How to pick the best 4K streaming device and bring smart features to your TV

If you don’t have a smart TV, you’re automatically locked out of watching content from streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar and Voot - unless you have a smart TV stick or a Google Chromecast device. But picking one can be difficult as some platforms are missing useful features like YouTube support or a built-in browser.

We’ve got a handy guide to help you navigate the top three streaming devices you can connect to your TV to gain smart features right away.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

If you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, you’ll be spending the most among all the competitors on this list. But what you’ll gain is 4K streaming, HDR10+ video content support - and even Dolby Vision if your display supports it. It is powered by a quad-core processor and runs on Fire OS and the Infrared Remote support is very handy.

Also read: Google faces lawsuit over claims of 4K streaming on Stadia

The Fire Stick provides access to Netflix (with a non-mobile plan), Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar and much more. You’ll also have access to Alexa that comes built into the remote so you can dictate commands instead of typing your requests manually. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K retails for ₹5,999.

Motorola 4K Android TV Stick

Motorola’s new 4K Android TV Stick was launched earlier today and comes with full HDR10 and HLG support as long as you have a compatible device. If you don’t have a 4K device, you can stream content at either 1080p or even 720p, depending on the screen resolution supported by your TV. It runs on a quad-core processor and runs on Android Pie.

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The Motorola 4K Android TV Stick will give you access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, YouTube, and more. It also has support for Google Assistant and allows for full Chromecast support. The remote also has support for hotkeys for streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube and Zee5. The Motorola 4K Android TV Stick retails for ₹3,999.

Xiaomi Mi Box 4K

This is the cheapest device among the three we have compared in this list, but that doesn’t mean the Mi Box 4K is short on features. This compact device plugs right into your TV’s HDMI port and turns it into a smart TV. It runs on Android Pie and users can access the internet through your home’s Wi-Fi connection but it also comes with Bluetooth support for the included remote, controller support and audio peripherals.

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You can use the Mi Box 4K to access a massive collection of apps and services such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hotstar, Google’s YouTube Kids app and much more. The system also supports Chromecast functionality so you can simply mirror your phone, or tablet - or even your laptop’s screen wirelessly. For users who store their movies on USB drives, you can also access these files via apps on the Mi Box 4K. The device retails for Rs, 3499.