Best Wired TV Streaming Devices of 2023: Roku, Google, Apple and More
Running an Ethernet connection to your streaming device will free up your Wi-Fi. Here are devices that let you do it.

Try comprehensive home device insurance covering defects, failures and normal wear and tear. Pay only $12/month + tax for 3 months, then $25/month + tax after that. Find out more
Find out more
Wi-Fi is a modern marvel, but it can still suffer from patchy connections, for all sorts of reasons. Whether it's an issue with your hardware or location, subpar Wi-Fi can result in stuttering interruptions and buffering warnings when you're trying to stream TV shows and movies. In fact, sometimes the content you're trying to stream just won't load on your big screen. A simple workaround would be to invest in a streaming device that can connect to your internet using an Ethernet cable.
Many smart TVs and game consoles have standard Ethernet ports already built in. But when it comes to the best media streamers, most devices are Wi-Fi only. That said, there are some options on the market that are compatible with a cheap adapter. After hours of rigorous testing, here are our favorite Ethernet-wired streaming devices. Some of the models listed below work with Ethernet adapters, while others have Ethernet ports built right in. Note that all the products below also work via Wi-Fi.
Best overall wired TV streaming device
The Roku Express 4K Plus is rated as our best overall streaming device and that continues to be the case here. The Express 4K Plus does not come with an Ethernet adapter when you purchase the device, but you can add one by picking up an adapter for $10 to $15 from Amazon.
It's not the most elegant solution, but picking up a third-party adapter will save you a significant amount of money over a device that has an Ethernet port built-in. The setup is fairly straightforward -- all you have to do is connect the adapter wire to the streaming device and then plug in the Ethernet into the adapter -- and then you're up and running.
Best wired TV streaming devices of 2023
The top spot on this list used to be occupied by Roku's most expensive player, the Ultra, but the $40 Express 4K Plus has replaced it. Roku is our favorite streaming system as it has all the major streaming apps, the simplest interface and a content-agnostic platform that doesn't push any particular media-streaming provider, like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Plus, over another. The Express 4K Plus also streams in 4K HDR, though this Roku device lacks Dolby Vision.
Unlike the Ultra, the Express 4K Plus doesn't have a built-in Ethernet port on its small dongle-sized body, but you can easily add one with a $10-to-$15 adapter from a retailer like Amazon (we tested it with a cable from a company called UGreen and it worked fine). This combo isn't as elegant as a built-in adapter, but it would be around $50 cheaper than the $100 Ultra.
Note that the price below does not include the adapter.
Best wired streamer runner-up
Chromecast with Google TV plus Ethernet Adapter
Google makes a cheap adapter that lets you connect a wired Ethernet cable to its Chromecast streamers, including the excellent new Chromecast with Google TV. The combo costs a total of $70 -- $50 for the Chromecast and $20 for Google's adapter. We like Roku's system better than Google TV but it's very close, and in some ways, particularly Google Assistant voice support, this media streaming device combo is a better choice than the Roku Ultra and a close second to the Express 4K Plus.
Note that the price below does not include the adapter.
Best high-end wired streamer
Apple TV 4K
Although the Apple TV 4K costs more than twice as much as the options above, it's the better choice for people who can appreciate its advantages. Those include compatibility with Dolby Vision HDR, flexible upconversion, superior voice command features, a better remote and a slick user interface. The Apple TV 4K is so good for media streaming, it even makes sense if you're not an "Apple person."
Best wired streamer for gamers
Nvidia Shield TV
Your Xbox or PlayStation has an Ethernet connection and plenty of streaming video apps, but the Shield is more versatile and includes a real remote control so you don't have to navigate Netflix with your game controller. In addition to streaming in 4K and HDR with access to thousands of Android TV apps, it offers a robust library of games -- from GeForce Now and Google Stadia cloud gaming, PC streaming including Steam Link to numerous native console-level and Android games -- built-in Google Assistant complete with smart home control, NAS access, Plex server capability, HDHomeRun integration and more.
Cheapest Roku with built-in Ethernet
Roku Ultra LT
Available only at Walmart, this is technically the cheapest current device with Roku's streaming system and an Ethernet port. The savings compared to the actual, non-LT Ultra isn't much, however, and it lacks that device's slick extras like Dolby Vision, programmable keys, fast app launching and the remote finder.
Wired TV streaming devices FAQs
Why should I use Ethernet to wire my streaming device?
Can I connect an Ethernet cable to any streaming device?
Can I still use Wi-Fi on my streaming device?
More TV and streaming recommendations
- Best TVs for 2023
- YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Which Live TV Streaming Service is Best for You?
- This is the Best Cheap Live-TV Streaming Service for Cord Cutters
- Best AV Receivers for 2023
- The Best Google Assistant and Google Home Devices for 2023
- Best 75-inch TV for 2023" target="_blank
- The 3 Fastest VPNs We've Tested: NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark Compared