I ranked the top streaming devices of 2024 - #1 might surprise you

[@notajp]

I’d really like to see someone do testing that shows which streaming devices have the best Wi-Fi performance. IOW, which can pull the best signal? I see tests for all sorts of other things, but nobody talks about signal strength. For some folks, that’s important too.

[@titusg4247]

Get one that has a USB slot and buy a good WiFi adapter for it. The Mecool KM2/KM7 models have USB slots in them, so you'd be able to stick a good WiFi dongle on one of those.

[@fedoff2190]

That would require work and most KZbinrs just aim for low hanging fruit.

[@gstar7686]

I have the original ONN 4K box and the newer model. Both are still working fine for me with no problems at all.

[@PennyPincherCoins]

same for me and i used many tv boxes over the years

[@theevilmrfry]

Does this count for the OS update that Fire sticks will be getting soon with Vega? Or will that only affect newer models? The loss of sideloading will effectively kill off Fire sticks for a lot of people.

[@SupaRush]

The 4k ROKU ultra doesn't play or atleast stutters super bad trying to play 4k MKV files off it through a USB stick. The Nvidia shield pro is the only one that seems to allow HDR 4K MKV playback thru USB sticks and i've been able to run 80gb movie files for the most part flawlessly sometimes a slight stutter every once in a while. I am curious how the fire tv cube 3 will work with usb stick movies because i hear its the only one that supports hdr 10+ where the nvidia shield pro only does HDR 10 and Dolby Vision HDR and i have a samsung TV that can do HDR10 and HDR10+

[@Flash_1689]

Firestick as the best device is nasty work. 😭💀🤦🏿‍♂️

[@Hello_Haven]

I can't trust anyone who puts a Firestick in God tier.

[@UpgradeGuyTech]

TRUST ME

[@Hello_Haven]

@@UpgradeGuyTechIt’s an insult to the Invidia Shield, which is the only one that belongs in God tier.

[@chadhowell1328]

Have they upgraded the firestick that much? The older ones were 100% garbage, basically manufactured ewaste from the get go.

[@Brad-fo8dz]

@@chadhowell1328 I use the max. It's pretty good. Plus more affordable for most people

[@kaeganthornhill3936]

Pretty much most folks that like Fire sticks I'ma the fact they are easy to "Crack" and give you unlimited content/free Netflix. But now Amazon is cracking down on this.

[@davejanes8091]

No arguments from me regarding the devices you chose. I'm curious how some other mid to hi range devices would rank? Zidoo? Buzz TV? Super Box? The Shield Pro has been (and still is the top device) there are some that are closing the gap though. Great vid.

[@Ali-zv1yk]

I understood you left out the FireStick without the 4k max, just the regular FireStick, and also the Nvidia Shield Tv (not the pro).

[@donovancherryholme]

4k max 2nd gen.. doesnt belong anywhere near the Nvidia shield.. the shield holds top spot alone !

[@MrSilv55]

I bet you that for this cheap iptv streaming Shield wont make no difference at all a 20 bucks device will be equal in quality.

[@malcolmh5736]

the 1st one you put in the "S" tier, you didn't say was it was, except 4kmax 2nd gen.. Amazon Fire?

[@FromFailureToFreedom]

This just helped me invest in a new nvidia 😂 I had a 2017 shield pro, needed an upgrade, grabbing a new one!

[@Kwarkiemodo]

If you look at all the devices that supports all the audio decodes, then Nvidia Shield TV pro is the best. Especially the upscaling feature. The only downside is that it's an old device from 2019. Hopefully next year a new update comes out. The 2024 version of the shield. What do you think?

[@jeffranck6080]

I have a Nvidia Shield TV pro and I want to replace it. Over the last couple of updates, the Google ads and recommendations are so intrusive that it makes the home screen almost unwatchable. You cannot uninstall, disable, or mute recommendations from Google TV and other Google services (even though I don't use them). Although the hardware specs look great, the Plex and Emby cliend have a judder problem on my setup (high end synology, wired multigigabit ethernet connection to the Shield TV pro, audio/video through a higher end AV receiver, and the video ultimately to a Sony Bravia TV). Each software update from NVidia has gotten worse and worse performance and more and more intrusive. If I could find a small linux box that was controllable by a remote, and that runs the few streaming aps I use in addition to Plex or Emby, I'd jump on it in a minute. I used to love the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Now I hate it and won't ever purchase another one.

