Budget

Consider how much you're willing to spend on a Fire TV Stick. Higher-end models can cost up to $140, like the impressive Fire TV Cube. But if your budget is tighter, there are plenty of simpler yet effective Fire TV Sticks priced as low as $30 (on sale). While we haven't reviewed the entry-level Fire TV Stick HD, it offers HD playback for better compatibility with older TVs at $35. Plenty of options exist for a range of budgets and all your streaming needs.

Use cases

Consider what exactly you'll be using your Fire TV Stick for. Are you hoping to turn your TV into a smart TV, or are you looking for extra services beyond what your smart TV already offers? Maybe you're hoping to use your Fire TV Stick to control your smart home technology. Make sure your use cases align with the capabilities of the Fire TV Stick you choose.

4K and HDR

Models like the Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K Select and the 4K Max support 4K resolutions and HDR protocols, while the Fire TV Stick HD does not. If you're not too concerned about high-resolution streaming or your TV model doesn't support anything above 1080p, the latter models should suit your needs. Otherwise, you may want to opt for one of the 4K Sticks.

Alexa integration

All four Fire TV Stick models have remotes with built-in voice search and control powered by Alexa. But if you're looking for something a bit more advanced, the Fire TV Cube may be your best bet. That's because it's equipped with the full capabilities of a separate Alexa speaker, allowing you to use your TV hands-free, without a remote. Full Alexa integration also means that the Cube can control your smart-home gadgets, like lights and thermostats. While plain Fire Stick variants can also do this, they require a connection with a separate Amazon Echo speaker. If you're looking for an Alexa-speaker-streaming-device combination, you'd likely be happiest with the Fire TV Cube. If this isn't your top priority, or you already have an Echo speaker, one of the Fire TV Sticks will be fine.

Every Fire TV Stick we review receives hours of hands-on testing. Typically, this involves installing the device on multiple TVs, evaluating the setup process, adding popular streaming channels and using the product as if it were our own. We use all of the major features available and note how they stack up against other Fire TV models in the lineup. To do this, we hook up multiple Fire TV streaming devices to the same TV so we can switch back and forth easily to compare the experiences.

The metrics we use to rate a device include hardware design, distinctive features that differentiate models, remote capabilities and design, overall ease of use, effective layouts and design, search capabilities, privacy settings, the number of apps and their performance and the overall speed and reliability of the system.

Roku Express 4K Plus: The Express 4K Plus streaming media player is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR. (Even if your current TV doesn't support those formats, your next one probably will.) Thanks to the AirPlay update, this Roku device is one of the least expensive ways to connect your iPhone or other Apple device to your TV. It is cheaper than the company's Streaming Stick 4K Plus and other 4K HDR streaming devices, and it's our top pick for best streaming device overall.

Chromecast with Google TV 4K: Chromecast outdoes Roku by adding Dolby Vision compatibility, but its biggest smart device strength is Google Assistant voice search, which works well for finding stuff to watch. We also like the impressive integration with other Google services such as Google Photos and YouTube TV. The interface is more evolved-looking than Roku, but ultimately we prefer Roku's simpler approach, no-nonsense search results and lower price. That said, the new Chromecast is a better smart streaming device choice for those already living in Google's world.

Apple TV 4K: The Apple TV 4K continues to be a good choice for those who want an Apple device to use Apple Arcade for gaming or take full advantage of their Apple One subscription bundles. Video purists will appreciate itsflexible HDR andTV calibration feature. For most people, however, Apple's venerable remote control streaming device just isn't worth the money, especially now that Roku has nearly all the major apps and AirPlay. If you really want Dolby Vision, you can find that on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at a fraction of the price.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K features the same simple interface, large app selection and impressive search function found on all Roku devices, but also offers Dolby Vision support. While we think the Streaming Stick 4K is a great device, we're just not sold on the Dolby Vision upgrade -- mostly because we generally don't think that it provides a major image quality upgrade over standard HDR. But if Dolby Vision is important to you, this device will not disappoint.