Why a Smart TV can start to feel sluggish
A television may continue to display an excellent picture even after its built-in app platform feels dated. Over time, app requirements, interface updates and limited television hardware can make menus or streaming apps feel slower than they once did.
A separate streaming device can be an economical way to refresh the software experience while keeping a television screen that still works well.
- Slower app launches
- Delayed remote response
- Apps that stop receiving meaningful updates
- Limited storage for additional apps
- Different interfaces in different rooms
- A cluttered or difficult-to-navigate home screen
How much storage do you need on a streaming device?
Storage is easy to overlook when choosing a streaming device. Most streaming apps are not huge by themselves, but available space can fill up as you add live TV apps, sports apps, free streaming apps, music apps, screensavers, games, system updates and cached app data.
If you only use a handful of major apps, an 8GB streaming device may be enough. But if your household likes trying lots of services - Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video, YouTube, ESPN, league apps, free TV apps and more - choosing a device with 16GB, 32GB or more can help avoid storage warnings later.
Streaming device storage comparison
| Device | Published storage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick 4K / Fire TV Stick 4K Plus | 8GB | Fine for lighter app use, but easier to outgrow if you install many services. |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | 16GB | A better Fire TV stick choice for users who expect to install more apps. |
| Fire TV Cube | 16GB | Good for users who want a more capable Fire TV setup with more room than entry-level sticks. |
| Google TV Streamer | 32GB | Strong option for users who want more room for apps and future updates. |
| Apple TV 4K | 64GB or 128GB | Best storage headroom for users who want lots of apps or room to grow. |
| NVIDIA Shield TV Pro | 16GB | Enough for many users, but advanced users should consider app, game and media-storage needs. |
| Roku streaming devices | Check current model details | Roku storage is less of a front-and-center buying factor, but users should still verify current model specs if they install lots of channels. |
Published storage is not the same as free usable storage. Operating system files, updates and app cache can reduce available space.
Why 8GB devices can feel cramped
An 8GB streaming device can be perfectly fine for simple setups, but it leaves less headroom. After the operating system, updates and cached app data, the usable space can be much lower than the number on the spec sheet. Users who install a lot of streaming apps may eventually need to delete apps, clear cache or upgrade to a device with more storage.
Recommended streaming devices
There is no single best streaming device for every household. Your best fit depends on budget, preferred platform, remote features, wired-network needs, picture and audio formats, smart-home integration and app compatibility.
Prices and specifications change. Confirm current product details before buying.
Streaming device
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Best for: A simple upgrade for most TV setups
Advantage: Easy setup and a familiar streaming-device experience for common cord-cutting apps.
Limitation: Users invested in another device ecosystem may prefer that platform.
Streaming device
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Best for: Fire TV households
Advantage: May fit households already comfortable with the Fire TV interface and ecosystem.
Limitation: The home-screen experience may feel more Amazon-centered than some users prefer.
Streaming device
Google TV Streamer 4K
Best for: Google TV households
Advantage: May suit viewers who prefer the Google TV interface and Google ecosystem.
Limitation: Users seeking the simplest app-first experience may prefer another platform.
Higher-end and advanced options
Streaming device
Apple TV 4K
Best for: Apple households
Advantage: Apple TV 4K is a strong fit for Apple households and may appeal to viewers who want more local storage space for apps and downloads.
Limitation: Typically a higher-cost option than basic streaming sticks.
Streaming device
Roku Ultra
Best for: A higher-end Roku setup
Advantage: A fuller Roku hardware setup for viewers who prefer the Roku ecosystem.
Limitation: May be more hardware than a secondary TV needs.
Streaming device
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Best for: A higher-end Fire TV setup
Advantage: A higher-end Fire TV option for households that prefer that interface.
Limitation: May be unnecessary for households that only need basic app streaming.
Streaming device
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
Best for: Advanced streaming-device users
Advantage: Worth comparing for viewers specifically looking at a more advanced Android TV-style setup.
Limitation: May be unnecessarily specialized for ordinary streaming-app use.
Which streaming-device category fits you?
| User type | Device family to compare first |
|---|---|
| Lowest-cost upgrade for an older television | Roku or Fire TV streaming stick |
| Premium simple living-room setup | Roku Ultra or Apple TV 4K |
| Apple household | Apple TV 4K |
| Google-oriented household | Google TV Streamer or verified Google TV device |
| Alexa-oriented household | Fire TV device |
| Advanced home-media user | NVIDIA Shield TV Pro |
Before you buy a streaming device
- Confirm your television has an available HDMI port.
- Check whether your television supports picture formats you care about, such as 4K or HDR.
- Decide whether you need wired Ethernet.
- Choose the interface ecosystem you prefer: Roku, Apple, Google or Amazon.
- Confirm support for your must-have streaming apps.
- Confirm support for any specialty app or accessory you plan to use.
- Verify that the product is a currently supported model.