Five Best Streaming Media Players

Streaming media player. Set-top box. Media box. Smart stick. Media streamer. Digital media device. These are all the names for a certain type of device you use to stream audio and video content to your TV. They allow you to access a variety of online apps so that you can stream your favorite on-demand content (think TV shows, movies, sports, games and more) on your HDTV.

Google Chromecast 

Chromecast is the easy way to enjoy online video and anything from the web on your TV. Plug it into any HDTV and control it with your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Send your favorites from HBO GO, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Watch ESPN, Crunchyroll, MLS, Crackle, Rdio, MLB.TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music, and Chrome to your TV with the press of a button. No more huddling around small screens and tiny speakers. Chromecast automatically updates to work with a growing number of apps.

Features – 
•Stream online video, music, photos and more to your TV using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop
•Supports a growing number of apps including Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, ESPN, MLB.TV, Google Play Movies and Music, Plex, MLS, crackle, Vevo, Rdio. Allows to cast a Chrome browser tab.
•Box includes Chromecast, HDMI extender, USB power cable, and power adapter. No remote needed.
•Easy setup: Plug into any HDTV and connect to your home WiFi network
•Works with Android phones and tablets, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks

Fire TV Stick

Fire TV Stick connects your HDTV to a world of online entertainment. Whether you're a Prime member or not, enjoy a huge selection of movies and TV episodes, voice search that actually works, and exclusive features like ASAP. Fire TV Stick is an easy way to enjoy Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, low-cost movie rentals, live and on-demand sports, music, photos, games, and more. You will surely love the voice search feature. 

Features – 
•Powerful performance—4x the storage and 2x the memory of Chromecast, plus a dual-core processor and 1 GB of memory.
•Massive selection—Over 200,000 TV episodes and movies, millions of songs, and hundreds of games.
•Free 30-day Prime trial—Unlimited access to thousands of popular movies and TV episodes including award-winning series from HBO and exclusive titles like Alpha House, plus new Prime Music.  
•Instant streaming with ASAP—No more waiting for your movies and shows to buffer—ASAP learns what movies and shows you like so they start instantly
•Dedicated remote and app for easy use—With the Amazon Fire TV Remote that comes in the box or the free app on your Android device (iOS coming soon), you have all the controls you need to easily search, navigate, and play games
•Voice search that actually works—Simply say what you want to watch and start enjoying in seconds with the free app or Amazon Fire TV Voice Remote (sold separately)
•Connect your small screen to your big screen— Fire TV Stick lets you fling your favorite apps to your TV to free up your small screen for other uses. Or mirror your phone or tablet to your TV.  
•Great for gaming, too—Play favorite titles like Flappy Birds Family, Toy Story: Smash It!, Monsters University, and more great games

Roku 3500R

The Roku 3500R Streaming Stick (HDMI Version) is a convenient little stick that streams loads of entertainment to your TV. Choose from 1,500+ channels and 31,000+ movies with more added all the time. Control it with the included remote or from your mobile device. Even cast Netflix, YouTube and personal media from your smartphone or tablet to your TV.

Features – 
•Compact stick design. Plugs discreetly right into the HDMI port. Great for wall-mounted TVs.
•1,500+ entertainment channels and counting. By far the most movies, sports, news, music and kids' shows of any streaming player.
•Control with remote or mobile. You can choose to control your entertainment via your iOS or Android device. Or use the included remote that everybody can share. It's your choice.
•Send to TV from mobile. Use mobile apps, such as Netflix and YouTube, to cast videos from your phone straight to your TV.
•Stunning HD video quality. Immerse yourself in the action with rich, vibrant video streaming up to 1080p* HD.

Apple TV MD199LL/A

Apple TV gives you access to the best content — blockbuster movies, TV shows, sports, your music and photos, and more — right on your HDTV.1 You can even play content from your iOS device or Mac on your TV wirelessly using AirPlay. Buy or rent thousands of movies and TV shows from iTunes, many including iTunes Extras. Or stream the latest hits and original programming from Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, Disney Channel, ABC, and more.

Features – 
•1080p HD programming, including iTunes movies and TV shows, Netflix, Vimeo, photos and more in HD
•Access your purchased movies, TV shows, and music with iTunes Match right from iCloud
•Stream video, games, and more from iOS devices using AirPlay; music, videos, and photos can also be streamed from PCs and Macs
•HDMI and digital optical audio output; connects to network via Wireless-N or Ethernet

Roku 3 

Roku 3 packs tons of entertainment into one tiny box. Enjoy 1,500+ channels of movies, TV shows, games, music, sports, and more. Plug headphones into the remote to watch late-night flicks without disturbing the household. Or use motion-control to play games like Angry Birds Space. And with one-stop search, find that perfect movie or show in a flash. 1080p HD, dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB ports, plus free iOS and Android Roku apps so you can enjoy even more great features. The Roku 3—the new streaming standard for your HDTV.

Features – 
•Faster and more powerful. With up to 1080p HD video* and extended-range, dual-band wireless performance for increased speed
•Amazing remote with headphone jack. Use the included in-ear headphones to crank up that late-night flick while the kids (or parents) sleep
•One-stop search. Find your favorite movies and TV shows all from one place from top TV and Movie services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or Hulu Plus.1500+ channels and growing. The best selection of streaming out there.
•Free iOS and Android device app. Use it like a remote. Browse and add new channels. Even stream your music and photos from your phone or tablet to your HDTV