Streaming boxes have become a great way to instantly have a smart TV. By plugging one of these devices, you can collate all of your streaming services, from Netflix to YouTube to BBC iPlayer and Amazon Video, into one place and for relatively low cost. With many people watching content on smartphones and tablets, having the ability to instantly send this to the big screen becomes a tantalising option. Whether you’re interested in streaming live or watching the best on-demand content, there’s a box available for you. Some media boxes can simply allow users to send content from their mobile devices to the TV, while others allow for much more, with dedicated apps, the ability to stream and dedicated remotes. Here’s a roundup of the best media streaming available today.
1. Google Chromecast: £25, John Lewis
The Chromecast is perhaps the simplest of the bunch, but that’s not a bad thing. Once plugged in, you have immediately upgraded to a smart TV and are ready to start streaming via your phone or tablet. The simplicity of its use is its greatest strength, but also its biggest weakness when compared to the breadth of dedicated content available on other devices in the list. The lack of a specialised remote also means that rewinding can be a pain, especially for longer media like movies. At the bargain price point, the Chromecast is hard to ignore for those spending the majority of their time watching clips on their mobile devices yearning for a bigger screen and currently lack a smart TV.
2. Roku Streaming Stick: £39.99, Currys
Android’s marketplace seems like the Wild West compared to iOS’ more organised App Store, and Roku has opened the floodgates to present users with an entire wave of content, too. Though less than £40, Roku’s stick comes with over 1500 apps available to download as well as a dedicated remote, and a simple user interface means you’ll be streaming your favourite apps in no time. However, the inability to stream from smart devices is a shame. A more welcoming marketplace would be preferred, as finding new apps and their subscription costs or charges can be a bit confusing, but considering all that you get, the Roku Streaming Stick is absurdly-good value for money.
3. Amazon Fire TV Stick: £34.99, Amazon
For subscribers to Amazon Prime, it’s almost a no-brainer to grab the Fire TV Stick and have access to all the content available with your subscription in one simple place. While other apps are also available to download, Amazon’s services are very much at the heart of this device, as you might expect. So for those with subscriptions elsewhere, you may wish to consider one of the other devices.
4. Apple TV: from £129 for 32GB, Apple
Apple has completely redesigned its set-top box, and it’s no longer just a good Netflix player — it now has apps, games and an entirely new interface. A new remote makes it more fun than ever to use, and a huge App Store means you can watch whatever you want. Apple offers a slightly more expensive, bigger version — but that’s probably not necessary.
5. Roku 3: £99.99, Currys
All the amazing features of the Roku Streaming Stick, plus the ability to send content from your mobile device to the box and an enhanced remote which includes a headphone jack for private listening makes this an excellent package for those with a little extra to spend. The Roku 3 is an excellent all-in-one box that allows you to add Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, iPlayer and all your favourite streaming services into one tiny device.
6. Now TV: £14.99, Amazon
For those who love the content on offer from Sky, but don’t want to take out a contract and order the entire offering available from the service, there’s the bite-size, on demand offering of Now TV. Users can subscribe to Sky’s Entertainment, Movies and Sports packages for around the same price as Netflix as well as have access to the Sky Store and other on-demand services like BBC iPlayer and Demand 5. With a comprehensive offering of excellent content, this is a great way to have access to Sky’s content without the commitment of a contract.
Verdict
While Google’s Chromecast presents the cheapest option, the lack of a remote in the box and no native support for certain apps or user interface makes it hard to recommend against the competition. The Apple TV revolutionises the streaming box field with a snazzy new remote, but the high price-point will make it off-putting for many, especially those just looking to simply stream TV shows and movies. But with Roku offering such an absurd amount of content both for free and with a subscription at such a low price via the Streaming Stick, it’s the best choice for those simply looking to stream media. If you’re looking to play games too, then Apple TV and Roku 3 offer good choices, but the Roku 3 once again offers more apps plus a headphone jack in the remote control.
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