Best Media Streamers of 2017
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- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
Roku Streaming Stick 2016
Best streaming device for the money
Roku's 2016 stick proves the best devices come in small, cheap packages. With speedy access to Roku's unrivaled collection of apps and the simplest interface around, it's all the streamer most people need.
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Roku Premiere+
Best for streaming in 4K and HDR
There isn't much streaming content in 4K yet, and even less in HDR, but the Premiere+ can get to almost all of it. If you have a 4K HDR TV and want to pair it with the beat in high-quality streaming, this is your box.
- Design
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- Features
- Performance
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Apple TV (2015)
Best streaming device for Apple users
If you've already invested in iTunes TV shows, movies and music, not to mention games on your iPhone or iPad, the updated Apple TV is worth the extra money. Siri voice commands and a best-in-class remote seal the deal.
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Roku Ultra
Best 4K streamer for legacy audio
The Premiere+ costs less and offers most of the Ultra's features, so we recommend it higher overall. But if your system includes an AV receiver or soundbar that doesn't pass the latest 4K HDR signals, the Ultra's optical output might be worth it.
- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
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- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote
Best budget streamer with voice
Want to talk to your TV, and have your TV talk back? Amazon's latest (and least-expensive) conduit for Alexa has lots of app access, plenty of vocal tricks and more speed than its predecessor.
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Nvidia Shield (2017)
Best streamer for geeks, gamers
Sure it's relatively expensive, but the do-it-all Shield belongs in the same conversation with other top-tier streamers. And if you can use its myriad other gaming, file-sharing and similarly geeky functions, it could be worth the extra money.
- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
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- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
Roku Express+
Best streamer for old TVs
If your TV lacks HDMI inputs, you don't have very many choices in streaming device. The Express+ is the best, delivering Roku's superb app ecosystem, ease of use and even free cables.
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Roku Premiere
Best 4K streamer for non-HDR TVs
For people whose 4K TVs don't do HDR and don't care about the additional features of the Premiere+, the more basic Premiere is worth a look. It offers more 4K apps than competitors for an affordable price.
- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
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- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
Google Chromecast (2015)
Best value for phone-centric users
If you can watch it on your phone or tablet or computer, the dirt-cheap Chromecast can probably put it on your TV. The downside? There's no separate remote, so you'll need your phone or tablet or computer to use it.
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Amazon Fire TV (2015)
Best Amazon streamer with Ethernet
Fire TV devices push Amazon stuff pretty hard, but maybe that's OK with you, or you like the games, or you want a cheap 4K streamer, or your Wi-Fi isn't great. Here's your box.
- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
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- Design
- Ecosystem
- Features
- Performance
Roku Express
Best content selection for cheap
The $30 Express delivers Roku's best-in-class app selection, search and interface for the lowest price yet, but unless you're really strapped for cash, it's worth paying another $20 to get the faster Roku Streaming Stick.
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