Best Budget 4K Streaming Devices Under $50

TL;DR: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K delivers true 4K HDR with Dolby Vision in a feather‑light, $40‑priced stick, but its 1 GB RAM and Wi‑Fi‑only design may limit power users.

The standout spec is the 2160p (3840 × 2160) at 60 fps output with Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG support, backed by an ARM Cortex A55 processor and 1 GB of RAM. With only 4 GB of internal storage and a power draw under 3.5 W, the device stays tiny—just 3.7 × 0.8 × 0.45 inches and 26.0 g—making it easy to hide behind any TV.

Compared with the seven other sticks in this budget roundup, the Roku is the lightest (the ONN Android TV 4K weighs about 340 g and the X88 Screencast TV Stick 4K about 50 g). Its storage of 4 GB is smaller than the 8 GB most competitors provide, and its 1 GB RAM is lower than the 2 GB offered by ONN and X88, which can translate to smoother multitasking on those models. Price‑wise it sits around $40, essentially on par with the TiVo Stream 4K, yet it carries Roku’s well‑known interface and channel ecosystem.

Users consistently praise the ultra‑easy setup and the vivid 4K picture, especially the “breathtaking” Dolby Vision rendering that professional reviewers note. The long‑range Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) dual‑band receiver keeps streaming stable even in hard‑to‑reach spots, a point many owners highlight. On the downside, the lack of an Ethernet port and the modest 1 GB RAM can cause occasional UI lag when juggling several apps, and consumers echo this complaint. The voice remote, which runs on two AAA batteries, also draws attention for needing frequent battery swaps.

Under the hood, the stick runs OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics, outputs via HDMI 2.0b, and draws power from a USB‑type A port (5 V – 1 A). The included remote offers TV power, volume and mute controls, plus voice search, all while the device stays under 0.05625 lb. Roku backs it with a one‑year warranty and a 30‑day return window, adding confidence for budget shoppers.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Roku Premiere delivers true 4K HDR streaming with a quad‑core 1.2 GHz processor in a tiny 84 mm × 17 mm × 36 mm package for about $27.

The standout spec is the Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM processor paired with native 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution and HDR10 support, which lets the device handle 4K streams smoothly at a 60 Hz refresh rate. At just 0.08 lb (36 g) and a depth of 84 mm, it slips behind any TV bezel without adding bulk.

Compared with the other seven devices, the Premiere weighs more than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (26.0 g) but less than the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (45.4 g) and the X88 Screencast TV Stick 4K (50 g). Its 17 mm height exceeds the X88’s 13 mm, and its 36 mm width exceeds the X88’s 30 mm. The ONN Android TV 4K weighs a hefty 340 g, making the Premiere feel far more portable. The TiVo Stream 4K shares a similar height (16 mm) but its depth reaches 77 mm, so the Roku still wins on overall compactness.

Users consistently praise the plug‑and‑play setup: the included HDMI 2.0 cable and voice‑controlled IR remote get the device running in minutes, and the Dolby Digital/DTS audio passthrough adds richness to movies and shows. Professional reviewers note the “snappy performance” thanks to the quad‑core CPU, and everyday owners love the crisp 4K picture and the fact that the remote comes with two AAA batteries already installed. The main complaints focus on the lack of an Ethernet port, occasional Wi‑Fi drops in weak‑signal areas, and the outdated micro‑USB power connector instead of a modern USB‑C.

Technically, the Premiere supports HDR10, 2‑5.1 channel audio, and 4K upscaling for 720p and 1080p sources. Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) dual‑band connectivity keeps most streaming stable, though it doesn’t include Wi‑Fi 6. The device runs Roku OS, giving access to over 4,500 channels, and comes with a one‑year warranty for peace of mind.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus delivers smooth 4K HDR streaming, AI voice search, and Wi‑Fi 6 connectivity for about $25, making it a solid budget upgrade for cord‑cutters.

At the heart of the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is its AI‑powered Fire TV Search, which lets you find movies or shows by actor, plot or even a quote, all through the Alexa Voice Remote. The device streams 2160p (4K) Ultra HD video with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG, and supports Dolby Atmos audio, giving you premium picture and sound without a TV‑box. It’s compact enough to fit behind most TVs, measuring 17.5 mm in height, 141.2 mm in length and 38.6 mm in width, and it weighs just 45.4 g (0.1 pounds).

