Best Streaming Devices | Apple TV 4K vs Roku vs Fire TV vs Chromecast

You've got a ton of options when it comes to choosing the best streaming stick or dongle or box. Too many, maybe. So we break down the best of the best. These aren't the cheapest - but they're what we'd spend our money on.
More on our favorite streaming devices: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Read our full reviews
Apple TV 4K Review: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Amazon Fire TV Cube Review: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Chromecast with Google TV Review: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
You can buy any of the products mentioned in this episode on Amazon:
Roku Ultra: amzn.to/3Va6GM2
Amazon Fire TV Cube: amzn.to/3UXXNWg
Amazon Voice Remote Pro: amzn.to/3i4CnYW
Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max: amzn.to/3i7f7cQ
Chromecast with Google TV: amzn.to/3VmP27E
Apple TV 4K: amzn.to/3V3g6JI
NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro: amzn.to/3gmRg8A
NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV: amzn.to/3GFty1U
00:00 Intro
01:33 Roku Ultra
04:18 Amazon Fire TV Cube
08:16 Chromecast with Google TV
09:31 NVIDIA SHIELD TV
10:03 Apple TV 4K
SUBSCRIBE FOR THE LATEST VIDEOS
bit.ly/DTKZbinSub
VISIT DIGITAL TRENDS
www.digitaltrends.com/
In our studio:
BDI Corridor Media Console: bit.ly/2u1IMrs amzn.to/2JtnA8v
Polk Reserve Series R600 Floorstanding Tower Speakers: www.amazon.com/Polk-Floorstan...
Music: artlist.io/Digital-142302
Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our channels.
FOLLOW US!
/ digitaltrends
/ digitaltrends
/ digitaltrends
#appletv4k #roku #chromecast #streaming #firetv #appletv #digitaltrends #hometheater #entertainment #googletv #amazonfiretv #firetvcube #tv #versus #buyingguides #guide #shoppingguide #homeentertainment #nvidiashieldtv #nvidiashield

[@PhilNickinson]

My actual list: 1. Apple TV, for all the reasons I list in this video - and one I didn't. Apple Fitness+ is EXCELLENT on ATV. 2. Chromecast. It lives in my gear bag. Love it on the go. (For long stays I'll take my ATV.) 3/4: Roku and Fire TV, interchangeable. They're fine. They work great. They're not my favorites.

[@CoffeeRacer561]

The one disadvantage of the Google TV is that it needs an electrical outlet for power whereas the Firestick can use the TV's USB power. One less wire to worry about.

[@musictheory4u153]

Apple Fitness doesn’t work everywhere. Don’t understand why.

[@myaccount__7269]

Apple TV is trash. Constantly disconnects from iPad

[@thepeddle]

I think Nvidia shield is still the best out there for anyone who doesn't use Apple products. I have 2 of em and they still work flawlessly and get constant updates 4 years later.

[@xdudetrax2798]

@@myaccount__7269 that’s probably a “you” problem

[@AleksLazar]

Advertisement built into hardware when I already paid for device and subscription that’s the real dealbreaker for any of these devices

[@69bruh]

sorry to be that guy but it’s built into the software not the hardware lol

[@isaaclanier1507]

@@69bruhdude you know exactly what he meant. Don’t be that guy

[@Hookmeister]

Initially I was a big Roku fan. The last few years I’ve been very sold with Android TV, leaving Roku unused. Recently I invested in the Apple TV 4K and was shocked that I like it even better than Android. Even my Sony remote works with it just as well as the Apple remote. I can play, pause, navigate menus, adjust volume with both remotes. The Apple TV connects to my AirPods easily. Great quality and fast.

[@hoangnhan1997]

Có dùng dc app stremio không bạn ?

[@hhectorlector]

For me, the Apple TV 4K voice commands make it as strong as a contender as the Nvidia Shield. Unfortunately the Shield’s upscaling is too good to not use for non-4k content

[@jonathanzappala]

I feel like I have to thank you for helping sound bar and tv shop. Since I didn’t use any affiliate links. I got a Vizio m512 for a great discount and then I needed a better tv, so I got a Sony X90k, for also a good discount. Thank you for the tv education and your review sold me on the sound bar for the discount it was on.

