7 best media streaming devices, boxes & sticks in Australia for 2024
There’s no need to be limited to watching the latest movies and series on your tiny phone screen – these devices will let you stream all your favourites directly to your TV.
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Gone are the days when we had to race home to catch our favourite TV show right when it aired, or line up at the cinema to see a new movie release. Now, with a streaming service subscription, we can enjoy a huge catalogue of videos on demand whenever we want, from the comfort of home.
Smart TVs allow you to access your favourite streaming services with ease, but investing in one isn’t cheap. Fortunately, there’s a more affordable solution to turn almost any TV into a streaming hub.
BEST STREAMING DEVICES
Whether you’re after a streaming device, stick, or box, we’ve rounded up our top picks to shop in Australia.
TOP PICKS
BEST SET TOP BOX STREAMING DEVICE
2022 Apple TV 4K (32GB), $208 (down from $219) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Apple loyalists, we have your back. The Apple TV 4K set top box is a top-notch gadget for home streaming, complete with a compact design and sleek, minimalist remote (compatible with Siri voice control, of course). You can use it to enjoy media from plenty of compatible apps, including a range of streaming subscriptions. If you’re happy to spend a little more, you can upgrade to the 64GB model here.“Best option to go for if you are in the Apple ecosystem. Pictures are in high quality that you won’t regret buying this,” wrote one of many satisfied customers.
The Hubbl Puck, $79 (down from $99) at Hubbl
Tried and Tested by eCommerce writer, Erin Doyle
“I put The Hubbl through its paces by testing it out against all my streaming needs. At the end of the day, I wanted something super user-friendly and easy to install when it comes to my streaming device. The verdict? On that front, it delivered. Set-up was a breeze and navigating the user-friendly interface via a clearly labelled remote or responsive voice control was just as simple. The “Stack and Save” subscription feature was great if you are subscribed to the eligible streaming apps – you can save money by bundling them together in one place.”
Read my full review here.
Fetch Mini Set Top Box, $194 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Yet another entertainment platform that allows you to stream live TV, apps, shows and movies from all your favourite content providers, the Fetch Mini simply needs to connect to your home internet and then you’re ready to go. Universal search allows you to search all your apps at once, and you can download the Fetch app to control your box from anywhere.
BEST STREAMING STICK
Fire TV Stick 4K, $99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
This streaming offering from Amazon, the Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the easiest to use options on the market. The stick design allows you to simply plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to a power outlet, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your set-up in a matter of minutes. It supports 4K and HDR streaming for the best picture quality, and top-notch audio too. You can use it to watch live TV or just about every subscription service – and with Alexa voice control available via the remote, navigation couldn’t be easier.“Wow, this unit is a powerhouse” wrote one five-star reviewer. “Excellent device, easy to use, fast in operation wide selection of apps including access to free movies and TV shows, and the resolution is amazing,” wrote another.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick with Google Assistant, $110.51 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Another stick model, this Xioami Mi device is powered by Android TV 9.0 for a sleek streaming experience. Built-in Chromecast allows you to cast from your phone, laptop or tablet directly to your TV, and the Google Assistant means you can control it all hands-free. Offering HD 1080P resolution and Dolby stereo sound, it’s easily connected via a HDMI port and Wi-Fi, and is compatible with most streaming subscriptions.“This is the best thing I’ve ever purchased,” wrote one happy customer. “It turns any TV with HDMI capabilities into a smart TV. It’s so easy to set-up and it works so well. Definitely worth the money for such a great product.”
BEST CHROMECAST STREAMING DEVICE
Google Chromecast with Google TV, $99 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
The newest Chromecast has a slick new design complete with a remote. So what do you get? For starters, you can stream in 4K HDR resolution, and use Google Assistant voice control via the remote. It also has access to Google TV, which is essentially a fancy new home screen or hub where you can find all your favourite content and streaming services – so you can do things like browse multiple apps at once for that one show you’re looking for, or continue playing your current fave without having to hunt down the app first. You can also use the device to control smart home devices, as a bonus.“This one is a no-brainer,” wrote one of many five-star reviewers. “For the price, it is hands down the best streaming device. I bought it because the TV interface is way too slow. Google TV is a great operating system, especially with it’s recommended content. It actually works. Performance is also very crisp, not sure how they pulled it off in a device this size. Highly recommended.”
BEST STREAMING DEVICE FOR GAMING
Nvidia SHIELD TV PRO, $349 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
A streamer, gaming console, DVR, media server and voice-assistant-enabled smart home hub all in one, you can’t pass up the Nvidia SHIELD TV PRO if you’re after versatility. It offers 4K and HDR compatibility, and the upgraded processor makes for super speedy operation. Access to the Nvidia gaming server allows you to play games via the cloud, Android games, or to stream PC games from your computer directly to your TV. Plus, of course, you can simply use it to enjoy all your favourite subscription streaming services. For a more compact design, you can opt for the Nvidia SHIELD TV. Reviewers are rapt with its performance, with one writing “This is a fantastic streaming device that brings all your favourite streaming apps to the one place … The remote is functional and works regardless where its pointed. Highly recommend”.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW CAN I STREAM TO A NON-SMART TV?
Non-smart TVs may not have in-built apps that allow you to enjoy your favourite streaming services, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them for streaming full stop. All you need is a streaming device, stick, or box that connects to your TV – usually via a HDMI cable – which either provides a platform where you can access built-in apps (like the Firestick, Nvidia, Apple TV, or Fetch) or alternately allows you to remotely play content on your TV via your phone, laptop or tablet (like the Chromecast or Xiaomi Mi TV Stick).
DO YOU NEED INTERNET FOR STREAMING TV?
Yes, you will require an internet connection to stream TV via a streaming device.
IS FIRESTICK BETTER THAN ROKU?
More Coverage
If you live in Australia, a Firestick may be easier to use than Roku. This is because Roku devices aren’t ready-made for Australia, so you may be geo-blocked from streaming many local services. Meanwhile, with a Firestick, you can easily access local and international streaming services without any fancy tech workarounds, so it may be better suited to your needs.
Want to continue bringing your home into the future? Check out our roundups of all the best smart home devices, from smart locks to home security cameras and even robot vacuums.
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