Many TVs these days offer smart features, but maybe that's not the case or it's not your preferred platform. If so, don't worry, you have tons of choices. What if you weren't looking to spend a lot of money, though?
SummaryAmazon Fire TV StickRokuChromecast Streaming StickConclusionThat rules out Apple TV, as well as hardware like Amazon's Fire TV Cube or Roku Ultra. Still, streaming sticks like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick, and Google Chromecast are all great options.
As you can imagine, Amazon's video offerings are front and center on the Fire TV Stick. This is great if you frequently use Prime Video or buy or rent movies from Amazon. You'll see your most recently watched TV shows, which is great for returning to a series.
Although it's not as tightly integrated as on a Fire TV Stick, you can still watch Amazon Video on a Roku Stick, including Prime Video. You can also watch movies and TV shows that you purchased through Google by installing the Google Play TV and Movies app. Then, of course, you have Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and all the other regular subscription video services.
The Roku Streaming Stick works with both Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. As with the Fire TV Stick, you can get a standard Roku Streaming Stick for $39.99 or the Streaming Stick+ which includes 4K for an additional $10.
While the Chromecast lets you play the same content as the two devices above, it works differently. You don't get a remote or even a standard home screen. Instead, you play everything from your mobile device and then "cast" it to your Chromecast.
This essentially turns your TV into just a screen, with all the work of deciding what to watch happens on your mobile device. If you'd rather not deal with a streaming box's UI, that's fine, but those looking for a more traditional streaming experience may not mind.
The standard Chromecast is available for $35, while the 4K-enabled Chromecast Ultra is priced at $59.
If you look at these streaming options, the first question you need to ask yourself is how much you rely on your phone or tablet for entertainment. If you already watch movies and TV shows on your mobile devices, the Chromecast is a great option.
Between Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku Streaming Stick, you will find many similar options. The Fire TV Stick includes Alexa, which some may consider a plus and others may not like too much. Either way, you won't go wrong with any of these options.
