There are two types of steaming gadgets: set-top boxes and HDMI sticks. HDMI sticks are the size of USB drives and plug right into your TV’s HDMI port. That means less clutter in your entertainment center and they’re also cheaper.
(Bonus: Need more help choosing the best video streaming option? We have other helpful charts that will help you make an informed decision. Click here to see the chart comparing streaming media player boxes, and here for a comparison of streaming service channel lineups.)
Here’s a chart comparing popular streaming sticks:
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) | Amazon Fire TV Stick | Google Chromecast Ultra | |
| Price | $48 | $30 | $40 | $69 |
| Resolution (max) | 1080p, 4K, HDR | 1080p | 1080p | HR |
| Video connections | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI |
| Audio connections | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI |
| Other connections | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | No | Micro-USB |
| Wired networking | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wireless Networking | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Remote Control | Remote + Roku app with voice search | Smartphone, tablet or computer | Remote + app; Alexa voice activated remote | Smartphone, tablet or computer |
| Local storage | None | None | 8GB | None |
| Paid movies & TV | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Sling TV and more | Netflix, Google Play, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling TV, Showtime Anytime, other Android and Web apps | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Sling TV and more | Netflix, Google Play, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling TV, Showtime Anytime, other Android and Web apps |
| Free movies & TV | The Roku Channel, YouTube, Sony Crackle, Fox News, CBS News, more | TubiTV, YouTube, other Android and Web apps | YouTube, TubiTV, Fox News, more | TubiTV, YouTube, other Android and Web apps |
| Music | Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, more | Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, other Android and web apps | Amazon Music, Vevo, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn | Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, other Android and web apps |
| Other services | 1000+ channels including games | Google Home, Stream online video from smartphones, tablets and Chrome browser on Mac or PC | 500,000+ movies and TV episodes; IMDB integration; FreeTime parental controls | Google Home, Stream online video from smartphones, tablets and Chrome browser on Mac or PC |
| Purchase | Stream, Rent, Own | Stream, Rent, Own | Stream, Rent, Own | Stream, Rent, Own |
| Roku Streaming Stick | Google Chromecast | Amazon FireTV Stick | Google Chromecast Ultra |