Wondering which streaming device would be best for home theater? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the broadest range of options and don’t mind spending a little more, then go with a Roku.
If you’re looking for something simpler that’s also cheaper, then an Amazon Fire TV Stick might be right for you. Whichever streaming device you choose, we can help you get the best streaming device for home theater.
What You Need
Wi-Fi Router: Most of the newer streaming devices are Wi-Fi only, so you’ll need a compatible router. However, if your TV has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you may be able to dispense with the router.
HDMI Cable: You can use either a digital optical cable or HDMI cable to connect your streaming device to your home theater system. If you have an older TV with only coaxial or RCA inputs, then you’ll definitely need an HDMI cable.
Power Source: All the newer streaming devices are powered by USB, but some of them come with a separate power supply.
If you have a newer TV, then it may support USB, in which case you won’t need a separate power supply. Make sure to check your device specifications for full compatibility details
Apps & Channels: Most modern streaming devices offer several ways to get apps and channels. They may come pre-installed, you may be able to download them from an app store built into the device, or perhaps there is a way to install third-party apps directly.
Roku has hundreds of thousands of channel options that include free and paid content. The Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with a few built-in apps and channels, but the app store offers even more options to explore.
Storage Space: Some streaming devices come with storage space for apps or channels. That way, you won’t need an external storage device to download your favorite shows.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku Streaming Stick come with 8 GB of storage space. If your device doesn’t have built-in storage, then you can use a USB flash drive to keep your favorite channels with you all the time!
10 Best Streaming Device For Home Theater 2024
1. Roku Ultra Streaming Device
It is the latest streaming device from Roku. It costs $69.00 and has all the bells and whistles you could want the best streaming device for home theater. The most notable feature of this player is its remote control with headphones, which allows you to watch your shows without disturbing anyone, and its USB port, which makes it easy to add more storage for apps or channels.
Key Features
- Voice search
- 4k Ultra HD and HDR streaming
- Free mobile app for iOS or Android
- The headphone jack on the remote control
- The Micro SD card slot helps to storage increase up to 128 GB
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The Roku Ultra supports 4k video and has a good range of 4k-supported apps and channels. It has a microSD card slot that permits you to extend the storage by 128 GB.
It comes with free access to thousands of movies and TV shows via the Roku Channel Store, but if you’re already a Netflix subscriber, then you get access to Netflix content without any additional cost.
In addition to the Roku Channel Store, there is an app store built into this device that lets you add even more channels from all over the world. It also comes with a remote finder and a lost remote control replacement service.
The built-in USB port and micro SD card let you expand the device’s storage, so if 8 GB isn’t enough, then you can always upgrade it by connecting an external drive to your Roku Ultra Streaming Device.
This device also uses video technology for clear images even in low light. It comes with a voice search feature, which lets you find your favorite movies and shows with the sound of your voice.
2. Roku Streaming Stick+
The Roku Streaming Stick+ is the top-of-the-line streaming device from Roku. It costs $29.99 and takes everything good about the Roku Ultra, adding exciting new features to improve your home theater experience.
Key Features
- 4k Ultra HD and HDR streaming
- Voice search
- Free mobile app for iOS or Android
- The headphone jack on the remote control
- The Micro SD card slot that helps to storage increase up to 256 GB
- Roku OS 8
- Motion control with a remote gaming accessory
- 802.11ac dual-band wireless for fast HD streaming
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The most notable feature of this player is its wireless capabilities, which allow you to connect it to your home theater system without needing to plug it into the back of your TV.
The other significant difference is its 4k Ultra HD streaming support, which means that you can stream the most precise resolution quality available for a better entertainment experience, and it comes with a voice remote.
The Roku Streaming Stick plus also has USB and micro SD card slots that allow you to add more storage for apps or channels. Still, it doesn’t have an Ethernet slot, so if your home theater doesn’t have built-in wireless capabilities, then you’ll need to use a separate device such as a WiFi router to connect it.
It comes with a full-featured remote control, a lost remote replacement service, a headphone jack for private listening, the ability to search using your voice, and access to over half a million movies and TV shows via the Roku Channel Store.
3. Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
The Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote is the little brother to the more powerful Amazon Fire TV. It costs $24.99 and has all of your favorite apps, but it lacks its bigger brother’s 4k Ultra HD capability, limiting the resolutions you can stream in. If you don’t have a 4k TV or plan to stream 1080p videos, this device is a great way to get started with your home theater.
