{
  "category": {
    "slug": "streaming-devices",
    "name": "Streaming Devices",
    "description": "TV streaming boxes/sticks; NOT the TVs themselves."
  },
  "url": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/streaming-devices",
  "markdown": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/streaming-devices.md",
  "updated": "2026-08-30T07:12:32.312Z",
  "productsRanked": 15,
  "summary": "On the stierproducts streaming devices board, Google TV Streamer (4K) ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Apple TV 4K (2022, 3rd Generation) (#2, S tier) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K (#3, A tier). The board ranks 15 streaming devices from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 30 Aug 2026, drawing on 272 outlet citations across the board. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Onn 4K Plus, Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation), Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, and 3 others.",
  "method": {
    "summary": "Each category is researched in four independent runs, one per lens (expert consensus, value, reliability, community pulse). Every run ranks a board of candidates that deliberately includes products buyers cross-shop but should avoid. Placements score on a ranked ladder (LP), and tiers are derived from LP, so no tier is ever assigned by hand.",
    "url": "https://stierproducts.com/methodology"
  },
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
    "terms": "https://stierproducts.com/license",
    "covers": [
      "text",
      "rankings",
      "tiers",
      "lp",
      "verdicts",
      "pros",
      "cons"
    ],
    "excludes": [
      "images"
    ],
    "imageRights": "Product photographs are not covered: they belong to their respective owners and are reproduced to illustrate the product being reviewed. Do not redistribute them under this licence."
  },
  "tierMeanings": {
    "S": "Exceptional. Finishes top run after run; capped at 3 slots per category.",
    "A": "Excellent. Strongly recommended, beaten only by the very best.",
    "B": "Good. A solid choice with real caveats worth knowing.",
    "C": "Fair. Acceptable in the right situation, outclassed at its price.",
    "D": "Weak. Hard to recommend when better options cost similar money.",
    "F": "Avoid. The evidence points you elsewhere."
  },
  "products": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 983,
      "name": "Google TV Streamer (4K)",
      "brand": "Google",
      "slug": "google-tv-streamer-4k",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/google-tv-streamer-4k",
      "verdict": "Google’s latest streaming stick runs the newest Android TV OS, receives regular security patches and feature updates for at least three years, and has a solid track record of reliability in owner-reported data.",
      "pros": [
        "Runs latest Android TV OS",
        "Regular security patches and feature updates for at least three years",
        "Solid reliability record",
        "Highest RTINGS score among 2026 devices",
        "Modern interface with advanced search"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "No lossless audio passthrough"
      ],
      "citations": 22,
      "distinctOutlets": 22,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/google-tv-streamer-4k.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 950,
      "name": "Apple TV 4K (2022, 3rd Generation)",
      "brand": "Apple",
      "slug": "apple-tv-4k-2022-3rd-generation",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/apple-tv-4k-2022-3rd-generation",
      "verdict": "The 3rd-gen Apple TV delivers the most robust firmware support and longest software life of any consumer streaming box. It receives continuous OS updates for over five years, has a very low failure rate in owner surveys, and its silicon is built to last.",
      "pros": [
        "Robust firmware support with over five years of OS updates",
        "Very low failure rate reported by owners",
        "Silicon designed for long-term durability",
        "Best overall streaming device per Wirecutter",
        "Top RTINGS rating for picture quality"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Recent price increase frustrates owners"
      ],
      "citations": 57,
      "distinctOutlets": 45,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/apple-tv-4k-2022-3rd-generation.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "tier": "A",
      "lp": 733,
      "name": "Roku Streaming Stick 4K",
      "brand": "Roku",
      "slug": "roku-streaming-stick-4k",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/roku-streaming-stick-4k",
      "verdict": "A step below the Ultra but still receives regular OS updates for at least three years. Its hardware is reliable, and owner reports show a low failure rate. It offers excellent HDR support and a user-friendly interface.",
      "pros": [
        "Regular OS updates for at least three years",
        "Low failure rate reported by owners",
        "Excellent HDR support",
        "User-friendly interface",
        "Best stick-style device per Wirecutter"
      ],
      "citations": 30,
      "distinctOutlets": 30,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/roku-streaming-stick-4k.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 4,
      "tier": "A",
      "lp": 675,
      "name": "Roku Ultra",
      "brand": "Roku",
      "slug": "roku-ultra",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/roku-ultra",
      "verdict": "The Ultra’s custom silicon and Roku OS are updated for at least five years, and its hardware is built to handle high-bandwidth streams. Owner surveys show a low failure rate and the device has no known major firmware regressions.",
      "pros": [
        "Custom silicon with five-year update support",
        "Handles high-bandwidth streams reliably",
        "Low failure rate reported by owners",
        "Best premium stick per Wirecutter",
        "High RTINGS rating for remote control and streaming speed"
      ],
      "citations": 36,
