Your TV’s Specifications
When purchasing a streaming box, knowing your TV’s specs is important.
If you have a 4K TV, you should note the HDR formats your specific model supports.
The main ones include HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Sony
Suppose your TV only supports a particular format.
Streaming Quality
If you want the best picture quality, you need a streaming unit that supports higher resolution.
As of writing, the highest resolution it’s possible for you to find on streaming boxes is 4K.
Apple/Samsung
If your TV supports 4K, you’ll get the best picture quality when watching content.
Of course, the content must also be in 4K for this to happen.
App Library Size
Streaming devices use different operating systems.
Jeppe Gustafsson/Shutterstock
But it doesn’t matter what operating system the gadget ships with.
Every equipment typically ships with an utility store where you could easily download and install apps.
This tool store should list hundreds, if not thousands, of apps.
NVIDIA
You won’t have to struggle with sideloading apps.
Casting Support
When buying a streaming rig, ensure it has built-in support for casting.
It is handy when you should probably watch something quickly on the bigger screen of your TV.
Michael Derrer Fuchs/Shutterstock
Besides, not all streaming devices have all the streaming apps.
Even some of ourbest media streaming devicesmay not have all the streaming apps you seek.
And not every service out there has a TV-compatible app on every platform.
There are three main casting technologies: AirPlay, Chromecast, and MiraCast.
If a streaming box’s specifications mention one of the three, it has casting support.
However, these technologies are not interoperable as they use different protocols.
Software Support
Long-term software updates are as important to a streaming box as on a smartphone or computer.
Therefore, you should ensure that the gadget has support for several years.
But companies can promise and never deliver.
You should also avoid buying a streaming box from unknown companies with little or no presence online.
Most cheap generic streaming boxes available online receive little to no software updates.
Hardware Specifications
You should also scrutinize the unit’s hardware specifications.
Generally, the higher the number, the better when it comes to hardware specs.
Voice control support is also something to look out for if you are interested.
Some provide extras like gaming support and an integration into your existing ecosystem of smart home devices.
Picking the best streaming box for your home requires careful consideration of all the factors above.
Streaming boxes vary in price.
However, like most other electronic devices, you must pay more if you need the best.
