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  1. Lifestyle
  2. TV

4 Devices That Let You Stream TV on the Cheap

By:
Doug Aamoth
3 min read
- Scott M. Lacey
Scott M. Lacey

The device: Apple TV
Cost: $69
Best for: iTunes users
How it works: For easy TV access to your videos, music, and other iTunes content, you can't beat this set-top box and remote. Plus, families can pool content, using Apple TV to share up to six iTunes libraries. The system allows you to mirror your Apple device's screen on the TV—great for viewing photos. Like all the devices in this story, Apple TV also lets you access third-party services such as Hulu and Netflix (some require a subscription).

The device: Amazon Fire TV Stick
Cost: $39
Best for: Amazon Prime members
How it works: The Fire TV Stick, which plugs into your TV's HDMI port, promises to stream content instantly, without buffering. Use the device and remote to mainline your free Amazon shows, as well as video from the other big providers (no HBO Go yet; Amazon says it's coming this spring). The Fire TV Stick is compatible with 300-plus videogames, though you'll need a $40 controller for some.

The device: Roku Streaming Stick
Cost: $50
Best for: Media fiends
How it works: This plug-in device and accompanying remote work with all the usual channels, but the real appeal of the Streaming Stick is its wide range of niche selections. Users can access more than 1,800 channels, with categories from sports to news to kids' programming. Roku also gets points for an outstanding remote, complete with "quick launch" buttons that take you straight to Amazon or Netflix.

The device: Google Chromecast
Cost: $35
Best for: No-frills streaming
How it works: The Chromecast has no remote; instead, you use apps on your smartphone or tablet to sling video to your TV. The device supports content providers, such as YouTube, HBO Go, and Netflix. To watch, pull up the app and tap the Chromecast icon to transfer the video to your set. Your phone controls volume and playback, and, using the Chrome browser, you can cast websites from your computer to the TV.

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