This holiday season, TV streaming sticks are on high demand. At some places, it went out of stock so quickly that most of users missed the chance. Now, the ultimate question this holiday shopping season for many, while the prices of streaming TV devices tumbles, is what is the best place to buy those devices? Should you shop online, or buy it in store? But first, asking yourself what device is best is a challenging question if it’s not something you’re personally invested in, or interested in. Holiday shopping often means shopping for other people who don’t share the same interests or hobbies as you. That said, we have simplified the streaming TV options for those who are shopping for a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV.
Roku LT
The Roku LT streaming TV is a great starter device for anyone who is looking to pick up a streaming TV system that has a remote included. It has over 1,800 channels in the United States, and has access to all of the crucial networks for streaming movies and TV shows – like Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Amazon Instant Video. That being said, Roku does a great service to those who don’t have the newest HDMI capable television sets by having traditional audio and video output plugs included, in addition to the HDMI output. A free app that can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet makes any smart device a remote – if you’re not interested in the traditional form of surfing, and the setup process is really simple.
Pricing
$29.99 at Roku.com
$49.50 at Amazon.com
$39.97 at Walmart
$39.99 at Target
$29.99 at Best Buy
Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is incredibly small, incredibly functional, and brings a lot of different options to the table in terms of versatility across platforms. Whether you’re working from a smartphone, tablet, computer, or want to stream on your HDTV, it all is up for grabs on this high-quality device. There are plenty of app options with Google Chromecast such as Netflix, HBO Go, Pandora, Hulu Plus, Watch ESPN, and many more this will not disappoint. However, one of the best things about this device is its incredibly small size. Which is something many have applauded with regards to the Chromecast in years past.
Pricing
$23.99 at Best Buy
$25 at Walmart
$22.99 at Amazon
$22 at Newegg
$24.99 at Target
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV offers a great combination for those who want a small streaming stick, as well as a remote. Add in the fact that you will have access to more than 200,000 TV shows, movies, and more – along with a ton of music, and more – and it’s really a tough choice to beat. This might be the most future-featured option on the radar this holiday season as its continuing to grow, and still very new to the streaming space. That said, it brings a lot of great channels, and even can process its own content – featured from Amazon – 3x faster than any other streaming service can connect you with its content.
Apple TV
Apple TV may very well have one of the best assortments of content available on any streaming service. Granted, it’s definitely more expensive than the average service – but for the quality of the product, and the unity across several devices – as is the unity between laptop, tablet, and phone, it’s really a difficult device to shoot down. The addition of AirPlay also makes the device incredibly enticing for those who are into games on their mobile devices that would like to have them stream across platforms onto their television. It’s a quick and easy setup process and the device will stand the test of time. Thousands of channels, and games, and the security of an interface you trust.