Key Features
- 4k Ultra HD streaming
- Alexa Voice Remote
- No Ethernet port
- 802.11ac dual-band wireless for fast HD streaming
- Free mobile app for iOS or Android
- The headphone jack on the remote control
- The Micro SD card slot helps to storage increase up to 128 GB
- Voice search feature
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The Fire TV Stick has the same voice search feature as the giant Fire TV, which lets you find your favorite movies and shows with nothing more than the best media streaming devices.
The small size makes it easy to hide behind your TV, and because it plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port, there’s no need for a separate power cord. It also doesn’t come with an Ethernet port, but you can use a WiFi connection to connect the device to the internet and any other home theater devices that you want to attach to it.
You’ll still get access to thousands of movies and TV shows that you can stream from the Amazon Video Store. Still, if you’re already a Prime subscriber or plan on subscribing to Prime, then your membership will include access to tons of new content without any extra fees.
4. Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K HDR Android TV
This one is the newest member of the Android TV family. It supports up to 4k resolution and costs just $59.99, making it much more affordable than other devices that produce similar results. You can use this device to stream all kinds of apps from the Google Play Store, including all of your favorite streaming apps for movies and TV shows. With the included game controller, you can also use this box to play games in 1080p HD.
Key Features
- 4k Ultra HD and HDR compatible
- Android TV platform
- Built-in WiFi + Bluetooth 4.1
- 1GB RAM and 8 GB storage capacity
- MicroSD card slot up to 128 GB
- Voice search feature with included remote control or smartphone app
- 802.11ac dual-band wireless for fast HD streaming
- Voice controls with included remote control or smartphone app
- Google Play Store apps, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube & more – USB input for attaching to your computer
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The best feature of this device is its price, which costs significantly less than other devices with similar capabilities. It’s also effortless to set up. This device also has built-in WiFi for connecting to your home network, but it does not have an Ethernet port for hard-wired connections.
You can use wireless internet or purchase a separate USB to Ethernet adapter if you want to connect your box directly into your router without any extra cords. It is one of the best streaming device for home theater.
What makes the Xiaomi Mi Box S unique is its game controller, which comes with all of the standard buttons you’ll need to play games on your TV.
It also has a built-in microphone for using voice search to search directly through the Google Play Store or any other app that supports voice controls. You can even use this remote to control your Mi Box S if you prefer to use your phone instead.
5. NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro
The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro 4K HDR Streaming Media Player is the top line for Android TV boxes. It has a 2.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor, which lets you play games in 1080p or stream videos up to 4k Ultra HD resolution.
Key Features
- 4k Ultra HD and HDR compatible
- Android TV platform
- HDMI port for attaching to your 4K TV
- Built-in WiFi + Bluetooth 4.1
- Dual-band wireless speeds of up to 300 Mbps
- Internal storage capacity of 16 GB or 500 GB hard drive
- 1GB RAM and Quad-core 2.0 GHz processor
- 802.11ac wireless for fast streaming
- Voice search feature with included remote control or smartphone app
- Google Play Store apps, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube & more – USB input for attaching to your computer
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You can even connect this device through an Ethernet cable to avoid wireless internet. If you have an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card on your computer, you can even stream video games through GameStream directly from your PC to your TV.
This device supports voice controls and has over 500 apps available for free live streaming tv services, TV shows, sports, live news, music, and games.
You can also use this device to stream virtual reality content through the included gaming controller. The only downside of this device is that it costs $199, which is more than twice as much as other streaming devices with similar capabilities.
6. NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV 4K HDR Streaming Media Player
It is a smaller, cheaper version of the Pro model. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as its big brother, but it still has all of the same capabilities that you’ll find in other streaming devices. The price is a bit higher, though, at $149.99, making this device more expensive than other similar options.
Key Features
- 4k Ultra HD and HDR compatible
- Android TV platform
- Built-in WiFi + Bluetooth 4.1
- 2 GB RAM and Tegra X1 processor with a 256 core NVIDIA GPU
- Internal storage capacity of 16GB or 500GB hard drive
- 802.11ac wireless for fast streaming
- Google Play Store apps, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube & more – USB input for attaching to your computer
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This device has an 8-core 64-bit CPU, which you can play games in 1080p or stream 4k videos. The included remote control uses WiFi Direct to communicate with your box for a seamless connection. You can also use voice controls to search through apps or do other activities requiring typing.
