Best Streaming Devices 2026: Budget Sticks to Smart Hubs
Five streaming devices compared on picture formats, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, storage and remotes, from a smart home hub to compact budget sticks.
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Which one should you buy?
Our picks by what matters to you · details below ↓
Best for: Smart home users wanting a powerful all-in-one streamer
Check price on Amazon- Best ValueAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)Best for: Shoppers wanting premium 4K features on a budgetCheck price
- Premium PickRoku Ultra 4850RBest for: Roku fans wanting a premium remote and portsCheck price
- Best BudgetRoku Streaming Stick PlusBest for: Budget buyers outfitting a bedroom or secondary TVCheck price
- Also GreatRoku Streaming Stick 4KBest for: Budget buyers with weak Wi-Fi near the TVCheck price
The best streaming devices in 2026 range from compact budget sticks to a full smart home hub, and the right one depends on your TV, your Wi-Fi and how much you want your streamer to do. We narrowed the field to five streaming devices that cover the main buyer needs: an all-in-one smart home pick, a value-focused 4K stick, a premium Roku box and two budget Roku sticks. This guide is based on manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations, not our own hands-on testing.
Best Streaming Devices at a Glance
| Product | Label | Video formats | Wi-Fi | Ethernet | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google TV Streamer (4K) | Best Overall | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | Wi-Fi 5 | Gigabit port | Smart home users | Check price |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) | Best Value | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Wi-Fi 6E | None on the stick | Premium 4K features on a budget | Check price |
| Roku Ultra 4850R | Premium Pick | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Wi-Fi 6 | 10/100 port | Roku fans wanting a premium remote and ports | Check price |
| Roku Streaming Stick Plus | Best Budget | HDR10+, HLG | Wi-Fi 5 | No Ethernet option | Bedrooms and secondary TVs | Check price |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Also Great | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | No Ethernet option | Weak Wi-Fi near the TV | Check price |
Google TV Streamer (4K): Best Overall for Smart Home Control
Best for: Smart home users wanting a powerful all-in-one streamer
The Google TV Streamer combines top-tier 4K HDR format support with a built-in smart home hub and generous memory. It is the most complete package here for a connected home.
Read our full Google TV Streamer (4K) review →- Resolution
- Up to 4K HDR, 60 fps
- Refresh rate
- 60 fps
- Processor
- MediaTek MT8696 (22% faster than previous generation)
- RAM
- 4GB
- Storage
- 32GB
- Ports
- USB-C (power/data), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps)
Reasons to buy
- Acts as smart home hub with Matter and Thread border router
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Atmos
- 32GB storage and 4GB RAM suit app-heavy use
- Wired gigabit Ethernet port for stable connections
- Gemini AI helps with personalized content discovery
Reasons to avoid
- Premium price tier
- Wi-Fi 5 rather than newer Wi-Fi standard
- Tom's Guide
- 9.0
- Engadget
- 8.7
- Android Authority
- 9.0
- AVForums
- 8.0
- Expert Reviews
- 10.0
- BGR
- 9.0
The Google TV Streamer (4K) earned the top spot because it combines the widest HDR format support in this group with a built-in smart home hub. It is aimed at smart home users who want a powerful all-in-one streamer, and it was recommended in 13 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Google TV Streamer (4K)
On the video side it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos for audio. It has 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, which suits app-heavy use. It also has a wired gigabit Ethernet port, and Gemini AI is there to help with personalized content discovery.
The smart home side is the main differentiator. It works as a Matter device and a Thread border router, and it includes a Google Home control panel for managing connected devices. If you only want a hub, our best Matter hub guide covers dedicated options.
