When just starting out with cord cutting, you’ll have a few decisions to make to get the setup that works best for you. Just like choosing the right streaming service, choosing your streaming device really comes down to personal preference.
In this post, we’re comparing a few of the most popular options to help you get started with your search.
Roku
With a variety of devices in a range of price points, there’s a Roku to fit any budget.
- Roku Express: $29.99
- Roku Express+: $35.00 (only at Walmart)
- Roku Premiere: $39.99
- Roku Premiere+: $49.00 (only at Walmart)
- Roku Streaming Stick: $49.99
- Roku Streaming Stick+: $59.99
- Roku Ultra: $99.99
With the streaming sticks from Roku, you can take all of your content on the go. Just unplug from your home TV and take the portable streaming device with you. With the Roku app, you’ll always have your remote on your phone.
The Roku is one of the most popular streaming devices because you can get apps for nearly any streaming service on your Roku player. With the Roku Channel Store, you can browse both free and paid apps for movies, music, and TV shows.
Along with getting all of the apps you want, Roku makes it easy to find those apps when you’re ready to watch. The menu is clean and easy to navigate. You’ll see all of your apps without the ads that tend to clutter up some other devices.
Some versions of the Roku come with the voice command remote, allowing you to open apps and find content more easily. Just push and hold the microphone button and use your voice to search for a specific show or movie, browse content, launch channels, and give playback commands.
Fire TV
Amazon has a full lineup of Fire TV devices and accessories to choose from.
- Fire TV Stick: $39.99
- Fire TV Stick HD: $49.99
- Fire TV Cube: $119.99
The Fire TV sticks are another portable option for those who want to watch their content while traveling.
With your fire device, you’ll be able to use the Amazon Alexa feature to control your TV watching experience. Use the Alexa remote or an Echo device to search for, watch, and control content.
Looking for Amazon Prime content? It’s easy to find with the Fire TV. From the main menu, you can easily search for movies, music, and TV shows with tons of content available through your Amazon Prime subscription.
While the Fire TV will let you watch content from just about every streaming service, there is one exception – YouTube TV.
Apple TV
Apple fans will appreciate the simplistic design of the two Apple TV options – HD and 4K.
- Apple TV HD: $149.00
- Apple TV 4K, 32GB: $179.00
- Apple TV 4K, 64GB: $199.00
Those who already know and love Apple products will find the design of the Apple TV and remote, as well as the interface of the streaming device familiar. That sleek design comes at a price, which is one of the most common complaints about these devices.
Another familiar feature is Siri. With Siri integration, you can control your TV with voice commands including playback controls and content searching.
If you prefer buying your content from iTunes, the Apple TV is a great option. The main menu makes it easy to find your movies, music, and TV shows quickly. It also means that setting up your devices and getting to your content is quick and easy. Unbox your device and you’ll be watching TV in no time.
For iPhone users, the AirPlay feature is another major selling point. With AirPlay, you can mirror your phone screen and cast content to your TV.
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