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The best streaming devices for most TVs
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus wins for its simple interface, strong 4K picture and low price; Fire TV and Roku HD picks cost less.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select | Roku Streaming Stick (2025) |
| Price | about $47 | about $20 | about $30 |
| Why | WIRED names it its best streaming device for most, and Tom’s Guide also ranks it best overall. Its 4K picture, compact design and straightforward Roku interface make it an easy choice for most TVs. | Tom’s Guide lists it at about $20 and recommends considering it for people who like Amazon’s ecosystem. It delivers 4K streaming for much less than the overall pick. | TechRadar calls this $30 HD streamer a strong budget choice for older TVs and found its picture good on a 65-inch screen. It offers Roku’s easy-to-navigate interface at a lower price than the 4K picks. |
| Good to know | It does not support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos. | Its Amazon-focused interface includes prominent ads and recommendations. | It has no 4K or HDR support and can feel sluggish in menus. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIWIRED names it its best streaming device for most, and Tom’s Guide also ranks it best overall. Its 4K picture, compact design and straightforward Roku interface make it an easy choice for most TVs.
Good to know: It does not support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos.
See on Amazonpicture by AITom’s Guide lists it at about $20 and recommends considering it for people who like Amazon’s ecosystem. It delivers 4K streaming for much less than the overall pick.
Good to know: Its Amazon-focused interface includes prominent ads and recommendations.
See on Amazonpicture by AITechRadar calls this $30 HD streamer a strong budget choice for older TVs and found its picture good on a 65-inch screen. It offers Roku’s easy-to-navigate interface at a lower price than the 4K picks.
Good to know: It has no 4K or HDR support and can feel sluggish in menus.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Check that the device supports your TV’s resolution and HDR formats, and consider whether you prefer Roku, Fire TV or Google TV. Sticks hide behind the TV; boxes can offer extra ports and wired internet.
Who this is for
These picks suit people replacing a sluggish TV interface or adding streaming apps to an older TV. The 4K models are the better fit for most current TVs; the HD pick is for a non-4K screen and a tight budget.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025)
WIRED names it its best streaming device for most, and Tom’s Guide also ranks it best overall. Its 4K picture, compact design and straightforward Roku interface make it an easy choice for most TVs. WIRED describes it as faster than its predecessor and says the voice remote makes searching across services easier. It supports 4K and HDR10+, and plugs directly into the TV’s HDMI port. Roku’s home screen is simpler than Fire TV’s, though it still includes ads. Skip it if you need Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos or an Ethernet port.
Good to know: It does not support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos.
See on AmazonBest value: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select
Tom’s Guide lists it at about $20 and recommends considering it for people who like Amazon’s ecosystem. It delivers 4K streaming for much less than the overall pick. It is a compact stick, and the low price makes it an affordable way to add 4K streaming. Fire TV is a natural fit for people who use Alexa or watch a lot of Prime Video. Its interface emphasizes Amazon content, which may not suit everyone. Skip it if you want a less ad-heavy, more neutral home screen.
Good to know: Its Amazon-focused interface includes prominent ads and recommendations.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
TechRadar calls this $30 HD streamer a strong budget choice for older TVs and found its picture good on a 65-inch screen. It offers Roku’s easy-to-navigate interface at a lower price than the 4K picks. The stick is compact and can draw power from the TV’s USB port, keeping the setup tidy. TechRadar tested it with multiple apps and found streaming itself steady. The trade-off is a slight delay navigating menus and an older Wi-Fi standard. Skip it if your TV supports 4K or you want especially quick menus.
Good to know: It has no 4K or HDR support and can feel sluggish in menus.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers assessed setup, navigation, remotes and everyday streaming, including picture quality and app performance. WIRED used its picks for at least a week, while TechRadar used the HD Roku regularly for several days. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.