Main trade-off
It sits in the premium price tier, and it uses Wi-Fi 5 rather than a newer Wi-Fi standard. The gigabit Ethernet port helps if you can run a cable. Published expert scores include 8.7 out of 10 from Engadget, 9 out of 10 from BGR, 8 out of 10 from AVForums and 5 out of 5 from Expert Reviews.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation): Best Value for Wi-Fi 6E and Storage
Best for: Shoppers wanting premium 4K features on a budget
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max delivers modern Wi-Fi, wide HDR support and roomy storage at a budget tier. It offers the strongest feature set for the money.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) review →- Resolution
- 4K UHD (2160p) @ 60 fps
- Refresh rate
- 60 fps
- Processor
- MediaTek MT8696T, quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz
- RAM
- 2GB LPDDR4
- Storage
- 16GB eMMC flash
- Ports
- HDMI 2.1 with ARC input support
Reasons to buy
- Wi-Fi 6E helps 4K streaming with many connected devices
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Atmos
- 16GB storage gives double the capacity for apps
- Budget price tier for a feature-rich 4K stick
- Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced controls via Bluetooth and IR
Reasons to avoid
- No Ethernet port on the stick itself
- No HDR10 listed among supported formats
- Dong Knows Tech
- 8.1
- Tech Advisor
- 8.0
- Cord Busters
- 9.0
- What Hi-Fi
- 10.0
- Android Police
- 8.0
- Pocket Lint
- 9.0
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) is our value pick because it brings modern Wi-Fi, broad HDR support and roomy storage in a compact stick. It suits shoppers who want premium 4K features without paying for a full-size box. It was recommended in 12 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)
It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG, plus Dolby Atmos audio and 7.1 surround sound. Wi-Fi 6E is meant to help 4K streaming when many devices are connected. The stick has 16GB of storage, double the capacity for apps and downloads, and 2GB of RAM. The Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced controls the TV over Bluetooth and IR, and Ambient Experience screensavers are included.
Main trade-off
There is no Ethernet port on the stick itself, so it depends on wireless. HDR10 is not listed among its supported formats, though Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are. Reviewers have scored it well: 5 out of 5 from What Hi-Fi, 8.1 out of 10 from DongKnows, 8 out of 10 from Android Police and 4.5 out of 5 from Pocket Lint.
Roku Ultra 4850R: Premium Pick for Remote and Ports
Best for: Roku fans wanting a premium remote and ports
The Roku Ultra pairs fast performance with a standout remote and flexible ports, including USB and microSD. It suits viewers who want a wired-capable box with extras.
- Resolution
- Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 60 fps
- Refresh rate
- 60 fps
- Processor
- ARM Cortex A55
- RAM
- 2 GB
- Storage
- Internal storage (expandable via microSD)
- Ports
- HDMI 2.1b, USB 3.0, Ethernet 10/100, Power
Reasons to buy
- Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with backlit buttons and lost remote finder
- Supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Wi-Fi 6 plus wired Ethernet connectivity
- USB 3.0 port and microSD expandable storage
- Bluetooth headphone mode for private listening
Reasons to avoid
- Premium price tier
- Ethernet port is 10/100 rather than gigabit
- Larger box design than stick-style players
- TechRadar
- 9.0
- Tom's Guide
- 8.0
- Cord Cutting
- 10.0
The Roku Ultra 4850R is the premium pick for people who want a wired-capable box with extras, especially Roku fans. Its Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro and flexible ports are what set it apart. It was recommended in 11 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Roku Ultra 4850R
The remote has backlit buttons, hands-free voice control and a lost remote finder. The box supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, runs Wi-Fi 6 and adds Ethernet. It also has a USB 3.0 port and microSD-expandable storage, and a Bluetooth headphone mode for private listening. Roku says it delivers 30% faster streaming performance than other Roku players, with quicker app launches.
Main trade-off
It is in the premium price tier, and its Ethernet port is 10/100 rather than gigabit. It is also a larger box than the stick-style players here, so it needs shelf space. Scores include 10 out of 10 from Cord Cutting, 4.5 out of 5 from TechRadar and 4 out of 5 from Tom's Guide.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus: Best Budget for Secondary TVs
Best for: Budget buyers outfitting a bedroom or secondary TV
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus covers the basics of 4K HDR streaming in a compact, low-power stick. It is a simple, affordable choice for a secondary TV.
