Best Streaming Device For Televisions
With Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, DirectvNow, and a whole host of other programming options for streaming, it seems that the entire world is going to start to stream shows. The problem is which of the streaming devices for televisions are good and which ones are bad? Well, that is a challenging question and it is definitely one that you need to get answered. Then you can finally pick the device that will actually work for what you want to do, streaming your shows, and know it will actually provide you with the secure connection to the Internet and your shows you need to have to be entertained. With this in mind we have compiled a list of what we feel are the three best streaming devices for you to use on your television, it is important to note that some of the newer televisions will even have these built into them.
Amazon Firestick
The Amazon Firestick is one of the best streaming devices on the market. I will tell you that the typical Amazon Firestick is going to have some of the attachments you need to have to get the added space if you need for the television to work for the streaming and have your television sitting on a tv stand and not hanging on the wall. Now, it is important to realize this is going to make a difference as you are going to have an additional way to get the television hooked up and not have to worry about trying to figure out how to get the firestick plugged into the television.
As far as apps you will notice that the Firestick does have a wide range of options available. Not to mention this is a great way to access your Amazon Prime Video account. The device is also very easy for you to use and learn your way around, but you can also access most of the other options you are looking for in your Amazon account as well. On the downside, you do have to use a web browser that you download to the Firestick and then you can watch YouTube.
As far as speed goes you will find some of the Firesticks will be faster than the others. However, I have found that the Firestick can be a little jerky at times and can have some problems keeping pace with what you are doing. That is the only issue that I have found with the Amazon Firestick since I have been using it. If you are looking to pick up a Firestick you can do so by checking it out here.
Roku Devices
Roku is one that used to be seen as the original of the streaming devices for televisions. The good news is they have been able to get the devices updated with all the changes that have come around. However, this is one device that is still reasonably priced for most of the devices that you are going to buy. When you are looking at the Roku you will find they do have a variety of device options available as well.
For me, I have the Roku Express, which is the most basic of the models you can buy. I think I picked mine up for about thirty bucks at Walmart on sale. Now, you are required to register on the Roku website to get the device activated and know it is going to work for you, but the good news is you can add in other Roku devices to the same account and then when you update the device you will get the same apps on all of the devices. On the downside, you do have to log into each device individually and this can take some time.
Now, if you are looking to take your television and make it into a smart television, even with the basic coaxial cable, you can find a Roku that can help out. I know that I had to buy one of these to get the surround sound system hooked up. For whatever reason, I do not have an output for audio on my television to get the sound to the soundbar. However, I do not really have any issues with this and with the regular coax and still want to get the streaming service you can do that using a Roku device. If you want to check out more about the Roku Ultra you can do so by clicking here.
Google Chromecast
The Google Chromecast is another streaming device and it is one that you can commonly find around Walmart and other major retailers and even look at them online. However, I found that this is a little bit of an odd working device that I did not really care for. Yes, it will stream for you, but you need to have a second device like a mobile or a computer to connect to the Chromecast device. While this is not a major issue for some people, I tend to be using my computer for other things when we are watching television and not only that I have found that with the computer some of the things like Netflix do have a tendency to freeze up some on me.
The good news is this is a great device if you have the mobile device or computer that can connect without any problems this could work for you. The problem that you may have is the fact that this is going to be a device that you can only cast to from the mobile device or your computer. This is definitely a major concern of mine because I do not really want to be stuck using just what apps I am limited to on my phone. Not to mention if you are on a phone or computer you can run out of memory and have to delete things! Just think how many photos from your vacation you had to delete just so you could end up getting your phone or iPad/iPhone to update. If you want to buy the Google Chromecast you can click here.
How To Pick Between Them?
I have to say that I talked about the top three streaming TV devices. However, what you need to realize is you do have other options. The three I listed are the ones that I have experience with and can tell you that I really do love the Roku for its diverse range of applications, but also love the Firestick as well. If you are looking for a great option that is easy on the budget and allows you to add on a lot of apps then you may want to consider the Roku. At the same time, though, if you want a device that you can control from your mobile device or laptop then you may find the Chromecast to be a great option. For Amazon Prime members, who are in love with Prime and all things Amazon, then you may want to think about getting the Firestick with Alexa. Overall, I know that the top two are the options that I feel are the best streaming device for televisions.
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