Cnet rating: 5 stars out of 5
The good: The Roku delivers 4K and HDR video in a compact package for an affordable price, with a dead-simple interface and more 4K HDR apps and better search than competitors.
The bad: The menus can seem dated compared to rivals, and some apps use old-school layouts. Voice search and control is worse than some competitors.
The cost: $59 to $75
The bottom line: With its simple design and focus on features you’ll actually use, Roku’s affordable 4K HDR streamer is one you should get.
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Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The good: The Apple delivers the best streaming video available to compatible 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision TVs. It offers the most polished streaming experience today, the best remote on the market and excellent Siri voice options. It’s just $30 more than the non-4K Apple TV.
The bad: It is expensive, and it doesn’t stream YouTube in 4K or offer Dolby Atmos audio. Cheaper streaming devices from Roku and others offer similar image quality and capabilities, as well as more 4K apps.
The cost: $169 to $198
The bottom line: If you can swing the price and want the best streamer available today, get the Apple TV 4K.
Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5
The good: Sure it’s expensive, but if you want a jack-of-all-video, the Shield is it. In addition to streaming in 4K and HDR, it offers a robust library of games, built-in Google Assistant for smart home control, NAS access and much more.
The bad: More expensive than competing streamers. Not as many 4K and HDR apps as Roku, and no access to top-tier games without streaming from a PC.
The cost: $200
The bottom line: The 2017 Nvidia Shield is better than ever, and the addition of Amazon finally makes it a viable high-end alternative to the Roku.
Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5
The good: It’s great because of Alexa. If you own an Echo or Dot speaker you can use voice commands to launch apps, play shows, fast-forward or rewind, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Talking into the remote also works well, and it has 4K.
The bad: You get a screen full of Amazon promotions every time you turn it on, which is one reason we like the Roku better. But ... Alexa, right?
The cost: $70
The bottom line: Although Roku’s 4K stick is slightly better overall, the Fire TV wins with Alexa devotees who own 4K HDR TVs.
The following Cnet staff contributed to this story: David Katzmaier and Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com.