[@jackt6112]

It's like the 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast vs. the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse or a 5-year-old high-end 32GB laptop vs. 2024 hi-end Raspberry Pi with 8GB. Moreover, the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is still getting updates and one of few true Android TV devices. Back it up, run hard drives off it, has the power to be a Plex server, ability to upscale in real time, it competes with HTPCs. You can easily side-load anything.

[@randyr6878405]

Amazon Sticks Are Absolute Junk. But If you are on a budget Then i guess it's ok. As for performace i can't see how he put the firestick ahead of the Nvidia Shield. Sometimes I think he's getting paid by amazon 😂

[@Brett_Nebraska]

Does the Nvidia shield pro have to be connected to the tv with a wire? Im just trying to think how I'd mount it because my TV is flush mounted to the wall and I dont have any shelves ir stands near the TV at all

[@fineilldoit]

yup, too big to just stick out of the hdmi of a tv.

[@FromFailureToFreedom]

Yep, needs a wire but just an hdmi, and it's super super lite. Technically, you could just grab one of those velcro stickies and stick it to the back of your TV, but it looks BAD ASS 😂 Either way. It could work, and it's by far the best option

[@chrisbullock6477]

As a nvidia shield pro owner and now Amazon fire stick 4k Max which came with my AWOL 3000 projector I can say I've always been jealous of Apple TV really high bit rate video codecs and audio

[@tbthunderer]

I have had abslutely no problems with the ONN Google TV box. Actually enjoy the OS so much more than Roku that I have considered replacing my Roku Ultra LT box with one of those. Comparing it like for like with the more expensive Chromecast, it is almost perfectly at feature parity with it, but is FAR more affordable, and a hell of a lot easier to find at a brick and mortar store. If it was me, I'd put it at AT LEAST B tier just because of affordability for the feature set. Not to mention how open the google/android ecosystem is compared to amazon or roku. You can tweak just about everything to make it run as you please. What it lacks in "enthusiast" features, such as power and audio, it more than makes up for with its 20 dollar price tag.

[@UpgradeGuyTech]

yes some people have really great experiences i wont lie

[@Uthur]

My wife is really starting to get fed up with my NBA shield Pro 2020 or 2019 whenever it came out definitely getting a little laggy and locking up a times. I did all the tricks to try to speed it up probably going to have to either hard reset it or take it apart

[@djoeneh]

Sitting here with my first gen shield that i bought at launch.. still no worthy replacement has commen out

[@Ziontrainism]

I have the Samsung S95C so I need a good HDR10+ option. Ive heard Apple TV Box supports it but Ive never had an Apple product and wanna stick to Android environment. Anyone have any recommendations?

[@SupaRush]

the 4k max firestick and 4k fire tv cube 3 is good for hdr10+

[@nuggetz4037]

The market is dominated by HDR10 and Dolby Vision. HDR10+ is not that relevant to warrant the need for a device that supports it.

[@eltiny12]

CAN WE DO A MI 4K STICK VS FIRESTICK 4 MAX VIDEO? AND I TOTALLY AGREE ON YOUR LIST VERY ACCURATE.

[@carmencameron640]

I use a mecool km6 it works great😊 4g/32g lots of power n space

[@alivstyson1864]

less buffering than firestick and you know anything about kinhank

[@carmencameron640]

@@alivstyson1864 with half decent Internet it rarely buffers but I don't know much about that other brand

[@anisyahya944]

I have the firestick and it’s laggy and wanted to find what device I should get instead and that’s how I ended up watching this video.

[@MrRaitzi]

Shield does not have frame rate matching lie apple TV box. Only way to is to side load app to do it but still keeps bugging out

[@zainzamir5367]

What's side loading

[@paulrussell6495]

I have a formuler z11 pro max, its amazing for iptv

[@Stonegoal]

Great video, I don't know why you have the mix likes. Maybe its the honesty. I was thinking about upgrading my Streaming device but was finding so many very bias lists. I have a NVIDIA SHIELD TV Gaming Edition, I remember comparing the amount of Ram last time I was shopping. Its hard to see specs on anything now a days. Here is the new thing. New thing better. Buy new thing.

[@STR82DVD]

It's not often that I agree with someone's opinion or someone's list in its entirety but I do in this case as I turn my Nvidia Shield Pro. 🤘😉

[@markoquendo675]

Where is Amazon cube 3rd generation? That shit is dope

[@Zetler]

I feel like he does a terrible job of justifying his ranking as to why anything Fire is better.

[@greghull3189]

Good comparison. Agree on most except the ATV. I know it’s a closed device but the 128GB storage and A15 chip puts it way above any Roku or Fire TV device.

[@kestonoltman8118]

I would take my ONN over any firestick any day after using both for about a year.

