Most of the major name in correct - top boxes have been busy upgrade their devices this year , and that means you might well be in need of a refresher in terminus of which 4 special K streamer is go to be the best buy for you . Here ’s our ( relatively ) legal brief , point - by - breaker point guide to the top devices on the market , and how you may say the differences between them .
For the sake of transience we ’re not go to give you an thoroughgoing leaning of every unmarried app you’re able to hunt down on these equipment — sham that you’re able to get Netflix , Hulu , YouTube , Plex , HBO , Showtime and all the other uncouth video - playing apps up on these devices unless we order you otherwise . Instead , we ’ll focalize on a fistful of key difference in the software package and app selections for each contraption .
We ’re also going to stick to the top - conclusion gadget in each melodic line ( Fire television set , Roku ) , with a abbreviated mention of the others .
Illustration: Sam Woolley (GMG)
More than ever before , your choice of set - top box seat is less about the box itself and more about the other kit you expend , and the ecosystem you ’ve already put in , and the digital supporter you ’ve already made friends with . Features and social occasion are now generally like , with a few caveat , so you need to see at the bigger picture too .
Apple TV 4K
Cost:$180for 32 GB of storage,$200for 64 GB of storage
cardinal hardware boast : It supports 4 K and HDR playback , as well as the immersive Dolby Atmos audio standard . you may control it with Apple ’s Siri , apply it to manage machine compatible with Apple ’s HomeKit , and beam content to it via Apple ’s AirPlay .
primal software features : If you want to get iTunes movies and shows up on the big screen with a determine - top boxwood , this is the only smart box that can do it ( unless you use theMovies Anywhereworkaround)—and that signify it ’s the only box to cover everything from Apple , Google , Amazon , and the rest . It work seamlessly with other Apple products and service like Apple Music , unlike every other streaming gimmick .
Image: Apple
It put up the best spec in a gimmick like this by a long way ( the Nvidia Shield excepted)—that means quicker , suave surgical operation for menus , apps , and 4 K playback based on the time we ’ve pass with it , as well as more potential for apps and games , even if developer have n’t really embraced Apple ’s vision : Minecraft for Apple TV late got shelved andno one really noticed , and there ’s no Spotify app .
The telly app makes some endeavor to mix your watching and search across multiple serve and multiple devices ( start watching on an iPad , finish watch on the Apple TV)—it includesthe likes of HBO Now , Amazon Prime Video , and Hulu , but Netflix and YouTube are miss ( you have to use those apps singly ) .
Why you might buy it : Your full movie collection is on iTunes , or you use a fortune of other Apple devices and want to fill in the stage set . It ’s perfect for screen mirroring from iOS or macOS , and everything you’re able to do through that ( presentations , photos ) . In terms of the timber of the audio frequency and video you could get up on screen—60fps 4 K , 7.1 surroundings auditory sensation — it ’s also one of the best .
Image: Google
translate our review of the Apple 4 K tv set
Chromecast Ultra
Cost:$70
primal hardware specs : The Chromecast Ultra is no longerthe newest Chromecast , but it continue the only one of the family that can spiel 4 kelvin and HDR content . It also has an Ethernet port , if you require it .
primal software system features : Chromecast is n’t a standalone machine , and lack any existent interface or a remote of its own — alternatively it ’s an extension of your phone , tablet , or laptop . That realise it very simple to use and also a little modified : You postulate another gimmick to get it to work .
Image: Roku
coolheaded stuff and nonsense the Chromecast can do , besides the obvious video and music cyclosis : Cast your laptop computer ’s entire video display ( via Chrome ) or mirror an Android twist covert , ramify out into introduction and picture , allow for easy guest access for visitant , and work with your Google Home ( “ hey Google , play Netflix on my TV ” ) . It ’s supremely versatile .
The braggy gaps as far as apps go are Amazon Prime Video and anything made by Apple ( so no iTunes movies and no Apple Music ) . You do n’t get any kind of universal search across apps either , as it ’s just running from your speech sound or laptop . The slideshow screensaver is a squeamish touch though .
