The best streaming devices, according to hackers
10 streaming devices recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
- Most recommendedApple TV 4K323 people recommend it
- Built to lastRoku streaming playerowners report a median of 10 years
- Least regretGoogle TV Streaming Stick10 recommend, 2 criticize
All streaming devices
- Apple TV 4KRecommended as a fast, private replacement for spammy smart TV software, controllable with one remote via CEC, though Apple pushes its own promotions and it is pricey.323recommend
- Nvidia Shield TVA long-supported Android TV box that plays local 4K media well with audio passthrough and app freedom, though its 2015-era chip lacks newer codecs and the interface shows ads.113recommend
- Apple TV 4KRecommended for smooth, simple streaming, fast hardware, long software support and a privacy-friendly business model, though critics cite missing audio passthrough and a higher price than before.93recommend
- Google ChromecastCheap, simple way to cast media to any TV over HDMI. Critics say it has grown slower and less reliable over time.43recommend
- Roku streaming playerPeople recommend Roku for its slick interface and phone remote app, but critics most often cite home screen ads and viewing data tracking.20recommend
- Amazon Fire TV StickPeople recommend it as a cheap way to add streaming and sideloaded apps to an older TV, with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max as the top model; critics mainly object to ads and data collection by Amazon.19recommend
- Google TV StreamerRecommended as an affordable way to add smart TV apps to any display, with an ad-free home screen. Critics cite slow speeds and a recent price rise.19recommend
- Roku streaming devicePeople recommend it for a consistent, fast, clean interface and a cheap price; the main caveat is ads and settings changed after updates.14recommend
- Google TV Streaming StickCheap Google TV stick people find works well for the price, with Walmart's ONN versions region-locked to the US and Puerto Rico.10recommend
- Ugoos AM6B+Android TV box recommended for Dolby Vision Profile 7 FEL playback and a strong Plex frontend. Main caveat: aging chip and locked bootloader that breaks HDMI-CEC power-on.8recommend