I am often asked which streaming device I would recommend.

If you’re looking to buy a streaming device, it’s likely you’ll end up choosing between these products: Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire, though I recently found that from Windows 8.1 and most Smart devices one can stream direct to your Smart TV.

Here is something that most new Windows PCs can do via Windows 8. Most TVs in homes are “Smart” TVs. Samsung TV, for example, has Smart link software that can be downloaded to PCs and Smartphones. Once you become accustomed to viewing via Media Player or on your Smartphone, viewing on your Smart TV will soon be another option.

Streaming units have crossed over as entertainment devices and are now being used in schools and offices. Schools are now using Apple TV and ChromeCast devices to stream content from teachers’ or students’ Smart devices. The streaming device connects to a HDMI port on a TV or projector. While WiFi is needed in addition to the streaming devices, the Smartphone option only needs wireless.

Apple TV

Of the different streaming devices out there, Apple TV has actually been out the longest. The Apple TV works perfectly with any Apple iOS product. If you own music, movies, and/or TV shows on iTunes, the Apple TV lets you access all that content on your TV. And if you use iTunes Match, all your cloud-stored music is available as well. iTunes Radio was also recently added for radio. AirPlay is just fantastic; if you have other iOS devices or a newer recent Mac computer, it’s really easy to push music, photos, and videos from nearly any app to your Apple TV. It also gives you access to a lot of apps that aren’t supported natively by the Apple TV. The Apple TV used to get a lot of complaints for its limited app support, but it’s done a much better job recently, adding high-quality services like HBOGo and Watch ESPN.

But the Apple TV interface seems designed to push you toward iTunes content, with a non-customizable home screen topped by iTunes movies, TV shows, and music. That’s not a problem if you’re all-in with the Apple world, but it’s not ideal if you prefer to rent and buy content from other online stores, like Amazon or Vudu–neither of which are currently available on Apple TV.

Roku

As each Roku device is released, it comes with great improvements and features. The first generation needed an Ethernet cable connected to the device to provide streaming. The newer version works via WiFi. It is much sleeker and has more apps to choose from. Roku has apps built right into the unit that one can choose from or subscribe to. Chromecast/Apple doesn’t have anything near the Roku Apps/Menu choices. Though I haven’t tried this, my iPad has Roku as a choice to stream to as an option.

Roku is portable and has a remote with a headset jack. One can listen to the Roku via the headset without disturbing anyone else in the home. Roku also allows you to search for video from one app to the next. Roku is the leader on the apps choices from the rest of the products out there. There are some nice apps for education and children. There is a screensaver that shows the time and weather while the Roku isn’t being used.

Roku is the closest streaming device that would replace the need for a cable box, just based on the apps that were only available on standard cable TV.

Chromecast

Chromecast is the cheapest and smaller of the products enumerated. There isn’t a remote control, but it is easy to set up. Chromecast doesn’t have a menu or many apps to choose from, but Google seems committed to continuing to offer regular updates to the popular dongle. There isn’t any power cord to connect, but make sure the TV has a USB port to power the Chromecast dongle. Check to make sure you have the USB port on the device you are trying to stream to. Most TVs have at least one USB port.

Since Chromecast’s launch with just Netflix and YouTube, app selection continues to expand. Chromecast now also works with HBOGo, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Google Music, Plex, Vevo, MLB TV, Crackle, Rdio, Vudu and numerous other apps.

By design, Chromecast doesn’t have a true TV-based user interface. Everything is controlled through your smartphone or tablet, which means you may need to unlock your device every time you want to pause or rewind. The other boxes offer apps for smartphone/tablet control if you’d like, but the Chromecast can only be controlled one way.

Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV would all seem like the best items to bring on a vacation. Just be aware that there are many “gotchas” in hotels– weak WiFi, HDMI ports blocked, etc. So don’t plan on these products to work in a random hotel.

Nevertheless, the good part in all the above choices is that they work and are pretty good. I prefer Chromecast because of its no power cord requirement. But if you bought one of the others you are okay on your choice. Amazon Fire is now joining the competition by releasing its own streaming device. The streaming market has really just begun. Though it’s not yet a reality, as streaming devices improve and more apps are offered, having to pay for cable service may become a thing of the past.

If you have any questions or comments, Shneur Garb can be reached at [email protected]. Shneur is the CEO at The Garb IT Consulting Group in Teaneck, NJ.

By Shneur Garb