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10 Best TV Streaming Boxes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player; 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, Works with Alexa

Operating System: Android TV 11
Content Availability: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube
Resolution and HDR Support: 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR
Processor and RAM: 3 GB RAM
Storage Capacity: 16 GB
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Google Assistant, Alexa, Voice Control

Chosen by 1346 this week

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite

Content Availability: Over 1.5 million movies and TV
Resolution and HDR Support: 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
Processor and RAM: Quad-core 2.0GHz
Storage Capacity: 16GB
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.2
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced

Amazon Fire TV Cube, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD

Content Availability: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+
Resolution and HDR Support: 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR
Processor and RAM: Octa-core, 2.2GHz, 2.0GHz, 2 GB RAM
Storage Capacity: 16 GB
Connectivity Options: HDMI 2.1, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Alexa Voice Remote, Far-field, near-field

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream over 1.8 million movies and shows, free & live TV

Content Availability: Over 1.5 million movies and TV shows
Resolution and HDR Support: 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
Processor and RAM: Quad-core 1.7GHz, 650MHz GPU
Storage Capacity: 8GB
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Alexa Voice Remote

Roku Streaming Stick 4K - HDR & Dolby Vision Roku Streaming Device for TV with Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live TV

Content Availability: Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, 350+ channels
Resolution and HDR Support: 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Storage Capacity: Minimal
Connectivity Options: HDMI, Wi-Fi
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Remote, Voice Control, Siri, Alexa, Google

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming

Content Availability: over 300,000 free movies and TV
Resolution and HDR Support: Full HD, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Processor and RAM: Quad-core processor
Storage Capacity: 8 GB
Connectivity Options: dual-band wifi, Bluetooth
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Alexa Voice Remote

Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your TV with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live TV, and Netflix in 4K HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Porcelain

Operating System: Google TV
Content Availability: Netflix, Hulu, Prime, 800+ free channels
Resolution and HDR Support: 4K HDR with Dolby Vision
Processor and RAM: Faster processor, double memory
Storage Capacity: 32 GB
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI
Remote Control and Voice Assistance: Voice remote, smart home control
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player; 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, Works with Alexa

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,346
Operating System
Resolution and HDR Support
Processor and RAM

Most important from
12834 reviews

Operating System
Regular system updates keep the device current and reliable, unlike many cheaper streaming boxes that quickly become outdated.
Resolution and HDR Support
The device excels at optimizing picture quality, especially with Dolby Vision and HDR10, eliminating distracting visual artifacts for richer detail.
Processor and RAM
This streaming box offers a smooth, lag-free experience with powerful hardware that handles streaming and running servers effortlessly.
Remote Control and Voice Assistance
The remote’s CEC mode seamlessly controls your soundbar and other devices, simplifying your home theater management.
Storage Capacity
While the storage might feel limited for heavy app or game downloads, the two USB 3.0 ports allow easy expansion.

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is a high-end streaming box that runs on Android TV 11, offering a smooth and versatile user experience. It supports ultra-clear 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision and Atmos, making your movies and shows look and sound fantastic. One standout feature is its AI-enhanced upscaling, which improves HD content to near 4K quality, great if you watch a lot of non-4K videos. It has 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, enough for running apps and some media, and you can expand storage easily thanks to two USB 3.0 ports. Connectivity options are solid, including Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, ensuring stable streaming. It supports a wide range of popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube, covering most content needs.

The built-in Google Assistant and compatibility with Alexa let you control the device by voice, adding convenience. Additionally, it doubles as a cloud gaming platform with GeForce NOW, which is unique and attractive if you want gaming alongside streaming. However, the storage space might feel limited if you plan to download many apps or games, and the price point is on the higher side compared to more basic streamers. Also, while the interface is user-friendly, those unfamiliar with Android TV might take some time to explore all features.

