Time is changing, and so is the technology with it. People are shifting from old and basic to smarter and more intelligent tech. Gone are the days of limited channel selections, grainy picture quality, and knotted cables all around. Enter the era of streaming devices, the ingenious gadgets that unlock a world of cinematic brilliance on your televisions. With a perfect streaming device, you don’t need to spend extra money on a hefty smart TV. Just buy a reliable and trustworthy TV box or streaming stick and make your ordinary television into a more intuitive one.
Read more about: Why you should upgrade your HD TV to 4K TV
However, choosing a perfect device that aligns with your preferences in the labyrinth of options can be tricky. Worry not! Here, we have put together a list of some of the best streaming devices for your 4K TVs. This guide will lead you through the key features and functionalities of the top our contenders to choose the best one for you. We’ll explore the powerful devices that deliver breathtaking 4K visuals with an unparalleled user experience.
List of the Best 4K Media Streaming Gadgets
A streaming device is like a television enhancer that offers it some extra functionalities it previously lacked. Buying a television with built-in smart capabilities can be heavy on your pocket. So, here we have curated a list of some capable smart devices to enhance the capabilities of your 4K TV. We have also mentioned the pricing and features of each gadget so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and budget.
No. | Device | Price | Resolution | HDR Support | Voice Control | Additional Features |
1. | Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | $114.99 | Up to 4K HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Alexa | Wi-Fi 6E, Dolby Atmos |
2. | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | $49.99 | Up to 4K HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Google Assistant | Google Play Store, Chromecast built-in |
3. | Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ | $49.99 | Up to 4K HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Roku Voice Remote | Long-range Wi-Fi, 2x faster startup |
4. | Apple TV 4K (2022) | $129 | Up to 4K HDR | Dolby Vision | Siri | A15 Bionic chip, Apple ecosystem integration |
5. | Tivo Stream 4K | $39.99 | Up to 4K UHD | Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos | Google Assistant | Combined recommendations, TiVo+ free content |
6. | onn 4K with Google TV | $29.88 | Up to 4K | HDR10 | Google Assistant | Android TV OS, Dolby Audio |
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
The Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation is a game-changing streaming device with its extended functionalities. It integrates an Echo speaker and Fire TV OS to give you a smooth streaming experience. Moreover, it offers 4K streaming with Dolby Vision HDR support to brighten your regular 4K TV screen even more. Its octa-core processor, advanced Wi-Fi antenna, and Alexa integration ensure smooth playback of 4K HDR content and fast transitions. Plus, with the voice control feature, you can search for anything with just your voice.
The Fire TV Cube excels in performance, speed, and voice control, surpassing its rivals like Nvidia’s Shield TV. At $149.98, this device is considered the best Amazon product so far. Moreover, it offers a user-friendly interface that focuses on personalized content recommendations to make your home screen more tailored. The 3rd generation Fire TV Cube not only offers improved performance but also faster Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home control capabilities. In short, Fire TV Cube is a diverse and advanced choice for streaming and smart home integration.
Features
- Stream Video at 4K Resolution
- Super Resolution Upscaling of HD Content
- Built-In Alexa Voice Control
- Octa-Core ARM Cortex-M4 Processor
- Wi-Fi 6e and Ethernet Connectivity
- HDR and Dolby Vision Support
Chromecast with Google TV(4K)
The Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) stands out in a saturated market of streaming devices by offering top-notch quality and a compelling TV experience. With voice control powered by Google Assistant, users can easily search for content and navigate without interruption. The Chromecast also offers 4K resolution and HDR formats like Dolby Vision, offering a sharper, more detailed picture quality.
Casting allows streaming from devices to TV in real-time for sharing and enjoying content on a larger screen. Integration with streaming services offers a variety of content sources in one platform for easy access to popular channels without missing favorite shows. Google Assistant enables voice control to search for your desired content instantly. Chromecast with Google TV enhances not only your entertainment experiences but brings home a lot of other smart capabilities that your 4K TV may need.
Features
- 4K/60 fps Max Video Resolution
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
- Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos Audio Formats
- Quad-core ARM Processor with 2GB RAM
- Wi-Fi ac and Bluetooth Connectivity
- HDMI 2.0b (HDCP2.2) Port
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
With advanced features like 4K Ultra HD, HDR visuals, and more, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers an all-in-one solution to enhance the capabilities of your 4K TV. This smart device offers Dual-Band Wi-Fi capability, which allows you to connect it to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. The 2.4GHz band is commonly used but liable to interference, while the 5GHz band offers faster speeds and a more stable connection. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Voice Remote includes voice search and shortcut buttons for famous streaming services like Netflix.
