You don’t have to spend a lot of money on equipment to cut the cord. Getting started can cost you $50 or less if you buy one of the streaming devices on my list.
For the past couple of years, I’ve recommended two affordable Roku devices for first-time streamers and anyone on a budget.
But my advice has changed after Roku introduced new devices in 2021. In this article, I review the best cheap streaming devices under $50.
Let’s get started!
1. Roku Express 4K+
Roku launched the Roku Express 4K+ in May 2021 and it quickly became my #1 pick for first-time streamers.
The Roku Express 4K+ streams in 4K, features voice search and has a remote control that you can pair with your TV’s remote.
Doing so allows you to power the TV and control the volume with the Roku remote.
Roku Express 4K+ is separate from the entry-level Roku Express. The Roku Express 4K+ is a new and improved version of Roku Premiere, which is a device that I previously recommended.
The regular price of the Roku Express 4K+ is $39.99.
RELATED: How to Set Up a Roku Express 4K+ in 5 Minutes (VIDEO)
2. Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K hit store shelves in October 2021.
It’s a redesigned and more powerful version of Roku Streaming Stick+, which I’ve tested over the years and really enjoy using.
The remote that comes with Roku Streaming Stick 4K has voice search and TV controls. It’s the same remote that you get with my previous recommendation, Roku Express 4K+.
The primary advantage that Roku Streaming Stick 4K has over the Roku Express devices is that it’s more portable.
That’s because it’s a stick and plugs directly into the HDMI port on the back of your TV.
If you want to take it on vacation, just unplug the Streaming Stick 4K and remember to take the power cord and remote with you.
In fact, you don’t even need the remote. You can download the free Roku remote app if you need to.
The Roku Express devices are portable as well, but it’s less convenient if you attached your Roku to your TV with the one-time use adhesive strip included in the box.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K is sold for $49.99, $10 more than Roku Express 4K+.
KEY POINT: With either the Roku Express 4K+ or Roku Streaming Stick 4K, you get access to Roku’s interface. I like Roku’s home screen for first-time streamers because it features big, bright thumbnails that make it easy to get to your preferred apps and add new ones.
3. Chromecast with Google TV
When I’m not streaming with a Roku device, I’m most likely using Chromecast with Google TV.
Previous versions of Chromecast did not have a remote, but the Chromecast with Google TV does. It’s slightly smaller than a Roku remote, but it has similar features.
Chromecast with Google TV’s interface is busier than Roku’s, although it does a good job of helping you discover content to watch across all of your apps.
My favorite feature is Chromecast with Google TV’s built-in Google Assistant.
Over time, I’ve found that Chromecast with Google TV has handled voice commands much better than my Roku devices.
Chromecast with Google TV is $49.99 at the regular price.
4. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon has several devices for under $50 at the regular price: Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Stick 4K.
If you want to stream in 4K, that’s obviously the one to buy. But since I don’t stream much 4K content, I was fine purchasing the third generation of the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
This device has an Alexa voice remote and TV controls like the other players on my list.
The biggest thing that stands out to me about the new Amazon Fire TV Stick is the speed. It’s much faster than the two previous Fire TV devices I’ve purchased dating back to 2018.
You get Alexa, so voice search is a definite pro. But Amazon Fire TV’s menus are more complicated to sort through compared to Roku.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is $49.99 at the regular price.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about purchasing any of the devices I’ve mentioned in this article, you don’t have to pay full price!
There are frequent deals and discounts on Roku, Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV devices throughout the year. However, you’ll find the best deals around Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
And just one more thing:
The best cheap streaming device is probably the one you already have.
I wrote this article as a resource for people who need a new streaming media player. But if you have an old device that still works, keep using it until you’re ready to upgrade.
And when you do, you can move that device to a secondary TV or donate it to someone else.
What’s your favorite streaming media player for under $50 and why do you like it? Leave a comment below and join my YouTube community for more ways to save on streaming TV.
I have an Nvidia shield streaming device and a smart TV, a laptop, and a tablet, My question is what kind of Internet service will I need and will I need Wi-Fi also? I have currently service with Xfinity.
Yes, you want Wi-Fi. If you have the device Xfinity provides, it’s a router and modem combo. I cover my speed recommendations here: https://michaelsaves.com/streaming/how-to-cut-the-cord/
if you get a Roku or Firestick and plug it in to a non smart TV, do you have to adjust your wifi router to recognize the streaming device? If yes, how?
instructions will appear on the screen. I detail it in this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6MhMk6ebq0