[@digitaltrends]

Thank you! Glad we could help you find the right product for your needs

[@Barbarapape]

I have just upgraded from the previous Amazon cube to the new Apple TV 4K with ethernet. It costs a little more than the new cube, but blows it away with spec and performance and best of all no adds, i hope they keep it that way. Thanks for confirming that i made the right choice.

[@SteveK99Sub]

Thanks for the review. I liked the Apple TV as well BUT Can you get live TV or VOD without paying for an additional service?

[@farzadjahanfard]

I have lg c9 and just got apple tv 4k and i am happy the picture quality is definitely better specially in dolby 👌🏼👌🏼 comparing to TV native apps

[@ktlinde]

Great info! Are you able to get 5.1 audio from KZbin TV on the Chromecast with Google TV device? 5.1 KZbin TV works flawlessly on a Fire TV 4K. (I'm using the same receiver, Yamaha RX-V481,and TV, Samsung S95B, for both) KZbin TV tech support says it should work (my cobalt version is new enough), but can't tell me why it does not. Their solution is to install the future updates when they come out and see if works then. I feel like I'm in a very small percentage of people that actual use 5.1 audio.

[@dtannenb]

I have the Apple TV, Roku Ultra and a Fire TV cube in my home. I do like the Apple TV the best for all the reasons you mentioned. We are on two eco systems in our family, Apple and Amazon Alexa. I am looking forward to seeing all the smart devices work well together and hope that Matter will make that a reality. Thanks for the video, it was very well done.

[@DannerBanks]

I love the Fire TV Cube because it acts like a universal remote to control my other AV equipment (or any smart home stuff if you have Alexa compatible stuff). It also has a browser for watching live sports "creatively". I also love using it with my recast (although sadly recast is discontinued and won't support atsc 3, which will take over all my local stations come 2025). Lastly, its voice search is really good, not sure how that features compares to other boxes.

[@davebeam1]

Hi Phil - I just wanted to let you know that I saw you for the first time today, and I really like your "down to earth" and "practical" review of these products. We need more tech reviewers like you. Way too many (most, actually) want to "show off" their IT specs knowledge on their channel to, I guess, impress people. But I like how you glossed over the confusing Acronyms and just got to the bottom line from your honest and frank perspective. I'm glad I found you. I'm a subscriber now!

[@troyesch6203]

Is there a option with any of these for multiple tv’s or are you always buying each device separately for each tv?

[@grn9209]

Finally I hear someone say it about how much to spend! Spend about as much as you can because you get the most from your tech!!!

[@MrRogermash]

Great video.Thanks for sharing a lot of info in a reasonably snappy video.

[@CoffeeRacer561]

I've used all the devices in the video including built-in TV OS'es. Yes, some seems a bit snappier to use than others. But regarding the UI's, most people use these devices for streaming services, one only has to be able to navigate to the streaming app and hit play. I hardly know if there's an ad or not. Most modern TVs have most of the popular streaming service native if not, it may be in their app store. The main difference to me would be the hardware being able to pass along a great uninterrupted signal to the TV.

[@michaelwerbick]

My first streaming was a 2018 Apple tv4K. Second TV was a Fire Stick. Third TV was a fire stick.... Both have been replaced with Apple TV4k's. One in 2020 and the other in 2022 - they just work all the time

[@jeffrymj]

I've used Firestick and Roku for years on our TVs, but also added the original Chromecast dongles for easy casting. I just replaced all of them with the new Chromecast 4k now that it includes a remote, and life just got better! The interface is smooth, responsive, and easy to use. My TVs are LG with WebOS which can also compete in this category, but we leave the AV input on Chromecast because it's just better. Everyone in the house (including the non-techies) intuitively know how to use it. I also love how the screensaver scrolls through all of our recent Google Photos.

[@scragglie]

same exact story for me, webOS works ok on my c1, but doesnt have all the apps i want and is just more of a pain in the ass overall and is super slow. got a chromecast 4k and man it is so freaking nice. best streaming device valuewise for sure.

[@LeeWoods]

The Chromecast with Google TV does have an Ethernet adapter that can be purchased from the Google device store.

[@ashleymccmccullough3269]

I appreciate this breakdown!!

[@MrJBM247]

Great budget option is TiVo Stream 4K, and it has the ability to cast and a microphone. Love the remote since it has numbers on it as well. Nvidia Shield is a great option for high end devices. To Phil's point about the lightning, always a good idea to surge protectors on devices... anything of value, I have to protect it. TVs, streaming devices, microwave, airfryer, fridge, laptop...

