(Alisa Stern, Amazon)
The proliferation of smart TVs means fewer people are in need of media-streaming devices these days. But those who are will find it's more affordable than ever to turn an aging set into an internet-connected entertainment hub. Prime Day is a great time to grab a portable streaming stick or set-top box, and while Amazon's annual savings extravaganza doesn't officially begin until July 16, you can find a deal on several top-rated Amazon and Roku streaming gadgets right now.
The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K added Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices without raising the price. Plug this into your TV via its HDMI port and you'll get quick access to the Amazon Fire TV interface found on the company's smart TVs. It scored an "Outstanding" 4.5 out of 5 in our review and earned an Editors' Choice award. This is the media streamer to get if you subscribe to Amazon Prime and use Alexa-compatible smart home devices.
As its name suggests, this cube-like Alexa device sits near your device, awaiting your command. The third generation of Amazon's set-top media streamer adds Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI pass-through, which adds some Alexa functionality to content you push from a secondary source through the Fire TV Cube. In our review, we found it to be one of the most capable media streamers on the market and an excellent starting point to go hands-free with your home theater. It earned an "Excellent" 4 out of 5 rating in our review and an Editors' Choice award.
The downside of Amazon's media streamers is the lack of AirPlay support, so Apple fans who don't want to spring for an Apple TV 4K may want to pick up a Roku. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a powerful media streamer for watching 4K HDR content from many streaming apps. It earns an "Excellent" 4 out of 5 rating from PCMag for its fast, responsive performance and sleek design.
Want more deals? Keep an eye on our up-to-the-minute Prime Day 2024 Deals coverage.