While Smart TVs have some built-in apps, the range of content available on the best 4K streaming devices makes them a popular addition to any living area.

Whether you're looking for the latest TV shows or movies, 4K streaming devices can offer the ultimate movie night or binge-watching session at an affordable price.

Here are the best 4K streaming devices available right now.

Premium pick

1. NVIDIA SHIELD

9.20 / 10
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The NVIDIA SHIELD is presented in a cylindrical black chassis, offering AI-based upscaling, 4K HDR, and Dolby Vision support. This 4K streaming device is user-friendly and includes a redesigned Shield remote, and runs the latest Android TV version.

The remote boasts backlit buttons and a remote finder feature. Following a revamp, the NVIDIA SHIELD comes with a built-in microphone that Google Assistant utilizes. The simple setup puts users at ease and serves up a platter of content from many streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO, and more.

In addition to the onboard services, the NVIDIA SHIELD has Chromecast built-in, meaning you can stream content directly from your smartphone, tablet, or PC. While it is an expensive option, this 4K streaming device also doubles up as a micro game console, enabling users to play Android TV games from the Google Play Store.

Key Features
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
  • Mobile device streaming
Specifications
  • Brand: NVIDIA
  • Operating System: Android TV
  • Downloadable Apps: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet
  • Audio codecs: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-X, DTS-HD
Pros
  • 4K and HDR streaming
  • AI-based upscaling
  • NVIDIA GeForce Now
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
NVIDIA SHIELD
Editors choice

2. Fire TV Cube

9.20 / 10
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The Fire TV Cube offers a platter of valuable features, including hands-free control of your TV, smart home devices, and even features support for Dolby Vision. It's far superior to the 2017 model and is only slightly more expensive.

You'll find the Fire TV Cube, Alexa voice remote, Ethernet adapter, IR extender cable, and power adapter in the box. For compatible smart home devices, you can ask Alexa to dim the lights or play your favorite movie from the comfort of your couch.

The Fire TV Cube is a powerful contender for the best 4K streaming device in terms of performance. It comes with a quad-core processor and can play 4K UHD content up to 60fps. The only real downside to this device is that it doesn't come with an HDMI cable.

Key Features
  • Support for Dolby Vision and HDR
  • Control compatible with TVs, soundbars, and A/V receivers
  • Alexa built-in
Specifications
  • Brand: Amazon
  • Operating System: Fire OS
  • Downloadable Apps: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: Micro-USB, HDMI
  • Audio codecs: Dolby Atmos Audio
Pros
  • 4K HDR playback
  • Includes voice remote
  • Native YouTube app
Cons
  • No HDMI cable included
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Fire TV Cube
Best value

3. Anycast M100

7.00 / 10
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The Anycast M100 allows you to mirror your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV. This is especially useful if you don't own a Smart TV and you want to stream content to your TV from apps like Netflix and YouTube.If you'd prefer to swap a wired connection to your laptop for a small and wireless Anycast M100 device, it's straightforward to do. Whether you want to enjoy a movie night with your friends or display content in a business meeting, this device is light, portable, and easy to set up.Not only does the Anycast M100 allow you to stream content to your TV, but it also supports file formats like Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, and Excel. However, this streaming device does have a tendency to drop connection occasionally, which can be frustrating.,

Key Features
  • Supports Miracast, AirMirror, and AirPlay
  • Mirrors phone screen to any monitor or TV with HDMI
  • Supports 4K content
Specifications
  • Brand: SmartSee
  • Operating System: N/A
  • Downloadable Apps: No
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: HDMI
  • Audio codecs: Not provided
Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Supports Android, iOS, and Windows
  • Cheap
Cons
  • Occasional connection dropouts
Buy This Product
Anycast M100

The Roku Premiere+ offers a good balance between features and affordability. It provides a substantial selection of 4K and HDR apps and services and is regularly updated. With the simple plug-and-play functionality, this 4K streaming device is straightforward to use.

If you already own a Smart TV, you may be wondering why you'd invest in the Roku Premiere+. This compact streaming device offers 4K viewing from over 15 apps and also supports HDR. Using the voice remote, you can search for movies and TV shows easily, with the option to plug headphones directly into the remote.

Although it doesn't support Dolby Vision, the Roku Premiere+ still provides an impressive set of features. Simply plug the HDMI cable in, connect your 4K streaming device to the internet, and you're ready to start streaming.