[@President_Vladimir_Putin]

Which TV are you using in background ? You haven't named it in discription.

[@joseluislopes3956]

As a mainly Plex user, nothing beats the Shield. Lossless audio support, ability to make it a server itself, and still the best upscaling algorithm to make 1080p content look the best it possibly can

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

What type of storage drive is best to run a Plex server on the Shield?? A regular external hard drive? A NAS drive? Enterprise drive? I have lots of 4K movies ripped.

[@attomicchicken]

@@PSYCHOV3N0M What do you mean by a Nas drive? You would attach a Nas to your router or switch and have the shield access the drives via a share of sorts. I have a powered hub for my switch and I have 2 2.5inch Toshiba drives plugged into it that I use as a network share and one SSD that I have placed into a USB 3 enclosure which I use to expand the internal storage. If you're asking about the longevity for a Plex share then a drive made for specifically grantees runtimes and one that doesn't park itself would be best. Enterprise solution sounds like overkill. You should have backups of your most important files at the event of a failure anyway.

[@JasonHendry22]

i love the shield, at least i did when it was android tv and no adverts. however plex playing mkvs is very hit and miss, mostly miss. this was never a issue on a pc running a i7. if it wasnt for the voice intigation and my knowladge id happily go back to the i7 as plex just worked remotely. i am talking remotely. at home it all works.

[@Infinitelight8888]

The Amazon TV Cube 3rd gen now does it all also, I have a shield but good to know that finally another device has lossless audio support.

[@bennguyen1313]

Is it possible to stream (ala chromecast browser tab) to a FireStick4K?

[@isaacshaw6129]

Question: Is it possible to watch actual live tv on any of these boxes in the UK.

[@grimzadi2480]

I moved to the Roku Ultra from the second gen Fire Cube because of the ads. I use a Pi Hole on my network, so I don't get ads on my Roku. Amazon hosts a lot of their own ad content which Pi Hole (as I have mine configured, anyway) cannot filter out. As soon as Shield comes out with a new version, I'll probably upgrade.

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

There must be a way to block ads on Fire Stick via Pi Hole.

[@captainsparkle-fingers2744]

FireCube 2nd Gen and Nvidia Shield 2019!! and for a dongle a FireStick 4K Max works excellent.

[@jfelm7436]

i swapped from fire tv to Roku for our older 1080P tv's we prefer them since they are less busy and addy, Lets face it though, you are only buying a streaming stick if it is for an older tv that isn't keeping up. We have our new LG C2 working natively right now and plan to till it can't keep up.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

If you use a device that you got to log into, it doesn't seem to make sense to get a Roku and create another account if you already have a Google or Amazon account and could be using their devices instead.

[@gmemo4449]

Thank you, I love my Nvidia Shield and I also have a Hisense Smart TV as well. I like Shield because I've downloaded APK's to watch sports in Australia and UK and with a VPN I have no trouble.

[@texasman45]

Does the Apple TV box have live tv channels like Roku does? I stream mostly but sometimes I like to watch live tv.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

Well I'm satisfied with the ROKU 4K streaming stick. It's inexpensive and works very well for me. I think it is perfect for the average consumer.

[@gunit6815]

is it worth upgrading from the 2017 apple tv 4k I currently use? Whats the difference? The old a10 seems to handle streaming just fine in 4k

[@Constantine91]

probably if they make more games aviable on the divice from the app store. Else probably not.

[@ls1powered240sx]

We got a Roku TV. It has WiFi direct, it is causing interference and causes all my other devices to drop the Wi-Fi connection. Instructions online on how to turn this off but it did not seem to work in my case as the interference persists as soon as the TV is unplugged all my devices stop disconnecting soon as that TV is on and streaming all my devices start disconnecting.

[@jonathan.sullivan]

Where does one get a NOS server? :P

[@user-bl7bt4tk7p]

HI, I'm researching to get a streaming stick for my parents. They are senior and not tech savvy, and I know my mom would be annoyed by the part you mentioned where you press forward and it does different actions on different platforms. She would not be able to remember which button could ff or rewind for each app. Do you have recommendations? Does anyone? Thank you

[@T3CHGY007]

I totally agree with everything that you said!

