The best 4K streaming sticks compared

Anyone who buys a new television these days usually also uses it to watch films and series via streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Co. A useful little helper for this is a so-called streaming stick, a small piece of hardware that simply plugged into an HDMI port on the TV and then plays the desired content directly on the screen via a WLAN connection.

but Why do you even need a streaming stick?, if you own a smart TV that can use various streaming apps? And how do the individual streaming sticks on the market actually differ from each other? We clarify these questions in our purchase advice, in which we present different sticks to you in more detail and explain why the purchase is worthwhile.

Why is a streaming stick worth it?

Almost every TV manufacturer now equips their televisions with their own operating system. The devices connect to the Internet via WLAN and can thus download various apps, such as Netflix or Disney+, as well as the media libraries of major television stations.

However, the operating systems of smart TVs have several snags: the manufacturers neglect older TV models after a while and no longer publish updates. As a result, certain apps that receive updates no longer work. Some cheap TVs also have a rather underpowered processor, which can make menu navigation a stuttering mess.

This is where the streaming sticks come into play, because they have one compared to the pure smart TV some tangible benefits:

From Google to Amazon to Apple: The most popular streaming sticks at a glance

So you see: The purchase of a streaming stick can be worthwhile. But which streaming stick is best suited for which purpose? In order to make your purchase decision easier, we present you the currently most popular models closer to the market.

Amazon Fire TV – Wide range of streaming sticks

With the Fire TV Stick, Amazon offers a wide range of streaming sticks in different versions, from the entry-level model to the high-end version with 4K support and generous memory. We explain which variant is most worthwhile for whom in a separate purchase guide:

Generally However, we recommend the Fire TV Stick 4K for just under 60 euros. This model combines all the advantages of the Fire TV Stick, offers a fast processor and supports 4K resolution. However, a (free) Amazon account is required for use.

If you already have an Amazon Prime account, the Fire TV Stick is the best choice. Incidentally, Amazon offers the streaming stick as part of discount campaigns during Cyber ​​Week or Prime Day from time to time at a significantly lower price (most recently for 26.99 euros). So it’s worth the wait.

Apple TV – streaming box with plus points for Apple fans

With Apple TV, Apple also offers a streaming box that is directly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Apple TV supports all major streaming apps plus more Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade. You can also stream training sessions to your TV via Apple TV or use Apple’s gaming offer.

Just like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Apple TV also supports 4K content. However, what distinguishes Apple TV from other streaming sticks and boxes is the price: At around 200 euros, it is well above the level of the competition.

Google Chromecast – Mirrors screen content to TV

With the Chromecast, Google wants to compete directly with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. Accordingly, the two devices hardly differ from each other in terms of their features. The remote control is a little different on the Chromecast, while the processor is a bit weaker than the Amazon version.

You can use the Chromecast to do this Android device screen content such as mirroring your smartphone directly onto your television – a push of a button on the remote control is sufficient, provided that both devices are registered in the same WLAN.

Chromecast and Fire TV are not very similar in price, the Chromecast with 4K resolution costs around 70 euros. If you are already in the Android cosmos and for whom screen mirroring is an important feature, you can definitely access it here.

Nvidia Shield TV – Worthwhile for PC gamers and software hobbyists

With the in-house Shield TV, Nvidia offers its own streaming stick that works with Android TV and Chromecast 4K. Shield TV has a powerful processor and – unlike most streaming sticks – can be connected to the Internet not only via WLAN, but also via Ethernet cable.

Because Shield TV is based on an open system, PC gamers and software hobbyists in particular will get their money’s worth. You can practically all apps available in the Google Play Store install and also connect keyboards, gamepads and headsets to the stick.

A another plus is the ability to use Geforce Now and Nvidia GameStream. With Geforce Now you can stream games from your own Steam or Epic Games account as well as from the Shield TV portfolio. With the help of GameStream, you can transfer games directly from your own PC to your TV (requires an RTX or GTX GPU).

However, Nvidia’s Shield TV also has a catch and, similar to the case of the Apple TV, it is the price. Shield TV costs 140 euros, which is twice as expensive as Chromecast and Fire TV.

We hope that we were able to give you a helpful overview of the world of streaming sticks with this buying guide. If you are looking for a new television to go with it, just take a look at our buying guide for cheap 4K televisions. We have put together five models for you from 500 euros.

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