For those seeking a powerful streaming box with excellent video quality, strong app support, and added gaming capability, this device is a suitable choice. But if you mainly need a simple, budget-friendly streamer, there are easier options available.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,346
Operating System
Resolution and HDR Support
Processor and RAM

Most important from
12834 reviews

Operating System
Regular system updates keep the device current and reliable, unlike many cheaper streaming boxes that quickly become outdated.
Resolution and HDR Support
The device excels at optimizing picture quality, especially with Dolby Vision and HDR10, eliminating distracting visual artifacts for richer detail.
Processor and RAM
This streaming box offers a smooth, lag-free experience with powerful hardware that handles streaming and running servers effortlessly.
Remote Control and Voice Assistance
The remote’s CEC mode seamlessly controls your soundbar and other devices, simplifying your home theater management.
Storage Capacity
While the storage might feel limited for heavy app or game downloads, the two USB 3.0 ports allow easy expansion.
#2

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite

Rating
9.1
Content Availability
Processor and RAM
Connectivity Options

Most important from
67547 reviews

Content Availability
Installation is smooth and hassle-free, with apps like Hulu, MAX, Apple, Peacock, Paramount+, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney launching without a hitch.
Processor and RAM
Navigation and app loading are delightfully fast, making the device a joy to use.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi 6E support provides ample speed and stability, ensuring no internet glitches or freeze-ups.
Remote Control and Voice Assistance
The remote is straightforward and capable of controlling complex home AV systems effortlessly.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a strong contender in the TV streaming box category, offering a robust entertainment experience. It features a powerful quad-core processor, ensuring quick app launches and smooth navigation. With support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, it promises high-quality video and immersive audio, enhancing your viewing pleasure.

One standout feature is the Wi-Fi 6E support, which facilitates faster and more stable streaming, provided you have a compatible router. The device boasts 16GB of storage—double that of previous models—allowing for more apps and games to be stored. It also supports cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass and Amazon Luna, eliminating the need for a console.

The Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced is a useful inclusion, offering voice control and easy navigation through dedicated buttons for live TV channels. However, the dependency on subscriptions for accessing many content services might be a downside for some users. Additionally, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max introduces the Ambient Experience, turning your TV into an art display, which might appeal to art enthusiasts. On the connectivity front, it includes HDMI 2.1 with ARC support and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

While the streaming device supports a wide array of content with over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, potential buyers should note that some content and features require separate subscriptions and are subject to availability constraints. Also, to fully utilize the 4K capabilities, a compatible Ultra HD TV is necessary.

In essence, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max excels in performance and features, making it a great choice for tech enthusiasts and those seeking a comprehensive streaming solution, provided you meet the compatibility requirements and are comfortable with subscription fees.

Rating
9.1
Content Availability
Processor and RAM
Connectivity Options

Most important from
67547 reviews

Content Availability
Installation is smooth and hassle-free, with apps like Hulu, MAX, Apple, Peacock, Paramount+, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney launching without a hitch.
Processor and RAM
Navigation and app loading are delightfully fast, making the device a joy to use.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi 6E support provides ample speed and stability, ensuring no internet glitches or freeze-ups.
Remote Control and Voice Assistance
The remote is straightforward and capable of controlling complex home AV systems effortlessly.
#3

Amazon Fire TV Cube, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD

Rating
8.8
Operating System
Content Availability
Processor and RAM

Most important from
15022 reviews

Operating System
The speed of navigation is fantastic, making the interface a real joy to use.
Content Availability
Amazon streamlines TV viewing processes, making it easy to select and play shows or movies without hassle.
Processor and RAM
The Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen is by far the best of the Fire TVs sold by Amazon, with really fast performance and better sound quality.
Connectivity Options
Setup is super easy with seamless integration to Wi-Fi and effortless downloading of already owned apps.
Remote Control and Voice Assistance
The Cube controls multiple devices flawlessly, allowing easy switching between HDMI inputs by voice.

The Amazon Fire TV Cube (newest model) is a robust TV streaming box that offers a host of impressive features. Its standout strength is the octa-core processor, which makes it the fastest streaming device from Amazon, promising quick app launches and smooth user experiences. With Wi-Fi 6E support, this device ensures a more reliable and faster streaming connection, provided you have a compatible router. The resolution and HDR support are top-notch, enabling 4K Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR, which means you can enjoy vibrant and detailed picture quality. Audio support with Dolby Atmos further enhances the immersive experience.

