With more and more content coming online these days, it can be hard to keep up with what show is where and what everyone is watching these days. Now that Game of Thrones has finally ended, there is a big void in what may capture the attention of the world.
Will it be on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Crackle, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Acorn or some other streaming service?
If you’re getting dizzy just trying to get each service straight, don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s why so many people are turning to streaming devices today.
But should you also jump on board? Is that your new tech investment of the year? Below is sort of a pros and cons list to deciding whether or not you should purchase a streaming device.
Table of Contents
The Pros
Price
Streaming devices are relatively inexpensive, usually hovering around $40 and sometimes can drop to be even cheaper. You may be thinking about buying a Smart TV but don’t want to spend the extra cash. A streaming device is perfect for your situation.
You don’t have to pay a regular service fee to use the device, but instead you’ll be paying for the subscriptions on the device. It’s simply a one-time cost and then you can load your subscriptions on it as you see fit.
Size
The majority of streaming devices are quite small, a bit bigger than a USB stick and can fit in your hand. It takes no effort to plug it in or carry it with you on vacation or to a friend’s house.
You don’t have to worry about plugging in different cables or power supplies. They all plug into your TV and can be charged rather easily.
Convenience
It feels great to cut the cord and you’re going to get rid of a lot of clutter behind around your TV. Imagine moving that clunky cable box or DVD player out of the way, freeing up the space for something else.
In addition, most streaming devices have all the most popular apps pre-installed, so all you’ll have to do is enter in your username and password and you’ll be binge-watching your favorite show in no time.
Greater Flexibility
A streaming device gives you more flexibility, and more options, than your Smart TV or DVD player might. Troypoint explains how to jailbreak your Amazon Firestick, which can give you access to movies, TV, live channels, sports and pay-per-view events.
In addition, you can install a VPN easily on your streaming device, giving you access to content that you may have been limited to given your geographical location. This is especially useful if you’re traveling and want access to your home accounts.
Quality
Many streaming devices offer 4K content, the latest form of crystal, clear perfect view. You may have to spend a bit extra and have a compatible TV, but it’s worth it in the right circumstances.
Additional Apps
A bit more of a cherry on top instead of a definitive pro, you can load other apps like Uber or food delivery. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an all-in-one device.
The Cons
Lag
While everything is connected to WiFi these days and WiFi is fantastic, an ethernet connection is still faster. You might have your gaming console, TV or other device plugged into an ethernet cable for the best possible viewing experience.
With WiFi, you’re always at risk for interference or weak signal, leading to lag. You don’t want to see that spinning circle before the big battle or climatic event.
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Compatibility
Each device has its own way of operating that may hinder your usability. For example, the Google Chromecast comes without a remote and you need to operate it by smartphone and doesn’t support all streaming services.
The majority of Amazon devices require voice command, which we all know is not always the most reliable technology. Devices may support higher quality content but offer no additional features.
The Apple TV may be useless to you unless you have other Apple devices. Many of these devices offer their own streaming services as well, and will constantly be pushing you to purchase other apps or buy additional content. That could be wary for some users.
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