Whether you’ve cut the cord or are looking to add internet TV to your viewing options, you need the right streaming device that fits your budget, system, and lifestyle.

With more and more people cutting the cord and connecting their TVs to the internet, finding the best streaming device for internet TV is becoming a hot topic. Streaming devices send content from your mobile phone, tablet, or other device to your TV screen so you can watch your shows and movies on the big screen with crisp, clear images. Streaming devices come in a wide range of prices and have almost the same number of features. Here are the main aspects to consider before choosing a streaming device.

Streaming Devices

One of the most important decisions you’ll make before purchasing a streaming device is which content delivery service you’ll use. One of the most popular content providers is Amazon, which offers content from its own platforms—Amazon Prime Media, Amazon Instant Video, and Amazon Prime Music—through Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. By adding individual apps, you can also watch shows and movies from Netflix, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, HBO Now, and Hulu Plus.

Roku offers one of the widest selections of content across six streaming devices, including the affordable Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku Ultra. The Roku Channel Store doesn’t sell its own content. Instead, it provides easy access to thousands of streaming providers, such as Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Sling TV, Hulu Plus, Twitch, Google Play, YouTube, and many others, including many smaller media companies that aren’t very affordable.

The main app that doesn’t offer this feature is iTunes. If you’re an Apple user, you’ll need a streaming device compatible with all your other iOS devices, such as the Apple TV 4K. This gives you access to content from major companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV, as well as Apple apps like iTunes, which are often unavailable on non-Apple systems. However, you can’t run any competing apps, such as Spotify, which compete with iTunes.

There are other content providers, such as Android TV, which has a relatively small app store through the Nvidia Shield, but offers a wide selection of games, including PC games. Google also has its own media app store, which includes major platforms like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Sling TV.

Resolution

Another big concern these days is resolution. With technological advancements, you can enjoy the sharpest and most precise picture ever seen, but this depends not only on the size and resolution of your screen, but also on the compatibility of your streaming device. Let’s say you’re looking for a high-end device with excellent picture quality and Dolby surround sound. In that case, your best option is the Apple TV 4K or the Nvidia Shield, which offer excellent resolution and sound quality. The Amazon Fire TV, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, and the Roku Ultra all offer 4K resolution and HD options. The Google Chromecast Ultra deserves a special mention for having the most HDR options and a relatively low price.

Controls

Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have controls for changing channels and searching for content. On-screen menu systems and dedicated remote controls are standard on streaming devices, making it easy to find content without leaving your couch.

Voice control is handy, especially when it includes native language support, so you can ask, “Show me the latest episode of ‘Homeland'” instead of typing your request. Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick support Alexa by voice, though only Amazon Fire TV will answer your questions. The Apple TV 4K is integrated with Siri, and the Nvidia Shield connects to Google Home so you can use your Google Home system to control what’s on your TV. Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick Plus have voice search, so you can even send commands to others.

Price

Whatever you buy, price will always be a determining factor. You can get very good basic streaming devices for as little as $30, like the Roku Express and Amazon Fire TV Stick, both available for $29.99, or the Google Chromecast, which typically sells for around $35. While you won’t get extras like voice control, HD or 4K resolution, or other perks, you’ll get reliable access to the same content as the store itself.

On the other hand, the most expensive streaming devices cost more than $100 with much more advanced features. The Apple TV 4K costs around $180 for advanced 4K resolution, Siri voice assistant, and other perks, while the Nvidia Shield costs $200 for an intense and immersive viewing and gaming experience.

There are also plenty of mid-range options that sell for between $50 and $70, like the Roku Streaming Stick for $48.58, the Google Chromecast Ultra for $69.99, and the Amazon Fire TV for $49.99…

Features

All streaming devices share content from your device to your big-screen TV. However, if you’re having a hard time choosing between models, there are some extra features that you may not need but are nice to have. A high-speed streaming connection is a great addition, especially useful for gamers who don’t want to be interrupted by anything. The Nvidia Shield provides a high-speed connection, so your reflexes are the only thing holding you back.

The Amazon Fire TV stands out by offering a web browser right on your TV screen, turning it into a larger version of a desktop computer. Let’s say you have an older TV without an HDMI port. In that case, you’ll appreciate the traditional AV input cable that comes with the Roku Express, making it the only streaming device compatible with your older screen.

The Roku Ultra has a lot of features, including a wired Ethernet connection for faster download speeds, a MicroSD slot for easy photo viewing, a headphone jack on the remote, and a button to find the remote if you need it. It also has a smart “night listening” mode that constantly adjusts the volume to a consistent level to keep you awake.

Start Streaming TV to Your Screen Today 

With so many features, content sharing systems, price ranges, and resolution levels, there’s nothing stopping you from finding a streaming device that fits your device, budget, and viewing preferences. Expand your TV options by streaming TV online today.