What Is The Best Smart Media Player On The Market?

How much time do you spend in front of a screen each day? If you’re like the average American, it could be ten hours or more. And with the recent increase in remote school and work, even people who try to limit their screen time may find themselves glued to a laptop for hours on end.

We’re not here to judge-we think that if you’re going to spend time in front of your television and computer, you should be able to get as much out of it as possible. That’s why we’ve come up with a shortlist of the best smart media players on the market today. Read on to find out what they are and how they can revolutionize your relationship with tech.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

Looking for a digital media player that gives you access to thousands of channels, but don’t have a lot of money to drop on it? The Roku Streaming Stick+ could be the answer.

This gadget makes the top of our list because it’s easy to use, comes with a WiFi amplifier for whole-house streaming, and offers a staggering 5,000 channels. Figuring out how to activate Netflix or any of your other favourite streaming services is simple as well. This Roku device usually comes in around $50, though you can sometimes get it for less if you catch it on sale.

One of the major benefits of the Streaming Stick+ is its full 4K HDR capability and a massive selection of media apps. The remote control doesn’t have an audio jack, but with many of us using Bluetooth headphones these days, that isn’t an issue for most people.

Apple TV

Next up is the best choice for Mac households. The Apple TV 4k media hub can connect to all your iDevices and has Siri capabilities just like your smartphone. It offers crystal-clear 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and surrounds sound from Dolby Atmos.

Buying the device comes with a free year of Apple TV+, Apple Arcade games, AirPlay, and hundreds of streaming apps.

The downsides? Aside from the high price tag, Apple TV is only compatible with other Apple products. PC aficionados should steer clear of this one and check out the next option instead.

Amazon Fire TV Cube And TV Stick

Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at the Amazon Fire TV Stick and TV Cube. Amazon Fire may not hold the title of “original smartstick for TV”, but with their Alexa media hub capabilities, the TV Cube and TV Stick are a great choice.

The Fire TV Stick is best for those on a budget, but people wanting a more robust smart media player should spring for the Cube. The TV Cube works as its own Alexa hub for total voice control, even when your television is off. The most unique feature is the “microphone off” button, which improves your privacy by electronically disconnecting all microphones.

Which Smart Media Player Is Right for You?

Whether you’re a diehard Apple fan, an Alexa user, or want a smart media player that’s compatible with many devices, one of the media hubs on this list is sure to be a hit. Before you kick back and watch your favourite show, take a minute to browse through the other articles on our site for more helpful tech advice like this.