Data as of Oct 17, 2026A topic in Streaming and Gaming Entertainment Products.
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
Mentioned in · Jul 7 – Oct 17, 2026
ChatGPT SearchOct 8, 2026
My overall pick: Roku Ultra. It currently offers the best balance of speed, ease of use, remote quality, broad app support, and 4K/HDR features. Multiple 2026 reviews also put the Roku Ultra at or near the top.
$119.00
| Best for | Device | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 |
What are the top-rated streaming devices for someone trying to upgrade an older, non-smart television?
Which streaming media player is currently the top choice?
ChatGPT SearchSep 22, 2026
| Roku Ultra |
| Excellent interface, fast, great remote, Dolby Vision/HDR10+, Ethernet |
| 🍎 Apple households | Apple TV 4K | Fastest/premium experience, AirPlay, Apple ecosystem |
| 💰 Best value | Roku Streaming Stick Plus | 4K streaming for considerably less than premium boxes |
| 🤖 Google/Android homes | Google TV Streamer | Google TV, 32GB storage, Ethernet, smart-home integration |
| 🗣️ Alexa/Amazon homes | Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Fast, Wi-Fi 6E, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Alexa |
| 💵 Cheapest good option | onn. 4K Plus/Pro | Surprisingly capable Google TV hardware at ~$30–60 |
The Apple TV 4K is arguably the best technically—especially if you own iPhones, use AirPlay, or care about a particularly smooth interface—but it's substantially more expensive.
$199.99
For value, the current onn. 4K Plus is particularly compelling; PCWorld's testing also rates the inexpensive onn. platform extremely highly.
$49.98
Bottom line: If you just want me to tell you what to buy, I'd get the Roku Ultra. If you tell me your TV model, whether you have an iPhone/Android phone, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact best device for your setup.
The "best" streaming device depends on your budget, ecosystem preferences, and whether you value a clean interface or maximum power.
The top options on the market stand out in specific categories:
Best for Simplicity & Value: If you want an unbiased, easy-to-navigate home screen that doesn't push a specific corporate ecosystem, Roku is unmatched. It supports all major apps, features a great voice remote, and is very budget-friendly.
Best for Google TV & Smart Features: Google's platform (powered by Google TV and enhanced with Gemini voice capabilities) does an exceptional job of aggregating content across multiple apps into one clean feed. Walmart's Onn 4K Pro packs immense value (Wi-Fi 6, hands-free voice control, Ethernet port, and extra storage) at a fraction of the cost of competitors.
Best for Alexa & Prime Users: Great if you are heavily invested in Amazon Alexa or Prime Video. However, the interface is quite ad-heavy and pushes Amazon content aggressively compared to Roku or Apple.[](https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming-devices/best-streaming-devices)
To help narrow it down, tell me:
For an older, non-smart TV, the best choice for most people is a Roku streaming device—especially if the TV has an HDMI port. Roku devices are generally easy to set up, have a simple interface, and are friendly for people who don’t want a complicated menu system.
My picks:
Best for: an older 1080p HDTV and simple everyday streaming.
Pros:
Very easy menus
Good remote with voice search
Works with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, etc.
Small stick design keeps cables tidy
Cons:
Not ideal if you specifically want advanced gaming or smart-home features
My simple recommendation:
If you tell me the TV’s brand/model or approximate year and whether it has an HDMI port, I can narrow it down.
Google AI ModeSep 18, 2026
For an older, non-smart TV, the best streaming device depends heavily on whether your TV has an HDMI port or relies strictly on older analog (RCA/composite) red-yellow-white round plugs.
The top recommendations categorized by your TV's connection type and ease of use include:
To help narrow down the ideal choice, tell me:
