Buying Guide: The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2022 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
There are an overwhelming number of ways to watch online content on your TV. Your television might have built-in apps, for instance. Or you might own a Blu-ray player or gaming console with built-in streaming services. If neither case applies, or if your streaming device doesn't offer the exact features you want, you can always buy a dedicated media streaming hub for well under $100.
Here are our top picks for media streamers, along with what you should know about each platform.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Affordable | - Ethernet adapter not included |
| + Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision | |
| + Amazon Alexa | |
| + Quick WiFi streaming and menu navigation |
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of two competing media streamers that offer incredible value for just $50. The Amazon streaming stick is loaded with features, including the Amazon Alexa voice assistant (you can talk directly into the remote or pair the device with an Echo smart speaker for hands-free voice control). It streams at ultra high-definition (4K) resolution with support for high dynamic range (HDR) content in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, plus covers all major streaming services, including Crunchyroll and Twitch.
Who It's For
This is the media streamer to get if you subscribe to Amazon Prime and use Alexa-compatible smart devices at home. Prime Video offers tons of content and the Fire TV interface sorts through it quite nicely (as well as aggregating many other, non-Amazon services). If you already have an Echo and use Alexa to control your lights, a Fire TV media hub carries that flexibility over into the remote. And if you have a Ring security camera or video doorbell, you can bring up its feed on your TV through the stick.
Chromecast With Google TV (4K)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Attractive, accessible new Google TV interface | - Live TV tab only supports YouTube TV |
| + 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision | |
| + Useful Google Assistant and Cast features | |
| + Affordable |
Chromecast With Google TV (4K)
Why We Picked It
This is the other excellent $50 media hub to consider. Google TV is Google's take on the media-streaming and smart TV platform, and it's every bit as polished and feature-filled as Fire TV, if not more so. The big difference is that it uses Google Assistant instead of Amazon Alexa, as well as supports Google Cast streaming from your Android phone or Chrome tab. Fire TV supports WiDi/Miracast, while Google Cast is much easier to use for Android users (iPhone and iPad users should consider a Roku device with Apple AirPlay 2 support instead). Besides that, it has all of the same big streaming names, and streams 4K content in HDR10 or Dolby Vision. It's a lot of media for a little back-of-TV dongle.
Who It's For
Dedicated Android users who like Google Assistant will get the most out of the Chromecast With Google TV (4K). If you haven't committed to a voice assistant or smart home ecosystem yet, you can try both with the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant apps and get a feel for which one you prefer.
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Affordable | 1080p only |
| + Faster processor than previous model | - Home screen can occasionally stutter |
| + Includes remote with mic, TV controls, and dedicated service buttons |
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Why We Picked It
Not everyone has a 4K TV and that's fine because Amazon has a 1080p alternative that's a bit cheaper than the Fire TV Stick 4K. It's effectively the same device with the same features, just with a resolution limited to 1080p.
Who It's For
If you haven't gotten a 4K TV yet, you don't need to spend $50 for good media streaming capabilities. The Fire TV Stick costs even less than the Fire TV Stick 4K and offers the same sprawling selection of content as well as access to the Alexa voice assistant. This is an economical way to breathe new streaming life into aging 1080p TVs that might not have many (or any) streaming capabilities. The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) is $10 less, but the Fire TV Stick is a worthwhile alternative if you use Alexa.
Chromecast With Google TV (HD)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Loads of apps and services on Google TV | - Limited to 1080p |
| + Google Assistant | - No Dolby Vision |
| + Google Cast | |
| + Remote with TV volume control |
Chromecast With Google TV (HD)
Why We Picked It
If you have a 4K TV, you should get a 4K media streamer because native-resolution content always looks better. If you don't have a 4K TV though, you can save some money with an HD streamer. The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) works just like the Chromecast With Google TV (4K). It includes the same Google Assistant and Google Cast features, and offers access to the same lineup of major streaming apps and services. You even still get a remote that can control your TV's volume. It's $20 cheaper than the 4K model because it outputs at only 1080p and doesn't support Dolby Vision.
Who It's For
The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) is for anyone who hasn't upgraded to 4K yet. It's a cheap and powerful way to breathe new life into an older 1080p TV.
Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Affordable | 1080p only |
| + Faster processor than previous model | - Home screen can occasionally stutter |
| + Includes remote with mic, TV controls, and dedicated service buttons |
The Bottom Line:
Amazon's $40 third-generation Fire TV Stick is nearly identical to its predecessor, just a bit faster and equipped with a new remote, which is enough to preserve its status as the best media streamer for 1080p TVs.
Why We Picked It
Not everyone has a 4K TV and that's fine because Amazon has a 1080p alternative that's a bit cheaper than the Fire TV Stick 4K. It's effectively the same device with the same features, just with a resolution limited to 1080p.
Who It's For
If you haven't gotten a 4K TV yet, you don't need to spend $50 for good media streaming capabilities. The Fire TV Stick costs even less than the Fire TV Stick 4K and offers the same sprawling selection of content as well as access to the Alexa voice assistant. This is an economical way to breathe new streaming life into aging 1080p TVs that might not have many (or any) streaming capabilities. The Chromecast With Google TV (HD) is $10 less, but the Fire TV Stick is a worthwhile alternative if you use Alexa.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Fast, responsive performance | - Voice features still lag those of Amazon Fire TV and Google TV |
| + Sleek, small design | - No Twitch app available |
| + Supports Apple AirPlay and Dolby Vision | - 5Ghz WiFi hiccup in testing |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
Why We Picked It
Amazon Fire TV and Google TV have a bit more whole-home power because of their fully functional voice assistants, but Roku is still an excellent platform purely for media streaming. And the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is an ideal choice in the lineup. It's another $50 media hub that plugs into the back of your TV and offers 4K media streaming with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision with a big benefit Fire TV and Google TV lack: Apple AirPlay support. That integration lets iPhone, iPad, and Mac users stream their screens to the TV via the Streaming Stick 4K.
Because the Roku interface is so focused on media and doesn't have many non-media features like smart home control or voice assistants, it's also much more accessible to users who don't want to build their home theater into a hub for everything in their home.
Who It's For
Apple users should get plenty of use out of the Streaming Stick 4K because of its AirPlay support (at a quarter of the cost of an Apple TV 4K). Its simple interface should also appeal to less tech-savvy users who want to stream their favorite shows without dealing with extraneous features.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Plenty of apps and services | - Voice search feature still lags behind Alexa and Google Assistant |
| + Hands-free voice control | - No Twitch |
| + Headphone jack on remote | |
| + Apple AirPlay support |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
Why We Picked It
This is the same media streamer as the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but with an upgraded remote. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ features the Roku Voice Remote Pro instead of the standard Voice Remote. Both remotes let you search for content by speaking into their microphones and can control your TV volume, but the Voice Remote Pro goes further. It has a mid-field microphone that lets you control the Streaming Stick 4K+ and your TV hands-free, along with a headphone jack for private listening. Both are nice bonuses on top of an already solid media streamer.
Who It's For
The Voice Remote Pro is a solid upgrade over the standard Voice Remote. If the idea of controlling media playback and adjusting volume with only your voice appeals to you (and you don't mind the lack of smart home and informational features a full voice assistant like Amazon Alexa would provide), this is a good pick. Even if you don't care about hands-free control, the headphone jack on the remote is extremely useful for listening to whatever you're watching without disturbing anyone next to you, which makes the Streaming Stick 4K+ an ideal media hub for a bedroom TV.
Roku Ultra (2022)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Voice Remote Pro features hands-free voice control, a headphone jack, and remote finder function | - Voice features lags behind Alexa and Google |
| + Supports Apple AirPlay 2 | - No Twitch app |
| + Strong media app selection |
Roku Ultra (2022)
Why We Picked It
The Roku Ultra is Roku's top-of-the-line media streamer and has all of the features of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, including the Voice Remote Pro. Its larger size means you should tuck it under your TV instead of plugging it in the back, but that adds a few advantages you won't get with behind-the-TV streaming sticks. For instance, a button on the device lets you activate the remote finder function (it chirps so you can find it under the couch cushions). It also has a full-size USB-A port for connecting local storage, plus an Ethernet port for a wired network connection.
Who It's For
If you want to play any media stored locally on a USB drive and your TV doesn't already support that option (or you don't want to deal with your TVs native interface), the Roku Ultra is your best bet. It's also worth considering if you keep misplacing yourremote.
