Best Streaming Devices with 4K Ultra HD

TL;DR: The ONN Android TV 4K streams 4K HDR content with Dolby Vision at a $35.99 price point, offering Google TV and voice remote while staying lightweight at about 0.75 lb.

The standout feature is its 4K UHD resolution (3840 × 2160) paired with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+ support, delivering vivid picture quality on any 4K TV. It runs Google TV (Android TV 10) on an Amlogic S905Y2 processor, includes 2 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage, and offers built‑in Chromecast plus a voice‑controlled remote that works with Google Assistant.

Compared with the other three devices in this roundup, the ONN box is noticeably lighter than the Nvidia SHIELD Pro, which weighs 2.1 lb, but it also carries less memory—2 GB RAM versus the SHIELD’s 3 GB and half the internal storage (8 GB vs 16 GB). Its Bluetooth 4.0 is older than the RockTek G2 Chromecast’s Bluetooth 5.0+, and it lacks an Ethernet port that the RockTek provides. While the Xgimi White Streaming Dongle includes built‑in Chromecast and HDR support, the ONN’s box form factor gives it a sturdier feel than the dongle’s compact stick shape.

Users consistently praise the crisp 4K picture and the convenience of the voice remote, noting that apps launch quickly despite the modest hardware. Professional reviewers highlight the “excellent picture and sound quality with Dolby Vision and Atmos” that rivals pricier models. The most common drawbacks include occasional lag when multitasking—caused by the 2 GB of RAM—and the lack of a wired Ethernet connection, which can be a limitation for households that prefer a stable wired link. Reviewers also describe the plastic chassis as “cheap‑looking,” though it keeps the unit affordable.

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

Avoid if: You need a wired Ethernet connection, higher RAM for heavy multitasking, or a premium‑look chassis

TL;DR: The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro delivers AI‑enhanced 4K 60 FPS streaming, 3 GB RAM and expandable storage, but its 16 GB internal flash and boxy design make it a premium‑tier choice for power users.

What sets the SHIELD TV Pro apart is its AI‑upscaled 4K playback at 60 FPS, driven by a 256‑core NVIDIA GPU and the Tegra X1+ processor. With 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage, it handles HDR10 and Dolby Vision content while offering Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS‑X pass‑through for immersive audio.

Compared with the other three devices, the SHIELD sits at the higher end of the price spectrum and is heavier than the ONN Android TV 4K, which weighs about 0.75 pounds. It also provides more RAM than the ONN’s 2 GB and a richer set of ports—two USB 3.0 Type‑A connections and a microSD slot—whereas the RockTek G2 Chromecast relies on a single HDMI 2.1 port and the Xgimi White dongle offers only a compact stick form factor. The SHIELD’s HDMI 2.0b output’s a step down from RockTek’s HDMI 2.1, but it still supports 4K 60 FPS and HDR.

Users consistently praise the device for buttery‑smooth 4K streaming, reliable Plex integration and the ability to game via GeForce NOW at 4K HDR. Professional reviewers highlight the AI upscaling as a standout feature that sharpens lower‑resolution videos. On the flip side, many note the limited 16 GB internal storage, occasional Wi‑Fi hiccups, and an older Android 11 interface that feels dated. The bulkier box design also draws comments from those who prefer a sleek stick.

The SHIELD’s connectivity includes 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO Wi‑Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, and Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring a stable link for high‑bandwidth streams. Power comes from a 40 W adapter with typical consumption between 5 W and 10 W. Long‑term NVIDIA firmware updates keep the platform current, and built‑in Chromecast 4K adds seamless casting from Android devices.

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 RockTek G2 delivers true 4K UHD streaming with HDMI 2.1‑listed support, gigabit Ethernet up to 1000 Mbps, Wi‑Fi 6 up to 450 Mbps, and 4 GB RAM, but its premium $159.99 price and un‑certified Android 14 may limit some apps.

The standout spec is its wired networking: a Gigabit Ethernet port that tops out at 1000 Mbps, paired with Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) dual‑band MIMO delivering up to 450 Mbps. Combined with native HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and AV1 decoding, the G2 can stream 4K UHD (3840×2160) at 60 Hz without a bottleneck.

Compared with the three other devices in this roundup, the G2 offers more RAM (4 GB versus 3 GB in the Nvidia SHIELD Pro and 2 GB in the ONN Android TV 4K) and a larger 32 GB eMMC storage versus the SHIELD’s 16 GB and the ONN’s 8 GB. Its dimensions (1.0 × 4.5 × 4.5 in) make it taller than the Xgimi White Streaming Dongle, which measures 3.3 in high, 1.37 in long and 0.63 in wide. While the G2 is pricier than the budget‑friendly ONN model, it packs a richer feature set than the smaller dongle.

Users praise the smooth 4K playback, extensive codec support and the voice‑search remote, noting that Wi‑Fi 6 “eliminates buffering” on high‑bitrate services. Professional reviewers highlight the S905X4 quad‑core CPU (2.0 GHz) and Mali‑G31 MP2 GPU as delivering solid streaming and cloud‑gaming performance via NVIDIA GeForce Now. However, the modified Android 14 isn’t Google‑certified, which leads to occasional Play Store quirks and missing Widevine L1/Netflix 4K support. Thermal throttling kicks in at 65 °C, and the HDMI port advertises 2.1 but actually operates at 2.0b without VRR or ALLM.

Beyond networking, the G2 includes Dolby Atmos and DTS‑HD 7.1‑channel audio pass‑through, a USB 3.0 Type‑A port for external drives, and an expandable microSD slot. The built‑in Chromecast and Google Assistant remote add convenient casting and voice control, while the dual‑band Wi‑Fi and Ethernet give you flexibility in how you connect your TV.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The Xgimi White Streaming Dongle delivers native 4K @ 60 Hz video, AI‑driven recommendations and ultra‑low‑latency gaming in a tiny 3.3‑inch form factor, but its limited ecosystem support and modest 3.7‑star rating may deter power users.

The standout specification is its native 4K resolution at 60 Hz, paired with HDR support and a maximum screen size of 100 inches, which lets you fill a large wall or screen with crisp detail. Its compact design measures just 3.3 inches tall, 1.37 inches long and 0.63 inches wide, making it easy to hide behind any display.

Compared with the other three devices in this roundup, the Xgimi dongle is noticeably smaller than the Nvidia SHIELD Pro, which stands about 3.86 inches tall and spans 6.26 inches in width. It also lists fewer hardware specs than the RockTek G2 Chromecast, which advertises Ethernet, Wi‑Fi speeds up to 450 Mbps and Dolby Atmos audio. Meanwhile, the ONN Android TV 4K includes explicit RAM (2 GB) and storage (8 GB) figures that Xgimi does not provide, so you’ll see fewer detailed specs on the Xgimi unit.

Users repeatedly praise the plug‑and‑play simplicity, especially the seamless HDMI‑CEC integration that removes the need for an extra remote. Reviewers also highlight the AI‑powered content recommendations and the ultra‑low‑latency Game Mode for responsive gaming on Xgimi projectors. The most common complaints focus on the device’s reliance on the Xgimi ecosystem—making it less useful with non‑Xgimi displays—and the fact that it requires USB power from the host, as no dedicated power adapter is included.

The dongle runs Android TV, giving you access to the Google Play Store with over 5,000 apps, and it supports Google Assistant for voice control. Multi‑user profiles let each family member keep personalized settings, and built‑in Chromecast lets you cast from phones, tablets or computers without extra hardware.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

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