- Resolution
- Up to 2160p at 60fps (4K UHD)
- Refresh rate
- 60fps
- Processor
- ARM Cortex A55
- RAM
- 1 GB
- Storage
- 4 GB
- Ports
- Built-in HDMI, USB-C for power
Reasons to buy
- Budget price tier with 4K HDR streaming
- HDR10+ and HLG support
- Powered by TV USB port, no wall outlet needed
- Voice remote controls TV power and volume
- Low power draw of about 2.5W when streaming 4K
Reasons to avoid
- Only 4GB storage and 1GB RAM
- Wi-Fi 5 only, with no Ethernet option
- No Dolby Vision support listed
- TechRadar
- 8.0
- PCWorld
- 8.0
- TechAdvisor
- 8.0
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is the best budget choice for a bedroom or secondary TV. It covers the basics of 4K HDR streaming in a compact, low-power stick, and it was recommended in 8 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Roku Streaming Stick Plus
It supports HDR10+ and HLG, and it is powered from the TV's USB port, so no wall outlet is needed. Power draw is approximately 2.5W when streaming 4K. The voice remote controls TV power, volume and mute, and the Roku platform offers 500+ free TV channels plus major streaming apps. A Bluetooth headphone mode allows private solo streaming.
Main trade-off
It has only 4GB of storage and 1GB of RAM, so it is the most basic device here. It uses Wi-Fi 5 with no Ethernet option, and no Dolby Vision support is listed. If Dolby Vision matters, look at the other picks. TechRadar, PCWorld and TechAdvisor each scored it 4 out of 5.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Also Great for Long-Range Wi-Fi
Best for: Budget buyers with weak Wi-Fi near the TV
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K adds Dolby Vision to a compact, budget-friendly design with long-range Wi-Fi. It works well when the router is far from the TV.
- Resolution
- 4K at 60fps (3840 x 2160)
- Refresh rate
- 60fps
- Processor
- ARM Cortex A55
- RAM
- 1 GB
- Storage
- 4 GB
- Ports
- HDMI 2.0b, USB for Power
Reasons to buy
- Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ in 4K
- Long-range Wi-Fi receiver helps far from the router
- Compact stick hides neatly behind the TV
- Voice remote includes TV power and volume controls
- Budget price tier with 500+ free live channels
Reasons to avoid
- Only 4GB storage and 1GB RAM
- Wi-Fi 5 only, with no Ethernet option
- HDMI 2.0b port rather than HDMI 2.1
- AVForums
- 8.0
- Android Police
- 8.5
- Stuff.tv
- 8.0
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a budget stick that adds Dolby Vision and a long-range Wi-Fi receiver. It suits buyers whose router is far from the TV, and it was recommended in 12 independent expert guides.
Keep reading about Roku Streaming Stick 4K
It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ in 4K, and the long-range receiver is designed for stronger streaming farther from the router. The compact stick hides neatly behind the TV, and the voice remote includes TV power and volume controls. The Roku Channel offers 500+ free live TV channels. Typical power draw is 3.5W when streaming 4K.
Main trade-off
Like the Stick Plus, it has only 4GB of storage and 1GB of RAM, plus Wi-Fi 5 with no Ethernet option. Its HDMI port is 2.0b rather than HDMI 2.1. Scores include 8.5 out of 10 from Android Police, 8 out of 10 from AVForums and 4 out of 5 from Stuff.tv.
Compare our picks side by side
The specs most of our picks share, from each maker’s spec page (— = not published). Expert score = the average of published expert reviews, which rate each product for its price. Scroll sideways on small screens.
| Spec | Google TV Streamer (4K) | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) | Roku Ultra 4850R | Roku Streaming Stick Plus | Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best Overall | Best Value | Premium Pick | Best Budget | Also Great |
| Expert score | 9.0 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| Price vs. these picks | Higher | Middle | Higher | Lower | Lower |
| Resolution | Up to 4K HDR, 60 fps | 4K UHD (2160p) @ 60 fps | Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 60 fps | Up to 2160p at 60fps (4K UHD) | 4K at 60fps (3840 x 2160) |
| Refresh rate | 60 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps | 60fps | 60fps |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8696 (22% faster than previous generation) | MediaTek MT8696T, quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz | ARM Cortex A55 | ARM Cortex A55 | ARM Cortex A55 |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB LPDDR4 | 2 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB eMMC flash | Internal storage (expandable via microSD) | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Ports | USB-C (power/data), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) | HDMI 2.1 with ARC input support | HDMI 2.1b, USB 3.0, Ethernet 10/100, Power | Built-in HDMI, USB-C for power | HDMI 2.0b, USB for Power |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11ax dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), Bluetooth | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) | 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) |
| Dimensions | — | 1.4 x 11 x 3 cm (including connector) | 4.9 x 5.0 x 1.0 inches (124.4 x 127.0 x 25.4 mm) | 3.7 x 0.80 x 0.45 inches | 3.7 x 0.80 x 0.45 inches |
| Where to buy | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
How to Choose the Best Streaming Devices for Your TV
Match the device to your picture formats
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG are different HDR formats, and your TV must support them to benefit. Of the five devices here, the Google TV Streamer lists all four. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick 4K list Dolby Vision, and the Roku Streaming Stick Plus does not. Check your TV's supported formats before paying for ones it cannot show.
