If you’ve ever stood in the electronics aisle staring at a wall of streaming sticks and boxes, you’re not alone. They all play Netflix, YouTube and the big streaming services. The real difference is how they feel to use every day, and what else you already own.
Roku: simple and easy for most homes
Roku is usually our first suggestion for people who want something simple. The home screen is a plain grid of apps, the remote has very few buttons, and it works with nearly every TV and streaming service. It’s also one of the more affordable options.
Amazon Fire TV: great if you live in Amazon’s world
If you already use Amazon Prime or an Alexa speaker, Fire TV fits right in. You can ask Alexa to find a show or pull up your doorbell camera on the TV. The trade-off: the home screen leans heavily on Amazon’s own shows and ads, which some people find busy.
Apple TV: best for iPhone and iPad households
Apple TV costs more, but it’s fast, polished and works beautifully with an iPhone. You can send photos and videos from your phone straight to the TV, and your iPhone can even act as the remote.
What about the apps already on my smart TV?
Many newer smart TVs have good apps built in, and you may not need a separate device at all. But TV makers stop updating their apps after a few years, so a streaming device is often the easiest way to give an older TV new life.
Quick way to choose
- Want it simple? Roku.
- Have Alexa or Prime? Fire TV.
- Have an iPhone? Apple TV.
- Newer smart TV and happy with it? You might not need anything.
Not sure? Ask us first
We’ll look at what you already have and what you like to watch before recommending anything. Then we set it up, sign in to your apps, and show you how to use it with one remote.
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