Buying guide
Streaming Setup
Updated How we research
Every source, one seamless system. The page is split into four sections (Streaming devices to start; Powerful streaming boxes; 4K media players for local files; One remote to rule them), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 15 picks. Our scores range from 6.4 to 9.4 out of 10.
- Best overall:Panasonic Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player, 4K Blu-ray Player with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Ultra HD Premium Video Playback, Hi-Res Audio, Voice Assist, DP-UB820-K (Black). Highest overall score in this guide at 9.4/10.
- Also great value:Panasonic Premium 4K Blu-ray Player, UHD DVD Blu-ray Player with Hi-Res Sound, 4K VOD Streaming, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, DP-UB450 (Black). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player, 4K Streaming Device, HDR10+ Dolby Vision and Atmos, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6, Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 9.2/10.
- Feature-rich:Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Streaming devices to start
- Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player, 4K Streaming Device, HDR10+ Dolby Vision and Atmos, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6, Rechargeable Voice Remote ProOur score9.2/10
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Voice Remote, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, Compact 4K Streaming Device with Long-Range Wi-FiOur score8.6/10
- Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote, Compact Streaming Device with Long-Range Wi-FiOur score6.6/10
- Roku Premiere+ 4K HDR Streaming PlayerOur score6.4/10
Powerful streaming boxes
- Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player, 4K Streaming Device, HDR10+ Dolby Vision and Atmos, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6, Rechargeable Voice Remote ProOur score9.2/10
- Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HDOur score8.6/10
- Roku Ultra Streaming Device HD/4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Streaming, Roku Voice Remote with Headphone Jack, includes Premium HDMI CableOur score8.6/10
- Roku Ultra Streaming Media Player 4K/HD/HDROur score7.2/10
4K media players for local files
- Panasonic Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player, 4K Blu-ray Player with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Ultra HD Premium Video Playback, Hi-Res Audio, Voice Assist, DP-UB820-K (Black)Our score9.4/10
- Panasonic Premium 4K Blu-ray Player, UHD DVD Blu-ray Player with Hi-Res Sound, 4K VOD Streaming, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, DP-UB450 (Black)Our score8.8/10
- Panasonic UB420 Streaming 4K Blu-ray Player, Ultra HD Premium Video Playback with Hi-Res Audio, Voice Assist, DP-UB420-K (Black)Our score8.0/10
- Panasonic 4K Blu-ray Player, Ultra HD Premium Video Playback and Hi-Res Audio, DP-UB150-K (Black)Our score7.8/10
One remote to rule them
- SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with HubOur score8.4/10
- SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global MacroOur score8.4/10
- SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight), All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customized APP for TV/Soundbar/DVD/Blu-ray/Projector and MoreOur score8.0/10
- SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with APP, All in One Universal Remote Control to Replace All Your RemotesOur score7.8/10
All 15 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Panasonic's DP-UB820-K black streaming 4K Blu-ray player with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Hi-Res Audio and voice assist.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 10/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for every HDR disc type
- + HDR optimizer improves tone mapping on projectors and dim TVs
- + Hi-Res Audio playback suits music as well as movies
- - Priced above basic Blu-ray players that play the same discs
- - Streaming apps are limited, so a separate streamer still helps
#2Roku Ultra, a 4K streaming player with HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Atmos, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 and a rechargeable Voice Remote Pro.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet option keep high bitrate 4K streams steady
- + Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro ends battery swaps
- + Dolby Atmos support suits soundbar and receiver setups
- - Costs more than Roku sticks with similar picture formats
- - Set-top box needs shelf space rather than hiding behind the TV
#3Panasonic's DP-UB450 black premium 4K Blu-ray player with Hi-Res Sound, 4K VOD streaming, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support covers all premium discs
- + Plays DVDs and Blu-rays too, so older collections still work
- + 4K VOD streaming apps add convenience in one box
- - Streaming app selection trails dedicated streaming devices
- - Fewer advanced outputs than Panasonic's flagship disc player
#4Roku's Streaming Stick 4K with voice remote, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, a compact player with long-range Wi-Fi.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Dolby Vision and HDR10+ cover the main streaming HDR formats
- + Long-range Wi-Fi helps when the TV is far from the router
- + Simple Roku interface is neutral across streaming services
- - No Dolby Atmos pass-through listed, unlike the Roku Ultra
- - Stick form cannot use wired Ethernet for the most stable stream
#5Amazon's Fire TV Cube, a hands-free 4K Ultra HD streaming box with built-in Alexa and Wi-Fi 6E for smart living rooms.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Hands-free Alexa works like a smart speaker even with the TV off
- + Wi-Fi 6E gives fast, low-interference streaming on newer routers
- + Can control TVs, soundbars and receivers through HDMI and IR
- - Interface pushes Amazon content more than neutral platforms
- - Wi-Fi 6E benefit needs a compatible router to show up
#6Roku Ultra with HD, 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision and Atmos, Bluetooth streaming, a headphone jack voice remote and premium HDMI cable.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Headphone jack on the remote enables private late-night listening
- + Dolby Vision and Atmos support suit a full home theater
- + Premium HDMI cable in the box avoids a separate purchase
- - Older than the newest Roku Ultra with rechargeable remote
- - Box needs a spot on a shelf with line of sight for some features
#7SofaBaton X1S universal remote with a hub and app, covering 500,000+ devices over IR and Bluetooth with one-touch Activities, macros and Alexa or Google voice start.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + One-touch Activities such as Watch TV power on the TV and soundbar and switch inputs in one press.
