![]() (Though lower-end Rokus can do this through the mobile app).įorm factor may or may not be a big deal to you, and that’s okay. It offers 4K playback, Ethernet, USB, microSD cards, and private listening by plugging headphones into the remote. But if you’re looking for full-featured goodness, Roku Ultra is where it’s at. If you’re looking for simplicity and affordability, Roku Express is your huckleberry. Roku: Like Android TV, there are a lot of options here, each with its own set of features.Instead, Chromecast is clean, minimal, and easy to use-not to mention cheap (at least for the non-4K version). Google Chromecast: Simplicity is the selling point with the Chromecast, so you won’t find a lot of bells and whistles.The SHIELD also supports 4K video and private listening via headphone jacks on the remote or game controller. So yeah, you can literally turn your SHIELD into a server. For example, the NVIDIA SHIELD not only has incredible game support, but also access to Google Assistant, support for Samsung SmartThings, Plex Server integration, and an optional 500GB build. You can keep it simple and cheap, but the more you pay, the more features you get. Android TV: Like with the other sections, Android TV is kind of a mess-only because there are so many boxes.Also like Apple TV, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick have game controller support and a decent choice of things to play. It’s not quite as powerful in terms of media control, but it’s still cool. Amazon Fire TV: Like with the Apple TV, Amazon’s digital assistant Alexa is along for the ride here.Otherwise, Apple TV has controller support and a decent game selection thanks to the iPhone and iPad’s compatible game library. ![]() It’s integrated into Apple TV, so you can talk to it like your phone-and it can do cool stuff like repeat a mumbled line with subtitles enabled, search movies by genre (and sub-genre), check the weather, and more. Apple TV: The biggest thing here is Siri.Which ones matter to you depend on what you’re looking to do with your box. What Are the Standout Features of Each Box?Īpart from basic usability, each box has some exclusive features that make them more compelling. The real meat and potatoes here will be all the stuff we’re going to talk about down below: the features provided with each different box and now they compare to each other. That, of course, is a very simplified, one-or-two-sentence look at what each platform is about. Roku Ultra, $100: The cream of the Roku crop-it supports 4K, HDR, and a bunch of different ports in the back (not to mention a microSD card).Roku Streaming Stick+, $70: A beefier version of the Streaming Stick, which supports 4K and HDR.Roku Streaming Stick, $50: Small, compact, and relatively robust.Roku Express+, $40: This little guy has component inputs for older TVs.Roku Express, $30: The simplest, most basic stick Roku offers.So here’s the short list of current-gen products: And man, there are a lot of Roku products out there-a lot more if you also consider the products that are no longer in production. Roku devices are full of innovative features and a nearly incomparable library of apps. Probably the biggest name in this game, and the one that really started it all. RELATED: Which Roku Should I Buy? Express vs. You can get a “regular” Chromecast for $35, but if you’re living that 4K life, you might as well spring for the Chromecast Ultra, which will set you back $70. This is the simplest streaming device on the list-it has no true “interface” on your TV instead, you bring up an app on your phone (like Netflix or HBO Go) and “cast” video from it to your TV. It is, far and away, the best Android TV box out there. But if you want my short answer on which set-top box to get, just buy an NVIDIA SHIELD for $180. There are many ways to get Android TV, including built-in to many TVs. Even more confusing, not every box that runs Android is an Android TV box. “Android TV” isn’t the name of one set-top box-instead, it’s a platform that other manufacturers can use on their own set-top boxes. Both the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick feature Alexa voice controls and a wide range of apps and games to choose from. The 2017 Fire TV is $69, and can play 4K video while the smaller, less-powerful Stick goes for $40 and sticks to HD. This is Amazon’s take on the streaming box market. If you’re going for the 4K, I recommend going for the 64GB model because that 4K video will eat up space quickly. The 4K model comes in 32GB ($149) and 64GB ($199) flavors, while the regular Apple TV only comes in 32GB ($149). There are two version of the Apple TV: the Apple TV 4K and the regular Apple TV. This is the for those truly invested in the Apple ecosystem.
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