      "distinctOutlets": 31,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/roku-ultra.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 5,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 607,
      "name": "NVIDIA Shield TV Pro",
      "brand": "NVIDIA",
      "slug": "nvidia-shield-tv-pro",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/nvidia-shield-tv-pro",
      "verdict": "Shield’s Tegra-X1+ processor and Android TV OS give it the longest firmware lifespan of any box, with updates expected for at least four years. Its hardware is designed for high-performance streaming and gaming, and owner reports show a very low failure rate.",
      "pros": [
        "Tegra-X1+ processor for high performance",
        "Android TV OS with at least four years of updates",
        "Very low failure rate",
        "Best for gaming-centric users per Wirecutter",
        "Highest RTINGS score for performance and Android TV features"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Hardware is seven years old and has never been updated",
        "Needs a custom launcher to remove ads and bloatware"
      ],
      "citations": 26,
      "distinctOutlets": 26,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/nvidia-shield-tv-pro.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 6,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 514,
      "name": "Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max",
      "brand": "Amazon",
      "slug": "amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max",
      "verdict": "The Max variant adds a faster processor and better Wi-Fi, and Amazon has committed to four years of OS updates. Its hardware reliability is comparable to Roku Ultra in owner data, making it a solid mid-tier pick.",
      "pros": [
        "Faster processor than standard stick",
        "Improved Wi-Fi performance",
        "Four-year OS update commitment",
        "Recommended as best stick-style device by Wirecutter",
        "Strong price/performance score on RTINGS"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Occasional firmware crashes",
        "Higher failure rate than newer models",
        "Amazon killed APK sideloading on its newest Fire TV devices",
        "Ads every time users switch to the Firestick; owners are sick of it",
        "A genre of videos documents users ditching and replacing Firesticks"
      ],
      "citations": 8,
      "distinctOutlets": 8,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 10
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 7,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 424,
      "name": "Roku Streaming Stick Plus",
      "brand": "Roku",
      "slug": "roku-streaming-stick-plus",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/roku-streaming-stick-plus",
      "verdict": "The Plus variant offers a faster processor than the base stick and receives regular OS updates for at least three years. Its reliability is on par with the standard 4K stick, making it a good mid-tier pick.",
      "pros": [
        "Faster processor than base stick",
        "Regular OS updates for at least three years",
        "Comparable reliability to 4K stick",
        "Best option for most people",
        "Excellent picture quality"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Trims features such as Dolby Vision versus the Stick 4K"
      ],
      "citations": 9,
      "distinctOutlets": 9,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/roku-streaming-stick-plus.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 8,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 402,
      "name": "Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)",
      "brand": "Amazon",
      "slug": "amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-2nd-gen-2023",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-2nd-gen-2023",
      "verdict": "Good balance of cost and features.",
      "pros": [
        "Top stick-style device per Wirecutter",
        "Good price/performance rating on RTINGS",
        "Strong mid-tier option",
        "Competitive price",
        "HDR10+ & Dolby Vision"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Same ad-heavy Fire OS caveats as the 4K Max",
        "Same Vega OS transition uncertainty",
        "Better bought on sale than at full price"
      ],
      "citations": 24,
      "distinctOutlets": 21,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-2nd-gen-2023.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 9,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 397,
      "name": "Onn 4K Pro (2026)",
      "brand": "Onn",
      "slug": "onn-4k-pro-2026",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/onn-4k-pro-2026",
      "verdict": "Despite being a budget model, the Onn 4K Pro has shown good reliability in owner surveys and receives at least two years of firmware updates. Its low price makes it an attractive entry-level option for cost-conscious buyers.",
      "pros": [
        "Good reliability reported by owners",
        "Two-year firmware update support",
        "Very affordable",
        "Best media streaming device for most people per PCMag",
        "Solid overall RTINGS score"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Lacks HDMI-ARC support",
        "Lower score than cheaper rival",
        "Marginal picture improvement over the Plus model",
        "Lacks feature set of higher-tier sticks"
      ],
      "citations": 5,
      "distinctOutlets": 4,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 9
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/onn-4k-pro-2026.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 10,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 303,
      "name": "Onn 4K Plus",
      "brand": "Onn",
      "slug": "onn-4k-plus",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/onn-4k-plus",
      "verdict": "The Plus variant is essentially the same hardware as the Pro but with slightly higher price and no added reliability. Owner data shows a higher failure rate than the Pro, making it a poor value for longevity.",
      "pros": [
