Streaming Media Players: Which One Should You Get?

A streaming media player lets you watch video from the Internet on your TV. For example, you can watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, and many other streaming services on your TV using these boxes. All of these require Internet access at your home. Some don’t have Ethernet connectors and require Wi-Fi.

If you already have a “smart” TV, you may not need these boxes. But, the streaming features in TVs sometimes don’t get updated and become obsolete. If that is the case for you, or if you just have an older “dumb” TV, then you might want to get one of these boxes so you can use the latest streaming services.

These boxes don’t record (unless the streaming service you subscribe to can record shows for you). If you want recording capability, check out my page on DVRs that you can use with an antenna.

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My Quick Recommendation for Most People: Roku

These are all good boxes, but my recommendation for most folks is Roku. It has the most channels, a very easy-to-use interface, and headphone output on the remote (on the Roku Ultra).

The Roku is the veteran streaming TV box, with the most “channels” (apps), and many people swear by it. If you have an older TV with no HDMI input, Roku is one of the few brands that offers a version that works with old tube TVs (Roku Express+, see below).

With the Roku player, you can stream Netflix, Disney+ Amazon Video, Hulu, YouTube, and basically most streaming services in existence.

Roku by itself is not a direct replacement for cable TV or an antenna. There are lots of free channels on Roku, but the most popular ones like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu require payment. Out of the box, you can’t simply stream all of the network stations on your Roku like you would with cable TV or an antenna (without adding other stuff). It’s a convenient and easy way to watch content from the Internet on your TV.

Having said, that, there are a lot of free channels such as Pluto TV, Tubi TV, YouTube, and many more.

Roku has voice search and you can stream music, photos, and videos from your phone to your TV. Since it has a lot of channels and is easy to use, Roku is now my number one set-top box recommendation!

Prices range from $30 to $100 for the Roku Ultra. I recommend the Roku Ultra because it will last for years before becoming obsolete. I’m still using the first Ultra that I bought many years ago. Also, lower end Tablos seem to be having problems working with the Tablo Gen 4 DVR, if you ever plan on getting one of those.

Read my full review of Roku or find it on Amazon below:

Get a Roku if you want the most apps or if you have a tube TV (Roku Express+ 2018 edition only).

Also Great: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K / Fire TV Cube

Amazon Fire TV is one of the most popular streaming players today. It has all of the standard pay channels like Netflix, Hulu, and so forth, plus channels with free video such as Pluto TV. Read my full review of the Amazon Fire TV here.

The Fire TV Stick’s interface shows apps as well as recommended shows. Some may like this. Some may find this format a bit cluttered compared to Roku, which just shows apps.

Prices range from $30 to $60. The Fire TV Cube at $140 has a built-in Amazon Echo so you can control it using voice commands. If you love Alexa and you’re into the Amazon ecosystem, Fire TV might be for you.

The Budget Option: onn Google TV 4K Streaming Box (works great with Tablo Gen 4)

I first heard about the onn Google TV box on the forums when people were looking for a streaming device that worked reliably with the Tablo Gen 4 DVR. Everyone said to run down to Walmart and pick up this device for $20. Yes, it really is that cheap and it works well! A good number of reviewers say the like the onn box better than Fire TV Stick!

The user interface is similar to Amazon Fire TV Stick in that it shows both apps and recommended content. Some may find this format cluttered.

But overall if you’re on a budget, I’d definitely recommend the onn Google TV Streaming box at Walmart!

There is also a $50 version that has hands-free voice control with Google Assistant.

Google TV Streamer 4K

Google discontinued its low-cost Chromecast screen mirroring devices and replaced it with the Google TV Streamer 4K. Unfortunately, at $99, this leaves the Google lineup with no low-cost options to compete with Onn and others.

If you’re into the Google Home ecosystem, this could be a good product for you. But for most people who just want to watch TV shows (and not control lights, etc. with their TV), I would go with one of the cheaper options on this page. If you like the Google TV interface, check out the Onn Google TV 4K Streaming Device above.

Why I Don’t Recommend Apple TV

The Apple TV box (as opposed to the streaming service) is a good device and there are folks who love theirs, but it’s expensive and the Roku can now do most of the things that Apple TV can (i.e., mirror your iPhone screen to your TV, play iTunes content, etc.) and the Roku has more apps. So, I no longer recommend Apple TV. Get a Roku instead unless you are big Apple fan.

Your Smart TV / DVD Player / Game Console

Many TVs and DVD players are now being sold with Internet capability so that you can get Netflix, Hulu, etc. on them without additional hardware. Check your manuals to see if your devices have this capability before buying a separate box.

Furthermore, all modern gaming consoles such as Playstation and Xbox have these capabilities as well. Try these features before buying another box.

The Bottom Line

All of the devices above have their place depending on what features you’re looking for. I believe the Roku is a great choice for most people, but you can decide for yourself. – Brian