Key takeaways
- Best overall: Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) ($119 – $149).
- Best value: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) ($39 – $59).
- Pick the platform that fits your home: some work best with a phone or voice assistant you already use.
In this article
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Not sure which streaming devices to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) ($119 – $149)
- Best value: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) ($39 – $59)
Streaming devices compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | Buy | 8.9/10 | $119 – $149 |
| Roku Ultra (2024) | Buy | 8.6/10 | $79 – $99 |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) | Buy | 8.4/10 | $39 – $59 |
| Google TV Streamer | Consider | 7.9/10 | $79 – $99 |
| Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | Skip | 6.8/10 | $99 – $139 |
Our picks in detail
Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
Fastest, cleanest experience · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $119 – $149
Why we like it: Snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem.
Pros: Very fast A15 Bionic chip · No ads on the home screen · Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos · Works as a HomeKit and Matter hub
Cons: Pricier than sticks · Siri Remote is easy to lose
Buy it if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone.
Skip it if you want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming.
Roku Ultra (2024)
Simple interface and great remote · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $79 – $99
Why we like it: Backlit, rechargeable remote with lost-remote finder.
Pros: Simple, app-neutral interface · Backlit rechargeable Voice Remote Pro · Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet · Dolby Vision support
Cons: Home screen shows ads · Not as fast as Apple TV
Buy it if you want a simple, neutral interface, every major app and a remote that's easy to find in the couch.
Skip it if you want a premium, ad-free home screen.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
Budget 4K and Alexa homes · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $39 – $59
Why we like it: Cheap, fast stick with Wi-Fi 6E.
Pros: Low price · Wi-Fi 6E · Ambient art mode · Alexa voice remote
Cons: Ad-heavy interface · Only 16GB storage
Buy it if you want a fast 4K stick for under $60 and use Alexa at home.
Skip it if you dislike ads and Amazon content dominating the home screen.
Google TV Streamer
Android and Google Home users · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.9/10 · Typical price: $79 – $99
Why we like it: Google TV plus a smart home hub.
Pros: Great content recommendations · Thread border router and Matter hub · Remote finder button · Ethernet port
Cons: Interface can feel sluggish at times · Recommendations lean on ads
Buy it if you use Google Home and want a streamer that doubles as a Matter and Thread hub.
Skip it if you want the fastest interface or Dolby Vision with fewer quirks; Apple TV is smoother.
What to check before you buy
- Pick the platform that fits your home: some work best with a phone or voice assistant you already use.
- Check support for 4K HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) and Dolby Atmos if your TV and soundbar have them.
- A faster box makes menus snappier and gets updates for longer than a budget stick.
What to skip
Common mistake: Ignoring the remote: voice search and TV volume control save a lot of daily hassle.
We would also skip these at their usual prices:
- Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) ($99 – $139) – Skip it if you just want fast 4K streaming; the Fire TV Stick 4K Max does nearly the same for about half the price.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Streaming sticks are heavily discounted during big sales, often to half price.
Compare more options
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best streaming devices in the US?
Our top pick is Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) (typically $119 – $149). For the best value, choose Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) (typically $39 – $59).
What should I check before buying streaming devices?
Pick the platform that fits your home: some work best with a phone or voice assistant you already use. Check support for 4K HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) and Dolby Atmos if your TV and soundbar have them.
When is the best time to buy streaming devices in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying streaming devices?
Ignoring the remote: voice search and TV volume control save a lot of daily hassle.