Mariah-BBY
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Streaming devices have become a necessity for the majority of households. The real question is, what is the correct one for yours? Prior to diving in and selecting a device, please ensure your internet can keep up. You can check our recommendations on Streaming Speeds here.
It’s essential to answer these questions before purchasing a streaming device to ensure that you do get the correct one to fit all of your streaming needs.
Are you cutting the cord with cable?
If you are, I’d suggest checking out this help guide on BestBuy.com. The Alternative TV Solutions Buying Guide goes over everything you need to know to make sure you have best experience when you do cut the cord.
Who will be using the device?
Some devices are more user friendly than others, and if you aren’t that tech savvy, or children will be using the device, it can influence your decisions. Is one of the individuals that will be using the device hearing impaired? There are streaming devices that come with earbuds!
What applications are you hoping to use on your new streaming device?
The applications you are interested in using can drastically determine which streaming device is the one for you. It’s super important that you double check that the streaming device you are thinking about purchasing can support your applications needs.
We actually have chart with the most popular and frequently asked about applications. It also mentions if there is a cost associated with the application too!
You can check that chart out here:
Now that you’ve thought about those questions, let’s look at which streaming devices currently are offered on BestBuy.com!
Apple TV
-Voice search by asking the Siri Remote.
-Access to the App Store.
-4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality.
-Dolby Atmos for three-dimensional, room-filling sound.
-Options for storage either 32GB or 64GB.
-A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance.
Roku Streaming Devices
-HDMI
-Access to 4,500+ streaming channels.
-Full HD Support
-Has built in Wi-Fi
-Voice compatible
-Access to 4,500+ streaming channels.
-4K, HDR, and HD streaming.
-Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi connects to the Internet through your wireless home network.
-Easily connects to HDTVs and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
-Compatible with most HDTVs with an HDMI interface.
- Voice compatible.
-Allows the option for private listening by plugging headphones into the remote
-Voice control through Roku app available on Android and iOS.
-Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connect to the Internet through your home network.
-Compatible with most TVs, easily connects to high-definition televisions with HDMI connectivity.
-USB port and microSD card slot to allow video playback from memory cards and USB drives.
Amazon Fire
-Easily connects to high-definition televisions with the HDMI-HDCP connectivity.
-Alexa Voice remote can easily find, launch, and control content.
-Can pair with compatible Bluetooth headphones with Fire TV to listen to movies, TV shows, and music.
-Voice functionality through Alexa enables hands-free control over your television, while the built-in speaker lets you ask questions and control devices while the TV is turned off.
-4K Ultra HD streaming allows you to view 4K Ultra HD, HDR, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision content
-Hexacore Processor delivers a responsive interface, rapid search results, smooth gaming, and ultrafast streaming.
-Easily connects to high-definition televisions with HDMI connectivity.
- Is compatiable with the following Amazon Fire TV remotes: Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick with 4K, 1st and 2nd Generation Amazon Fire TV remotes, Amazon Fire TV Cube, Amazon Fire TV with 4K, and Alexa Voice Remote.
- Uses IR learning technology to program 8 buttons over multiple devices in under a minute, so it's easy to program.
- Sideclick's clip-on design attaches in a snap and allows you to utilize your streaming remote's voice search feature, which is lost in other universal remote options.
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8 buttons can be programmed over multiple devices. No need to keep your remotes for the TV, Sound Bar, Receiver, or Blu Ray player lying around.
Google Chromecast
-Doesn’t have applications, but ‘casts’ from apps on your phone or tablet onto your TV, so it's like your phone or tablet is the remote.
-Mirrors Chrome browser to your TV.
-Easily connects to high-definition televisions with HDMI connectivity.
-Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi connects to the Internet through your wireless home network.
-Works seamlessly with Google Home if you want voice compatablity.
For a deeper look into each streaming media player please check out our Streaming Media Player Buying Guide.
