Which streaming devices are actually worth buying?

[Amelia.T]

I'm trying to cut cable and go full streaming, but there are so many streaming devices out there. Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, and now smart TVs have everything built in. Are streaming devices worth buying separately, or should I just get a smart TV? What streaming devices have you found to be the most reliable and worth the money?

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I've tried them all and here's my take: streaming devices are worth buying if you want a consistent experience across multiple TVs. Smart TV interfaces get slow and outdated quickly, while dedicated streaming devices get regular updates. Roku is the most reliable for simplicity, Apple TV has the best performance, and Fire Stick is good if you're in the Amazon ecosystem. Chromecast is great for casting from phones.

[KennethXP]

I have Roku devices on all my TVs and they're definitely worth buying. The interface is simple, they're fast, and they just work. Smart TV apps can be buggy and stop getting updates after a year or two. For $30-50, streaming devices are a small price to pay for a better experience.

[Nathan.A]

The Onn streaming box from Walmart is like $20 and works just as well as more expensive options. Streaming devices are worth buying, but you don't need to spend a lot. The main advantage over smart TV apps is that you can take the streaming device with you when you travel or move.

[NatalieXD]

Apple TV is expensive but if you're in the Apple ecosystem it's worth it. The integration with iPhone, iPad, and HomePod is seamless. For everyone else, Roku or Fire Stick are perfectly fine. Streaming devices are definitely worth buying over relying on smart TV apps - the performance difference is noticeable.