Why you might buy it : It ’s refreshingly political platform - agnostical , without much of an interface of its own : It works with a ton of apps on iOS and Android , and with Chrome on Windows and macOS . It has a tidy sum more strings to its arc than just TV streaming ( screen and audio cast ) , and it ’s comparatively trashy — check out the$35 Chromecast if you may live with 1080p .
Image: Amazon
Read our inspection of the Chromecast Ultra
Roku Ultra
Cost:$100
central hardware specs : 4 K and HDR support , Dolby Atmos Audio , bundled JBL earphone , Ethernet port wine , microSD and USB storage enlargement .
central software feature : Roku devices abide out in not being tied to Apple , Amazon , or Google — they can play substance from just about any app or platform out there , except iTunes . Roku also offers plenty of apps you do n’t always see on cyclosis machine : Firefox , weather apps , Twitch , local media players , and more .
Image: Nvidia
There ’s introductory but functional hunting across multiple apps ( and that includes voice search too ) , the option to plug headphones into the remote ( for private night - time hearing ) , and of course that intimate , chunky remote control . you’re able to customise your home screens to show your favorite provender first and even get alerts when exceptional shows or movies get added .
Definitely check out the residuum of the Roku line : The$70 Streaming Stick+and the $ 40 Roku Premiere will play 4 potassium HDR content , but do n’t have all the campana and whistle of the Ultra ( like Ethernet , USB , and microSD larboard ) . You get the same choice of channels and gamey - quality video across the control board though .
Why you might buy it : You want access to as much content as possible and you do n’t listen an on occasion sluggish interface ( base on our Roku test down the year ) . Roku gadget are the most undetermined and the most hackable set - top boxes , so are perfect for those wanting a little more from their streaming gadget , or those who do n’t require to commit to one of the boastful - name ecosystem .
interpret our followup of the Roku Ultra
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Cost:$120
Key ironware spectacles : Support for 4 K and HDR , and Dolby Atmos . There ’s 8 GB of local storage here , a separate remote control , and an Ethernet port wine for more reliable streaming .
Key software package sport : Alexa ! Amazon ’s digital helper is perhaps the most well - mix as set - top boxes go , and with the Fire television Cube you could even use articulation statement to transfer stimulant on your television , turn the TV on and off , or adjust mass ( though it israther slow to use ) .
Behind Alexa you ’ve obtain the standard Amazon Fire TV user interface , modded from Android : You get all the big name calling except iTunes video or video from Google ( YouTube or Google Play TV & Movies ) . If you require to watch YouTube , you postulate to install a web browser , and there is a decent selection of non - video apps — intelligence Robert William Service for exemplar , and even VPNs .
documentation for Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Music — in footing of graze content from the top or via Alexa — is , as you would expect , excellent . And if you could hold out without Alexa , the $ 50 Fire TV Stick 4 K is arguably a good value pick .
Read our reappraisal of the Amazon Fire TV Cube
Nvidia Shield TV
Cost:$180
central hardware spectacles : Support for 4 K , HDR , and Dolby Atmos in compatible apps . An Ethernet port and two USB slot ( if you take more than the 16 GB internal depot ) .
central software system specs : The Nvidia Shield seems to have been lose in the crowd of set - top boxful — or perhaps it ’s just price itself out of the market — but if money is no target , it ’s the good choice for Android buff ( with full - productive Android TV included ) or gaming fans ( with Nvidia’sgame streaming serviceand the gamepad accoutrement , available for a little extra ) .
Android TV extend admission to just about every app and service out there , include Amazon Prime Video — though iTunes is of class missing — and now include some smart Google Assistant integration too . What ’s more , it duplicate up as a Chromecast , so it can do everything a Chromecast can ( see above ) . All this enforce whether you get an Nvidia Shield or buy a television with Android TV on board .
The late interface update makes the whole chopine easier to use , in terms of explore for depicted object and picking up where you left off , and it can even roleplay as a Plex server if you want it to . Live TV watching via a USB antenna is another extra you might want to take advantage of .
Why you might corrupt it : Because you desire the best set - top box hardware , or because you love the way Android work , or because you ’re a peachy gamer . If you require to be at the very top end of the set - top boxwood grocery store in terms of spectacles and features , then this is for you : It ’s basically the Apple TV for people who want to do stuff with other non - Apple devices and services .
Read our review of the Nvidia Shield idiot box
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