The SHIELD Android TV is a great device, but it has the highest price tag, making it more expensive than other devices with similar features. It also doesn’t have an Ethernet port, so you will need to use WiFi for connecting your device to your home network.
7. Apple TV 4K 32GB
The Apple TV 4K 32GB is the newest model of one of the best streaming device for home theater you can buy. It comes with remote control, a touchpad for quickly scrolling through your apps and games. This device also supports voice controls, so you don’t need to use any extra remotes or search bars to find what you’re looking for.
Key Features
- 4k Ultra HD and HDR compatible
- 2GB RAM and A10X Fusion processor with a six-core GPU
- Internal storage capacity of 32GB or 64GB hard drive
- 802.11ac wireless for fast streaming
- Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 & NFC
- HDMI port for linking to your 4K TV
- 32GB storage capacity without using a Micro SD card
- OS X High Sierra operating system with iOS 10 – Voice control
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Apple TV has more than 1,000 games that you can install directly to your device. It has the highest video resolution out of any devices on this list at 2160p, making it one of the best choices if you want a 4k TV box, which is more than most people would like to pay.
This streaming device has all the needed ports for hard-wired internet connections, including an Ethernet port, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI 1.4 port. You can also opt to use any wireless internet connection or purchase a separate adapter if you need a WiFi connection.
There are other devices on the market, but these are some of the best Android TV boxes you can buy right now.
You can use any device listed here to stream thousands of shows and movies that are available online. If you want to play games or watch your favorite sports teams, then any one of the best home theater streaming device will be great for doing just that.
8. SAMSUNG UN85AU8000FXZA 85-Inch TV
This Ultra HD, 4K TV is one of the best you can buy because it has a massive 85-inch screen that displays pictures with four times more resolution than regular Full HD TVs. Samsung un85au8000fxza uses exclusive UHD Dimming Pro and Precision Black Pro technology for producing dark blacks and bright whites.
Key Features
- Ultra HD 4K TV with high dynamic range (HDR) and 1,000+ zones of local dimming
- Octa-Core processor for fast switching between apps and games
- High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity to stream movies and TV shows from online authorities
- Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 & NFC technology for pairing with compatible devices
- An innovative TV platform allows you to watch live TV and stream movies and music from any imaginable source.
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The 8000 series comes with an octa-core processor for quickly switching between apps and games. This TV also lets you wirelessly connect Bixby remotes, game controllers, mobile devices, and other external media players using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
If you want to play virtual reality (VR) games, two VR devices work with the UN85AU8000FXZA. The first is the Oculus Rift VR headset, and the other is the PlayStation VR.
When using either of these devices, Samsung un85au8000fxza will play 4K 360-degree content that delivers a truly immersive viewing experience.
Samsung un85au8000fxza comes with many great features, including an Audio Return Channel (ARC), Mobile to TV Mirroring, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This device’s Smart TV platform is easy to use and provides access to more than 3,000 streaming channels.
There’s also a vast library of apps and games available so you can cut the cord to save money on TV service or just because you don’t want it anymore.
9. Sony BDP-BX370 Blu-ray Disc Player
If you still prefer to use physical media, this is the best player. It has a fast start-up time, so you can begin watching your movie in just seconds. Sony BDP-bx370 comes with Bluetooth support so that you can connect wireless headphones or speakers to it. There’s also easy access to Netflix and other streaming services so you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
Key Features
- 3D Blu-ray disc playback – Passively 3D does not require any glasses for viewing
- It has built-in WiFi and an Ethernet connection for streaming movies and TV shows online.
- Supports wireless headphones and speakers thanks to Bluetooth support
- Can play 4K ultra HD movies/TV Shows that use passive 3D technology
- Digital noise canceling system works with built-in speakers to produce audio that’s free from any interference.
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Sony BDP-bx370 has a 3D Blu-ray disc playback feature that uses passive 3D technology. This means the player doesn’t require any additional equipment to work, unlike active 3D devices that require special glasses.
You can also play 4K ultra HD movies on this device, so you have access to the highest picture quality available.
It has many excellent features. For example, a digital noise-canceling system works with built-in speakers to produce audio free from interference. And a USB port for playing back video and music stored on exterior media.
