Just by connecting to your TV, you can enjoy movies and dramas with streaming devices. There are now many different types, so it can be confusing. Fire TV, Google, Apple, and also some lesser-known manufacturers. Recently, I actually tested and compared 11 popular streaming devices, so it might be helpful.

I evaluated based on speed and price, and Apple TV 4K is overwhelmingly fast. App launch takes 4.8 seconds, scrolling 5.9 seconds, almost stress-free. However, the price of 19,000 yen is a drawback. On the other hand, Fire TV Stick 4K MAX takes 13.5 seconds to start up and 10.4 seconds to scroll, which is quite comfortable. During sales, it drops to as low as 8,270 yen, so if you prioritize cost performance, this one is better.

Google TV Streamer 4K also performs well, with strong integration with Google services. But it’s priced higher at 11,880 yen. If you want to keep costs down, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select at 7,980 yen isn’t bad. It features the new Vega OS launching in November 2025, so it’s worth watching how long it will receive support.

For cheaper streaming devices, Dangbei’s 4K dongle costs 8,999 yen. However, it takes 17.8 seconds to start up, which feels sluggish. If you’re buying for the first time, choosing from the Fire TV series based on your budget is the safest bet. The picture quality is quite good, and sales are frequent.