Ditching cable and diving into the streaming realm has never been more convenient or cost-effective! Finding a high-quality streaming device without breaking the bank can be tough in the over-flowing market of media streamers. However, several feature-packed options are available for under $150. These higher-end gadgets turn your ordinary TV into a futuristic entertainment center. These devices offer access to a whole repository of TV shows and movies and give you a handful of other smart features to make your entertainment sessions more fulfilling.
Whether you’re a cinephile craving the latest blockbusters, a sports enthusiast who loves live games, or simply looking out for your favorite web series, there’s a high-functioning streaming device available for you. From wallet-friendly choices to advanced devices offering top-tier performance, this guide explores the best TV streaming devices under $150. We’ll learn their pricing, specs, and cutting-edge features to help you find the best streamer.
6 Best Higher-end Media Streaming Devices Within the $150 Price Tag
Here, we have carefully curated a list of streaming devices that neither compromise on aesthetics nor functionality. All these devices are selected with different entertainment needs in mind. From highly functional to affordable feature-rich options, we have it all! So, let’s explore your options without further ado.
Sr. | Device Name | Price (USD) | Operating System | Key Features |
1. | A95X MAX Plus Android TV Box | Around $150 | Android 9.0 | Amlogic S922X SoC with Hexa Core, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, expandable up to 2TB via SATA 3, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Android 9 Pie OS. |
2. | Apple TV 4K (2022) | $129.00 | tvOS | 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos sound, A15 Bionic chip for fast performance, gaming capabilities, Apple TV+ integration, and smart home control. |
3. | Nebula Android TV Dongle | 90 USD | Android10 | Quad-core Cortex-A55 with Mali-G31 GPU, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 4K HDR, Dolby Audio, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Voice remote control |
4. | Roku Streambar Streaming Stick | $129.99 | Roku OS | Combines streaming device with a soundbar for improved audio. Supports 4K HDR streaming, voice control, mobile app integration. |
5. | MECOOL KM9 Pro Honour Android TV Box | US$99.99 | Android 11.0 | 4K HDR streaming, Amlogic S905X3 chipset, voice remote control, expandable storage. |
6. | MINIX NEO U9-H TV Box | $149.99 | Android 6.0 | 4K HDR streaming, 2GB/16GB, Amlogic S922X chipset, Gigabit Ethernet, expandable storage, supports multiple languages. |
A95X MAX Plus Android TV Box
The A95X MAX Plus Android TV Box offers the ultimate home entertainment experience with its powerful Amlogic S922X Hexa-Core SoC, 4GB of RAM, and high-speed connectivity options. This media streamer stands out with its innovative SATA 3 2.5″ bay for easy storage expansion and a Flymouse Wii-style remote for interactive navigation. Priced around $150, the TV box offers amazing graphics, smooth streaming, and immersive gaming experiences that cater to different financial needs.
The A95X Plus excels at playing videos in high quality and supports most video formats up to 4K HDR, enhancing the visual experience.
With support for expandable storage of up to 2TB, you can store all your favorite streaming media without the need for extra storage devices. The A95X also offers impressive audio capabilities, supporting various formats such as DD, DTS, and PCM, giving a full-fledged cinematic experience. So, if budget is not a problem, this device is a “must-have” option for you. A95X MAX Plus is no doubt a versatile and powerful multimedia streaming gadget that enhances your gaming, navigation, storage, and audio capabilities without compromising on quality.
Apple TV 4K (2022)
Apple has introduced the latest Apple TV 4K, priced competitively at $129.00, featuring the powerful A15 Bionic chip for unparalleled performance. It supports HDR10 Plus and offers a redesigned Siri Remote with a USB-C port. It offers powerful processing with the A15 Bionic chip and various storage options (32GB, 64GB, and 128GB); price of each is different. Moreover, it offers 4K resolution with HDR10 and Dolby Vision technology for immersive viewing experiences. The Apple TV 4K offers enhanced features and performance for a top-notch entertainment experience.
The Apple TV 4K comes with various features, including Siri integration, HomeKit compatibility, Dolby Atmos audio, an extensive App Store, and a focus on privacy and security. The Siri remote bundled with the TV Box 4K now features a USB-C port for charging, showing Apple’s shift towards USB-C and commitment to sustainability with its recycled aluminum enclosure. When it comes to gaming performance, the Apple TV 4K is unmatched. In short, this media streaming device excels in visuals and gives you an impressive audio experience with solid gaming capabilities.
- Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, offering exceptional performance.
- Available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB configurations, catering to varying storage needs for apps and media.
- Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for high-resolution, vibrant, and immersive viewing experiences.
- Features voice recognition technology for convenient control and interaction using Siri.
- Improved gaming experience with swift loading times, though not at console-quality levels, featuring an A12 Bionic chip.
- Includes Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, compact dimensions, and compatibility with HomeKit.