[@Phyppe]

Best review and very honest with good tips

[@madcrabber1113]

Does the Apple still only do pcm?

[@Skualo-77]

As Always Nvidia Shield Pro 2019 with the USB 3.0 type A the tegra 1+ " Mariko" 3GB ram better Ai-Upscaling than the others 🔰🛡️

[@jaycorbin]

AI Upscaling is nice but the Tegra X1 (the Tegra X1+ is just an overclocked X1, there is no architectural difference) is now 9 years old…….

[@itsval7]

Question does anybody know if all these devices put out different quality/ colors to the same tv ?? For example if I play say stranger things on Netflix using the Apple TV 4K and then plug in a Roku 4K on the same tv with same picture settings & stranger things as well, will I see a difference in colors or anything??

[@LM-wq4fe]

I have all of them except the Amazon. The Roku ultra is downstairs along with google Chromecast with Kodi. Living room has shield and bedroom has Apple TV and small Roku.

[@shen7117]

Yes but you didn't mention that Chromecast has a usb-c input, meaning it's way more flexible than the rest. You can add external storage, play videos via external harddisks, sideloading, and add an ethernet a connection (which I use and it's great). It's a bit awkward like a dongle on a dongle (lol) but it can get pretty powerful.

[@RedVisor1]

Another strong point for the Chromecast (and Fire TV Sticks, for that matter) is that they run on Android / Google TV, which means you have access to a larger variety of apps, including ones outside of the Play store that (as Shen mentioned) you have the option to sideload.

[@ManBearPig20oh10]

The headphone jack on the Roku remote is low key a killer feature that I wish my chromecast had

[@supriyasou3722]

While not the same, other devices here allow you to pair Bluetooth headsets

[@dj_houdini7766]

I have several non-hdmi soundbars, and want to cut the cord on my extra Xfinity boxes. Do any of these have IR capabilities to control a non-CEC soundbar? My Vizio TVs cannot control sound volume via the optical connection.

[@jur6296]

The remote for the chromecast allows you to set up the remote buttons to control soundbars/tvs/receivers etc. through IR

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Question Phil: Do you have a delay in audio kicking in when you switch apps and do you know how to fix this. I never had this issue with my Roku but I sure have it on my new Apple 4k TV and it’s super annoying. Thanks.

[@PhilNickinson]

Hmmmmmm. Not that I've noticed. What are you using for audio output?

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

@@PhilNickinson I have a digital optical cable going from my Sony TV to a Yamaha sound bar. I think I might have fixed it. I changed Audio Format from Dolby Digital 5.1 to Stereo and there seems to be no delay now.

[@TylerStevens]

I watched this whole thing simply because its Phil. Were an Apple TV house, but I had to give him the view and like. Hope you and your family are doing well, Phil! Miss you from the Android Central days.

[@LeesShortTrips]

Are these better options or should I just buy a smart TV?

[@johnvore]

I got the New Apple TV 4k 128, I love it. But I also love my Nvidia Shield pro. Apps like Pandora and Directv Stream just work better on the shield. Sling Tv does not work on the new apple tv 4k. You can't sort the guide.

[@dmndgina]

i enjoy using my mom’s apple tv it doesn’t feel lagging to control but i have roku and it’s still good to me

[@W4TSKY]

As someone who used to have a Roku and whose dad has a Fire TV, Apple TV is by far the best IMO. I love the multitasking and the Apple TV setup where it automatically updates the shows you’ve been following/watching to your up next. Also when it automatically recognizes your AirPods for private listening. I turned my mom onto it and she’s so disappointed whenever she has to use her Roku in her room since the Apple TV is setup in the living room 😅

[@eprimeify2090]

Yo, Watsky! Big fan. Ok, that’s a lie. A moderate fan.

[@bullfrog5037]

Can you load the Kodi app on Apple TV 4K

[@amosfrench7452]

When using your phone for a remote for Roku, device disconnect. The Roku TV is not available, on device to reconnect. Anyone have any fixes for this ?

