“Hey Kim, what streaming device should I get?”
I get this question often enough that I thought I’d share it with you here. The answer, of course, is it depends. I’ll walk you through a few of the best options out there — and who they’re best for.
Wait, do I need one?
Your TV might be smart enough that all the apps you need are built-in. That’s not true for a lot of them, and honestly, streaming boxes and sticks are easier to use.
- Solid choice for Android folks ($30): Google’s Chromecast is a breeze to set up and intuitive to use.
- Best value for 4K ($50): Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
- If you like using Alexa ($55): Prime members, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max works well and you can control it with your voice.
- Just works with iPhones and Macs ($125): Is it pricey? Yeah, but AppleTV 4K is slick and it syncs up with the rest of your Apple gear.
- Best bargain ($40): The Roku Express 4K is probably the best value and is more than enough for most folks.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Yes, your smart TV is spying on you - Here's how to stop it
Smart TVs are big money savers compared to other tech on the market. They include built-in apps that can save you from buying streaming devices like a Roku or Fire TV Stick.
As with any smart technology, there’s a price to be paid for the convenience. In return for an always-connected experience, smart TVs collect data on users — a lot of it. Tap or click here to listen to Kim’s Daily Tech Update about the smart TV dilemma.
Creepy: Ads might be playing on your TV - even when it’s off
We’re constantly bombarded with ads. Just look at your phone, your computer and even your streaming devices.
The good news? There’s a lot you can do to limit what info you share with advertisers. Tap or click here to shut down targeted ads on your smartphone.
Why you might start seeing ads over what you're watching on Roku
At this point, seeing targeted ads on sites like Facebook is no surprise. The good news is you don’t have to live with them. Tap or click here for ways to stop ad tracking on Facebook.
But the last place you’d expect to see targeted ads is through your television. If you have a Roku TV, don’t be shocked when ads start popping up while you’re streaming your favorite show.
5 things you didn't know your smart TV could do
More and more people are cutting the cord in exchange for streaming services. You can watch Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video and more via a smart TV or streaming box.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to streaming devices and smart TVs. As displays get larger and streaming sticks get smaller, how do you know which is best for you? Luckily we put together a list to help you choose. Tap or click here for the best streaming device and smart TV options.
DirecTV prices are going up - Here's your new monthly payment
The saying goes there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. But there is another certainty that we can’t get away from — streaming service price increases. Gift guide: tap or click here for the best streaming devices and smart TVs.
Gift guide: The best streaming devices and smart TVs
Are you ready to get the latest and greatest streaming TVs and gadgets? If it’s been a while since your last television and streaming device update, you may be surprised at how many new features, channels, apps and more are available.
Use Roku? You may lose access to a popular streaming service
Video and music streaming services have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. The onset of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns further increased the user bases of many platforms.
Netflix, the most popular paid-for streaming service by a long shot, added 4 million new subscribers so far in 2021, bringing its total viewers to 208 million. For the same period last year, the platform added 16 million new subscribers. Tap or click here for YouTube tricks and tips you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Got new tech? Lock it down now before it’s too late
It used to be that Windows PCs were a hacker’s primary target. Those days are long gone as Macs, iPhones and Android phones are being played for anything from a scammer’s profits to a partner’s espionage. Want to be shocked?
5 Amazon Fire TV security and privacy settings you need to change
Worried about hacking? You should be. Any device that connects to W-iFi, including smartphones, computers, tablets or any other smart tech, is susceptible to being compromised by cybercriminals.
You probably have a few safeguards in place to secure these devices, which will help cut down on potential compromises. But are you safeguarding all of the devices that you need to?
Finally! HBO Max comes to Roku (and PS5) - here's how to set it up
If you haven’t seen “Game of Thrones” or “The Sopranos” (where have you been?) and you own a Roku streaming device, we have some good news for you! HBO Max is finally available on Roku, and you can download the app right now. Tap or click here to see the top streaming devices compared.
The best free news streaming app you're not using yet
Following the latest election news can be frustrating for cord cutters without a cable streaming plan. There aren’t too many free outlets to watch the news online, and when they do pop up, they’re taken down just as fast as they appeared.
Host the perfect movie night: All the tech and fun extras you need
If you want to immerse yourself in cinema right now, you can host a movie night at home. All you need are a few tech gadgets and fun extras to create the perfect setup.
If you’re a Mac fan who wants to stream films on movie night, Apple’s streaming device is one of the better options out there. Apple TV doesn’t get as much love as the other streaming devices, but the features it offers are awesome.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Cut the cord: Best streaming options for $20, $30 and $50 per month
Cord-cutting isn’t just a passing craze anymore. In the second quarter of 2020 alone, more than 1.3 million homes dropped cable or satellite TV. And based on streaming platform performance during the pandemic, that number will only grow.
HDMI cables don't need to be expensive - here's what to look for
HDMI cables fall into that category of necessary tech most people don’t really understand. You know you need a few around the house, but what do you need to look for? Do you need to shell out the big bucks for gold-plated HDMI cables or is one that costs a few bucks just fine?
Amazon Prime Video finally gets one of Netflix’s most basic features
Amazon is ahead of the curve on so many things that its rivals are usually playing catch-up. Between Prime, Amazon Web Services and drone deliveries, competitors certainly have their work cut out for them if they want to go toe-to-toe with Jeff Bezos.
Cutting the cord: 5 steps to ditch cable and start streaming
Cable subscriptions can be a drag. The rates are bad, the companies are hard to deal with, and rarely do you get every channel you want with your package (unless you bundle it together with a phone line you’ll never use, of course.)
12 essential Apple TV tricks and tips you need to start using now
Apple TV has undergone plenty of revisions since its release in 2007. The never-ending improvements have led to today, where it can hold its head high among other streaming devices like Google, Amazon and Roku.
Competition aside, Apple has made impressive strides with its latest 4K and HD models. You can enjoy TV shows, movies, live sports, games and apps. And now, with Apple TV+, there’s even more to love. Tap or click to check out some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Apple TV+.