The Streaming Boxes You Need After Cutting the Cord

There’s a lot of great TV 显示 and movies out there (Golden Age, y’all). But when you switch to a simpler internet package without cable *ahem, 像星空*, you need a way to watch them all on your big screen. One popular way to access apps like 网飞公司 and Hulu (and 更)是通过一个流媒体盒. Streaming boxes are very similar to streaming sticks in function, but do have additional visual features that could improve your watching experience. 如果你喜欢看4K的话.

流棒 (想想亚马逊的Fire stick和Chromecast), 当然, much lighter and more portable and cheaper than their console counterparts - just in case you’re concerned about taking your streaming to-go. 然而, streaming boxes tend to have more processing power (translation: load content faster) and can have features like Ethernet ports, which allow you to connect your console directly into your internet router. 甚至更好的, many streaming boxes on the market have the option of letting you plug in external storage, 最大化你的刷剧选择.

Each of these options feature all the most popular streaming services (Amazon, Hulu, 网飞公司, HBO, YouTube). 但哪个是最适合你的流媒体机顶盒? We broke down five of the most popular options on the market.

Roku Ultra(99美元).99)

最好的: If you want a fancy streaming experience at a mid-range price point

你 不能 流: There has been some whining about Roku not supporting Kodi (the old Xbox Media Center), 这是免费的, open-source software to manage a local collection of movies, 显示, 音乐, 和照片.

远程? 是的, plus the Roku mobile app lets you operate your phone as a remote.

以太网端口? 是的

存储扩展? Micro SD和USB

福利: “丢失的远程查找器”功能, which cuts back on the ever-present search for the clicker, plus JBL headphones that plug into the remote for private listening. Additionally, the night mode automatically adjusts sound for more peaceful night binge-watches.

Bonus: Roku Ultra is compatible with voice-enabled devices that feature Alexa and Google Assistant.

亚马逊Fire TV Cube(119美元).99)

最好的: If you really like bossing Alexa around (or if you have an Amazon digital catalog)

你 不能 流: 因为这是亚马逊的产品, you’re limited to apps that you can get through the Amazon Appstore. This means that you won’t be able to get services from other companies like Walmart-owned Vudu - but if you have Amazon Prime, 你可能根本不需要它.

远程? 是的

以太网端口? 没有，不过是附送的 以太网适配器

存储扩展? Fire TV Cube offers free cloud storage for digital content purchased from Amazon

福利: Jokes aside, Fire TV Cube is the peak Alexa experience. The product description boasts eight microphones that promise “Fire TV Cube hears you from any direction.” You can do the usual pause/play/fast-forward vocal commands, as well as adjust the TV volume and change channels with just your voice.

Apple TV 4K(179- 199美元)

最好的: 视觉效果最大化. 它兼容4K, HDR和杜比视界电视, and is generally regarded as a very polished streaming experience.

你 不能 流: Similar to Amazon, you are confined to services that are available in the Apple TV app store. But that means you can play anything in your iTunes library or on Spotify. And like Roku, you’re not going to be able to get Kodi on your Apple TV.

远程? 是的，Siri遥控器

以太网端口? 是的

存储扩展?  不，但它是 迫切要求的功能. The two price points reflect the different amounts of internal storage available on the devices; you can get 32GB for $179, 而64GB的售价为199美元.

福利: This fall’s software update to the tvOS 13, will make Apple TV 4K compatible with Xbox One S and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers. 当然，还有即将推出的 苹果商场, the gaming subscription service that will be available across the brand’s devices, 包括Apple TV 4K.

Added bonus: A lot of apps in the mobile app store are available on Apple TV. You can actually order food straight from your TV - what better way to get everyone’s order right?

谷歌Chromecast Ultra(69美元))

最好的: 一个负担得起的，简单的流媒体体验

你 不能 流: 这个流媒体盒具有Google Play功能, which is especially nice if you have a Google Home (you can cast your Google Nest cameras to your TV!). 比如Roku和Apple TV, you can’t get Kodi on Chromecast unless you jailbreak it - we don’t recommend that.

远程? Nope, but you can use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote

以太网端口? Sort of — there’s an Ethernet port on the power adapter

存储扩展? 微型usb

福利: You can stream in 4K Ultra HD and HDR for a (relatively) affordable price, as long as you’re okay with using one of your devices as a remote - but yes, 这可能导致加载时间变慢. Also, it’s the most portable of all the streaming boxes. Which means you can just unplug it and take it to your friend’s house to stream...如果你是那种极速赛车正规官网开奖网址.

Nvidia Shield电视(179美元).99-$299.99)

最好的: You want a little bit of everything — and are willing to pay for it

你 不能 流: 你不能从GeForce Now免费播放游戏. But other than having to pay to stream your game, Nvidia Shield has pretty much everything.

远程? 是的, and a controller, and it is microphone-equipped for voice search

以太网端口? 是的

存储扩展? USB

福利: This is the most expensive option, so will you get your money’s worth? It has a little something for everyone - and it’s basically Chromecast but on steroids. The Shield includes built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast functionality and offers tons of video games via GeForce NOW - even games you can normally only play on a PC. Nvidia Shield conveniently offers different bundles, 用遥控器从你的基本电视套餐中解脱出来, to gaming and smart home editions that include a Shield controller and a SmartThings link.