Whether new to streaming or just looking for a new device, there are plenty of streaming players available to buy for under $100. Check this guide if you are specifically looking for players under $50, as all of the ones listed here are priced below $100 but higher than $50.
This $50-$100 section of the market is an interesting one. While the best streaming players under $50 tend to be more budget oriented, and the best streaming players under $200 (but over $100) focus heavily on a premium design and features, this in-between area is where you are likely to get a good mixture of value and features.
Arguably, this makes the $50 to $100 streaming players where a consumer is likely to find the best value overall.
Best streaming players under $100
Below is our picks for the best streaming players above $50 but under $100.
| Player | Retail Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $59.99 | Amazon |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ | $69.99 | Roku Amazon |
| Xiaomi Mi Box S | $76.00 | Amazon Walmart |
| AirTV Mini | $79.99 | Amazon |
| Roku Ultra | $99.99 | Roku Amazon |
If unsure of which of these streaming players are likely to be the best choice for you and your home, below are some more details on each one, starting with the cheapest player on the list.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the best Stick-based device that Amazon currently sells.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ 4K | – Cheaper options available |
| ✔ HDR10/Dolby Atmos | – Better player available |
| ✔ Faster CPU | – Quad-core processor |
| ✔ Wi-Fi 6 |
Why you should consider Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Amazon also sells a standard Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device making the Max version all about performance. With upgrades in the CPU, GPU, and connectivity departments, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is designed for those that want the best in performance while maintaining the compact design of a Fire TV Stick.
Why you might avoid Fire TV Stick 4K Max
As mentioned, Amazon also sells a non-Max version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and this is likely to be more than enough for most people and homes. Considering the difference in price, the standard Fire TV Stick 4K offers better value, making it a better buy.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max pricing and availability
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max retails for $59.99 and is available to buy from Amazon as well was various third-party retailers.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is the best Stick-based device that Roku currently sells.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ 4K HDR | – Expensive Stick |
| ✔ Portable | – No Dolby Atmos |
| ✔ Stick design | |
| ✔ Roku Voice Remote Pro |
Why you should consider Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
The big seeling point with this device is that it comes bundled with a Roku Voice Remote Pro. This is Roku’s best remote and adds features like private listening, a lost remote finder, and personal shortcut buttons.
Why you might avoid Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is a good buy overall, but at $60, it is a relatively expensive purchase. For that price, there are plenty of other options available, including from Roku. For example, and while the standard Roku Streaming Stick 4K loses some of the advanced remote features, it does cost $20 less.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ pricing and availability
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ retails for $69.99 and is available to buy directly from Roku as well as some third-party retailers, including Amazon.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
The Xiaomi Mi Box S runs on the Android TV platform, making it a good option for apps thanks to the availability of the Google Play Store.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Google Play Store | – Unreliable user experience |
| ✔ Google Assistant | – Generic design |
| ✔ 4K | – Concerns over support |
| ✔ Voice support |
Why you should consider Xiaomi Mi Box S
The Xiaomi Mi Box S is a follow up device to the original Xiaomi Mi Box and boasts a number of improvements. This, along with the price, has led to a lot of Xiaomi Mi Box sales over the years. The Mi Box S comes loaded with the Google Play Store, Google Assistant, 4K HDR support, and a voice-enabled remote control.
Why you might avoid Mi Box S
The Mi Box S is not exactly a new streaming player. In fact, Xiaomi has released a newer model that’s currently unavailable in the United States. Another potential concern is support, something that’s wasn’t exactly the best before considering the age of the device. In reality, there are better options available at a cheaper price.
Mi Box S pricing and availability
The Xiaomi Mi Box S originally launched at $59.99 and was widely available. While it still can be purchased from a number of retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, the price has increased slightly.
AirTV Mini
The AirTV Mini is a little different to the other devices on this list. Even though it is a streaming player, it’s one designed with a particular streaming service in mind – Sling TV. However, that shouldn’t be too surprising considering both AirTV and Sling TV are owned by Dish Network.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Great for Sling TV | – Not for non-Slingers |
| ✔ 4K | – Boots into Sling TV |
| ✔ Integrate live TV and OTA | – Missing some popular apps |
Why you should consider AirTV Mini
The idea here is simple. If you already use Sling TV, or plan to, then this is basically the player for you. The Sling TV app is preloaded and there’s even a shortcut button on the remote for quick and easy access to the live TV streaming service. In fact, the whole interface is very tightly integrated with Sling TV making it a good option for those invested in the live TV service.
Why you might avoid AirTV Mini
AirTV Mini was a good device when it was first released, and remains a good option for those invested in Sling TV. However, there are better devices now available and at a cheaper price. For example, the Chromecast with Google TV offers a similar design and experience, and without locking the user into a Sling-first experience.
AirTV Mini pricing and availability
AirTV Mini was previously available to buy directly from AirTV, but that option is no longer available. However, it is still available to purchase for $79.99 from Amazon. It is also available for free from Sling TV when pre-paying for two months of live TV.
Roku Ultra
Put simply, if you want the best experience Roku has to offer, then the Roku Ultra is the streaming player for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Most powerful Roku | – Expensive |
| ✔ 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision | – Generic design |
| ✔ Voice Remote | |
| ✔ Private Listening |
Why you should consider Roku Ultra
Running on Roku OS, the Roku Ultra comes with access to a wide selection of apps, as well as Bluetooth, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. The Roku Ultra also plays nicely with many other devices thanks to its ability to work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Software aside and the Roku Ultra is just a more premium player in general. It’s an extremely powerful device compared to other Roku players and comes with more connection options, including a USB port for connecting a hard drive.
Why you might Avoid Roku Ultra
There is no major reason to avoid the Roku Ultra other than the price. At $99, it is barely under $100, and if paying this much than it might be worth considering paying a little more for something like Apple TV 4K or Amazon’s Fire TV Cube. If, however, the Roku Ultra is available at a cheaper than usual price, it is worth picking up.
Roku Ultra pricing and availability
Roku Ultra retails for $99.99 in the United States and is available to buy directly from Roku as well as various third-party retailers, including Amazon.
