Best Streaming Devices to Stream 4K Content

You may believe that a streaming device is not necessary because your TV is most likely already loaded with plenty of streaming apps. Nonetheless, if it lacks one of the major platforms or if its UI is difficult to use, it makes sense to invest in a high quality streaming device. 

A decent media streamer should have superb picture and sound quality, in addition to a vast app library and an easy-to-use operating system that makes it simple to locate the content you want to watch. This post will help you in selecting from the top media streamers available, whether you're searching for the newest OLED TV or something inexpensive to connect into the kids' bedroom TV. 

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K is the best option for the fans of Apple devices; its most recent version is affordable than its predecessors and offers improved performance because of the Apple A15 Bionic chip. 

Although a wired internet connection requires an Ethernet connector, you may get a version that includes one for an additional $20. It comes with twice as much storage (64GB) and support for Thread home networking. 

You can charge the streaming box by USB-C, but you can also use your iPhone to find videos or couple it with a Bluetooth controller to play games on Apple Arcade. The remote still comes with a touch-enabled clickpad for simple navigation.

You can watch 4K UHD content at 60 frames per second with HDR compatibility on the Apple TV 4K, including Dolby Vision and now HDR10+. Advanced sensors in Face ID-capable iPhones, like in the previous Apple TV 4K, automatically calibrate the streaming device's output video to adjust the color, contrast, and brightness for optimal viewing on your TV. 

Apple TV 4K supports almost all streaming apps, such as Apple TV Plus, and there are other sharing options like iCloud or AirPlay for photographs.  In addition, you get SharePlay for viewing TV series or movies and listening to music with friends who live far away.

Google Chromecast

Although the name sounds a little fancy, Google Chromecast with Google TV is a good option for anyone trying to upgrade their TV's intelligence. The Google gadget is available in two versions: an HD version and a 4K version. For £59.99, the 4K version supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

It just requires plugging into an HDMI port on your TV and turning on the power to use this streaming gadget. To simplify the process of registering into streaming apps, you can access passwords you've saved to your Google account after signing in with your Google credentials.

Although the Google TV interface lacks the simplicity and clean design of Roku or Fire TV, it does provide a greater selection of apps than some other devices. One little drawback is that Channel 4 programs cannot be caught up with because All4 is not available in the UK. However, it allows you to access data from your laptop or phone on the TV using basic screen mirroring from Chrome browsers and Android devices.

Amazon FireStick 4K

You don't need much money to upgrade your TV to streaming and smart features. Any TV or display with a free HDMI port may become a smart TV with the use of Amazon's Fire TV Stick. With Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, you gain easy access to a vast variety of movies and TV shows including Max, which was a problem a few years ago. 

The best thing about Firestick is that it is very easy to install and set up; even new users can do it with ease. This guide helps you set up your FireStick if you have never used one before. Additionally, you can use your Fire TV Stick 4K with other smart home appliances, allowing you to ask Alexa what the weather is or view the doorbell camera on your TV.

Dolby Atmos sound is an additional feature that you enjoy with the Firestick 4K Max. With the 4K Max running faster than its predecessor, this new stick likewise has Wi-Fi 6E. This implies you're in for a faster and more steady association with an upheld switch, making it simpler to get superior quality streaming.

Roku Express 4K

Roku is a well-known streaming brand that offers a variety of devices. The FireTV Stick 4K previously mentioned is rivaled by the $35 Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but there is a less expensive alternative that provides almost the same quality and experience for a lower cost. 

With 4K resolution and HDR quality, the Roku Express 4K is a pretty good value at less than $30. The fact that this box isn't as covert as a streaming stick is a minor drawback. But it's definitely something to think about at this pricing. 

If you understand what you need to watch, then this is likely the best gadget for you, with the cleanest point of interaction and offering great incentive for cash

Nvidia Shield TV

Although it costs more, Nvidia's Shield TV is the greatest 4K streaming device available. In fact, it is one of the few streaming devices with inbuilt upscaling functionality. With what Nvidia refers to as "AI-enhanced upscaling," the Shield TV can convert any movie you watch into a 4K format. This covers everything, from popular YouTube videos to Twitch broadcasts and motion pictures. 

In addition, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround for audio, along with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Because it runs on the Android TV platform, you can access various streaming services, including the Google Play Store. It even functions as a Chromecast, allowing you to stream content from your tablet or phone to your TV.

The Nvidia Shield TV's included control is also reasonably intelligent. Because it is motion-activated, the buttons illuminate when you pick it up. A voice search feature, an infrared blaster, and an integrated lost remote warning are also included. 

The Nvidia Shield only requires an HDMI connection (a cable is not included) and power, so setting it up is no more difficult than setting up other streaming devices. You may complete most of the setup using your phone. 

The Google TV interface with Google Assistant for remote search and smart home control features is then displayed to you. It has access to a wide range of services because it is an Android device, but once more, the All4 catch-up software is absent. 

4K resolutions and high-quality streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos are supported. Additionally, AI upscaling is available to enhance the visual quality of your content, which appears to yield better outcomes and may appeal to home theater enthusiasts.

Summing Up

You can improve your experience watching 4K content by selecting the appropriate streaming device. Every device offers different characteristics to fulfill different demands, whether you choose the high-performance Nvidia Shield TV, the affordable Roku Streaming Stick 4K, the adaptable Amazon Firestick 4K, the user-friendly Google Chromecast, or the flawless integration of the Apple TV 4K, purchasing a specialized streaming device guarantees the highest quality audio and visuals, as well as a user-friendly interface. Using any of the devices mentioned here, you can enhance your home entertainment by watching your favorite movies and television series in breathtaking 4K quality.