
Trust me, as someone who uses at least one device from every streaming platform, if you can limit yourself to just one device, your entertainment cabinet or counter will look a lot nicer (and they can all stream the best Netflix shows - as well as the best Seinfeld episodes). That said, we've recently found a fix to the Roku bug that hides apps and the one Roku setting to turn off right now.

All of the best streaming services are in the Roku Channel Store, meaning you'll probably never say "my favorite show isn't on here!" And it's finally got Dolby Vision, which it was missing when it was just the Streaming Stick Plus. The first is that Roku is the best platform when it comes to streaming media. We love the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and recommend it as the best streaming device to friends and colleagues, for two simple reasons. Here's everything you need to know about the best streaming devices.
BEST 4K MEDIA PLAYER TV
Using all of these devices often shows us the benefits of spending more on your streaming device, as the cheaper Fire TV devices control your whole home screen experience, while the Apple TV has no ads and more customization. Small touches keep the Roku Ultra (2020) on our list, such as its incrementally faster performance, and smoother streaming on Wi-Fi in larger houses (when it's not near the router). Not only do we spend hours and hours watching shows and movies from the top streaming services on these devices, but we compare them against those with similar prices, to help you figure out which is best for your budget. Some of us at Tom's Guide own multiple entries from this list of the best streaming devices, to see how they evolve over time.
BEST 4K MEDIA PLAYER SERIES
And while we used to have the Xbox One S on this list, Microsoft has stopped manufacturing that console, so we've swapped it out for the excellent Xbox Series S. Neither is a huge leap over the predecessor, but the former is faster in certain situations and the latter comes with a much better remote (which you can buy separately). The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is another recent entry to this list, following the Apple TV 4K (2021). Oh and don't worry about Roku's YouTube problem, it's been settled. It's our top pick for many reasons, and Roku's streamlined app-first OS is one of them.
BEST 4K MEDIA PLAYER UPDATE
If you can buy one for close to its original cost of £999/$999, then grab it, Otherwise, you're better off with either the Sony or Panasonic above.Our current pick for very best streaming device overall is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, an update to a previous model that improved performance and added Dolby Vision. The only trouble is that the LX500 appears to be out of production. There's no smart functionality, nor is there a set of multi-channel analogue outputs for legacy AV receivers, but if you've got the budget and a suitable home cinema system to play it through, this 4K Blu-ray player will blow you away. It paints a balanced picture, packed with sensational levels of detail. And the Pioneer sounds as good as it looks, displaying weight, power and a fine sense of musicality and timing.

The Pioneer UDP-LX500 is the best 4K Blu-ray player in the business.įeed the player a 4K disc and the picture that greets you is breathtaking. At this level, premium build quality and high-grade components are par for the course, as is the attempt to bring you the best picture and sound possible. Some home cinema set-ups demand a player with even more focus than the more budget-friendly machines higher up this list.
