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Movie and TV streaming device reviews

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Last updated: 23 August 2023
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Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

We review 4K streaming devices from Google, Apple, Amazon and more that plug into your TV so you can access your favourite movies, TV shows, documentaries and more. We look at support for streaming, catch-up and buy/rent services including Netflix, Binge, Disney+, Kayo and ABC iView.

Our test reveals which devices:

  • are the easiest to use
  • have the best remote control (if included)
  • are the most energy-efficient
  • support the most streaming and rent/buy services
  • support the most catch-up services
  • support 4K UHD and high-dynamic range (HDR).
 

We've also partnered with Shop Ethical on this update to show the ratings the Ethical Consumer Group gives to each company.

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Though most new TVs let you install streaming apps directly, older models may not support them. Media streaming devices are a handy plug-and-play solution that also offer extra features you may not find in your TV. You can even travel with smaller models, giving you the option to connect your phone or laptop to the hotel's TV or even connect to streaming services if Wi-Fi is available.

Our interactive comparison tool will help you find devices that can cast, use AirPlay and stream content from devices on your local network. This includes DLNA support.

Shopping links on the CHOICE website

CHOICE is an independent, nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping consumers. Clicking a link will take you to a retailer's website to shop. While we make money if you buy through some retailer links, this doesn't influence any of our rankings. 100% of the money we make goes straight back into our nonprofit mission. We're currently testing this service and will consider providing more shopping links in the future. Tell us what you think.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

    Price

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    Recommended retail price.

    enter value/s in increments of 1 between 99 and 400

    Recommended products

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    Member only

    This test score is for members only. Join now to unlock our expert results.

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    Ease of use score

    Expand to view more details.

    We look for how easy it is to set up the device and how intuitive the on-screen display and menu system is to carry out various tasks.

    enter value/s in increments of i between 60 and 83

    Apple AirPlay

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    Apple AirPlay lets you wirelessly stream content between supported devices, using a proprietary Apple protocol.

      Chromecast

        Shop Ethical rating

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        Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

          Included in this review

          Members-only access
          • CHOICE Expert Rating
          • Recommended
          • Ease of use score
          • Remote control score
          • Standby energy consumption score
          • Active power consumption (W)
          • Standby power consumption (W)
          • Good points
          • Bad points
          • Product summary
          • Price
          • Shop Ethical rating
          • Annual running cost
          • 4K capable
          • HDR
          • User profiles
          • Child profiles
          • Netflix
          • Stan
          • Amazon Prime Video
          • Disney+
          • Binge
          • YouTube
          • Paramount+
          • Foxtel Now
          • Kayo Sports
          • Apple TV+
          • BritBox
          • Crunchyroll
          • Tubi
          • ABC iView
          • SBS On Demand
          • 7plus
          • 9Now
          • 10 play
          • Plex
          • Chromecast
          • Apple AirPlay
          • USB in
          • DLNA
          • Wi-Fi direct
          • Miracast
          • Home search screen
          • Netflix remote button
          • Stan remote button
          • YouTube remote button
          • Internal storage (GB)
          • Ethernet port
          • Memory card reader
          • Toslink
          • Bluetooth version
          • Dimensions (mm, H x W x D)
          • Operating system
          • Country of origin

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