With more and more people cutting the cord on the dying cable TV providers, the demand for OTT streaming is at an all-time high. Over-the-top streaming allows users to watch their favorite shows on their smart TVs, mobile phones, or OTT devices at their convenience. Instead of relying on cable or satellite TV to get their content, OTT TV delivers content over the Internet. Since each device has different functionalities, we decided to point out the top picks for OTT devices for 2023.
What Is an OTT Device?
An OTT device is any device used to deliver OTT content. This can be anything from desktop PCs, gaming consoles, or mobile phones to various devices dedicated to video streaming. Although most of these use OTT apps to stream content, the term OTT device typically refers to devices exclusively dedicated to OTT streaming.
Usually, these traditional OTT devices are small sticks or boxes that allow TVs to connect to the Internet (e.g., Chromecast, Amazon Fire, Roku sticks, etc.).
OTT Device vs. OTT Platform: What’s the Difference?
Simply put, an OTT device is any device that can deliver video content across the web. That includes various TV and mobile devices, OTT boxes, video gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X), and similar.
On the other hand, an OTT platform is a service that offers consumers access to on-demand, live, or linear video through one of the above streaming devices. For example, OTT platforms are services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
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Top 5 OTT Streaming Devices in 2023
Not all OTT devices are made equal — many have exciting exclusives, some support higher-quality renditions, and most have distinct streaming options and features. So, for publishers looking to enrich their arsenal of streaming possibilities, these five OTT devices are by far some of the best current choices on the market:
1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Specs:
| Resolution | 4K |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Storage | 4GB |
| HDR | HDR10/10+, HLG, and DolbyVision |
| OS | Roku OS |
| Voice Assistant | Search |
Pros:
- Cost-efficient
- Excellent 4K HDR quality
- The new version includes Dolby Vision
- Compatible with Apple devices / AirPlay
- Extensive app library
- Excellent interface
Cons:
- Amazon offers better live TV integration
- No Dolby Atmos
While the new version of the Roku Streaming Stick isn’t groundbreaking, it covers all the shortcomings of the previous version while maintaining high quality, remaining one of the best in the industry. Identical in appearance to the older one, the latest stick comes with a simple design and easy setup.
One of the main changes is in the new quad-core processor, which is supposed to provide a 30% faster app boot time than the older versions. However, the most anticipated addition is the Dolby Vision, finally making it on par with its competitors and giving audiences an immersive viewing experience. Although for those interested in Dolby Atmos the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is a more viable but expensive purchase.
Regarding content, Roku still offers an extensive library of some of the best streaming services and apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, and so on.
2. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Specs:
| Resolution | 4K |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 8GB |
| HDR | HDR10/10+, HLG, and DolbyVision |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa |
Pros:
- Excellent 4K HDR quality
- Extensive app library
- Live TV and smart camera integration
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Too many Amazon ads
- Faulty voice search
- No built-in Chromecast
This device has a massive app library with more than 5,000 apps available, including services like Amazon Prime Media (Prime Video and Music) and streaming providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. However, users need an Amazon Prime account for full functionality.
However, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Max lacks in some departments: the voice search engine could be better and Amazon content is always at the forefront. Nonetheless, what the newer version brings to the table is easy navigation, fast performance, live TV and smart home camera integration, and excellent 4K HDR streaming.
3. Chromecast with Google TV 4K
Specs:
| Resolution | 4K |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 8GB |
| HDR | HDR10/10+, HLG, and DolbyVision |
| OS | Android TV OS |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
Pros:
- Extensive streaming services
- Smooth streaming even with low bandwidth
- Smart home features
Cons:
- General Google searches are poorly formatted
- Can’t be powered by all TVs
Chromecast is an excellent alternative to Amazon Fire Stick. It has an Android-based system and offers an extensive library of streaming services such as YouTube, YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Disney Plus, and as of this year, even Tubi.
The device has a few advantages over TV sticks — it has Google Assistant built-in and leverages Google’s powerful search engine. It can also serve as a screen mirroring device, which makes it easy to beam pretty much anything you want to your TV.
4. Apple TV 4K (3rd gen)
Specs:
| Resolution | 4K |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB (128GB) |
| HDR | HDR10/10+, HLG, and DolbyVision |
| OS | Apple TV OS (iOS) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri |
Pros:
- Access to iOS-exclusive content
- Fast responsive performance
- Handy features like AirPlay and HomeKit
Cons:
- Expensive
- Relies exclusively on the Apple ecosystem
Apple TV 4K 3rd gen is one of the most potent streaming devices with a quick response time and extensive Apple features. While the new gen is more affordable than its predecessor, it is still costlier than other devices on the market. The new design is, however, smaller than the previous one and a lot lighter.
In terms of available content, this device allows users to connect via Apple AirPlay2 and download all streaming apps available in Apple’s store. The store contains tons of exclusive content and includes all your owned Apple TV+ and iTunes content to which you wouldn’t have access with other devices. This device is probably most worthwhile for avid Apple users.
However, do note that Apple plans on releasing the Apple TV 4K Gen 4th during the second half of 2023.
5. NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
Specs:
| Resolution | 4K |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| HDR | HDR10 and Dolby Vision |
| OS | Android TV OS |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant / Alexa |
Pros:
- A versatile and powerful streamer
- Built-in Chromecast
- Great gaming features
Cons:
- Expensive
- GeForce NOW subscription requirement
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is an OTT broadcasting device made with gamers in mind. This device allows users to stream both shows from their favorite apps like Netflix and Hulu in 4K and video games. The device was built on Android TV OS. So it grants users access to the Google Play store and all its apps.
The Pro version retains the original Android TV experience and offers sleek and easy navigation. However, the new rendition includes extra storage space and multiple USB ports. To begin with, Shield TV already supported multiple HDR formats but can now play back Dolby Vision content as well.
However, the most defining feature is the built-in GeForce Now service, which gives you access to top-tier PC games on your TV, whether you have a gaming PC or not.
TargetVideo’s OTT Solutions
For publishers interested in launching their own OTT app, TargetVideo offers multiple custom OTT solutions. Grow your viewership and engage users with high-quality OTT streams across CTV and mobile devices. Make your services available on Android, iOS, webOS, and Tizen with our white-label solution. What’s more, you can monetize content with our scalable video monetization solution and get access to high-quality ads with our Premium Demand.
FAQ
1. Which OTT device is best?
The best OTT devices are Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV. However, choosing the right device for yourself will depend on your preferences, needs, and budget.
2. What are the most used OTT devices?
The current most used OTT devices are Google Chromecast, Roku Stick, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV stick.
3. What is the fastest OTT device?
Nvidia Shield TV Pro is often regarded as the fastest OTT device.
