Do I need a Smart TV to be able to stream?
That is a question we get asked almost
daily here at One Source and we are here to tell you that you DO NOT need a Smart TV to be able to
stream. Smart TVs are a nice way to get
into streaming as they usually come with some pre-installed apps like Netflix
and Hulu. Some Smart TVs are not as user
friendly and may not have the ability to add different streaming options. So, for those who don’t have a Smart TV or
even those that do and want a device dedicated to streaming here are some of
our favorite devices that will make your dumb tv a Smart TV and turn your Smart
TV into Albert Einstein.
Best Budget Streamer
| Roku Premiere Plus | Price $49.99
Pros The
Premiere Plus delivers 4K and HDR video in a small package for an affordable
price. It Video quality, quick
response time in menus, voice capability, and the remote can control your TV
volume and power
is user friendly, has more 4K HDR apps, and a better search option
than others.
Cons No
support for 5GHz Wi-Fi, the voice capabilities are not quite as good as the
Amazon Fire Stick 4K at the same price point.
Conclusion For $50 you’ll have a hard time finding a better device that
offers as many features plus delivers 4K HDR streaming.
Best Voice Controls |
Amazon Fire Stick 4K | Price $49.99
Pros Amazon
Fire Stick 4K comes with best-in-class Voice features and you can use your existing
Echo or Dot products to control it with Alexa.
Good selection of apps, with quick menus and good video quality. The remote
controls volume and power on your TV and soundbars.
Cons Pushes
Amazon content too aggressively. No Google Play apps or ethernet adapter for
hardwiring your device if needed, is not included.
Conclusion Great for Alexa fans and those of you who have 4K TVs and
want Dolby Vision. Promotes their own
content on the home page too much for us to like more than the Roku at the same
price point.
Best for Apple Fans |
Apple TV | Price $179
Pros Apple
TV 4K has some of the best streaming video available. Offers 4K, HDR, and Dolby
Vision to compatible TVs. Has a very good remote and Siri voice controls. Very premium feel.
Cons Expensive!
Won’t stream YouTube in 4K or HDR. Devices from Roku and Amazon offer a lot of
the same features and video quality for a lesser price.
Conclusion Although it is the most expensive, if you are an iOS user it
is one of the best streamers on the market today.
One Source’s Best
Overall Device | Roku Streaming Stick Plus | Price $59.99
Pro The
Roku Streaming Stick Plus comes with Roku’s easy to use interface. It offers more
apps and a better search than others. The
remote allows you to control the power and the volume of your TV. It has lightning fast menus and good quality
video.
Cons The
voice search isn’t as good as some of the other streamers and there is no
ethernet port for hardwiring your device if you have issues with WIFI.
Conclusion The Roku Streaming Stick Plus delivers 4K and HDR video in a
compact package for an affordable price.
With its super simple and easy to use interface, more apps than its
competitors, and more features that you will actually use makes the Roku
Streaming Stick Plus our favorite device in early 2019.
As always feel free to call us with any questions @778-8611
or follow us on Facebook @One Source as we post daily streaming news.