Streaming media player sticks

September 25, 2018

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There are two types of steaming gadgets: set-top boxes and HDMI sticks. HDMI sticks are the size of USB drives and plug right into your TV’s HDMI port. That means less clutter in your entertainment center and they’re also cheaper.

(Bonus: Need more help choosing the best video streaming option? We have other helpful charts that will help you make an informed decision. Click here to see the chart comparing streaming media player boxes, and here for a comparison of streaming service channel lineups.)

Here’s a chart comparing popular streaming sticks:

	Roku Streaming Stick+	Google Chromecast (3rd Generation)	Amazon Fire TV Stick	Google Chromecast Ultra
Price	$48	$30	$40	$69
Resolution (max)	1080p, 4K, HDR	1080p	1080p	HR
Video connections	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI
Audio connections	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI
Other connections	Micro-USB	Micro-USB	No	Micro-USB
Wired networking	No	No	No	Yes
Wireless Networking	Dual-band Wi-Fi	Dual-band Wi-Fi	Dual-band Wi-Fi	Dual-band Wi-Fi
Remote Control	Remote + Roku app with voice search	Smartphone, tablet or computer	Remote + app; Alexa voice activated remote	Smartphone, tablet or computer
Local storage	None	None	8GB	None
Paid movies & TV	Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Sling TV and more	Netflix, Google Play, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling TV, Showtime Anytime, other Android and Web apps	Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Sling TV and more	Netflix, Google Play, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling TV, Showtime Anytime, other Android and Web apps
Free movies & TV	The Roku Channel, YouTube, Sony Crackle, Fox News, CBS News, more	TubiTV, YouTube, other Android and Web apps	YouTube, TubiTV, Fox News, more	TubiTV, YouTube, other Android and Web apps
Music	Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, more	Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, other Android and web apps	Amazon Music, Vevo, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn	Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, other Android and web apps
Other services	1000+ channels including games	Google Home, Stream online video from smartphones, tablets and Chrome browser on Mac or PC	500,000+ movies and TV episodes; IMDB integration; FreeTime parental controls	Google Home, Stream online video from smartphones, tablets and Chrome browser on Mac or PC
Purchase	Stream, Rent, Own	Stream, Rent, Own	Stream, Rent, Own	Stream, Rent, Own
	Roku Streaming Stick	Google Chromecast	Amazon FireTV Stick	Google Chromecast Ultra