![]() There are still alternatives, obviously: you could connect an external device such as a laptop or tablet to your TV via an HDMI cable and launch content from there. If you don’t have a smart TV and want to watch the latest on-demand video content without having to buy a new television, then a streaming stick is a must-have. And even if your TV does cover all your desired apps, you may simply prefer the cleaner user interface and nifty voice search functions that some streaming sticks offer. Apple TV Plus currently has limited television support too, so a dedicated media streamer may be your only option. For instance, some televisions running Android TV OS don’t currently support Sky’s Now, so you would need to buy a streaming stick that does. ![]() Should you buy a streaming stick if you already have a smart TV?ĭepending on the brand of smart TV that you own, it may not have an app for every streaming service. Paid-for streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus will cost extra, and, outside of free trials, you won’t be able to access any of these apps’ content until you’re a paying customer. YouTube, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5 are commonly found on streaming stick devices and won’t require a monthly subscription – although bear in mind that you will need a TV license if you’re intending to watch live TV. Streaming sticks always have a range of free applications that do not require a paid subscription. READ NEXT: The best 4K HDR smart TVs you can buy Do you need a subscription to watch content with a streaming stick? The majority of streaming sticks also come bundled with remote controls, but they can also often be controlled via an app on a smartphone or tablet. With a few exceptions, you can usually download apps onto the stick for paid streaming services (Netflix, Disney Plus, Now etc.) and also for free-to-watch apps such as YouTube and BBC iPlayer. It’s a small internet-connected stick that plugs directly into the HDMI input of your TV and allows you to stream TV programmes and movies from a variety of services. What is a streaming stick and how do you use one? If you already know your Roku Streaming Stick+ from your Fire TV Stick then fast forward straight to our product recommendations further down the page. What’s the big deal with streaming sticks, then? This brief buying guide should clear up some of the questions you may have concerning streaming sticks and what they’re used for. How to choose the best streaming stick for you So, if you’re ready to take a step towards binge-watching heaven, read on. Below, you’ll find an in-depth buying guide arming you with all the information you need to make a smart buying decision along with our pick of the best streaming sticks on the market today. We’ve tested every media streamer worth knowing about and are here to help you make the right choice, whether you’re after a basic budget dongle or a 4K HDR powerhouse. ![]() But which is the best streaming stick overall and which one is right for you? There are plenty of great streaming sticks out there, with offerings from the likes of Amazon, Roku, Google and Now all competing for your hard-earned cash. That’s where the best media streamers come in and streaming sticks are the most compact of the lot. You might already have a smart TV, but the chances are it won’t have absolutely every app necessary to watch all of your favourite shows and movies. But at the same time, for our second TV, we don't need an expensive powerhouse like a Shield or Apple TV.but I still want something better than the underwhelming Fire Stick.We live in an age of on-demand viewing and the best streaming stick will help you access the near-endless supply of great film and TV content available online. Having a Shield, it's simply incredible that so many years later nothing has been able to top it in the market place. It's either these extremely restricted and low-powered dongle units (Fire Stick and Google Chromecast TV), or the extreme upper-end beasts like the nVidia Shield pro and Apple TV. Performance is not great, and the Amazon interface and locked-down system is brutal.įor me personally, it feels like the problem with these streaming devices in the market is that there doesn't seem to be a good "mid-range" or middle option (or at least I haven't found one). I also got the 4K Max Wifi6 from last year. Just curious does anyone know how much better the overpriced Apple TV streaming device is compared to this 4K Max? May swap at Christmas and put this Firestick with my bedroom TV and get the Apple TV. Honestly, I don't think it is that much better than my Firestick Lite which I originally bought a few years ago for a non-smart TV. Bought the 4K Max on Black Friday for $54.99.
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