If you don’t have a smart TV with Netflix and Co. already integrated, you need a streaming stick for smart enjoyment. They also get older televisions up and running and can access numerous media libraries and apps. Retrofitting is uncomplicated and the sticks are available for little money. You can find our recommendations here.
In most cases, anyone who has bought a new television in recent years can use it to stream content from the Internet: It doesn’t matter whether it’s the missed crime scene from Sunday evening via the media library or films and series via the streaming providers. Smart TVs connected to the Internet make users less dependent on linear television and offer countless new content. But even if there is an older television at home, owners do not have to do without direct access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Co. The old TV is connected to the Internet with a streaming stick or box. In addition, users can get the apps on the television that the system does not otherwise offer.
Streaming stick – how to make a good choice
Smart upgrade the old TV, but how? A very good sound and picture quality are self-evident selection criteria. But every streaming stick also has different features:
- callable apps
- operating system
- connections
- Compatibility Options
You should take a close look at all these aspects in advance in order to find the right device for the home cinema. You should also ask yourself how exactly you want to use the streaming stick, which streaming services you already have or would like to subscribe to. You quickly reach for the best-known brand, but maybe a stick from another manufacturer is worthwhile for individual use.
You can get a first impression of the most important streaming sticks on the market in the video:
The versatile one: Google Chromecast with Google TV
The pioneer among the streaming sticks is Google’s Chromecast and it works very simply: Simply plug the stick into a free HDMI input on the television, use the supplied USB power supply to ensure the power supply for the Chromecast and use the smartphone or tablet via the Google Set up the device in the Home app. With earlier models, only a video or photo could be mirrored from the smartphone or tablet onto the television. That all changed with the Chromecast with Google TV.
The streaming stick now supports apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Co., has its own Google TV interface and even comes with a remote control. If you like, you can still use your smartphone or even voice control to navigate. The Chromecast with Google TV supports 4K with up to 60 frames per second, the high-contrast formats HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision as well as the 3D spatial sound format Dolby Atmos.
Equipment of Google Chromecast with Google TV
advantages and disadvantages of Google Chromecast with Google TV
Per:
- wide range of films, series and music
- razor-sharp image with bright colors thanks to 4k and HDR
- trouble-free connection with Google Smart Homes
- Start screen with the most popular series and films from all providers
Cons:
- additional power connection required
- WiFi as the only connectivity available
Also interesting: A big comparison of video streaming services
The sustainable one: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
A small device with strong performance as an absolute bargain: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the further development of a product that has already inspired many users, for example with the practical plug & play. The stick is quick to set up and works with the supplied remote control including quick start buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Music as well as voice control. The streaming stick supports 4K and WiFi 6. Compared to the previous 4K stick, Amazon has also increased the performance of the Max model, making menu navigation even faster.
Features of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Pros and cons of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Per
- excellent picture and sound quality
- flawless voice search
- Apps for the most popular streaming providers
- easy handling
- with 8GB hard drive space
- WiFi 6 support
cons
The extensive one: Telekom MagentaTV stick
The MagentaTV stick from Telekom impresses with video streaming in Full HD with powerful hardware, a flexible Android system with access to the Google Play Store and a large selection of content: you can choose from live TV, media libraries and streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, Spotify and of course MagentaTV itself. The picture quality is good and practical functions such as recording options and time shift leave nothing to be desired. Due to its small size and its lightness, the Telekom streaming stick is very well suited for entertainment on the go if you don’t want to miss out on cinema fun on a business trip or on the way to vacation.
Features of the Telekom MagentaTV stick
Advantages and disadvantages of the Telekom MagentaTV stick
Per
- Telekom MagentaTV offers many additional functions such as TV channels, time-shift television and cloud recorders
- sharp 4K Ultra HD picture
- Remote control with many functions
- Velcro mounting points for secure attachment to the TV
cons
- no voice assistant
- Telekom MagentaTV subscription required for some services
- HD recordings not possible on all channels
Also interesting: New streaming service Paramount + now also in Germany
The user-friendly one: Apple TV 4K (2022, 3rd generation)
For all Apple fans, this streaming device is a must have. The Apple TV 4K (2022 – 3rd generation) is one of the more expensive models, but it also offers very good quality and a wide range of functions that are worth investing in. As with the competing devices, setting up the box is simple: connect the device to a free HDMI port, connect to the WLAN, briefly go through the configuration dialog and the Apple TV can be started.
Practical: You don’t have to search in the individual apps to see whether films or series are available. Instead, you can use the general search and the user interface will show which streaming provider the offer is available from. The Apple TV can be operated with the supplied remote control or by voice control – Apple TV supports Siri. And thanks to Airplay, music, videos and pictures can be easily streamed from the iPhone, iPad or Mac to the set-top box.
Features of the Apple TV 4K (2022)
Pros and Cons of the Apple TV 4K (2021)
Per
- intuitive operation
- excellent picture and sound quality
- convenient voice search
- Integrated apps for the most important streaming providers
cons
- relatively large compared to other models
- relative expensive
The all-rounder: Xiaomi Mi TV stick
The Xiaomi Mi TV stick, which celebrated its launch in Germany in 2020, is not quite as focused on a special service. The streaming stick is visually reminiscent of the Fire TV, but it runs with Android TV based on Android 9. This means that the Mi TV stick allows numerous apps to be downloaded, which are clearly arranged on their own user interface.
The remote control included in the scope of delivery also has separate buttons for Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, which can be used to start the streaming services with one click. Like Google’s Chromecast and the Fire TV, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is connected via the HDMI port of the television and integrated into the home network via WLAN. In turn, it draws its power via USB.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
Per
- diversely compatible
- with practical Google Assistant
- flawless Android TV 9 operating system
- solid case
- good selection of built-in apps
cons
Versatile and affordable: Roku 4K streaming stick
If you’re looking for a streaming stick away from the more familiar brands, the Roku streaming stick for 4K experiences might be just the ticket. Whether Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV – with this small stick that weighs only 22 grams, the offer is extensive. The storage capacity is 100 GB and the resolution of the video output is also impressive with 4K UHD. Even a voice remote control is included in the offer, leaving little to be desired.
Also read: Streaming giant Roku brings its first televisions to Germany
Advantages and disadvantages of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Per:
- easy installation behind the TV
- with voice remote control (compatible with all popular voice assistants)
- all common streaming providers are supported
- with Roku app, for example to save content for later
- Image quality in 4K
- no activation fee
Cons:
- Roku account must be created
Solution for the very old televisions
If you own a television without an HDMI connection, you can still equip the old TV with a Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV (stick) or Apple TV. However, users need a decoder for this. This converts the digital HDMI signal into an analogue signal in order to be able to connect a streaming stick to the TV via cinch or scart.
Conclusion
Deciding which streaming stick to use to optimize the TV is now easier than before. We have presented you with the appropriate recommendations in this article and offer both specialized providers and streaming open sticks that are particularly suitable for beginners.