Think about connectivity
A wired connection is the most stable option if your TV is near the router. Only the Google TV Streamer (gigabit) and Roku Ultra (10/100) have Ethernet ports. For wireless, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has Wi-Fi 6E, the Roku Ultra has Wi-Fi 6, and the others use Wi-Fi 5. If the signal is weak at the TV, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K's long-range receiver is worth a look.
Consider storage and memory
The Google TV Streamer has 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has 16GB and 2GB. The two Roku sticks have 4GB of storage and 1GB of RAM. If you install many apps, the larger figures matter more.
Decide how much your streamer should do
If you want a smart home hub, the Google TV Streamer is the one with Matter and Thread border router support. If you want a better remote and extra ports, the Roku Ultra has a rechargeable Voice Remote Pro, USB 3.0 and microSD. For a simple second TV, a Roku stick is enough.
How We Picked
We compared the five devices using manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations, including published review scores and the number of expert buying guides that recommend each device. This guide is not based on hands-on testing. We looked at picture and audio format support, connectivity, memory and storage, remotes and ports, and weighed these against each device's price tier. Apple TV models are not part of this comparison. Prices change often, so use the check price buttons for current pricing.
Bottom Line
The Google TV Streamer (4K) is the most complete choice, especially for a connected home. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) is the value pick, with Wi-Fi 6E and 16GB of storage. The Roku Ultra 4850R suits those who want a premium remote and extra ports. For a secondary TV, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus keeps things simple, while the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the better pick if Wi-Fi is weak and you want Dolby Vision.
Ready to buy?
Best OverallGoogle TV Streamer (4K)Check price- Best ValueAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)Check price
- Premium PickRoku Ultra 4850RCheck price
- Best BudgetRoku Streaming Stick PlusCheck price
- Also GreatRoku Streaming Stick 4KCheck price
Frequently asked questions
What is the best streaming device overall?
The Google TV Streamer (4K) is the best overall pick here. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, has 32GB of storage and doubles as a smart home hub with Matter and Thread border router support.
Which streaming device has the fastest Wi-Fi?
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation): Wi-Fi 6E. The Roku Ultra 4850R uses Wi-Fi 6, while the Google TV Streamer and the two Roku sticks use Wi-Fi 5.
Which streaming device is best for a bedroom or second TV?
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus. It is a compact budget stick powered from the TV's USB port, with 4K HDR streaming and a voice remote that controls TV power and volume.
Which streaming devices have an Ethernet port?
The Google TV Streamer (4K) and the Roku Ultra 4850R. The Google TV Streamer has a gigabit port, while the Roku Ultra's is 10/100. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max and both Roku sticks have no Ethernet port.
Which budget streaming stick is best with weak Wi-Fi?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It has a long-range Wi-Fi receiver for stronger streaming farther from the router, and it also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Which streaming devices support Dolby Vision?
The Google TV Streamer (4K), Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation), Roku Ultra 4850R and Roku Streaming Stick 4K. No Dolby Vision support is listed for the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, so check before buying if your TV needs it.
Sources
Specs are taken from the manufacturers' official pages; expert recommendations from the publications below.
- Google TV Streamer (4K): store.google.com, support.google.com
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation): shi.com, whathifi.com, bestbuy.com, cnx-software.com
- Roku Ultra 4850R: roku.com, developer.roku.com, dell.com, tomsguide.com
- Roku Streaming Stick Plus: roku.com, developer.roku.com, bhphotovideo.com
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K: roku.com, developer.roku.com, bhphotovideo.com
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