Americans spend big money on entertainment. And basically all of us are aware of just how much we do spend. In fact, it might make you cringe when you look at your bank statement at the end of the month just to see that you’ve spent a small fortune on entertainment alone. But it’s ok as most of us are unapologetically guilty of this.
It’s also a known fact that streaming has been in such high demand for more than a decade. And in 2022, just about every brand has developed its own streaming services.
What all began with Netflix in the early 2000 era has morphed into a digital empire of streaming television. And now we can watch anything from new or early release movies to sitcoms from the ’70s and ‘80’s all from the comforts of our couch, without having to buy those once coveted boxed DVD sets.
But what’s the best way to access these streaming services? With all of the streaming devices and app installers on the market today, which one is the best and most convenient?
Firestick
Perhaps one of the more popular and most robust of all streaming devices is Amazon’s Firestick. And this is for very good reasons.
With the popularity of Amazon, it’s a no-brainer that the company’s streaming devices would be a huge success. And though there is a ton of Amazon self-promotional content that comes along with the Firestick line and there are many mixed reviews, the device offers top speed and is streamlined to plug directly into your HDMI port on your TV, which is easily concealable.
Additionally, the Firestick also allows you to access Amazon Music, and to search for items by voice command, with Alexa as an assistant. But it does have limitations, which is why many with this device are turning to learning how to jailbreak, offering access to a huge variety of your favorite entertainment.
Roku
Roku generally stands at the top of the list of all streaming devices simply because of the ability to access thousands of channels all from one platform. In fact, you can even access Netflix and watch the latest season of Stranger Things, when it finally comes out in May of 2022.
But not only does Roku come equipped with thousands of channels, you can download as many channels as you want, and the device also comes in a few differing styles and interfaces. Whether you prefer the streamlined streaming stick which fits discreetly behind your TV, or the display models, each device has a set of features that suit a variety of users’ needs.
As of 2022, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K stands as one of the fastest models and adds Dolby Vision as an added bonus. In addition, Roku operates an app-first operating system, making it user-friendly across multiple streaming channels.
Chromecast
If you love Google products and services, you’re going to have to check out Chromecast if you haven’t already done so. And this only adds to the enormous dimension of services and products that Google has on the market in 2022
Chromecast was ranked alongside the Roku 4K as one of the best streaming devices in 2021. And this device offers users a wide range of features that are definitely hard to beat..
Google’s Chromecast device offers Dolby Vision just like the Roku, and also has a Google assistant voice search feature.
In addition, Chromecast also allows you to integrate other Google services such as Google photos and YouTube TV, making your entertainment experience comprehensive and competitive. However, Google’s latest version of Chromecast is largely the most popular, with mobile apps available.
Apple TV
If you’re not watching the award winning Lasso on Apple TV, you’re probably missing out on one of the greatest feel-good sitcoms ever created. And this is just one of Apple TV’s many shows that you can sit back and enjoy at an affordable price.
Apple TV offers a different variety of entertainment, but this isn’t unlike Hulu or Netflix at all. It’s just another option that you can consider. But getting the Apple TV shows requires getting the Apple TV box, which can be costly.
However, some manufacturers of smart TV’s such as LG and Vizio are offering Apple TV pre-installed, which means that you only need to pay for the Apple TV service itself.
It’s safe to say that streaming services are here to stay. And there may come a time when cable or satellite TV as we know it will become a distant memory, much like that old antenna that once sat on the tops of homes across the country.