Nebula Android TV Dongle
The Anker Nebula Android TV Dongle offers a convenient and feature-rich streaming experience at an affordable price point of $89.99. Running on the Android TV 9.0 operating system, it provides seamless access to over 7,000 apps, including different streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. The inclusion of Google Assistant enables voice-controlled navigation and content search, while Chromecast compatibility allows for easy content mirroring from your Android devices. Also, with support for 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR, the Nebula Dongle delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and exceptional clarity.
Dolby Digital Plus audio ensures immersive sound quality, enhancing your viewing experience. While primarily focused on streaming and media playback, the Nebula Dongle also supports casual gaming with its Amlogic S905Y2 SoC and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. The device’s quad-core Cortex-A55 processor, Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, 2GB DDR3 RAM, and 8GB eMMC flash storage ensure smooth performance and quick app loading times. So, if you’re into gaming or need a powerful device with higher-end features, Nebula is your answer.
- Runs on Android TV 9.0 (Pie), offering a user-friendly interface and access to various apps.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR for exceptional image quality.
- It provides an immersive audio experience with Dolby Digital Plus.
- Enables voice control for operating the TV and searching for content with a dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac
- Powered by Amlogic S905Y2 SoC and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, suitable for casual gaming.
- Includes a quad-core Cortex-A55 processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, and 8GB eMMC Flash storage.
Roku Streambar Streaming Stick
The Roku Streambar solves the problem of high cable rates and limited channel options. By switching to this modern device, you can save money on equipment costs and eliminate the fuss of multiple streaming services. With tailored suggestions, it helps you find the perfect TV show effortlessly. The Streambar’s smart features include 4K Ultra HD and HDR for exceptional picture quality. With dual-band Wi-Fi for a smooth streaming connection and Dolby Audio technology for superior sound, this device gives you a total cinematic pleasure.
Private listening is also available through headphones or earbuds connected to the Roku remote or mobile app. Pairing Bluetooth devices with the app makes streaming more personalized. Virtual Assistant Integration lets you control streaming with voice commands, making it hands-free for tasks like channel selection and playback control. All these features ensure a smooth and convenient streaming experience for Roku users at only 129.99 USD.
- Supports different resolutions, including 1080p for HD TVs and 2160p at 60fps for 4K UHD TVs.
- Compatible with Dolby Audio, HDR10, and requires HDMI input with HDCP 2.2.
- Dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) is available for faster streaming.
- It integrates with virtual assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-controlled streaming
- It is equipped with four 1.9″ full-range drivers, supports PCM and Dolby Audio formats, and offers multiple sound modes, including Dialogue, Movie, Music, Night, and Standard.
- Compatible with Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa.
MECOOL KM9 Pro Honour Android TV Box
The Mecool KM9 Pro Honour Android TV Box is powered by the genuine Android TV 10 operating system, unlike many generic Android TV Boxes that run on stock Android. This device is Google certified and seamlessly integrates with Google features like voice control and Google Cast. Updates to the Android operating system can be easily installed through firmware updates from Mecool’s Download Page. The Mecool MK9 Pro Honour boasts an impressive specification, including an Amlogic S905X2 Quad-core processor, ARM G31 MP2 GPU, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, built-in 2.4G WiFi, Bluetooth support, and HDR support.
While native Netflix support is not available, it does support Amazon Prime Video in HD quality. With 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal ROM storage, the Mecool KM9 Pro Honour offers significant performance potential for an enhanced entertainment experience. This device is your affordable media streamer to transform the way you take in entertainment, available at just 99.99 USD.
- Runs on Android TV 10 for optimized performance and features.
- Amlogic S905X2 CPU is used for fast processing, and ARM G31 MP2 GPU is used for improved graphics.
- Includes 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM for seamless multitasking and storage.
- Built-in 2.4G WiFi support IEEE 802.11 b/g/n for wireless connectivity.
- Supports Bluetooth 4.0+ and 10/100M Ethernet for peripherals and internet connection.
- Certified for seamless integration with Google services and features.
MINIX NEO U9-H TV Box
The MINIX NEO U9-H, an Android TV box released in 2017, remains in the market even after the advent of newer models. It supports various resolutions, including 1080p and 2160p at 60fps, and is compatible with HD and 4K UHD HDR TVs. Equipped with Android 6.0 capabilities, this device is designed to transform ordinary televisions into smart entertainment hubs.
The device features dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi, 512 MB of storage, HDMI 2.0ac, USB ports, a long-range Wi-Fi receiver, and an Optical port. Its audio quality includes four full-range drivers, PCM, and Dolby Audio support, and multiple sound modes. The NEO U9-H is compatible with Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa and comes with a voice remote. So, if you’re looking for a solid streaming device with unbeatable performance and visual clarity, MINIX NEO is your solution.
- NEO U9-H redefined visual quality with 4K HDR video support.
- Octa-core Cortex A53 CPU, Mali-820 MP3 GPU for strong performance.
- 2GB RAM for multitasking, 16GB storage for apps and media.
- Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 OS provides a stable and customizable user experience.
- RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed wired internet connectivity.
- Three USB 2.0 ports for connecting peripherals or storage devices and one OTG port for connecting external devices.