Compared with the other seven sticks in this roundup, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus sits in the middle of the size and weight spectrum: it’s a bit heavier than the Roku Premiere’s 36 g but lighter than the X88 Screencast’s 50 g, and its length of 141.2 mm is longer than the Fire TV Stick 4K Select’s 101.6 mm. Storage-wise, it offers 8 GB of internal memory—the same as the Fire TV Select and ONN Android TV 4K, but half of the X88’s 16 GB. Its Wi‑Fi 6 radio matches the X88’s next‑gen Wi‑Fi, giving it an edge over the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which uses Wi‑Fi 5.

Users consistently praise the stick’s speed, noting “fast streaming, easy setup, great apps,” and professional reviewers highlight the lightning‑fast app launches and fluid navigation. Reviewers frequently call the AI search “smarter and more intuitive,” and they laud the built‑in Alexa remote for hands‑free control. A few reviewers do mention occasional lag during heavy usage, and some have run into remote button layout quirks that differ between batches.

Under the hood sits a Mediatek MT8696D processor running Fire OS, and the device ships with an AC adapter plus a USB‑power option for TV‑port power. It also supports Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming, letting you stream titles like Forza Motorsport directly to your TV. Amazon backs the stick with a 1‑year limited warranty, adding confidence for budget‑focused shoppers.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: TiVo Stream 4K packs a 2 GB RAM, 8 GB storage Android 9 dongle with voice‑controlled Google Assistant and Dolby Vision support into a compact 3.03‑in deep form factor for around $40.

The Stream 4K’s physical footprint is modest – it measures just 3.03 in deep, 0.63 in high and 2.09 in wide – yet it houses a quad‑core Amlogic S905Y2 CPU, 2 GB DDR4 RAM and 8 GB eMMC storage. Its Android 9.0 Pie OS gives you access to the Google Play store’s 5,000‑plus apps, while built‑in Chromecast and Google Assistant let you control playback with your voice.

Compared with the other seven devices, TiVo offers more RAM than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (1 GB) and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select (1 GB), matching the 2 GB that the ONN Android TV 4K, X88 Screencast, and Roku Premiere provide. Its Wi‑Fi uses 802.11 b/g/n/ac, which lags behind the Wi‑Fi 6 that the X88 Screencast and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus use. Bluetooth runs at 4.2, older than the 5.0 module in the X88. While the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is lighter and shallower, TiVo’s deeper chassis accommodates a USB‑C port for expandable storage – a feature the Roku and most Fire sticks lack.

Reviewers consistently praise the unified interface that pulls together streaming apps and live‑TV services, calling it a “headache‑free” way to browse multiple accounts. Professional reviewers highlight the solid 4K playback with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos as a standout for the price. On the flip side, users note occasional app lag tied to the modest 2 GB RAM and the older Android 9 platform, and they miss an Ethernet port for a rock‑solid connection.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: For roughly $18, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select packs a 1.7 GHz quad‑core CPU, 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos, and Alexa voice control into a tiny 4‑inch stick, delivering the cheapest entry‑level 4K streaming experience.

The standout hardware features a 1.7 GHz quad‑core processor paired with 1 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage, all running Amazon’s Vega OS 1.1. HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision support bring bright, crisp 4K (3840×2160) visuals, while Dolby Atmos audio adds a cinematic soundstage. The included Alexa Voice Remote lets you search and control playback without lifting a finger.

At 0.094 pounds and a length of 4 in, this stick is lighter than the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (0.1 pounds) and slimmer than many box‑style peers. It’s a bit heavier than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (0.05625 pounds) and Roku Premiere (0.08 pounds), but its compact footprint still slips easily behind most TVs.

Users praise the lightning‑fast app launches and the vivid 4K picture, noting the convenience of Alexa‑driven search. Professional reviewers echo the value claim, calling it “the most affordable 4K entry with the fastest app launch in its price range.” However, several owners report occasional UI lag and stutter, a symptom many attribute to the modest 1 GB RAM and Wi‑Fi 5 (dual‑band) connectivity, which falls behind newer Wi‑Fi 6 devices.

Beyond streaming, the device supports cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and Bluetooth 5.0 ensures reliable remote pairing. The 8 GB storage holds enough space for apps and a few games, while the Alexa Voice Remote includes two AAA batteries right out of the box.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money

Avoid if: You need Wi‑Fi 6/6E performance, heavy gaming, or a device with more RAM for demanding multitasking

TL;DR: The MECOOL KM2 streams 4K HDR content for about $27, but its 2 GB RAM and 8 GB storage keep it in the basic‑box category.

Its standout spec lets it play 4K HDR video at 60 fps while staying under $30. It ships with a quad‑core Amlogic S905X2‑B processor, 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of eMMC storage, and it offers an HDMI 2.1 output plus Ethernet, USB 3.0 and a micro‑SD slot for expansion.