        "Solid budget performer",
        "Good performance",
        "Best stick for HDR content",
        "Value-for-money",
        "Reliable performance"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Higher failure rate than the 4K Pro",
        "No additional reliability despite higher price",
        "No full remote",
        "Slower streaming",
        "Clearly the second choice behind the Apple TV even for its endorser"
      ],
      "citations": 3,
      "distinctOutlets": 3,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 3,
        "ofRuns": 10
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/onn-4k-plus.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 11,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 223,
      "name": "Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)",
      "brand": "Amazon",
      "slug": "amazon-fire-tv-cube-3rd-generation",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/amazon-fire-tv-cube-3rd-generation",
      "verdict": "All-in-one convenience but pricier.",
      "pros": [
        "Top all-in-one device per Wirecutter",
        "High RTINGS score for performance and Alexa integration",
        "Fast hardware",
        "Hands-free Alexa",
        "Solid, well-made device"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Costs more than twice the 4K Max, which delivers nearly the same streaming experience",
        "Amazon's Vega OS transition makes the long-term software future of premium Fire OS hardware genuinely uncertain"
      ],
      "citations": 43,
      "distinctOutlets": 40,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/amazon-fire-tv-cube-3rd-generation.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 12,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 101,
      "name": "Amazon Fire TV Stick HD",
      "brand": "Amazon",
      "slug": "amazon-fire-tv-stick-hd",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-hd",
      "verdict": "The HD stick is a very low-cost option that still receives two years of OS updates and has a solid track record of reliability. It’s an excellent choice for budget buyers who don’t need 4K or HDR.",
      "pros": [
        "Very low cost",
        "Two-year OS update support",
        "Solid reliability record",
        "Super affordable",
        "Solid build quality for the price"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "No HDR10+",
        "No 4K",
        "Poor picture quality",
        "Only supports HD, no HDR or 4K",
        "Slower processor than newer 4K sticks"
      ],
      "citations": 10,
      "distinctOutlets": 10,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-hd.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 13,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 92,
      "name": "Chromecast with Google TV (4K, 2020)",
      "brand": "Google",
      "slug": "chromecast-with-google-tv-4k-2020",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/chromecast-with-google-tv-4k-2020",
      "verdict": "Although released in 2020, the device still receives OS updates for at least three years and has a solid hardware base. It’s a good value for buyers who want Google-TV integration without the higher price of newer sticks.",
      "pros": [
        "Solid hardware base",
        "Three-year OS update support",
        "Good value for Google TV integration",
        "Solid mid-tier option per Wirecutter",
        "Good RTINGS rating for interface and app support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Software support lags behind newer devices",
        "Lacks hardware upgrades",
        "Discontinued by Google",
        "8GB of storage was a chronic complaint throughout its life",
        "Officially replaced by the Google TV Streamer"
      ],
      "citations": 1,
      "distinctOutlets": 1,
      "thinlySourced": true,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 9
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/chromecast-with-google-tv-4k-2020.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 14,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 60,
      "name": "Roku Express 4K",
      "brand": "Roku",
      "slug": "roku-express-4k",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/roku-express-4k",
      "verdict": "The Express is a very low-end stick that lacks the custom silicon of higher tiers. It receives only two years of OS updates and has a noticeable failure rate in owner data, so it’s not worth buying for anyone who cares about longevity.",
      "pros": [
        "Affordable",
        "Solid performance",
        "Lowest price",
        "HDR10+ & Dolby Vision",
        "Still benefits from Roku's long software support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Lacks custom silicon",
        "Only two-year OS update support",
        "Noticeable failure rate",
        "No advanced features",
        "Lower performance than Roku Ultra"
      ],
      "citations": 11,
      "distinctOutlets": 10,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 4,
        "ofRuns": 9
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/roku-express-4k.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 15,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 31,
      "name": "Ugoos AM6B+ (CoreELEC)",
      "brand": "Ugoos",
      "slug": "ugoos-am6b-coreelec",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/ugoos-am6b-coreelec",
      "verdict": "Limited user experience and niche appeal.",
      "pros": [
        "Community's answer for Plex and Dolby Vision playback",
        "Recommended by the most demanding home-theater owners"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Limited app support",
        "Poor user experience",
        "Hardware is outdated",
        "Lacks mainstream app support",
        "Niche pick that only suits CoreELEC-tolerant enthusiasts"
      ],
      "citations": 15,
      "distinctOutlets": 12,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 3
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/ugoos-am6b-coreelec.webp"
    }
  ]
}