Compare Streaming Media Players Side by Side

HDR10 is the baseline standard supported by virtually every HDR player and TV. HDR10+ adds dynamic metadata that adjusts brightness scene by scene, and it is primarily used on Amazon and Samsung content. Dolby Vision also uses dynamic metadata but has broader studio and app support. To get the benefit of either advanced format, both the player and your TV need to support the same one.

Yes, if you want 4K streaming you need a player that outputs 4K. A 1080p player connected to a 4K TV will upscale the picture in the TV, which is not the same as a true 4K signal from the source. Most current flagship players from Roku, Amazon and Google support 4K, so it is worth checking the resolution column in this table before you buy.

It depends on your home network. Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 handles 4K streaming comfortably under normal conditions, but a wired Ethernet connection eliminates interference from neighboring networks and other devices. If your router is close to your TV, or your Wi-Fi is congested, a player with a built-in Ethernet port gives you a more stable connection for less buffering.

Almost always yes. Streaming players connect via HDMI and work with any TV that has an HDMI input, regardless of brand. The main exception is that some smart TV remotes and power-on features only work natively with certain players through HDMI-CEC. Check the connectivity spec in the table to confirm the player ships with the right HDMI output for your setup.

The smart platform is the operating system the player runs, such as Roku OS, Fire TV, Google TV or tvOS. It determines which apps are available, how the home screen is organized and how voice assistants work. Roku has the broadest app support for most US streaming services. Google TV surfaces recommendations across apps. Fire TV is tightly integrated with Prime Video and Alexa.