Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable, Streaming media was once as simple as logging into YouTube on your mobile phone and enjoying the video content.
Now, it’s much more beyond that, and the best part, it’s not just limited to mobile phones.
With the help of a streaming device, you can now stream music, movies, TV episodes, and even play games on your smart TV.
Do you need help choosing a streaming device that will satisfy all your needs?
Read along as we explore the best streaming devices to replace the cable and why they might be great for you.
Table of Contents
- Factors To Consider When Choosing Streaming Devices
- Best Streaming Devices To Replace Cable
- 1. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick
- 2. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- 3. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick 4K
- 4. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Roku Express HD Streaming Device
- 5. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
- 6. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick Lite
- 7. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Roku Express 4K Plus
- 8. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Chromecast with Google TV
- Conclusion
Factors To Consider When Choosing Streaming Devices
1. Performance
Regarding streaming devices and their performance, buyers will always get their money’s worth: speed, durability, or overall streaming capacity.
For instance, streaming boxes are generally better than streaming sticks, given their powerful hardware specs and ports.
This explains the price differences between the two types of streaming devices.
2. Playback Quality and Resolution
Some streaming devices support HD, 4K, and HDR, providing great picture and video quality.
However, at the very least, opt for streaming devices with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels to ensure good picture quality while streaming.
3. App Selection
The range of apps supported by a streaming device is an important factor buyers must consider before purchasing the device.
Thankfully, most popular streaming devices support major media-streaming apps such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Max.
4. Ecosystem Tie-ins
Various brands of streaming devices offer unique services.
For instance, Fire TV devices grant access to Amazon Prime Video, while Chromecast provides access to Google’s video and music services.
Choosing a streaming device that perfectly combines your favorite streaming services is best.
5. Content Discovery Features
Discovering new content is now made easy on several streaming devices with the advent of the content discovery feature.
This feature allows you to personalize your streaming experience by showing content based on your preferences and most watched video or music content.
If you’d like quick access to information, recommendations, or new content, choose a streaming device that makes that possible.
6. Private Listening Options
A high-quality streaming device offers privacy when streaming on the go or within the four walls of your home.
The private listening feature lets you stream the audio from your TV on your mobile phone by connecting your streaming device to a pair of wired or wireless headphones.
7. Captive Portal Support
For security purposes, some streaming devices do not support captive portals. However, a few devices, such as Roku Streaming Stick and Amazon Fire TV Stick, can be used with captive portals.
These could be great streaming device options if you’re always on the go.
8. Remote Control Features
Streaming devices usually come with a remote control that allows you to operate your device from a short distance.
However, more modern streaming devices utilize voice controls, including Alexa voice remote.
9. Audio Codec Support
An audio codec is a program that alters a live digital audio stream either by encoding, decoding, compressing, or decompressing it.
Streaming devices with audio codec support have excellent audio clarity and impressive sound quality.
Therefore, choosing a device that guarantees an appealing streaming experience is the ultimate.
10. Connectivity
Streaming devices’ connectivity can be wired or wireless and usually Bluetooth, HDM, or Ethernet connections.
The difference between a wired and a wireless connection is the use of electromagnetic waves and the absence of wires in a wireless connection.
Wired connections are arguably the best for streaming, but you can choose a streaming device with a wired or wireless connection, depending on your preference.
Best Streaming Devices To Replace Cable
1. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick
Features & Benefits
- It comes with 8GB of internal storage.
- It supports WiFi Dual-band, dual-antenna WiFi (MIMO) for faster streaming.
- It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology and easily pairs with compatible Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and video game controllers.
- There is free cloud storage for digital content purchased from Amazon.
- It has enhanced audio clarity with Dolby Atmos.
- Access to free songs, movies, and TV episodes from streaming apps.
- Alexa remote voice support.
Cons
- Only 1080p resolution
Customer Reviews
- “Great for Prime Users. App Selection More Limited Than Competitors. Works with HDHomeRun.”
2. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Features & Benefits
- 4K Ultra HD resolution.
- It has WiFi 6 support.
- There is enhanced audio and vision with Dolby Atmos.
- Free selection of games free on Luna for Amazon Prime members.
- Alexa’s voice is remote with TV controls.
Cons
- Too many ads
Customer Reviews
- “A great streaming stick for the money.”
3. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick 4K
Features & Benefits
- It has a compact design for easy setup.
- 4K Ultra HD resolution.
- Compatibility with HD TVs and 4K UHD TVs.
- Alexa’s voice is remote with TV controls.
- Access to over a hundred channels on Fire TV for Amazon Prime members.
- It supports output resolution of 2160p, 1080p, and 720p up to 60 fps.
Cons
- No Ethernet adapter.
Customer Reviews
- “Makes an older “less smart” 4k TV into a new “very smart” TV.”
4. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Roku Express HD Streaming Device
Features & Benefits
- High-speed HDMI extender.
- Cost-friendly.
- It works excellently with Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa.
- It supports private listening on the Roku mobile app.
- It has a 1080p resolution and supports a video output resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixels.
Cons
- Slower than other streaming devices.
- No Ethernet port.
- Uneasy menu navigation.
Customer Reviews
- “Works like a charm!”
5. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Features & Benefits
- 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support.
- Super fast startup.
- Access many movies and TV episodes on Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Hulu.
- It supports remote control and voice control.
Cons
- No WiFi 6
Customer Reviews
- “Decent alternative to cable but can be finicky.”
6. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Fire TV Stick Lite
Features & Benefits
- 8GB internal storage.
- Easy to install and operate.
- There is free cloud storage for all digital content purchased from Amazon.
- Supports 1080p output resolution.
- HDMI and micro-USB ports.
- Ethernet adapter.
Cons
- Slow UI.
- The remote lacks TV controls.
Customer Reviews
- “Works as advertised.”
7. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Roku Express 4K Plus
Features & Benefits
- HDMI Extender
- 4K resolution with HDR color.
- Excellent picture quality.
- It supports remote control and voice control.
- It has enhanced voice control features.
Cons
- No Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Audio support.
Customer Review
- “Seamless setup.”
8. Best Streaming Device To Replace Cable: Chromecast with Google TV
Features & Benefits
- Affordable.
- 4K resolution with HDR, HDR 10+.
- Has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Audio.
- It supports a wide range of streaming apps.
Cons
- The interface can sometimes be sluggish to operate.
Customer Reviews
- “Beautiful, Powerful Device – Makes Every TV Smart!”
Conclusion
Since every streaming device is unique, finding one with all the complete streaming services and features is almost impossible.
While some are best known for speed, others are affordable with great resolutions and have wired or wireless connectivity.
As a result, potential buyers must rely on their unique needs and preferences to choose the best streaming device to replace their cables.
Lastly, many streaming devices listed above are easy to set up and install.
However, if you experience difficulty setting up your streaming device, visit YouTube for tutorial videos or contact customer support for assistance. Good luck!
