Best streaming device for your TV 2021: which should you buy?

However, prices can vary quite significantly, from the inexpensive Roku Express at £23.99 to the more premium Amazon Fire TV Cube costing over £100. So how much should you be spending? That answer really depends on the streaming quality you're after, what design you prefer, and the apps and channels you use most often.

In this guide, you'll find our pick of the best streaming devices that we've tried, tested and reviewed. Each device has also been given an award from the best budget option to the best voice control.

The list is filled with options from all the major brands, including Amazon, Roku and NOW TV, and we've hand-picked the cream of the crop from each extensive range. These are our best streaming devices, reviewed. Don't forget either that Amazon Prime Day 2021 is coming soon, and there'll almost definitely be some of Amazon's streaming sticks on sale... for Prime members, at least.

For more smart home suggestions, read our guide to the best Alexa speakers or Alexa-compatible devices. Looking to upgrade your TV? Our guide on which TV to buy is a good place to start.

Best streaming devices at a glance

With the popularity of smart home technology only growing, more and more TV streaming devices are becoming available. Nearly every major technology and entertainment brand, including Amazon, Google and NOW TV, have their own TV devices, and the ranges continue to expand. These include:

• Best for voice control: Amazon Fire TV Cube
• Best for design: Chromecast with Google TV
• Best for sound quality: Roku Streambar
• Best for HD streaming: Amazon Fire TV Stick
• Best for new film releases: NOW TV Smart Stick
• Best budget 4K option: Roku Premiere
• Best budget option: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

Best streaming devices to buy in 2021

From Amazon to Roku, here is our pick of the best streaming devices for your TV.

Amazon Fire TV Cube

Best for voice control

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is Amazon's most sophisticated streaming device. An amalgamation of an Amazon Echo smart speaker and Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Cube has the most comprehensive voice control via Alexa. The box is smart and sleek and offers buffer-free 4K streaming.

Read the full Amazon Fire TV Cube review.

• Buy the Amazon Fire TV Cube for £109.99 at Amazon

Chromecast with Google TV

Best for design

As the newest Google TV device, the Chromecast with Google TV provides a bright and crisp 4K HDR picture quality. The streaming device is available in three colours, has an attractive design and simple remote and is hidden from view when in use. To see how it compares to its older counterparts, read our Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra guide.

Read the full Chromecast with Google TV review.

• Buy Chromecast with Google TV for £59.99 at John Lewis

Roku Streambar

Best for sound quality

A soundbar and streaming device in one, the Roku Streambar offers a bigger sound than most streaming sticks. Fitted with four internal speakers, the device fills a room with Dolby Audio sound and adjusts the volume as needed so loud adverts are automatically quietened. An affordable soundbar and a great option if you're looking for more than your basic streaming device.

Read the full Roku Streambar review.

• Buy Roku Streambar for £129.99 at Very

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Best for HD streaming

Released last year, this generation of the Amazon Fire TV Stick is 50% more powerful than its 2019 predecessor. The new streaming stick comes with a remote fitted with TV controls, so you don't have to switch remotes to change the volume and pretty accurate voice control, thanks to Alexa.

For further details on how the Amazon Fire TV Stick compares to other device, read the full Amazon Fire TV Stick review or our Chromecast vs Fire TV Stick guide. And for the best prices on Amazon Fire devices, check out the best Amazon Fire TV Stick deals page.

• Buy Amazon Fire TV Stick for £39.99 at Amazon

NOW TV Smart Stick

Best for new film releases

The £29.99 price tag of the NOW TV Smart Stick includes one month's free access to the likes of Sky Cinema, Sky Atlantic and Sky Sports. New releases such as Joker, Little Women and Jojo Rabbit are available, along with apps such as BT Sport, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. Its default resolution is only 720p but can be improved to HD streaming with the NOW TV Boost.

Read the full NOW TV Smart Stick review.

• Buy NOW TV Smart Stick for £29.99 at Currys

Roku Premiere

Best budget 4K option

Roku's range of streaming sticks is affordable, with no frills. The Roku Premiere is a mid-range option for under £40 and delivers 4K streaming and access to apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Spotify and Disney+. Designed to be portable, the device is sturdy and well-made enough to survive some drops and bumps along the way.

Read the full Roku Premiere review. Want a cheaper Roku streaming player? Try the Roku Express.

• Buy Roku Premiere for £32.99 at Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

Best budget option

The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is one of the cheapest streaming sticks around. Just like its more expensive counterpart, the Fire TV Stick Lite offers HD streaming, voice control via Alexa and easy access to all your various Amazon subscriptions. The only downside? The remote is a little simpler than that of the original Fire TV Stick, so it does not have any volume or power buttons.

Read the full Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite review.

• Buy Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for £29.99 at Amazon

If you like the look of the USB-style Fire TV Stick, head over to our best streaming stick round-up next. Or, take a look at our technology section for more of the latest news, deals and reviews.