[@markbrooks6979]

I don't care how well the Amazon products perform, all the ads ruin the experience. I would never, ever by any Firestick ever again.

[@rosschannells5407]

Have Chromecast GOOGLE TV ( in a Australia ) pluto TV and another installed APPS has message not in your country useing a VPN .... INTERNET DROPS OUT ... a part from that not too bad

[@juliomeneses8456]

There is another 2024 streaming device better than Nividi Shield TV Pro 2019, but I don't remember the branks, the only thing remember that begging with O.....

[@JustxLiving909]

Roku is nice better than everything except Apple but Apple pricing makes Roku king

[@brandonberger9952]

Yea I’m blocking videos from you and anyone else that has misleading thumbnails. Plus you picked the fire stick for god tier.

[@loucipher7782]

Xiaomi Box S 2nd gen easy A tier can even go to S tier if consider price to performance

[@Ali-zv1yk]

4 Roku's!!! Toms Hardware is definitely paid advertisement lol

[@UpgradeGuyTech]

true

[@oogasuto1224]

complains about Roku, being a secret sponsor... fanboys over Amazon Stick

[@NeptuneSega]

Funny thing is I have the Google Chromecast with google TV and the Onn 4k and expirienced nothing but lag on Googles own hardware. Meanwhile the Onn 4k is cruising, fast and has a better remote. I hate the dumb side volume and super tiny baby hands remote thats pebble shaped on the bottom They even admitted it was a bad design with their new upcoming streamer box which chnaged to a more conventoinal remote. will be picking up once its released

[@seapeajones]

Jfc chromecast 4k performance is awful. Actively looking for a replacement. If that's top 10, I shudder to think of the alternatives.

[@AlexRiz18]

Where is the Tivo 4k ?

[@ariothegamer5]

Tivo sucks ass

[@loucipher7782]

Amazon products dont really work well in my country in fact they only work in a few countries lol so i would throw that out and slide in Xiaomi Box S 2nd gen into S tier right next to Nvidia Shield Pro Xiaomi box have official chromecast support too that works globally those silly Amazon firesticks need use USA vpn to register or some shit

[@chucklou7216]

Roku would be great, except for two things: they don’t back up their products, and the reason for that is, their products break, or fail. I’ve had 4, and they ALL fail. No matter what you try, you can’t get past the bouncing logo, and they have no answers that work. My cheap android box from 8 years ago still works great, sorry to say it is from China.

[@UpgradeGuyTech]

I find it is good for simplistic users. I got them all set up for my mom. Also everything is from china

[@richardvacanti9428]

Why did you put the onn box in d tear you just don’t like it. For $20 dollars it’s fairly smooth you actually get updates and it’s a really cheap way for someone to get into third-party apps like kodi and in my opinion it has a better remote control then the Chromecast. Basically it’s a $20 Chromecast with a better remote and it runs just smooth and just as good as the Chromecast there’s just something you don’t like about it maybe you don’t like Walmart or something but I think your choice is absolutely absurd to put it in D list.

[@cwtooley]

Is Video Nsheld worth it? Do to how Amazon is about to change the system!! Is Nsheld open to all apps?

[@Ron-In-Reno]

I purchased my NVIDIA Shield Pro a little over a year ago. It has been running rock solid ever since. Even after updates. No wrinkles. Never a problem with my launcher. Not a single glitch. You can easily run any app on it that can run on Firestick devices and most any Android box. I got very frustrated with Firestick devices because they can be very buggy after just about any update they get. I was especially frustrated with all the tweaks I had to make just to get the launcher working in my FireStick devices after each firmware update. Since I purchased the NVIDIA Shield Pro, those days are now over. The NVIDIA Shield Pro had been worth the purchase.

[@Bdavie69]

4K Max second gen is def a top tier device. It is actually faster than my shield tv but I still love my shield tv and pro as two top and 4K max as 3rd

[@massgrave8x]

The word is that Amazon is going to be pushing updates that uninstall sideloaded apps. Can't recommend this anymore.

[@ryanscottwright]

Did this dude really recommend a firestick?

[@markoquendo675]

😂 what shit that was and chromecast

[@ariothegamer5]

@@markoquendo675chromecast is better

[@MommaKnowsBestest]

So Apple TV?