[@techsamurai11]

There's also a great comparison of different streaming services (video quality and audio quality) painstakingly done by another youtuber. In the comments, I'd mentioned some of the different advertised settings by Netflix, Disney+ and he took it upon himself to compare them all using I guess, Kaleidascape or some other feature that shows all the information of the content. I thin it's very complimentary which evaluates streaming hardware as it evaluates streaming services. The channel is Techthusiasm (I hope I spelled it right). In the old days, we could kind of see that information but now more and more companies are hiding it😄 I think it's important to have access to that information as it keeps companies on their toes a bit. I was recently surprised by the launch of B&W 700 S3 series where they showed the internals of the speaker which is clearly in response to Danny's speaker undressing from Danny GR Research. They're all like "what? now we have to have nice components inside the $10,000 speaker?"😆Apologies to Digital Trends for bringing up another channel in a comment.

[@harryhuffer294]

OK , I don't know Jack about Electronics . That being said , I'm looking into getting a 4K Smart TV and I'm trying to figure out which would be best , Roku , Google or Chromecast . Right now Roku is in the lead because of the claim that it's easier to use for tech-challenged people like me.....what do you think ? And do you need a Streaming device for the Smart TV's apps and Internet connections to work , or does the Streaming Device just improve the TV's Streaming abilities?

[@switchunboxing]

I’m looking for ease of use here. The only thing I will use my television for is my Nintendo switch, and Netflix. Currently on my TV if I want to switch between inputs, I have to go through an input menu, and while it doesn’t really seem like a big deal, it’s overwhelming to me because you have to scroll through different inputs. It just feels like a chore. Can I jump between input 4 and Netflix with a single touch of a button with these? Or if not Netflix, the main interface? That is, if the main interface shows you the last show that you watched, so you can go into it with a touch of a button. I’m talking I don’t even want to have to scroll down to find the Netflix app or something. I’m trying to bypass all of that crap. I just want to touch a button. Or I have the Google Home so if I could just walk in the door and say Google play, Netflix, and then it turns on my TV and switches straight to Netflix. Before I sit down, that would be great. As long as I can put it back on my Nintendo Switch the next time I turn on my TV and have it already there. Or just touch a button to switch the input. But it would be cool if it only does Netflix whenever I say Netflix and otherwise it’s on my Nintendo input. That’s really all I need other than a smooth preferably 60 frames per second or 30 I guess, interface. What would you suggest? Thank you. FireCube seems nice because with HDMI in maybe I could go to my Nintendo switch without ever having to leave the interface. But then I’d also want my Xbox on there lol

[@TazBo-wd2ig]

Fire stick kodi done!

[@Primal391]

My Amazon fire tv is terrible. It was fine for the first year or so. Now it has trouble loading(very slow) the Home Screen and apps will crash sometimes. My Samsung tv also after a few years the smart tv is no longer working right. Any future tv I get I will not care whose smart tv is best and only care about the picture. I use Apple TV now and never have issues.

[@anthonyrowan3987]

Pretty good video all around, however I did notice one mistake in the Google section. While the Chromecast with Google TV doesn't have Ethernet or expandable storage built in, it can be added later on with a regular USB type C dongle from companies like Anker. Just keep in mind that you would also need one that supports power in, as the Chromecast only has one type C port, as well as a slightly more powerful AC adapter than what comes in the Chromecast box, so you can power the dongle and any connected devices.

[@TheQuark6789]

Good point! Google also sells an official one for $20.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

The Onn 4K streamer is not bad for the price that Walmart sells. It's a basic 4K streamer that I think is good enough for a average consumer. It is a Google OS platform device. Just my opinion because I have one of these devices. 😊

[@supriyasou3722]

Wish these tech jurnos didn’t indulge themselves so much in showing off they’re cool and witty and jerking off about how much they know and instead focused on actually focusing on the deeper details that actually matter. What about the app ecosystem, what’s in it for cord cutters, what’s the ergonomics etc

[@skyemac8]

I like the honesty here. Just like when Phil called most smart devices “the internet of crap”.

[@europria]

Fire TV is full of ads, any screen you are on they are trying to sell you subscriptions. 2/3 of the screen is always things they are trying to sell you. Apple TV has the least cluttered interface.

[@kelemvor3333]

Does the Chromecast now support installing apps on the device? I went all in with Fire Sticks years ago because Chrome casts required everything be done via casting from your laptop or phone which sucked. If I can now install apps directly on it, I might give it another look. I'm talking about things like Plex, Netflix, Food Network, Spectrum TV, etc. Is it now a self contained device that no longer needs me to run everything from my computer?

[@veke1069]

It is a self contained device now, and still does support Google Cast. It basically is a Android TV dongle.