The built-in Alexa functionality allows hands-free control, making it convenient to manage your TV, soundbar, and other devices using voice commands. The AI-powered Fire TV Search is a unique feature that simplifies finding content by letting you search using various criteria, like actor or plot. With compatibility for a wide range of content providers like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, the device promises endless entertainment options.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The internal storage is limited to 16 GB, which may not be sufficient for users who download a lot of apps and content. While it does support a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, USB-A, and Ethernet, some essential cables, such as HDMI and Ethernet, are not included in the box. The device is also relatively bulky compared to simpler streaming sticks. Additionally, although it offers great accessibility features, the full range of functionalities might be overwhelming for users who don't need the advanced voice control or smart home integration. The Amazon Fire TV Cube is ideal for users seeking a powerful, feature-rich streaming device with cutting-edge connectivity and extensive voice control capabilities.

Rating
8.8
Operating System
Content Availability
Processor and RAM

Most important from
15022 reviews

Operating System
The speed of navigation is fantastic, making the interface a real joy to use.
Content Availability
Amazon streamlines TV viewing processes, making it easy to select and play shows or movies without hassle.
Processor and RAM
The Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen is by far the best of the Fire TVs sold by Amazon, with really fast performance and better sound quality.
Connectivity Options
Setup is super easy with seamless integration to Wi-Fi and effortless downloading of already owned apps.
Remote Control and Voice Assistance
The Cube controls multiple devices flawlessly, allowing easy switching between HDMI inputs by voice.

Buying Guide for the Best TV Streaming Boxes

When choosing a TV streaming box, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. A TV streaming box can transform your regular TV into a smart TV, allowing you to stream content from various online services. To make the best choice, you should understand the key specifications and how they align with your viewing habits and technical requirements.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) of a TV streaming box determines the user interface and the types of apps you can access. Popular OS options include Android TV, Roku, Apple tvOS, and Amazon Fire OS. If you are already invested in a particular ecosystem (like Apple or Google), choosing a box with a compatible OS can provide a more seamless experience. For example, Apple users might prefer Apple tvOS for its integration with other Apple devices, while Android users might lean towards Android TV for its compatibility with Google services.
Content AvailabilityContent availability refers to the streaming services and apps that are accessible on the TV streaming box. This is crucial because you want to ensure that the box supports the streaming platforms you use most frequently, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others. Some boxes may have exclusive content or better app support, so check if your favorite services are available and if there are any additional features like live TV or gaming.
Resolution and HDR SupportResolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) support determine the quality of the video output. Common resolutions include 1080p (Full HD), 4K (Ultra HD), and 8K. HDR enhances the color and contrast of the video, providing a more vibrant and realistic picture. If you have a 4K TV, you should opt for a streaming box that supports 4K and HDR to fully utilize your TV's capabilities. For older TVs, a 1080p box might suffice. Consider your TV's specifications and your desire for high-quality visuals when making your choice.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM of a TV streaming box affect its performance, including how quickly it can load apps and stream content. A more powerful processor and higher RAM can provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or using more demanding apps. For casual streaming, a basic processor and RAM might be adequate, but for a more fluid experience, especially with 4K content, look for a box with a faster processor and at least 2GB of RAM.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of internal memory available for apps and content. While streaming boxes primarily stream content from the internet, having sufficient storage is important for downloading apps, games, and offline content. Basic users might be fine with 8GB of storage, but if you plan to download a lot of apps or games, consider a box with 16GB or more. Some boxes also support external storage options, which can be a useful feature.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include the types of ports and wireless capabilities available on the streaming box. Common ports include HDMI, USB, and Ethernet. HDMI is essential for connecting to your TV, while USB ports can be useful for external storage or peripherals. Ethernet provides a stable internet connection, which is beneficial for high-quality streaming. Additionally, consider the Wi-Fi capabilities (dual-band, Wi-Fi 6) for wireless streaming. Choose a box with the connectivity options that match your setup and ensure a reliable connection.
Remote Control and Voice AssistanceThe remote control and voice assistance features can greatly enhance the user experience. Some remotes come with voice control, allowing you to search for content and control the box using voice commands. Popular voice assistants include Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri. If you prefer hands-free control or have other smart home devices, a box with integrated voice assistance can be very convenient. Consider how you interact with your devices and whether voice control is a feature you would use.

FAQ