[@khepri3266]

I just want a device that doesn’t slow down to a crawl after 1 month of use😭. Android shit boxes have been a scourge

[@JustxLiving909]

Nobody admits this

[@WthaHatchet]

If im going to spend 200 on a streaming device id probably just get a Xbox series x on sale for 325 ish. Best of both worlds for little more or if youve gotta have a PlayStation double it and spend the 425 ish on sale for a PlayStation. Your rankin is good though. Roku is always high because their user interface is super simple for most people and the setup is quick and simple. Thats usually why they are ranked so high. If i was going Roku its Streaming stick 4k plus or Ultra. Onn has a new 4k Pro box thats very decent for the 45 bucks with 4k hdr10+ and dolby Atmos. Gotta talk about if device have Dolby Atmos. If you have a home theater reciever and stream movies especially you want Atmos! Basically a google tv streamer for half price. They run about the same speed.

[@lablackzed]

My Gt king burns them all .👍👊💥

[@Ron-In-Reno]

I've heard about the GT King. Especially the GT King Pro. I'm surprised it didn't get reviewed here. I hear it's quite the beast. I want one. Not something I'd recommend for sheeple. 🤣🤣🤣

[@lablackzed]

@@Ron-In-Reno It is fire sticks are garbage .👍

[@tonyquinn22]

What sucks about Firestick and Apple are the crappy remotes. They barely work. Amazon is slower than piss, apple not much better. Both are very glitchy in the older models. Roku remote works excellent. Hard to use them without a remote. This is a hige issue for me.

[@ariothegamer5]

The google beats the fire stick💀

[@tevin.c8315]

I'm gonna have to disagree with you on the Fire TV Cube it's the second God Tier streamer on this ranking system.

[@lifekey777]

You kept mentioning 'closed system ' devices. What does that mean?

[@chrisa1125]

It means you can't sideload or "jailbreak" it. So the only apps you can ever put on it is what they allow.

[@Ron-In-Reno]

That means the manufacturer decides what apps you may or may not use on their streaming device that you purchased. It's almost like they still own the device that you purchased. It's analogous to owning a car where the manufacturer decides where you may drive, get it serviced, and repaired. Closed system streaming devices can be too strict for most people. I don't like them. They don't give me a sense of ownership or freedom.

[@Bdavie69]

I have Roku on my TV and have never used it. Sucks so bad IMO

[@TheBman3rd]

Why does it suck so bad? If you've never used it how do you know?

[@MrSilv55]

Roku for this cheap iptv is a door step.

[@felixcano896]

Wrong!! ROKU will be doing serious things you could sue them for otherwise WOULDN'T HAVE A POP UP you must only AGREE to use!!! So, my 6 month New Smart TV is now a dumb waste of money!!!!

[@christophermartin7744]

"I don't like closed system stuff" *puts Apple TV in A tier* Yeah. Ok.

[@avtarkalsi2853]

Had 2 firesticks and they stopped working. I'm done with these crap devices.

[@RobertHiggins-b4i]

Sideloading devices only.

[@lewisandpark]

I like the video but I'm not sure what "almost 2 years in a row" means...lol. So once...lmao

[@nuggetz4037]

Not a very informative video. Which devices support different DV profiles, HDR10+, DTS-HD MA, TrueHD, etc.? You are sorting devices by tier without much information. Just saying "trust me bro".

[@sgtginga]

Was on a united flight the other day where the super bitchy stewardess's put the plane back to the gate and deboarded the 2 girls and cost most of the flight the connecting flights out of pure spite Which is only causing my travel stress to get worse I can't even get through to anyone that gives a shit to lay a complaint against the staff or support the girls that got kicked off

[@DavidSanchez-yv5gn]

I think 🤔 you got the Android boxes in the wrong spot, and the Amazon devices also. Android boxes should be in the top and amazon devices at the bottom, if we are talking about streaming devices, Amazon devices control everything you do plus they are loading with yunk and on the other hand, Android boxes have the flexibility 💪 for the users to put as many apps as they want.😂

[@richardvacanti9428]

Onn box B tier all day

[@macalln9981]

Nvidia shield is by far the best product on this list don't be fooled

[@lakejonggg]

Tell me you're a fan boy without telling me you're a fan boy

[@UpgradeGuyTech]

im a fan boy

[@Bdavie69]

I don’t think you’re wrong. Great vid

[@THEKINGESCORIAL]

Formuler..no1

[@TheBman3rd]

I totally agree with you about the Onn device, but that's where it ends. The 3nd gen 4k max is an A tier because Fire TV OS is terrible. The Roku Ultra which I own is an A tier device especially over the Chromecast with Google TV 4k. The streaming stick 4k is a B tier device and i know this because my mum uses one. The 3rd gen Apple TV 4k is an S tier all day long and I use it everyday. You only put it in the A tier because you can't sideloaded on it. Newsflash most people don't care about sideloading.

