Tech
Streaming devices
Streaming sticks and boxes compared on format support and price.
Every device here streams the same services, so the choice is interface speed and format support. Check that the device outputs the formats your TV supports, Dolby Vision in particular. The subscriptions are the real cost, the hardware is the cheap part. Sticks hide behind the TV; boxes are faster and last longer.
What streaming devices cost right now
We track 4 products here across 7 offers from 5 retailers. Every figure below comes from a price we opened and checked ourselves, between Aug 28, 2026 and Aug 30, 2026.
- Typical
- $73.50
- Most expensive
- $199
The middle of the 4 best prices on this page
Top of the range we currently track
Where stores disagree today
Same product, different shelf, different price. These are the gaps we found on the dates shown, and they are the whole reason to check before buying.
- Google TV Streamer 4K: $96.99 at Walmart against $99.99 at Target. $3 apart, checked Aug 28, 2026.
All 4 products we track, cheapest first
Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025
Roku's compact 4K HDR streaming stick that plugs into an HDMI port, draws power from the TV's USB port, and covers the basics for people who just want the major apps on a non smart TV.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Amazon's top streaming stick, a 4K HDR dongle with Wi-Fi 6E and 16GB of storage, aimed at people already comfortable with Alexa and Prime Video.
Google TV Streamer 4K
Google's set-top box replacement for the Chromecast, a 4K HDR streamer with Ethernet, 32GB of storage and a built-in smart home hub for Matter and Thread devices.
Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
Apple's set-top streaming box with the A15 Bionic chip, sold in 64GB Wi-Fi and 128GB Wi-Fi plus Ethernet versions, for people who want the fastest interface and no home screen ads.
What actually differs
The specs that vary across the streaming devices we track. Sorted cheapest first, so you can see what the extra money is buying rather than guessing.
| Product | Best price | Audio | HDR | Maximum resolution | Remote | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025 | $39.99 | — | HDR10+ (no Dolby Vision) | 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60 fps | Roku Voice Remote with TV power and volume controls | — |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $50 | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | 4K (2160p) | Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced with TV controls | 16GB, which Amazon says is double the Fire TV Stick 4K |
| Google TV Streamer 4K | $96.99 | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Vision | 4K HDR | — | 32GB |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | $199 | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | — | — | Siri Remote with touch clickpad, USB-C charging | 64GB (Wi-Fi) or 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) |