[@LeeWoods]

Leaving out the latest Nvidia Shield TV running Android TV off this list does not sit right with me.

[@bubbaj5007]

Apple TV 4K has been the best purchase I could make for my tv. I never touch my TV UI Because of it.

[@jamesmarianowilson3372]

Another question I have is I have three Samsung TVs and I’m probably gonna get maybe another two or three more because I’m gonna be adding them to other rooms in my house. If I get the Apple TV do I need a box for each TV or can I get by with just one?

[@deepee1544]

You need a box for each tv.

[@Miguelc271086]

Don’t most receivers already have these apps?

[@kristofer6969]

If ATV supported Kodi I would get one

[@switchunboxing]

How are you “kinda” going to see a lot of ads on the Roku

[@629990]

Note: 10/100/1000 is short name for three electrical rates that can run on cat5 or better ethernet cable 10base-T (10Mb rate), 100Base-T, 100Mb, and 1000base-T (1000Mb = 1 Gb, same rate). Note there is also an optical version as well. For the nerds out there it's described in detail in standard IEEE 802.3.

[@victorvannatter312]

Ya there’s getting to be some great games on Apple Arcade. With a controller it’s awesome. My 4K tv is the 2017 version and it’s still great.

[@Peter-yc5kl]

Can someone enlighten me on why you would need to have an ethernet connection for your streaming stick if all your doing is streaming video? I can see why you would want to for cloud gaming but other than that I don't really see too much of a reason to do this

[@deepee1544]

Ethernet is always better than WiFi. It's completely stable and doesn't drop out

[@LonkiGames]

This was a fantastic video, thank you❤️

[@arthurfla]

The only thing that keeps me from buying an apple tv is the lack of support for Dolby vision profile 7 and TrueHD audio. I'm currently digitalizing my blu-ray collection in mkv files and the only device that can play that is the shield pro

[@deepee1544]

May I ask, how do you digitize Blu-Ray's?

[@rodfulford4306]

I have a Roku 4k stick. Its easy to use , good picture and plenty of apps. My real annoyance is that the remote batteries run down in a few weeks whether its used or not . There seems to be a constant low current drain. Ive tried others and they all have the problem

[@AndyPena89]

Which is best for quality of picture and audio? I have an LG OLED tv. Roku ultra and Chromecast with Google tv. The Roku has by far the best Dolby Atmos sound between them all. Picture seems the same on all, maybe a little better through Chromecast. Curious what causes these differences if the streaming source should in theory be the same..

[@PhilNickinson]

It's not quite that simple. Depends on what you're streaming, of course. Live (and linear) is still pretty bad on most of those services. And I'd argue any difference in something like Netflix on ATV vs. Roku vs. whatever is going to be negligible in any event. Fine for arguments, moot for real life.

[@garrettw99]

You can automatically calibrate the picture quality on Apple TV by holding your iPhone up to your TV screen. That’s an exclusive feature. It made my picture quality look a little better, although really it’s just calibration.

[@ghostnote1678]

9:00 "Movies about Contract Killings" these recs crack me up sometimes 😅

[@atzedevries9563]

Sorry, but how you not name the gaming performance of a shield tv and mention it of the apple tv. Also the shield tv can function as a nas (or plex media server etc), this is actually the best device you can buy for your money unless your all in apple.

[@martinvegas1327]

Anything that has Pluto will do. Addicted to Paranormal State👍

[@paulchipelo8058]

Just got the Chromecast 4K and a bit disappointed when comparing it to an existing Tivo Stream 4k especially with Live TV viewing in Plex off a SiliconDust HD Homerun Prime. The Tivo Stream is seriously cheap and also just works while the Chromecast has been consistently rebooting and struggles w/ live tv. Not sure what the HW is in the Chromecast but thinking it may be a bit underpowered. So just wondering why not the Tivo Stream?

[@scragglie]

you might have a faulty one or something, i watch live tv all the time on mine, never had any issues or quality dips, and i watch that stuff very closely

[@CameraStudio]

A very important feature that I think is a plus for just the Apple TV 4k is the ability to match the framerate of the content.

[@petersvenn1511]

And HDR/ DV :)

[@supriyasou3722]

Fire TV does it too

[@scragglie]

chromecast 4k has that as well? not exclusive to apple tv in any way

[@petersvenn1511]

@@scragglie Match framerate and SDR/HDR, on all apps? :)

[@scragglie]

@peter svenn yes. sdr hdr, every app ive tested works.