Apple TV 4K (2021)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Improved remote | - Expensive |
| + Plenty of useful features including AirPlay, HomeKit, and Siri | - Interface and remote tend to funnel you into the Apple TV app |
| + Dolby Vision support | |
| + Comes with a free year of Apple TV+ |
Apple TV 4K (2021)
Why We Picked It
Let's be completely honest. The Apple TV 4K is an overpriced media streamer that has gotten less relevant as both Apple AirPlay and the Apple TV app have become available on other media streamers and TVs. This doesn't mean it's completely useless, though. It's still a capable media streamer and can serve as an Apple HomeKit hub if you prefer that ecosystem for your smart home devices. Of course, the HomePod Mini smart speaker can also function as your HomeKit hub and offers hands-free Siri for half the price, even if it doesn't stream video.
Who It's For
This is for dedicated Apple users. If you have an iPhone, an iPad, a Mac (or more than one of any of them), and all your smart light, lock, and thermostats support HomeKit, this will tie them together in your living room. It's too expensive for non-hardcore Apple fans, though.
How to Choose the Right Media Streaming Device
How to Cut the (Cable) Cord
There are many ways to watch online content on your TV. Your television itself might have apps, or you might have a Blu-ray player or game system connected with built-in streaming services. If neither case applies, or if your TV, Blu-ray player, or game system doesn't have the exact media features you want, you can get a dedicated media streaming hub. Most media streamers allow you to set up your TV with any online or local media streaming services you need for well under $100.
Among the media streamers currently available, five platforms stand out: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Google Cast, and Roku. All of these platforms except Google Cast have on-screen menu systems and dedicated remotes so you can view whatever you want from the couch, without a mobile device to control everything. Google Cast is a bit different, as it relies on a PC, smartphone, or tablet, with Cast-compatible apps to stream content. No matter which you choose, they each give you access to many of the most popular music and video streaming services available.
Resolution is another big factor to consider. All of the platforms mentioned have options for ultra high-definition (4K) and HDR content. In the list above you'll find the top-rated media streamers we've tested. Below is a closer looking at the top media streaming platforms.
What about 8K, you might be wondering? Don't worry about it. Seriously, there's no consumer 8K streaming service, or even consumer 8K media, available. 8K TVs have only started to trickle out, and they won't be much more than novelties for early adopters for at least two more years.
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon's Fire TV platform a modified version of Android designed with Amazon's content in mind. Fire TV devices are focused heavily on Amazon Prime media, with Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Music built prominently into the menu system. There are plenty of other content services available through Fire TV as individual apps, like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube, but the big advantage of Fire TV is having all of your Prime content right at your fingertips.
Amazon has equipped Fire TV with Alexa, the same voice assistant used in the company's Echo speakers. It's a useful tool to use with the voice remote included with the current Fire TV Sticks. If you want hands-free Alexa with your Fire TV, the Fire TV Cube features a far-field microphone array that can pick up your commands just like an Echo, without needing to use the remote.
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The Fire TV Stick 4K recently replaced the Fire TV as the "standard" Fire TV device. It's a budget-friendly $50 stick that supports 4K media streaming with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision (the Fire TV Cube curiously only supports HDR10). If you haven't made the jump to 4K yet, you can save a few bucks with the basic $40 Fire TV Stick, which is now the only non-4K Fire TV streamer.
If you still want to watch broadcast television even after you cut the cord, and enjoy a local DVR instead of relying on a streaming live TV service, Amazon's Fire TV Recast has you covered. It's a Fire TV-powered OTA tuner with a DVR, letting you watch local programming and record it at your leisure, and stream both live TV and DVR recordings to any Fire TV device in your home or any mobile device over the internet. It isn't a replacement for a Fire TV; it has no on-screen interface or remote on its own. You connect it to your home network and access it through a Fire TV to manage recordings and watch live cable. Fire TV also supports most streaming live TV services as well, including AT&T TV Now, Hulu, and Sling TV.
Android TV
Android TV is Google's dedicated Android-based media streamer menu system, different from the heavily modified version of Android used in Amazon's Fire TV products. The original Android TV-powered Nvidia Shield TV was the first platform to offer Netflix 4K content outside of a TV with the Netflix 4K app built in, and its most recent version is just as powerful a device in a smaller and more affordable package. It also features Google Assistant, putting it on the same footing as the Fire TV with Alexa and the Apple TV with Siri.