[@Ron-In-Reno]

Most people don't care about side loading? Not on my planet. I don't know anyone that doesn't sideload. Side loading = true freedom on what apps you want to use for streaming. It brings them a sense of ownership. Why would you want a device where the manufacturer decides which apps you may use and not use on it? Under those circumstances, the manufacturer essentially owns the device as they are making those decisions for you. Would you purchase a car with limitations on where you could get it serviced, buy parts, and get gasoline? Or would you rather make those decisions on your own like an adult. Same analogy.

[@dom7019]

Don’t listen to this guy. The fire devices suck. They stay on, you have to manually turn them off or your tv will stay on all day and night. Sideloading is a pain the ass. Advertising is obnoxious. Weird slow loading on some screens in certain apps like kodi.

[@richardvacanti9428]

Are you on crack the cheaper Nvidia shield is not faster than Apple TV. Apple TV blows it out of the water in regards of just raw horsepower. I want to know where you got your crack from and because you must’ve been pretty high when you made this list.

[@terrencerivers2358]

Hi l think you got that spot on,have a few of these devices and your evaluation is correct 👍 well done UGT good comparisons

[@USArmy91222]

i had the google chromecast 4k and it didn't even last 3 months

[@By_Rant_Or_Ruin]

I won't buy another ROKU. Nope never again

[@RushBoys-e6v]

Taylor Betty Miller Amy Garcia Susan

[@GregTurismo]

This video has a lot of dislikes

[@sandrasumner9110]

I'm unsubbing CAUSE THE ROKUS ARE FUCKING GOD TIER BYE

[@Streemer-kt4bj]

This guy sucks. Can't believe he loves fire stick and wouldn't even rank Onn if he has the choice 😂 Onn literally the best. Got 3, all older than 2 years. Just bought a 4th 4k pro. This guy blows

[@GATILLERO99]

This Guy Hates Roku, Bro Roku Is The Best Streaming Device.

[@goblue7516]

Roku is garbage won't waste money on it

[@ruebenTromp]

I dislike Roku

[@ericwilson9457]

Onn is S tier. Stop being a hater lol.

[@TheBman3rd]

I own the Google TV version and am struggling to see what makes it an S tier when you compare it to most of the other devices on the list.

[@ericwilson9457]

@@TheBman3rd I'm just messing with him. It's funny

[@sgtginga]

The nvidia sheild is yhe must broken peice of shit i have ever seen. Not only should it not be on the list whiever designed this crap needs to be slapped. Maybe it works ok for some people. But a 2 minute search will show a huge amount of customers are totally rioped off. And it was the first device i ever had where best buy would not take it back i had to go to the manufacturer and Nvidia does not give a single shit about its customers. Way too expensive to be put in the trash. The onn is incredible for the price

[@6crowns]

Tell us you never had one without telling us. NO ONE IN THE HISTORY OF STREAMING EVER SAID NO STUPID ISHT LIKE THIS 😂😂

[@fredreed2001]

First off Nvidia shield device is way overpriced and not even worth it. You can’t even add an external drive it keeps saying too slow. Stay away from the Nvidia shield streaming device people. As far as the Amazon 4K tv max or other sticks goes most apps will just crash or freeze up. The only device that is the best right now is Roku. Apple 4K tv devices are also just way overpriced as well. My pick is the Roku.

[@DL2RIVER]

My Shields work great! And I’ve owned an Apple TV, a Firestick, FireBox, a Chromecast, and several Chinese off brands. But that’s just my experience

[@Ron-In-Reno]

I have a 2 terabyte external SSD Samsung drive hooked to my NVIDIA Shield Pro. It's ultra fast and works like a champ. Never a problem with it. Try getting compatible drive next time. I've tried nearly all the streaming devices out there. The NVIDIA Shield Pro clearly won out on all of them for me. It never froze up or crashed in the past year and a half that I've had it. If price is your major driving issue, use a coat hanger for rabbit ears on your television.

[@alfredocuomo1546]

Other than opinion doesn't appear to be based on facts just feelings, WiFi, Image, what do you get with the package and what a simple cable cutter is stepping up to.

[@outqast]

3rd Gen 4k Apple TV is a literal low key gaming console if you want it to be, & as a stand alone i wonder if it can run Prime? or has an app search like the others? You also get a year FREE of Apple TV originals & runs in 4k, low latency, HDMI w/ 32gb to 250gb options ... So, How T/F is a FIRESTICK S-TIER? Not even the Firebox... the Firestick... ?