Do you need a new piece of streaming or television technology? Or do you just want one anyway? Here are four of CNET’s best suggestions.
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Roku Streaming Stick 2016
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/roku-streaming-stick-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 5.0 stars out of 5 (Spectacular)
The good: The $50 Roku Streaming Stick is one of the least expensive devices to stream video from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Sling TV and other online services. It’s just as responsive as other devices — meaning it’s lightning-fast — and an updated app lets you listen via your phone’s headphone jack. Roku’s ecosystem offers more apps, better search and more customization than any other.
The bad: No Ethernet port means it only works via Wi-Fi, not a wired connection. Some app interfaces are less polished than on rival devices. Private listening feature loses lip-sync with some Bluetooth headphones.
The cost: $49.88 to $49.99
The bottom line: The Roku Streaming Stick is the best value in streaming-video hardware, period.
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LG OLEDC7P
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/lg-oled65c7p/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The LG C7 is the best-performing TV we’ve tested to date. It delivers perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture. It’s compatible with both major HDR formats, and HDR image quality is better than last year. Its striking design features a superslim panel.
The bad: It’s really expensive, and prices are likely to drop. Other 2017 TVs we haven’t yet reviewed might perform even better.
The cost: $3,996.99 to $4,499.99
The bottom line: The LG C7 is the best overall TV we’ve ever tested, but patient shoppers are likely to be rewarded by price drops in the coming months.
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Apple TV (2015)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-tv-2015/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Apple TV delivers the most polished video experience today, with speedy reactions and a familiar yet attractive interface. It has the best remote on the market. Siri voice search is excellent, and useful voice commands add unique capabilities. The selection of apps is excellent, and AirPlay can be used for unsupported apps.
The bad: Apple TV costs more than similar devices like the Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast for basically the same core functions. There’s no dedicated app for Amazon or any other a la carte video service beyond iTunes.
The cost: $139.00 to $149.00
The bottom line: Apple TV’s awesome remote and voice control make it one of the best entertainment devices, especially for anyone who already owns plenty of Apple gadgets.
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TCL S3750/FP110 series (Roku TV)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/tcl-32s3750-roku-tv/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Roku TV delivers the best smart-TV experience on the market. A superb user interface makes its thousands of apps and streaming video easy to use from the TV’s own simple remote. It’s also less expensive and more frequently updated than just about any other smart TV.
The bad: Competing entry-level TVs, namely Vizio’s E series, deliver better image quality for a bit more money. No Ethernet port.
The cost: $789.00
The bottom line: For buyers happy with “good enough” picture quality the TCL Roku TV is our favorite entry-level model, thanks to an awesome smart-TV suite and rock-bottom pricing.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Section Editor David Katzmaier and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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