Table of contents:
Best streaming devices of 2021
Things to consider
Final note
Gone are the days where we would have to wait for hours or wake up early just to catch our favorite show. Streaming services let us stream and watch great quality content anytime we want, anywhere we want. Whether it is on your phone or on your TV, these devices make it all look effortless.
Here are some of the best streaming devices that you could get your hands on this year:
Best streaming devices of 2021
Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote – for Amazon lovers
Amazon has recently spread its wings wide. It has expanded into all high-tech and digital services you can think of. From voice assistant devices to smart home appliances to cloud services, Amazon is doing it all at once. Similarly, its streaming devices are also making a name for themselves in the market.
Amazon Fire TV Stick is compatible with any streaming platform you can think of; it works with Amazon Video, HBO, Sling, Netflix, ESPN, Hulu and much more! It has a very sophisticated remote control that looks a lot like our traditional TV sets. You get button controls, including muting option, next, forward, rewind buttons and a voice search mic button as well. For those who wish to experience their favorite shows in best quality, this device offers 4K ULTRA HD quality streaming and Dolby vision. This is the perfect addition to your Alexa-controlled smart home.
Apple TV 4K (32GB, Latest Model) – for Apple lovers
Even with the most basic of features, Apple has a habit of stealing the show with its sleek and eye-catchy interface. Apple TV 4K device comes in either 32 GB or 64 GB storage, but 64 GB is preferred to avoid memory issues later on. The lightweight and compact device includes 4K streaming device along with Siri remote control.
The device offers exceptional sound quality with its Dolby Digital surround sound technology. It also has a remarkable video output of Dolby Vision, 2160p resolution and HDR10. If you have other smart home devices installed that are compatible with the Apple HomeKit, Siri remote control lets you control those devices as well. Other than smooth, high quality streaming and live streaming, you can also enjoy features like iCloud-synced photo gallery and music from the music library on TV.
Roku Ultra | Streaming Media Player – for live streaming anything
How can we forget about live streaming when talking about streaming devices? Whether you want to stream your favorite show or a football match, live streaming requires a reliable cordless device, along with a stable internet connection.
Roku Ultra is a great pick for this reason. It is a budget-friendly yet premium streaming device that comes with a dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity along with an Ethernet port for streaming through wire connections. This strong connectivity makes it ideal for seamless live streaming. It comes with high quality headphones, so you enjoy a personal time streaming on this device. 4K streaming, Dolby surround sound audio output, and voice control make this device a complete package.
Things to consider
Before making the purchase, make sure you have the necessary information and understanding of the devices you wish to buy. Here is what you must consider before you invest your money in any streaming device.
Compatibility with streaming services
There are a bunch of streaming services you will find interesting. Some popular streaming services include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Sling TV and Vudu. However, out of this large pool of options, you have to see which services are compatible with your desired streaming device. To make the right decision, you have to be sure which streaming service is more important to you, so you can decide accordingly.
Your budget is important
Investing in high tech does not mean you have to sell an arm and a leg. Do not let yourself be fooled by pricey tags and spend unnecessarily on a streaming device. Roku is known for its affordable yet highly advanced and user-friendly streaming devices. If your budget is limited, you don’t have to worry about getting bad quality product or less features. Roku Express and Google Chromecast are some good options in terms of their affordability.
There are many people who are true, die-hard lovers of Apple products. Apple TV 4K streaming device has a sleek and smart interface and hardware that makes many people go for it. The device is compatible with all platforms except Vudu. It is an expensive device when compared to other alternatives in the market like the Amazon Fire Stick. The bottom line is that if you want a good-looking device sitting on your side table and have a good budget to spend, Apple TV is a great choice.
Internet speed
No streaming device is going to deliver you the performance it promises if your internet connection is not up to the mark. We recommend opting for a TV plus internet service combo package so that you can enjoy good old TV content as well as the streaming platforms as well. Check out AT&T TV service and its internet packages to see what fits your budget the best.
Set up
A device’s usability is a huge factor to consider, especially if you are a first-time user. It is rather easier to learn how to browse through the apps and use the streaming app, but the set-up is what takes most of your time. Even though you only have to set up the device once, it still can get pretty frustrating if you can’t get it right. Devices like Roku have user-friendly interfaces. Make sure that the device you are buying, you are either already familiar with its set-up process or have a good instructional manual with you.
Remote control
All streaming devices do not necessarily come with a remote control. Google Chromecast does not come with a remote control, and rather lets you control the device through your phone. If a remote control is important to you, since it is a lot easier and add more value to the product, then Roku and Apple streaming devices are a better choice.
Final note
To sum it all up, we can say that the market is filled with versatile streaming devices, and technology does not seem to be stopping anytime soon. Many of us want to keep up with the pace but fail to do so because of such high speed developments. To jump on the bandwagon and be up-to-date with all streaming trends, a streaming device is a good starting point!