10. Enclave CineHome II 5.1 Wireless Home Theater
This device has a sleek design and comes in multiple colors, so you can pick one that matches your TV and other audio equipment. It uses Bluetooth technology for connecting to mobile devices for playing movies and music stored on them.
Key Features
- Bluetooth Technology
- Digital Sound Amplifier (360V)
- Wireless Connectivity for TV and Mobile Devices
- Cables included: AC power cord, optical cable, remote control with batteries, microphone. Color: black. Enclave CineHome II 5.1 product dimensions (L x W x H): 13.60″ x 11.40″ x 11.80″. Weight: 23 pounds
- 4K High-Resolution Audio
- Bluetooth Technology for Wireless Connectivity
- Digital Sound Amplifier Produces Up to 360V of Power
- Easy Setup with Included Microphone
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The CineHome II 5.1 Wireless Home Theater Surround Sound System uses 4K ultra high definition (UHD), so you can enjoy the best streaming device for surround sound and the highest picture quality available.
It has a digital amplifier that produces 360-volts of total Power, so you get clear sound no matter where you sit in your room. There’s also wireless connectivity, so you can play audio from your TV using a single cable.
There is an included microphone for setting up surround sound. It has a unique calibration system that makes it easy to adjust the volume and other settings, so you get the best experience possible.
The speakers have a low power indicator, so you know when they need more electricity, and there’s also a remote for convenient control.
How to choose a streaming device for home theater?
You should consider many factors when shopping for a streaming device. The main thing you want to think about is your specific needs and the features offered by each product on the market. Here are some of the most common things people look at when choosing the best streaming device for home theater:
Price
The device’s price should be an essential factor in your buying decision. Getting an affordable product will help you save money without having to sacrifice quality or features.
There are many different devices available at all sorts of prices, so there is something for every budget out there.
Connectivity options
Various connectivity options are included with these products, and the more you have, the better. If there is a specific type of connection that you need for your home theater system, make sure to buy a product that has it before purchasing anything else.
Size and appearance
The devices come in all shapes and sizes and different colors or are even designed to go with your home decor.
Look at the size of any product that interests you and if it will fit into your entertainment cabinet or TV stand before making a purchase decision.
Operating system availability
The operating system used by the device should also be a factor in your buying decision. Some products use their proprietary systems, while others run on more common platforms like Android or iOS.
Make sure that any product you buy runs on an OS that you are familiar with or one that you can quickly learn, so you aren’t struggling with the ins and outs of the device later on.
Speed and processing power
As with any electronic device, speed and processing power are essential. If you are streaming movies or TV shows, you want to make sure that things load quickly, so there are no interruptions in your viewing experience. Look for devices with an octa-core processor or higher to ensure fast performance.
FAQs about the best streaming device for home theater
Q: What is a streaming stick?
A streaming stick is similar to a dongle, but unlike this device, it plugs into an HDMI input on your TV or monitor instead of directly into the HDMI port.
It has built-in wireless capabilities and memory and storage for storing apps and other features. This type of device is also portable, and you can take it with you to use on any compatible screen.
Q: What is the best streaming device for cable TV?
The best streaming device for cable TV is one that gives you access to live programming as well as apps and other services that offer similar content. You should look for a product with 8 or more GB of storage for this purpose.
Q: What is the best streaming device for college students?
The best streaming device for college students is one that they can take with them when they go home during breaks and plug into their TVs there or when they want to watch content from their dorm room on a TV in a communal area of the building. Look for something small and portable with 8 GB of storage or more.
Q: What is the best streaming device to buy?
The best streaming device to buy is one that has all of the features you need at a price within your budget. Look for devices with 4K capabilities, octa-core processors or higher, and operating systems that run on Android or iOS.
Q: What is the best streaming device with parental controls?
The best streaming device with parental controls is one that has a feature-rich operating system and extensive storage but also has some sort of protection built in to keep your children from accessing content you don’t want them to see.
Look for devices that have mobile app support and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can keep an eye on what your little ones are viewing.
Final Verdict
These devices open up a whole new world of entertainment options for anyone looking to cut the cord and enjoy their favorite content without having to subscribe to endless cable TV packages or pay per view.
You can give up cable with one of these devices and still enjoy the same programming. All it takes is one device to open up this world for you.