If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. This content was developed and produced by a third party, and the newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in its creation.
Introduction
Smart TV sticks have several names, including streaming sticks, media players and streaming boxes. These small devices connect to your television and unlock a wealth of content.
With a smart TV stick and a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you can stream from the most popular apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more. Some models support gaming, voice commands, and screen casting from smartphones or tablets.
You can replace an older TV with Smart TV sticks, which are budget-friendly and no-frills to use. Regardless of which one you choose, there are key features to look out for.
Here are the best smart TV sticks of 2023, along with a detailed buying guide to help you make the right choice.
What to Look for in a Smart TV Stick
Total number of services and services streamed
Before buying a smart TV stick, note down your offerings or plan to subscribe to. While most users can’t do without Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, try looking for devices that offer a wider range of supported apps like Hulu, Spotify, Mubi, Now TV, and Tubi TV.
Specifications and Key Features
Read the specifications of the device to see if it meets your requirements. Smart TV sticks come with various levels of resolution—some offer 4K Ultra HD and HDR for high-quality viewing, while others are more gaming-oriented.
Smart Home Hub Integration
Some smart TV sticks can also function as smart home hubs. Select a device that fits in with your current smart home setup:
- Google Chromecast supports Google Assistant.
- Apple TV works with HomeKit.
Compatible with Alexa: Amazon Fire TV Stick
Glossary of Smart TV Stick Terms
- Here’s how the world of smart TV sticks is governed:
- However, HDR (high dynamic range) takes things a step further by improving colours, brightness, and contrast beyond the standard dynamic range.
- 4K Ultra HD: The top commonly supported resolution for the best possible image quality.
- Screenshots of the Android TV home screen, a smart TV platform combining Google software and Google Play Store access.
Casting: You can cast content from your mobile device to your TV or wireless speaker.
Smart TV Stick vs Streaming Box: what’s the difference?
The terms “smart TV stick” and “streaming box” are frequently used interchangeably, but they have some minor differences:
- Smart TV Sticks connect directly to a TV’s HDMI port, powered through the TV’s USB port or an AC adapter.
- Streaming Boxes are a little bigger than sticks, and need an HDMI cable and a dedicated AC power supply. They go behind or underneath the TV.
A smart TV stick is the better option for wall-mounted TVs where there is little space.
How to Contour a Smart TV Stick
- It’s easy to connect a smart TV stick to your TV.
- Connect the smart TV stick to any available HDMI port on your TV.
- Plug the power cable into the TV’s USB port, or into an external adapter.
- Turn on the TV and go to the right HDMI input.
You’ll be walked through the initial setup, asked to connect to Wi-Fi, and signed in to your streaming accounts.
Best Smart TV Stick: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Features Alexa Voice Control High-definition Streaming Easy Setup No cords needed. Key features include:
- 200,000+ movies & TV series free with Tubi, IMDb TV, Pluto TV & others
- Subscription streaming, with ads, from Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and other major platforms.
- Complete your entertainment experience with live TV, sports, and news streaming
The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is the best choice for 2023 thanks to its low price, stutter-free streaming and wide selection of content.
Final Thoughts
A smart TV stick is affordable for making any TV into a streaming titan. With all this consideration, added to the streaming capabilities, features, and smart home integration, you can discover the right device to enhance your entertainment experience. Happy streaming!