Android TV devices are also all Google Cast compatible, so you can use your smartphone or tablet to stream content to them just as if you had a Chromecast. If you're looking for better sound for your TV, the JBL Link Bar offers Android TV built into a soundbar, with hands-free Google Assistant.
Google hasn't made a first-party Android TV media streamer yet, instead focusing on Chromecast devices and leaving Android TV to other companies. Thanks to far-field microphones, some Android TV devices like the Nvidia Shield Controller and Sony's high-end TVs even offer hands-free Google Assistant, letting you control them entirely with your voice without picking up a remote.
Apple TV
The Apple TV as a media streamer is likely on its way out. The announcement of the Apple TV app, Apple TV+, and the availability of both (along with AirPlay 2) on various smart TV and media streaming platforms leads up to believe that Apple is planning to eventually phase out the Apple TV itself and rely on other companies' hardware for accessing its content stores and libraries.
If you simply want to access iTunes content on your TV and already have an iPhone or iPad, your TV might be able to do just that without a media streamer. Several 2017, 2018, and 2019 LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio TVs are getting or have gotten Apple AirPlay 2 support, which lets you stream media from your iOS device directly to your TV over Apple's own platform. Those platforms, along with Fire TV and Roku, will also be getting the Apple TV app in May, and will be able to access Apple TV+ when it launches this fall.
The Apple TV 4K is still available, though it's expensive compared with nearly every other alternative out there. For the price, you get a remote that lets you talk to Siri, lots of streaming compatibility with your iOS and macOS devices, and a decent handful of apps via the Apple TV app store. However, with AirPlay 2 and the Apple TV app coming to other, much more affordable media streamers, we can't find much of a reason to recommend the Apple TV 4K much longer, even if you're a dedicated iOS user.
Google Cast
Google Cast is the least visually obtrusive and physically complicated media streaming platform; you take a Chromecast, plug it into a power source, plug it into your TV or sound system, and control everything through your mobile device. There are no remotes, no on-screen interfaces, and no app stores to separately navigate. You just connect your Chromecast to your home network and stream whatever you're watching (from a Google Cast-compatible app, of which there are many) on your smartphone or tablet.
It's easy to use and economical. And Chromecast devices connect with Google Assistant smart speakers, so you can issue voice commands for what you want to watch, and even see supplemental information related to voice searches (such as your Google Calendar).
Roku
Roku calls the services and apps available on its devices Channels, and currently offers thousands of choices in the Roku Channel Store. All of the big streaming media names are available, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV, and Twitch, along with many smaller, niche apps and services for movies, sports, weather, news, and international content.
Roku's current lineup is its largest, with a total of six models across a wide range of prices and features. The Roku Streaming Stick+ and Ultra stand out as our top choices, both offering 4K video with HDR10 support. The Ultra is more expensive and larger than the Streaming Stick+, but it offers benefits like wired connection options and a remote with a headphone jack.
For less expensive alternatives, the Roku Premiere and Premiere+ are 4K-capable streamers available for $40 and $50, with the Walmart-exclusive Premiere+ featuring a voice remote and the standard Premiere relying on an infrared remote with no microphone. The Roku Express and Express+ are viable streamers for anyone who hasn't yet upgraded to 4K, with the Express+ providing legacy SD video support through composite video.
On top of dedicated media streamers, Roku also offers a soundbar with media streaming functions, the Roku Smart Soundbar. As a media hub it's expensive at $180, but that price is more than reasonable for a modest stereo soundbar with the added benefit of streaming 4K video.
Roku has also pushed into the television market with its Roku TV platform. The company doesn't make TVs itself, but it offers its technology to manufacturers to incorporate into their screens. This has allowed many more budget-priced televisions to include connected features they couldn't use a few years ago, while keeping prices low. Roku TVs work just like Roku media streamers, only they're built directly into the sets themselves. Now the majority of Roku TVs natively support 4K as well, and some support Dolby Vision HDR while no standalone Roku streamers currently handle it (though the 4K-capable devices are compatible with HDR10).
Ultimately, any device here is a great choice for bringing online content to your TV. For even more options, check out our media streamer product guide.