Compared with the other seven devices, the KM2 is heavier than the stick‑style options like Roku Premiere and Amazon Fire TV sticks, which weigh under 50 g. However, those sticks usually provide fewer ports, while the KM2 gives you wired Ethernet and USB 3.0—features that most of the competitors lack.

Reviewers appreciate the smooth 4K playback on services such as Netflix and Prime Video and note that the Google, Netflix and Amazon certifications help avoid app‑compatibility headaches. Reviewers criticize the modest 2 GB RAM, saying it limits multitasking and makes the box feel comparable to entry‑level Chromecast‑style devices.

Technical details include HDR10 support, Dolby Atmos pass‑through, and dual‑band 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, giving you a solid streaming foundation without the premium price tag.

Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking quality at $27.03

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The ONN Android TV 4K streams 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos, runs Google TV with a voice remote, and at about $36 offers solid performance in a heavier, pricier box than many stick‑style rivals.

At the heart of the ONN box is a 4K UHD display engine (3840 × 2160) that supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+. Coupled with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus audio passthrough, the picture and sound feel cinema‑like on a modest TV. The device runs on an Amlogic S905Y2 processor, ships with 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, and weighs 340 g (about 0.75 lb), giving it a solid hardware foundation for most streaming apps.

Compared with the other seven contenders, the ONN box is noticeably heavier than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (26 g) and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (45.4 g). It does, however, out‑spec the Roku stick on memory (2 GB vs 1 GB) and storage (8 GB vs 4 GB). Its Wi‑Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO) is on par with the TiVo Stream 4K’s dual‑band Wi‑Fi, and its USB 3.0 port offers faster external storage options than the USB 2.0 ports on many rivals. The X88 Screencast TV Stick 4K also offers 2 GB of RAM, but its 16 GB of storage exceeds the ONN’s 8 GB.

Professional reviewers praised the picture and sound quality, noting that the Dolby Vision and Atmos support “rivals pricier devices.” Everyday users echo this sentiment, highlighting quick app launches and the convenience of a built‑in Chromecast and Google Assistant‑enabled voice remote. The most common complaints revolve around occasional lag when multitasking—stemming from the 2 GB RAM limit—and the absence of an Ethernet port, which some users miss for a more stable wired connection.

Beyond streaming, the ONN box handles modern codecs such as AV1, VP9, H.264 and H.265, ensuring smooth playback of the latest content. The remote runs on two AAA batteries (included) and offers voice control, while Bluetooth 4.0 provides basic peripheral connectivity. Though the plastic chassis feels modest, the device’s feature set makes it a compelling choice for anyone wanting a full Google TV experience without reaching for a premium price.

Best for: Budget‑conscious cord‑cutters who want a full‑featured Google TV box with 4K HDR and voice control.

Avoid if: You need a ultra‑cheap stick, wired Ethernet, or higher RAM for intensive multitasking.

TL;DR: The X88 Screencast TV Stick 4K offers Android 13, Wi‑Fi 6 and 4K‑capable playback for about $32, but its 2 GB RAM and long form factor keep it from beating the lighter, cheaper rivals.

The stick’s standout spec is its Android 13 operating system paired with a RK3528 quad‑core processor, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB of internal storage—all packed into a device that measures just 13 mm tall, 30 mm wide and weighs 50 g. This combination lets you install most streaming apps and enjoy HDR‑enabled 4K@60 Hz video when the source material supports it.

Compared with the seven other devices in this roundup, the X88 is noticeably heavier than the Roku Premiere (36 g), Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (45.4 g) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K (26 g), but far lighter than the ONN Android TV 4K, which tips the scales at 340 g. Its 787 mm length also exceeds the compact dimensions of rivals such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (141.2 mm long) and Roku Premiere (84 mm deep), making cable management a bit trickier. On the connectivity front, the X88 wins with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi‑Fi 6 dual‑band support, outpacing the ONN’s Bluetooth 4.0 and the Roku Streaming Stick’s Wi‑Fi 5.

User sentiment highlights the stick’s portability and “crystal‑clear” home screen on larger TVs, while reviewers say the advertised 8K claim lacks support and real‑world playback often tops out at 1080p. The 2‑year warranty adds peace of mind, but the limited 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage can feel cramped for power users or heavy multitaskers.

Best for: Budget‑conscious travelers, secondary‑home setups, hotel or RV entertainment, and casual viewers who want a straightforward Android streaming stick.

Avoid if: You need true 8K performance, heavy multitasking, or the most lightweight, pocket‑sized dongle for cramped spaces.