Moreover, the 4K Vision with Dolby Vision integration offers breathtaking picture clarity and vibrant colors for a captivating vision. Private Listening allows users to watch TV shows without interruption. By using the Roku Mobile App and headphones, users can activate Private Listening and enjoy their favorite content in peace. The app also offers convenient features like voice search and virtual assistant integration for hands-free control and a more fulfilling experience. So, if you are on a tight budget but need some real smart features, this Roku device is a perfect solution.
Features
- Up to 4K at 60 frames per second Resolution
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision Support
- HDMI 2.0b, USB for Power Ports
- Integrated Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5
- Voice Search via Remote
- Voice Remote with TV Power, Volume, Mute
Apple TV 4K (2022)
If you are someone who is already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K Gen 3rd is your device. It may not be the most accessible option due to its pricing, but it is considered one of the best streaming devices. It offers lightning-fast response times and seamless Bluetooth connectivity for smooth streaming. Despite its premium features, the price point at which it comes is relatively acceptable compared to some other higher-end devices. While it lacks location tracking and doesn’t include an HDMI cable, its tech specs boast impressive capabilities: supporting 4K resolution, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity, with storage options of 32GB, 64GB, and 128 GB.
It delivers remarkable picture quality with support for 4K High Frame Rate HDR and Dolby Vision. The device is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, making your streaming more smooth. Dolby Atmos sound further enhances the viewing experience. Moreover, you can have access to Apple Originals through Apple TV+ and other services like Apple Arcade, Fitness+, and Music adds value. The unique remote has a touch-click pad for intuitive control, making the Apple TV 4K a “must-have” addition for any Apple lover seeking a premium streaming experience.
Features
- Powered by a five-core Apple A15 Bionic processor
- 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal flash memory storage
- HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO, Gigabit Ethernet
- Various networking support and Bluetooth 5.0
- Supports 4K HDR content
- Siri Remote for voice control
Tivo Stream 4K
If you are looking for an inexpensive 4K streaming device with voice control and other features, Tivo Stream 4K is your streamer. Unlike its text-based DVR ancestors, this TiVo offers a sleek and easy-to-use experience at a great price. It combines the familiar features of Android TV with a user-friendly TiVo menu, making navigation a breeze.
The remote has everything you need – a Google Assistant button for voice commands, a number pad for quick channel access, and even a dedicated Netflix button. Powered by Android OS, the TiVo Stream 4K delivers lag-free streaming and a clean, uncluttered interface. Plus, you can easily switch to the standard Android TV interface if needed. In addition to its impressive visuals, the TiVo Stream 4K offers enhanced audio for a truly immersive viewing experience.
Features
- 4K at 60 fps Max Video Resolution
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
- Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos Audio Formats
- 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi
- 8GB Storage
- Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in
Onn 4K with Google TV
Despite its low price tag, the Onn Android TV 4K surprised many with its performance. Powered by the Amlogic S905Y2 processor, it offered fast loading times for apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, comparable to other streaming devices like the Fire Stick and Chromecast. Onn Android TV 4K provides a budget-friendly streaming solution with Android TV 9, a user-friendly interface, and the ability to increase storage with an OTG cable.
The Onn Android 4K streaming device offers a refined user interface and improved security. Upon setup, users may receive an update prompt for further enhancements. Priced competitively at 30 USD, it aims to make 4K streaming accessible to a wider audience without compromising on features like Android TV 9, a convenient remote, and expandable storage. So, for individuals seeking a cheaper way of bringing smart features to their regular television, Onn 4K TV box can be your starting point.
Features
- Android TV 12 Operating System
- 4K Resolution with HDR10 Support
- HDMI, micro-USB Ports
- 2 GB RAM / 8 GB Storage
- 8GB Storage
- Dimensions: 3.75 x 2.00 x 7.25 Inches
Final Words
In today’s tech-driven world, the way we enjoy entertainment at home has seen a tremendous transformation, from black and white televisions to smart voice-controlled TVs and pocket-sized streamers. A streaming device with smart capabilities is no longer a luxury but a need of every house. Our guide has sifted through the options to bring you some of the top picks for the best streaming devices for your 4K TVs. From the versatile Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) to the budget-friendly onn 4K with Google TV, each device caters to different needs and preferences. Whether you value voice control, specific streaming platforms, or robust hardware performance, there’s a device tailored to you. The right streaming device can turn your 4K TV into a smart entertainment hub without breaking the bank. The key is to identify your priorities and usage preferences. Once you have done that, the next is to pick a suitable device and bring it to your home.