Best TV Streaming Devices for 2025 Reviewed - Appliance Reviewer (2025)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD

There have been several updates to the original Fire Stick over the past few years, and this one combines the revolutionary voice-controlled remote with top-notch viewing quality.

You can enjoy all of your favourite streaming and catch up services, such as Prime Video, BBC, Netflix, ITV, All 4, Disney and Curzon Cinema in 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ quality.

There are thousands of other apps and channels too, such as news channels, music streaming services and internet browsers. Some of the services will require a subscription, but there are plenty of free-to-view options too.

The buttons on the new remote can also control your compatible television, soundbar and speakers. Because it is smart, the Alexa Voice Remote can also work alongside your smart lighting, thermostat, plugs and other devices. You don’t just have to own Amazon products either – Samsung SmartThings, TP-Link, Ring and Hue all apply.

To set it all up, just pop the stick into the HDMI port at the back of your HDTV, plug it into the mains, connect it to the internet and you’re good to go. It can connect to the Wi-Fi, or you can purchase a separate dedicated Ethernet Adaptor for a more reliable wired connection.

Even though it is 4K, you don’t need a 4K telly to enjoy it. It will work with HD Ready (720p) and Full HD (1080p) TVs, but your programmes will only be shown in the format your television supports – it won’t actually make your telly 4K.

This model is a lot quicker to process data than previous models, so even though you may not get the video quality it can provide, you will notice a difference in speed. So, we would say it is still worth it for the little jump in price.

We like

  • Remote can control television
  • Voice technology
  • Can be used alongside Amazon Echo
  • Smooth performance

We dislike

  • Batteries are hard to fit at first as cover is awkward

Final Verdict

Fire Sticks are arguably the leading streaming devices and indeed led the way with the technology. A wide number of services are available, and it is a good price with plenty on offer even without the Prime Subscription

Roku Streaming Stick+

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Seen by many as the option which offers the most variety, Roku may not be the first name you think of when you are considering a media streaming kit in a world of Firesticks and Smart TVs, but it should be. A little bit of bonus info, too – Roku actually powers Sky-made NOW TV sticks, so they know what they’re doing.

An advanced wireless receiver will pick up the signal even if it is on the weak side, so streaming will never be patchy. Perfect if you want to watch telly in the back bedroom, nowhere near the router. You can also point the remote anywhere, and the stick will pick up your commands, which is ideal for those lazy Sundays where you don’t want to move too much.

This player is also available in a Box form for a lower price, but if you want the highest quality picture, then this 4K stick is the way forward. There are 150,000+ TV programmes and movies on offer, so you’ll never have another night in where you spend hours flicking through what to watch.

There are 2000 free and paid channels to enjoy, so whether you want to try and cut down on your monthly subscriptions and only pay for what you watch, or want an entirely cost-free experience, the choice is in your hands. Both Amazon Prime and Netflix are available, so whether you have a favourite or you love both, you aren’t restricted once you buy the subscriptions. You also get all of the main channel catch-up services, as well as YouTube, TuneIn radio and the TV Player app.

As a bonus, you can also get NOW TV on the Roku Stick. So if you have your eye on this rival, but are a little miffed at the limited selection of catch-up services, this is the solution. It may be more expensive but is relative to how much more it offers in our opinion.

Regarding what it doesn’t offer though; there is no internet browser option, but we think this is something you can probably do without in a world of smartphones. There’s also no UKTV Play app which may put a few people off who like channels such as Dave or Drama. There is no BT Sport, but it could come at a later date through NOW TV. It doesn’t have voice control either, but again not the end of the world. There are tablet and smartphone apps which will allow you to control the basics, too.

Specifications

  • Streaming Quality: 4K
  • Monthly Costs: Subscriptions Optional
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi

We like

  • Choice of channels
  • Great Wi-Fi signal
  • Small and neat

We dislike

  • A few missing options

Final Verdict

By far the one which offers you the most overall, and lets you cater your experience. A very comprehensive 4K experience

NOW TV Smart Stick with HD & Voice Search

If you want to (legally) be able to access channels which otherwise only come as part of an expensive pay-monthly package, then NOW TV had you in mind when they launched their services.

The basic premise is that you can buy passes which last a day, week or a month, that allow you to access those channels for one fixed price. For instance, the Entertainment Pass unlocks over 300 Box Sets and 11 live channels, a lot of which are Sky-centric. Not overly surprising seeing it is a product launched by Sky.

With this particular item, you get two months included for free, so you can test the waters and decide whether you want to buy. Or maybe you just want to watch Game Of Thrones without taking out an entire 12-month contract…

You can add additional Passes too, such as Sky Cinema with over 1000 movies, 10 Sky Sports channels, and a selection of kids shows. You can also watch catch-up TV on apps like BBC iPlayer, or stream films and boxsets on Netflix.

NOW TV only streams in 720p, but if another service is in full HD, then 1080p is possible. Every package is priced differently depending on what you get and how long for, and they automatically renew unless cancelled. If you want to go subscription-free, there are enough free features to meet your requirements, although not quite as many as the Firestick.

The interface isn’t the easiest of all of those we have tried and definitely takes a little getting used to. The whole startup process is also slow, with you having to put in your details on a separate device and wait for it to load. For under £20, it is worth a shot even if you only use it once in a blue moon.

Specifications

  • Streaming Quality: 720p/1080p
  • Monthly Costs: Entertainment Passes Optional
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi

We like

  • Easy way to pay for Sky Movies/Sports every once in a while
  • Plenty of free pass options available
  • Addition of voice control

We dislike

  • Some big names are omitted such as Amazon Prime streaming
  • Can be a little slow to respond

Final Verdict

The ability to pay-on-demand for Sky is a selling point alone for thousands of people out there, and the price means that any subscriptions as extra won’t sting too much

Fire TV Stick with all-new Alexa Voice Remote

The original Fire Stick, but with the Alexa Voice Remote included for a much more seamless experience.

The remote can launch, control and change content with just your voice, which is perfect if you’ve got so used to letting your smart speakers turn your lights on and off, or adjust the thermostat. You need to press and hold the button, which is actually a nice touch to avoid any accidental commands being picked up.

There are all of the usual apps available, such as Netflix and Hayu or catch-up services like All 4 or My 5. You can also browse the internet on Firefox or Silk, listen to music on YouTube or TuneIn, or just ask Alexa to check the weather or the score of the Chelsea match.

Amazon Skills allow you to control other aspects of your home with compatible linked devices, such as lighting or security cameras. As with all of the Fire Sticks (and general Amazon products really), it is better if you have a Prime Membership as you’ll have access to further services such as Prime Video, but it isn’t a must.

You can watch live television if you don’t have a satellite in place too, through apps such as BBC Sport or the ITV Hub, although additional fees and licences may apply. A Prime Membership will allow you to just pay for what you download and use.

The Stick just needs plugging into your HDMI port, into the mains and connecting to the Wi-Fi. You’re good to go straight away. Because there isn’t much to it, you could take it to hotels, on holiday or even just transfer it to your television upstairs if you fancy an early night. You just need Wi-Fi.

Specifications

  • Streaming Quality: 1080p
  • Monthly Costs: Subscriptions Optional
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi

We like

  • Good Wi-Fi connection
  • Simple to set up
  • Good interface to control

We dislike

  • Can be a bit slow to respond to some commands

Final Verdict

It is a fabulous price for what you get, and the interface is nice and easy to use. The on-screen instructions are simple to follow, and there is plenty of choice

Best TV Streaming Devices for 2025 Reviewed - Appliance Reviewer (2025)
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