[@sgtserenityx]

I have a Nvidia Shield with all the Google TV turned off which makes it a fabulous beast. I get everything that all 3 of these devices with 10 times of 4K performance add free on a LG 65 C2 with Dolby atmos Onkyo 6100 !!

[@MeMyselfI_69]

What do you mean you turned off all the Google TV stuff? I have a Shield as well.

[@sgtserenityx]

@@MeMyselfI_69 I made myself a developer on the Nvidia Shield then went all the google processes in the apps and disabled them . I use developer mode too shut down all Google services/ framework etc . I stop the Nvidia home so I have to look at all the Google stuff for recommendations at the top off the screen - I do not like the feature.I also took out the many rows of of listed apps by turning off next up & custom . My Nvidia only has 1 row beside apps with only the apps I use which is not what Google wants me to use . I do not use Netflix, Amazon prime or any the others which I have disable those apps because they will not allow me to uninstall them as I would prefer. Warning the only way to get what you need in this current state is to the downloader and this is doesn’t allow you to really play games . I do not play games so I happy than all those Google processor are shut down and when I ran bench test my shield ran much higher scores which isn’t that important to me I just needed to see it’s affect. I have ran my shield with all this turned off for over a year now and enjoying the freedom ! For those who enjoy Google it’s ok for them but I don’t!

[@stanislavsidorovich6242]

Mi stick 4k / Realme stick 4k is probably the 1st choice for me

[@nickflow321]

I found modern dad! Was wondering what happened to you sir! Glad to see you're doing big things!!

[@florindanila7034]

Some of the devices offers suport for dolby Atmos!! And that it's right, suport like converting ti dolby digital + , i think only Nvidia shield does realy true dolby Atmos or Dolby HD!

[@DavidMartin-iw9td]

With Amazon Prime, I’ve never seen an advertisement for anything other than a movie or series.

[@JohnMcGing1]

It goes without saying but needs to be said that the Apple TV 4K is almost impossible to set up if you do not own an apple device. Even borrowing an iPhone to finish the setup means freaking someone out as the phone goes nuts as you log in with your new apple id. I ended up buying an iPad from Woot because I could not mess up my neighbor and her poor iphone. It honestly is hostile to non apple cultists. And yes, it's a fantastic device and makes Roku look like it's steam powered. But it really is a key walled garden device.

[@anneritchie8264]

Agreed. I once had an iPad, so fortunately my 2020 Apple TV still works. iPad is gone, so no Apple TV upgrade for me.

[@detroid89]

Great video! I really really want Google to make a very powerful Google TV box (with voice assistance similar to the fire cube) that will rival the apple TV, fire cube and nvidia shield.

[@billligon4005]

So I have a Samsung smart TV and all of those apps already on the tv, and I can also install any others that I want. So why would I want a "SEPARATE" streaming device??

[@teeemm9456]

Because TVs generally don't have as high a quality component lineup for the "smart" aspect and it fades over time. I have a 2017 TV that works and looks great, but the smart features are starting to wane and I can't get every app on it.

[@guycobb3251]

Fast ethernet isn’t enough to stream high bitrate files from your Plex server without buffering though. Gigabit should be the standard now.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Beautiful evo

[@kesavaanirudhvajjala5197]

Hi @PhilNickinson, great video, thank you! Can you also watch Twitch TV on apple TV 4K ?

[@markslima1557]

Apple TV 4K also works amazing with AirPod Pro 2 & AirMax headphones - incredible movie-quality audio if you have those headsets

[@TheJetsjunky]

Y'all need to look into the Nvidia Shield. It has been the most powerful streaming device out there since 2015. I have two or them and I'm going to purchase a third for my second bedroom. It's bada$$.

[@bomenorange.]

Can anyone tell me why should i buy any of these products, when my smart 4k tv has integrated apps which i can run them and watch the content within?

[@deepee1544]

Many smart TV's lack strong processing power.

[@rchatte100]

New apple tv 4k is so powerful it'll easily support 8k, whenever that is.

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Can any of these be used to play a video from a USB stick?

[@Max86421]

I'm using Google Chromecast with Google TV 4K 🔥

[@joshuafreeman9807]

Id like to hear more about the Nvidia product