do you have to laboriously type in your info, and it will autodetect your device and transfer your Apple ID and Wi-Fi settings seamlessly.
Individual app setups are a bit patchy, just as on other systems like Fire TV or Sky Stream, but you can use the keyboard on your iPhone if you do need to enter any text, as well as confirming purchases with Touch ID or Face ID – very welcome indeed.
About Apple TV 4K:
- 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for vivid picture quality
- Dolby Atmos for three-dimensional, theater-like sound
- Incredible power with the A15 Bionic chip
- Siri Remote brings precise control with a touch-enabled clickpad
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet for high-speed data transfer
- The latest shows, movies, sports, and live TV, all in one place
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness
- Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your iPhone, iPad, and Mac on your TV
- Pair with HomePod mini for hands-free control with Siri
- Acts as a home hub to connect and control smart home accessories
Apps and customisation:
Apple TV no longer has an issue that dogged it for its early years; third-party app support is now great, with all the standard UK services you’d expect including BBC iPlayer, Now TV, BT Sport and ITVX in addition to the biggies like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. You can customise the home screen with the array of apps you want.
I am finding that, more often than not, I need to go into the individual apps to find what I want. You can set up multiple users these days with tvOS, but this is of limited use as you still need to have different profiles within many apps.
PROs
- Seamless for AirPlay
- Great for photos
- Apps are generally ace
- 4K Ultra HD
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Wi-Fi 6
- Voice Control: Siri voice remote
- Storage: 128GB
CONs
- Costlier than rivals
- Lots of TVs now have AirPlay integrated
- Base model lacks ethernet
- Limited physical connectivity
What is Roku Express 4K
Roku Express 4K is a streaming player that lets you enjoy streaming services like Netflix, Crave, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube, right on your TV and in stunning picture quality.
What’s in the box:
Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Player
Voice Remote
Two AAA Batteries
Removable Adhesive Strip
Power Adaptor
TV Compatibility:
HD TVs Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up-scaling from 720p / 4K TVs
Up to 2160p at 60fps (3840 x 2160) with upscaling from 720p and 1080p / 4K HDR TVs
Supports HDR10/10+ and HLG.
Requires compatible TV with an HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2.
- Experts Interviewed
- Customer Value
- Top Rated Products
About Roku Express 4K:
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV
- Seamless streaming: Enjoy a smooth streaming experience with a faster wireless network connection
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device all with one remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- Upgrade to Roku streaming: Enjoy a customizable home screen with your channels front and center, plus automatic updates
- Quick guided setup: Just plug it in to your TV and connect to the internet to start streaming, no power adaptor needed
- Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 350+ free live TV channels
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Troubleshooting steps for wifi connection: Double check the network you selected and that you entered your password correctly. If you have other devices connected to this network, your streaming player should connect.
- Ports HDMI, Micro USB, Reset
- Audio features Digital stereo over HDMI / DTS Digital Surround pass through over HDMI / Supports pass-through of Dolby-encoded audio over HDMI
- Remote control Voice remote with TV power, volume, and mute buttons (Remote TV power and volume buttons work with most TVs.)
- Compatibility Works with Apple AirPlay and HomeKit, Works with Google Home, Works with Alexa
PROs
- 4K, HDR10, HLG on a budget
- Dolby Atmos
- Connectivity Wi-Fi, HDMI, micro-USB
- Ethernet support
- Fast and responsive
- Support for HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG
- Versatile and dependable companion app
CONs
- Weird shape
- No Dolby Vision
- Roku's voice assistant remains weaker than rivals from Amazon, Apple and Google.
- Awkward design
What is the best 4K streaming?
Here’s a quick overview of the best 4k streaming device you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.
- Chromecast with Google TV Best 4k streaming device for live TV, the Chromecast with Google TV sets itself apart with its interface that leans towards surfacing live TV. Its support for paid cable alternatives is limited to YouTube TV, Sling TV and Philo.
- Roku Ultra 4k The best Roku TV we’ve tested is the Roku Plus Series QLED. Overall, it’s a decent TV with excellent contrast and an acceptable local dimming feature that helps improve the appearance of dark scenes.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max The best Fire TV Stick, Yes, you can always find a deal on a cheap Fire Stick, but we recommend you wait until you see a deal on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It’s faster than the rest of Amazon’s sticks, which makes its ad-heavy interface easier to manage. It’s also a solid pick if you use Alexa a lot.
- Apple TV 4K The fastest streaming device, Our testing has shown that the Apple TV 4K opens most apps faster than all of the competition. iPhone users will love the it, as it fits right into the Apple app ecosystem and its Remote app can be opened from the lock screen.
- Roku Express 4K The best budget streaming device, For just $10 less, though, you can still stream in 4K — and keep Roku’s straightforward interface. And this model upgrades yesteryear’s remote so you don’t need a line of sight to your TV.
