In this guide
Almost every screen in your home can stream legal live TV and on-demand content. The best choice depends on the apps you use, how often your TV gets software updates and whether you want one remote for everything.
Smart TVs
Modern TVs run their own operating systems — such as Google TV, Roku TV, Fire TV, Samsung Tizen or LG webOS — with built-in app stores.
Why people choose it
- No extra box or remote
- Picture settings tuned for the panel
- Voice search on many models
Check before you buy
- Which apps are available on that platform
- How many years of software updates the brand offers
- HDMI ports for adding a stick later
Streaming sticks and boxes
Plug-in devices from Roku, Amazon (Fire TV), Google (Chromecast with Google TV / Google TV Streamer) and Apple (Apple TV 4K) add a fast, up-to-date interface to any TV with an HDMI port.
Why people choose it
- Affordable way to upgrade an older TV
- Frequent software updates
- Easy to move between rooms
Check before you buy
- 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision support if your TV has it
- Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6 helps in busy homes)
- Ethernet option for the most stable connection
New to Fire TV? Follow our Fire TV Stick setup guide.
Game consoles
PlayStation and Xbox consoles offer many major streaming apps, which makes sense if the console is already connected to your main TV.
Why people choose it
- One device for games and streaming
- Strong Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- 4K output on current models
Check before you buy
- Higher power use than a streaming stick
- App selection can lag behind streaming devices
- Controller-based navigation
Phones and tablets
Official apps on iPhone, iPad and Android let you watch anywhere and often download shows for offline viewing where the service allows it.
Why people choose it
- Watch on the go
- Downloads on supported plans
- Cast or AirPlay to a TV
Check before you buy
- Mobile data usage — HD video can use several GB per hour
- Whether your plan allows streaming outside your home area
- Screen limits on your subscription
Computers
Most services work in a modern web browser on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux, and some offer desktop apps.
Why people choose it
- Big screen with no extra hardware
- Easy sign-in with password managers
- HDMI output to a TV
Check before you buy
- Some browsers limit maximum resolution
- Keep the browser updated for DRM support
- Close heavy apps if playback stutters
Quick setup checklist
- Connect to power and HDMI, then update the device software before anything else.
- Use the official app store to install apps — never sideload unknown APKs.
- Sign in with your own accounts and turn on two-factor authentication where offered.
- Set resolution and frame rate to match your TV, and enable HDR only if your TV supports it.
- Run a speed test and compare it with our speed recommendations.