If you are in the market for a new streaming player, this guide takes a closer look at the best devices you can currently buy between $100 and $200. Basically, this is a rundown of the more expensive standalone players.
$200 is a lot to spend on a streaming player, and especially when there are plenty of devices available for less than $100. Not to mention, plenty of devices that cost $50 or less and offer a very similar user experience to their more expensive counterparts.
However, for some individuals and households, it may be worth spending a little more to get a steaming player that better matches their audio and video needs. In particular, those wanting additional features and benefits including upgraded remotes, better audio and video support, and a more premium design in general.
Best streaming players under $200 summary
Below are our picks for the best streaming players priced above $100 but under $200.
| Player | Retail price | Check current price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | $129 | Apple |
| Roku Streambar | $129.99 | Roku Amazon |
| Fire TV Cube | $139.99 | Amazon |
| Nvidia Shield | $149.99 | Amazon Best Buy |
| Roku Streambar Pro | $179.99 | Roku Amazon |
| Nvidia Shield Pro | $199.99 | Amazon Best Buy |
Below is some additional information on each of our picks for the best streaming players between $100 and $200, starting with the cheapest player on the list.
Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K is not only the best streaming player Apple offers, it is the only streaming player that Apple now sells. In spite of the general lack of options, two different models are available to buy which mainly differ in terms of storage, Ethernet port, and Thread support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Best for iOS users | – Expensive |
| ✔ Apple TV+ | – Generic design |
| ✔ 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | – Built for iOS |
| ✔ Thread support* | |
| ✔ Gigabit Ethernet* |
Why you should consider Apple TV 4K
For those more invested in Apple’s ecosystem, it makes sense to go with the company’s streaming player. Especially as it comes with the same App Store and great support for AirPods, iPhone, and iPad. Put simply, if you already have Apple devices then it is worth considering Apple TV over any other streaming player, even if it costs more.
Why you might avoid Apple TV 4K
Price is a major reason to avoid the Apple TV 4K. While the company doesn’t offer any cheaper alternatives, many other companies do, including Amazon, Google, and Roku. Also, as this is a device that’s specifically designed with iOS users in mind, Apple TV 4K isn’t going to be the best option for Android device users.
Roku Streambar
The Roku Streambar is not your average streaming player. Technically, it’s not even a streaming player. Instead, it is a soundbar that comes with a Roku OS-powered streaming player built in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Space-saving design | – Expensive |
| ✔ Sound quality | – 2-in-1 design |
| ✔ 4K, HDR10 | – Better devices available |
| ✔ Voice remote with TV controls | |
| ✔ Four 1.9 inch drivers |
Why you should consider Roku Streambar
The obvious benefit of the Roku Streambar is that you won’t need to find room for an additional soundbar or streaming player. This makes the Roku Streambar a good option for those looking for a space-saving device while wanting to improve the sound quality of their home entertainment setup.
Why you might avoid Roku Streambar
2-in-1 designs are typically never a better option than separates. If the streaming player inside fails then there’s not much that can be done. Likewise, this isn’t a full audio solution in itself. For example, Roku sells the compatible wireless subwoofer separately, increasing the overall cost to$249.99. For that price, you could probably add better audio.
Fire TV Cube
Amazon’s Fire TV Cube is about as good as the streaming experience gets with Fire TV. After all, this is Amazon’s flagship Fire TV player.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Compact design | – Expensive |
| ✔ Built-in speaker | – Aimed at Prime members |
| ✔ 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | |
| ✔ Great for Prime Video | |
| ✔ Alexa |
Why you should consider Fire TV Cube
Now in its third generation, the Fire TV Cube is a powerful streaming player and the best Fire TV device that Amazon currently offers. The newer model also comes with a HDMI-In port making it possible to feed a cable or satellite set-top box into the Fire TV Cube. This is all on top of the usual benefits of Fire TV and Alexa. For fans of Prime Video, this is arguably the best streaming player to go with.
Why you might avoid Fire TV Cube
The main reason to avoid the Fire TV Cube is the price. At $139.99, it is a fairly expensive device and some homes may find they are better off spending that money on an Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield TV. Of course, Amazon’s streaming players routinely go on sale, lessening the main reason to avoid picking a Fire TV Cube up.
Nvidia Shield TV
The Nvidia Shield TV is not exactly a new streaming player, but it is still one of the best ones you can currently buy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Powerful streaming player | – Expensive |
| ✔ Compact design | – Gamepad sold separately |
| ✔ 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision | |
| ✔ AI-Enhanced upscaling | |
| ✔ GeForce NOW |
Why you should consider Nvidia Shield TV
The Nvidia Shield TV is designed to be a powerful streaming player. With Nvidia’s fondness for gaming, it should come as no surprise that this device is one of the better streaming players for gamers. While it won’t rival a dedicated console, AI upscaling and GeForce NOW cloud gaming are just some of the reasons why Shield TV is likely to be a gamer’s streaming player of choice.
Why you might avoid Nvidia Shield TV
Other than the price, there’s no real reason to avoid the Nvidia Shield TV. That said, its age could become an issue quickly. Even though there are no current rumors suggesting a new Shield is on the way, this is still a 2019 device, and that feels a little old in terms of streaming players.
Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro offers everything the standard Steambar does, along with improved audio and an even better remote.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Space-saving design | – Expensive |
| ✔ 4K, HDR10 | – 2-in-1 design |
| ✔ 2.5 inch full-range drivers | – Better devices available |
| ✔ Upgraded remote |
Why you should consider Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar and Roku Streambar Pro both benefit from the same 2-in-1 design, but the Pro version offers an improved audio experience thanks to an upgrade from 1.9 inch full-range drivers to 2.5 inch full-range premium drivers. Another reason to consider the Pro version is the remote, which includes the ability to listen in private thanks to the addition of a headphone port.
Why you might avoid Roku Streambar Pro
Similar to the standard Streambar, the main reason to avoid the Roku Streambar Pro is its 2-in-1 design. Unless looking to save space and/or money, a home entertainment setup is likely to benefit more from separate audio and video devices. Design aside, and if you don’t care much for the remote’s additional features, you’ll save money by going with the cheaper Roku Streambar.
Nvidia Shield Pro
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is exactly that, a pro version of the company’s popular and highly capable streaming player.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Powerful player | – Expensive |
| ✔ Plex Media Server | – Best for advanced users |
| ✔ Samsung SmartThings Hub | – No gamepad included |
| ✔ 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision | |
| ✔ AI-Enhanced upscaling |
Why you should consider Nvidia Shield TV Pro
The Pro version not only comes with all of the same features as the standard Shield TV, but it adds a number of upgrades including a RAM and storage bump. Notably, the Shield TV Pro is also capable of running as a Plex Media Server unlocking the potential to stream even more (including to other devices). For smart home enthusiasts, the Shield TV Pro is also capable of working as a SmartThings Hub.
Why you might avoid Nvidia Shield TV Pro
For many homes, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is simply overkill. The standard model is already expensive enough and offers a mostly identical experience. While there are reasons to consider paying more for the Pro version, for most homes, none of them are likely to be strong enough to suggest buying this model over the standard version.
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