2020 is upon us, and this Christmas season, what are you plans? How do you plan to spend time with your family and friends? I would like to vision mine sitting indoors with my loved ones around the fireplace, drinking our favourite wine and having home-cooked decadent food. What about entertainment? Uninterrupted streaming of your favourite web series, movies or maybe binge-watching TV series. Well, we got it all covered here. We got the list of best media streaming devices of 2019 with all the important information for you.
What Is A Media Streaming Device?
Connect your television or home theatre to the internet the easy way. Stream digital media content from the different online services. These devices come with connections that allow HDMI and Composite videos, RCA or digital audio, and Ethernet networking jacks.
You don’t need to upgrade your TV and spend a thousand dollars or more. Instead, pick one of these, for far less, and make your TV do more than you thought possible.
Why Switch To Media Streaming Devices?
The home entertainment world has seen such exponential growth in recent times. Streaming of media from the internet has become the thing with easy accessibility of and faster internet services all-round the globe. Most importantly it is cheaper than your regular cable service or digital box rent.
Watch your favourite movie or program when you want, where you want. No pressure of missing your favourite show. You don’t need to download, store, or be worried of irritating buffering of content online. It is more user-friendly. All you need is a streaming device and a good internet connection. When the latter is not an issue, former – you got to choose wisely!
Streaming Devices In The Market
In the current market, there are few platforms that stand out and must be in your search radar. Amazon Fire TV, Google Cast, Apple TV and Roku. All these platforms except for Google Cast provides an on-screen menu system and comes with a remote. Google cast differs as it relies on your PC, Smartphone or tablet.
To stream media, your PC, Smart Phone or Tablet must be loaded with Cast – compatible Apps. You might want to consider the resolution. All the platforms mentioned above are equipped with ultra high definition (4K) and HDR. The choice is, of course, yours but all of these platforms will facilitate streaming of content of your preference at your command. Below is your guide to make the best buy.
The Top Streaming Devices of 2019
Here is the list of high performing, top-ranking media streaming devices for you to choose from this holiday season.
1. Amazon Fire TV Cube (2019)
It is our favourite! The appearance and functionality may be a little similar to Amazon Fire Stick 4K, but it is coupled with a fast processor. The far-field microphone array and infrared emitters work magic, and the device allows you to control your smart TV or home theater with your voice. And of course, Alexa is here to help.
The fast processor lets you load Apps quickly and the additional HDR format eases streaming of 4K content to your TV or Home Theater. All these- Dolby Vision HDR10 and hands-free home theater control. Buy it here.
2. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
If you are on a strict budget, it is an affordable option. The device supports 4K HDR10 content and comes with Dolby Vision, with access to Alexa.
Quick Wi-Fi streaming and menu navigation will not disappoint you either. However, you can’t access Google Play apps on it yet and the Ethernet adapter is not included. That being said, this is the best buy under $100. Do note that you need a 4K to unleash its full capability. Get your hands on it here.
3. Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote
If you are still holding on your old TV set and have not moved to a 4K TV set, you do not need a 4K media steamer. A powerful device featuring Amazon’s robust Fire TV platform and Alexa Voice assistant, it comes with a remote with a built-in microphone.
The upgraded remote allows you to control the stick with Alexa voice commands. Despite missing some notable streaming services, the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote offers enough in terms of features and value to make it to our list. A budget-friendly streaming device you may also think of gifting someone this Christmas. You can buy it here.
4. Roku Premiere+ (2018)
Just like its competitor, it is an affordable, Walmart-exclusive media streaming device identical to the regular Premiere 4K media streamers available in the market today. However, it comes with a much more useful wireless remote and is one of the most budget-friendly options available.
Coupled with 4k HDR10 vision the device enables smartphone and tablet controls but does not comes with voice control functionality. A quick performing device within your tight budget. Buy your next Roku device here.
5. Apple TV 4K
Apple TV has been pacing at a snail’s pace. They came up with App support to their then newest Apple TV two years ago. Apple TV functionality finally came in line with other media streaming devices in the market. Ultra HD 4k streaming has been incorporated after a long wait but yields a polished and rich experience.
While expensive, for the ardent Apple users, it is a very tempting product to avail as it offers compatibility with multiple iOS devices and huge iTunes libraries. An Apple fan? Get your Apple TV 4K here.
6. Google Chromecast Ultra
How could Google stand back but enter the market of media streaming devices with its
Chromecast Ultra. Just like its competitors, this HDMI dongle facilitates the streaming of media content from a range of services like Hulu, Netflix and YouTube.
Supporting 4K HDI video quality, the device comes close to all the other competitors in the market in terms of performance and pricing. Don’t believe us? Check it out here.
Which One Should You Pick?
Even if you are clinging on to your old TV, it is fine; you still can enjoy your favorite Netflix shows. We suggest that you go a little above your budget and get hands-on the top option with the highest review- Amazon Fire TV Cube (2019).
Go grab yours!
