Are you trying to find streaming media players among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling streaming media players on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 12 hours of research and did 22 streaming media players tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best streaming media players you can buy today
- Fast and powerful: Enjoy a seamless HD streaming experience that’s perfect for new users yet powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick guided setup: Just plug it in to your TV and connect to the internet to start streaming, no power adaptor needed
- Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 400+ free live TV channels
- Standard remote: The included remote has only the buttons you need to stream, including shortcuts to popular channels
- Always up to date: Get the latest features, newest channels, and more with automatic software updates
- Customizable home screen: All your favorite channels like Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+ are front and center
- Headphone mode on mobile: Listen to your TV with wired or wireless headphones using the Roku mobile app
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Hey Google
- The Best of the Best. The world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player upgraded to Android TV version 11. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling. 2x USB 3.0 ports for storage expansion, USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. Plex Media Server built-in, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage.Connectivity Technology : Bluetooth 5.0
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR, and surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio
- 4K HDR Content. Get the most 4K content of any streaming media player. Watch Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Google Play Movies & TV in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu, and more in 4K. Stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
- GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming. GeForce NOW instantly transforms SHIELD TV into a powerful PC gaming rig. Play over 1000+ titles and nearly 100 of the biggest free to play games. The new GeForce NOW RTX 3080 membership unlocks GeForce RTX 3080 gaming servers in 4K HDR, the shortest wait times and longest session lengths, with RTX ON including ray tracing and DLSS graphics for supported games.
- Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using only your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Amazon Echo. Format/Container support: Xvid/ DivX/ASF/AVI/MKV/MOV/M2TS/MPEG-TS/MP4/WEB-M
- Hides behind your TV: The stick design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Stream your favorite channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more in a snap
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- Breathtaking picture: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 plus with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 350+ free live TV channels
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Hey Google
- 【4K HD Media Player】The digital media player 4K enables any TV(old or new) to play videos, music and photo slideshows/PPT from USB drives or micro SD cards. Enjoying 4K video quality via HDMI output by connecting to TV/monitor/projector and up to 7.1 stereo surround sound via AV/Optical output by connecting to speakers/amplifiers.
- 【Powerful H.265 Decoding】USB video player supports H.265/HEVC decoding technology up to 4K@30Hz resolution and 200mbps. Compared with H.264 decoding and 1080P resolution, ByDiffer hdmi 4K media player for TV has ultra high definition images, smooth playback with less buffering and less bandwidth occupation.
- 【Dual USB Ports】Read micro SD cards/USB flash drives(up to 128G)and USB hard drives (up to 8TB). Dual USB2.0 ports can connect two devices, but only read one of them at one time. You can also connect a USB keyboard/mouse/U disk/printer via the USB2.0 port. The mp4 player supports FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems.
- 【Multiple Playback Modes】Videos and photos can be played in sequential orders, and music can be played in random orders. TV player supports automatic playback, the ability to resume video playback from the last stop point and shuffle playback with repeat. Suitable for digital signage applications, home theaters and office work.
- 【Portable Media Players】Compact and travel design due to the palm size, the pocket USB media player is easy to carry. The gray hdmi media player is made of zinc alloy with fast heat dissipation, better protection, exquisite and superior appearance.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
- Smoother streaming with the latest in wifi tech - The first-ever streaming media player that features Wi-Fi 6E support.
- Picture quality that puts on a show - Feel every scene with true-to-life, cinematic 4K and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
- Designed to protect your privacy - Built with privacy protections and controls, including an off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.
- Manage your smart home right on screen - Use Alexa to start video calls, check the weather, get a live view of your Ring cameras, and more.
- Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels that launch in a snap with the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
- Super-fast startup: Stream your favorite channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more in a snap
- Our best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, seamless TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Cinematic streaming: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, plus Dolby Atmos sound
- Our best remote: Roku Voice Remote Pro is conveniently rechargeable with personal shortcut buttons
- Hands-free voice controls: Say “Hey Roku” to play entertainment, power up your TV, and find your lost remote
- Private listening: Use wired or wireless headphones to crank up the volume without disturbing a quiet house
- Find your lost remote: Say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” or press the button on your streaming device
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote
- Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 350+ free live TV channels
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Enjoy smoother 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
- The first-ever streaming stick with Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you display over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art and photography.
- Control compatible devices like cameras, lights, and more with your remote. Press and ask Alexa to check the weather or dim the lights.