- + The hub gives 360 degree coverage up to 40 feet and includes two wired IR transmitters for gear inside cabinets.
- + Cloud code database sets up devices from the app, with button remapping, macros and a Beep Remote Tracker.
- - Setup and programming happen in the SofaBaton app, which takes more effort than a plain replacement remote.
- - The remote has no microphone, and voice commands through Alexa or Google only start Activities, not single devices.
#8The newer model above the SofaBaton U2. The U3 controls IR, Bluetooth and RF devices without a hub, replaces up to 30 remotes and adds a Global Macro button, a voice button and an air mouse mode.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Supports 6,000+ brands and over 500,000 devices across IR, Bluetooth and RF
- + The Global Macro button brings up a list of custom macros with icons, in place of activity modes
- + Stays connected to multiple Bluetooth devices at once and has a stated 40-foot infrared range
- - Covers IR, Bluetooth and RF devices: Wi-Fi control is listed for the hub-based X1S, not for this remote
- - Costs well above the older U2 it replaces here, which moves this slot into a higher price band
#9Panasonic's DP-UB420-K black UB420 streaming 4K Blu-ray player with Ultra HD Premium playback, Hi-Res Audio and voice assist.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ultra HD Premium playback delivers top 4K disc quality
- + Voice assist support adds hands-free control
- + Mid-range Panasonic model with strong picture processing
- - Check for Dolby Vision support if your discs use that format
- - Fewer audio outputs than the higher-end Panasonic players
#10SofaBaton's backlit U2 all-in-one smart universal remote with a customized app for TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players and projectors.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Backlight makes buttons readable in a dark home theater
- + App setup is easier than typing device codes one by one
- + Handles projectors and soundbars alongside the TV
- - IR-based control needs line of sight to hidden components
- - No hub, so it cannot run advanced multi-device activities
#11Panasonic's DP-UB150-K black 4K Blu-ray player with Ultra HD Premium playback and Hi-Res Audio, an affordable disc player.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Low-cost entry to 4K Blu-ray disc quality
- + Ultra HD Premium certification ensures proper 4K HDR playback
- + Compact player fits easily in AV racks
- - Check for Dolby Vision and streaming app support before buying
- - Basic model with few extra connections or tuning options
#12SofaBaton's U2 all in one universal remote with app setup, designed to replace a stack of separate TV and AV remotes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Consolidates several remotes into one for a cleaner coffee table
- + App makes adding and editing devices straightforward
- + Good value compared with hub-based universal remotes
- - Check for backlit buttons if you plan to use it in the dark
- - Some device functions may need manual learning or mapping
#13An earlier Roku Ultra streaming media player for 4K, HD and HDR, a box-style Roku with wired network support.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Box design adds an Ethernet port for stable 4K streaming
- + Roku home screen is simple and not tied to one store
- + Remote finder feature helps locate a lost remote
- - Check for Dolby Vision support if your source uses that format
- - Older generation may miss newer Wi-Fi and remote features
#14Roku's Streaming Stick HD with voice remote and long-range Wi-Fi, a simple player for HD TVs and bedrooms.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Voice remote makes finding shows quick
- + Long-range Wi-Fi works well in rooms far from the router
- + Compact stick hides behind the TV with no clutter
- - HD only, so it wastes the resolution of ultra HD TVs
- - Not a fit for a main home theater with HDR content
#15Roku's Premiere+ 4K HDR streaming player, an older compact box for bringing 4K apps to non-smart TVs.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + 4K HDR playback upgrades older TVs with modern apps
- + Roku interface is easy for all ages to navigate
- + Small box sits neatly beside a TV or behind a stand
- - Older model lacks Dolby Vision and newer Wi-Fi standards
- - May receive fewer updates than current Roku players
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Home Theater Setup Hub curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.