Best Streaming Devices 2025
- Hueglist
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
I decided this year I was going full stop on cable. I was paying over $100 per month for basic cable and it just isn't worth it anymore with all the streaming that is available. The last couple months I've gone deep down the rabbit hole to find the best streaming devices. Below is my picks for the best available now for any budget.
TLDR editors pick: High end choice - Nvidia Shield Pro
Mid tier choice- Google 4k
Entry level choice - Onn 4k Pro
High End Boxes
For the higher end boxes, I'd honestly pick whichever is on sale or you feel is the best choice for your needs. These 3 all have pros/cons. I wanted one with newer hardware so I bought the Powerstation 6 when it was on sale over the Formuler. But I've had problems with it, remote issues and it sometimes just shuts down. The Nvidia is a legend and should never be over looked, if stability is key go with the Shield. My problem with the Nvidia is it is 6 year old hardware, but it is still the most solid in terms of reliability. The Nvidia also has ai upscaling which Formuler and BuzzTv do not have.
TLDR: BuzzTV has too many issues in my experience. I'd avoid the Formuler z12 unless you find it on a significant sale. Despite its age the Nvidia Shield Pro is still the best in this price range (currently what I am using on my main tv).
Processor: Realtek RTD1319C quad-core, Mali-G57 GPU (~1,200 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 4GB DDR4, 128GB eMMC (microSD expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 (included backlit remote).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10+, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Android 12 with MyTVOnline 3 (optimized for TiviMate EPG, recording, multi-portal switching).
Noise/Power: ~12dB, ~12W max—ultra-quiet.
Pros: Plug-and-play IPTV focus, built-in OTA tuner option, seamless TiviMate integration.
Cons: Limited RAM/storage for heavy Kodi add-ons, no AV1 hardware decoding.
Best For: Dedicated IPTV users wanting simplicity and low noise.
Processor: Rockchip RK3588 dual quad-core (A76/A55), Mali-G610 GPU (~5,000-6,000 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 8GB DDR4, 128GB eMMC (NVMe expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 (included remote).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz (8K capable), Dolby Vision/HDR10+, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Android 13 with BuzzTV OS (optimized for TiviMate PVR/EPG, catch-up TV).
Noise/Power: ~15-20dB, ~15-20W—quiet for 24/7 use.
Pros: Superior multitasking (8GB RAM for large playlists), hardware AV1 decoding for future-proof 4K, fast EPG/recording.
Cons: No upscaling, slightly louder than Z12 Ultra.
Best For: Power users needing smooth 4K/HD streaming and recordings.
Processor: Tegra X1+ quad-core, 256-core Maxwell GPU (~1,500-2,000 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 3GB, 16GB flash (USB expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0 (included voice remote).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.0, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Android TV (upgradable), excellent for TiviMate/Kodi, Plex, GeForce Now.
Noise/Power: ~15dB, ~15W—very quiet.
Pros: AI upscaling for non-4K content, versatile for gaming/Plex, regular updates.
Cons: Limited RAM/storage, older Wi-Fi, no AV1 support.
Best For: Versatile media centers with upscaling needs.
Mid Tier Boxes $100 -$150
Any of these boxes are solid options for the price and most people would never know the difference between these and the higher end devices. I'd buy them in the order listed. But if hate the Amazon ecosystem or you want slightly better hardware for a little more money you could skip the Cube. The Mecool beats out the Cube in some areas, especially with double the RAM. I have the Google box and it was good, I just didn't think it was "better" than the Cube or Mecool at that price point. The BuzzTV classic I'd probably only buy on sale, as I don't feel like full price gets you much other than own built in iptv app, which is a plus if you are a cord cutter.
TLDR: Mecool or Google tv in my opinion is the sweet spot here. If you like Alexa then Fire cube is solid, if you want slightly better hardware Mecool or Google. Keep in mind Amazon is pushing back on 3rd party apps so avoid if you use sideloading.
Processor: Amlogic S905X4 quad-core, Mali-G31 GPU (~1,000 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 2GB, 16GB (USB expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 (included voice remote).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Fire OS, supports TiviMate/Kodi.
Noise/Power: ~15-20dB, ~15W.
Pros: Ethernet built-in, Super Resolution upscaling for non-4K.
Cons: Limited storage, Fire OS ads.
Best For: Hands-free Alexa control with upscaling.
Processor: Amlogic S905X4 quad-core, Mali-G31 GPU (~1,000 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 4GB, 32GB eMMC (microSD expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 (no included remote).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough, AV1 decoding.
OS/Software: Android TV 11 (upgradable to 14), certified for Netflix 4K, good for TiviMate/Kodi.
Noise/Power: Fanless, silent, ~10W.
Pros: Cheap, AV1 support for future 4K, Netflix certified.
Cons: Slow WiFi (capped 27MB/s), poor storage performance, bugs (no true HDR).
Best For: Budget 4K streaming with AV1.
Processor: MediaTek MT8696 quad-core, ~1,500 Antutu.
RAM/Storage: 4GB, 32GB (USB expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (voice remote).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10+, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Google TV (Android-based), Matter/Thread hub, Gemini AI summaries.
Noise/Power: Fanless, silent, ~10W.
Pros: Clean interface, smart home integration, fast processor.
Cons: No hands-free voice, limited storage, no AV1.
Best For: Google ecosystem users wanting Ethernet.
Best Budget Devices $50 and under
I have both of these and honestly I prefer the Firestick 4k Max but people will fight you over how good the Onn is. The Onn's ethernet port is 100mbs vs gigabyte on the higher end boxes. I run the Fire Stick with the ethernet adapter that is good up to 400mbs and its worked flawlessly. (see link below Fire Stick description) Obviously that adds some to the price which would make the Onn more attractive if you prefer ethernet over wifi. At this price point I'd be happy with either.
TLDR: take Onn if you don't care about 100mbs ethernet port or you plan to only use Wifi and you like the options for additional storage. Pick the Fire Stick if you don't mind the Amazon ecosystem, need portability, have space issues, have no interest in ethernet or don't mind spending another $20 to get the adapter. Again avoid Amazon Firestick if you use 3rd party or side load. Onn is the best choice here imo.
Processor: Amlogic S905X4 quad-core, Mali-G31 GPU (~1,000 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 3GB, 32GB eMMC (USB expandable).
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (backlit remote with jog wheel).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10+, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Google TV (Android-based), hands-free Assistant, certified for Netflix 4K.
Noise/Power: Fanless, silent, ~5W.
Pros: Budget king, Ethernet built-in, Google ecosystem integration.
Cons: Limited storage, basic upscaling, occasional app glitches.
Best For: Affordable Google TV entry with Ethernet.
Processor: MediaTek MT8696 quad-core, Mali-G52 GPU (~1,500 Antutu).
RAM/Storage: 2GB, 16GB (no expandable).
Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 (included voice remote); no Ethernet (adapter ~$15).
Video/Audio: HDMI 2.1, 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Atmos/5.1 passthrough.
OS/Software: Fire OS (Android-based), good for TiviMate/Kodi sideloading.
Noise/Power: Fanless, silent, ~5W.
Pros: Cheap, portable, Wi-Fi 6E for wireless streaming.
Cons: Low RAM/storage, no native Ethernet, basic upscaling.
Best For: Budget portable streaming.
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