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max has 16GB of storage—double that of Fire TV Stick 4K and our other streaming sticks, for even more apps, games and downloads.
- Stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
- Control your TV and connected devices with an upgraded remote that includes voice control, a recents button, and dedicated channel buttons to surf live TV.
- Enjoy fluid gameplay and fast-rendering graphics with a lightning-fast processor. Access popular games with an Amazon Luna subscription—no console required.
- Receive a 6-month subscription to MGM+, including access to thousands of Hollywood movies and Original series with your Fire TV purchase. Terms apply.
- 【4K Media Player】-- Experience Full 4k@30hz media files in this digital media player; It supports a single file up to 4GB(FAT32) or 30GB(NTFS) in MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MP4/M4V, MOV, VOB, M2TS, WMV, PMP, PG, M2TS; It is capable of 4K video only for 4K TV, HDMI up to 7.1 surround sound, good for home entertainment systems;Made of aluminum alloy, it has better protection during carrying
- 【Dual USB Ports】-- Plays from TF card / USB flash drives(up to 128G) and USB hard drives up to 8TB. Dual USB ports for connecting two devices, but it can only read one of them at one time. You can also connect a USB mouse or keyboard to operate the player, making your TV smarter by adding the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows or PPT
- 【H.265 Decoding】-- Powerful H.265 decoding loads files by taking half time and half occupation of bandwidth of H.264 decoding, it is much more efficient and faster; Enjoy a higher quality video experience with less buffering
- 【Multiple Play Modes & Vertical Display】 -- This 4k media player can play various popular videos, music, and photos. Videos and photos can be played in order, and music can be played randomly; It also reads PPT document, you can connect a PPT flip to display it better. It also supports horizontal and vertical screen, compatible with your vertical screen
- 【HDMI & AV & Optical Output】-- You can manage the media player to play MP3 or WAV songs to your speakers via optical or AV output to experience better audio effects. It also reads embedded and external subtitle files like SRT, SMI, SUB, SSA
- 4K Ultra HD Image Quality: 4K Ultra HD realizes a more detailed and vivid image for you to immerse yourself in. 360° Bluetooth & IR Remote Control: The intuitive button layout and Bluetooth allows you to access your favorite content much quicker from any angle. Voice Control "Ok Google": Your TV is more helpful than ever. Ask Google to find movies, stream apps, play music, and control the TV.
- Dolby Vision & HDR10+: A crisper image in any lighting condition. With Dolby Vision and HDR10+, images now feature a higher dynamic range, and have more amazing brightness, contrast and color than before. HDR images also have more detailed shadows and highlights.
- Dolby Atmos & DTS-HD: Extraordinary audio experience. As revolutionary spatial audio technology, Dolby Atmos brings the ultimate cinema experience into your living room by surrounding you with powerful sound effects, and also, DTS-HD delivers extraordinarily high-quality sound.
- Powerful Processor: Accelerated experience: The quad-core CPU delivers efficient performance. With high-performance GPU, the TV can now become your new entertainment platform. The 2GB RAM + 8GB ROM combo offers a smoother viewing experience.
- Google TV: Entertainment you love, with a little help from Google. Google TV brings together movies, shows, and more from across your apps and subscriptions and organizes them just for you. Discover new things to watch with recommendations based on what you watch and what interests you, from across your subscriptions and content available to you.
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV
- Smooth wireless streaming: Now featuring dual-band wireless, enjoy a smooth streaming experience with faster wireless performance, even with multiple devices connected to your network
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your Roku device all with one remote
- Convenient voice control: Use your voice to quickly search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
- Upgrade to Roku streaming: All of your favorite channels, like HBO Max, Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, are front and center on the customizable home screen, plus your device is always getting better with automatic updates
- Simple setup: It’s easy to get started with everything you need included in the box, including a Premium HDMI Cable-just plug it in and connect to the internet
- Save money, stream big: Watch what you love, including a massive selection of free and live TV, including 150+ Live TV channels free on The Roku Channel-it’s great for streaming TV and cutting cable
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- Included components: Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Player; Power source type: Corded Electric; Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi
How to choose a good streaming media players
Does the idea of finding a fantastic streaming media players make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in streaming media players. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top streaming media players products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top streaming media players on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top streaming media players brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top streaming media players based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the streaming media players were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good streaming media players, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your streaming media players.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting streaming media players for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our streaming media players. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what streaming media players should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on streaming media players.