Key Features
  • Voice-enabled remote
  • Over 500,000 apps
  • Includes HDMI cable
Specifications
  • Brand: Roku
  • Operating System: Roku OS
  • Downloadable Apps: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: HDMI
  • Audio codecs: 11
Pros
  • Access to lots of 4K TV shows and movies
  • Good search functionality
  • Easy to setup
Cons
  • No support for Dolby Vision
Buy This Product
Roku Premiere+

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is a small and powerful 4K streaming device. It boasts an external Wi-Fi antenna with an extended range and is available at an affordable price. In the box, you'll find your Roku device and a voice control-enabled remote.

At the size of a USB stick, the Roku Streaming Stick+ is portable and packs a punch. It will easily play 4K content from a decent range and features over 3,000 streaming chaannels on Roku OS.

No subscription is required to use the Roku Streaming Stick+, which is another bonus. However, unlike the Chromecast Ultra, Dolby Vision is not supported, nor is Dolby Atmos, which is available on Xbox One consoles.

Key Features
  • 150+ free live TV channels
  • Free Roku app
Specifications
  • Brand: Roku
  • Operating System: Roku OS
  • Downloadable Apps: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: HDMI
  • Audio codecs: Not provided
Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Remote is universal
  • Doesn't require a Smart TV
Cons
  • No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support
Buy This Product
Roku Streaming Stick+

The Fire TV Stick 4K supports 4K video with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The updated remote allows you to control your TV's volume and power, as well as allowing voice commands with Alexa. When plugged into your TV, the Fire TV Stick 4K offers a massive selection of streaming apps and media from Amazon's libraries and plenty of third parties. At a low cost, it's hard to find a 4K streaming device that offers more for the money.While it doesn't feature any content from Google Play Movies, the addition of volume control and voice assistant makes the Fire TV Stick 4K a worthwhile investment. Streaming a movie in 4K HDR on Netflix, connected to a 5GHz wireless network, will load almost instantly.

Key Features
  • Alexa voice remote
  • 4K UHD streaming up to 60fps
  • 500,000+ movies and TV shows
Specifications
  • Brand: Amazon
  • Operating System: Fire OS
  • Downloadable Apps: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: HDMI
  • Audio codecs: Dolby Atmos Audio
Pros
  • 500,000+ movies and TV shows
  • Supports 4K with HDR10
  • Easy menu navigation
Cons
  • No Google Play apps
Buy This Product
Fire TV Stick 4K

The Roku Streambar is compatible with many streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, and more. It offers clear 4K streaming and slick navigation with very little lag. The Roku home screen is easy to navigate, allowing you to reorder apps as needed.

Boasting four 1.9-inch drivers, the Roku Streambar creates a surround sound effect and can fill a small room with sound. There are various audio modes, but those expecting booming bass may be disappointed. The Roku Streambar supports Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.

It also works as a Bluetooth speaker, so you can sync it to your mobile device and play music through the soundbar. In addition to this, it's compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing you to control the Roku Streambar using your existing smart home devices.

Key Features
  • 150+ free live TV channels
  • Roku voice remote
  • Bluetooth streaming
Specifications
  • Brand: Roku
  • Operating System: Roku OS
  • Downloadable Apps: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Ports: USB, HDMI, Optical
  • Audio codecs: PCM, Dolby Audio
Pros
  • Clear 4K streaming
  • Crisp sound
  • Compact design
Cons
  • No Ethernet port
Buy This Product
Roku Streambar

FAQ

Q: What Is a 4K Streaming Device?

4K streaming devices usually come as an HDMI stick that plugs directly into a TV's HDMI slot or set-top box. They offer the ability to stream content from multiple platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and so on.

Q: What Is Needed for 4K Streaming?

To stream in 4K UHD, it's recommended to have a minimum download speed of 25Mbps. In comparison, HD streaming requires up to 8Mbps, and SD streaming requires up to 3Mbps.

Q: Are 4K Streaming Devices Repairable?

If your 4K streaming device isn't working or you're encountering any issues, you should first unplug your streaming device from your TV. If restarting the unit and plugging it in again doesn't fix the problem, speak to the manufacturer or retailer, who may offer a warranty or guarantee.