With the growing popularity of Smart TVs and their accessibility to more apps, are portable streaming devices becoming redundant? Are our cheap smart TVs a better option for you? In this blog, we will be exploring the external devices that can provide you with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other subscription services.
What is a Portable Media Streaming Device?
A portable media streaming device is an external component that allows you to access online subscription services, videos and music. Many of them come with other interactive features and games, providing you with many hours of entertainment on one device.
Advantages of Portable Media Streaming Devices
The main advantage of these devices is their portability. Being able to plug in and play wherever you are with an internet connection allows you to access your favourite streaming services on any TV without re-downloading or signing in. Many people with the older series of smart TVs have reported a lag in streaming and downloading compared to a portable media device, but we will cover this later.
Chromecast with Google TV
Chromecast is a portable media streaming device made by the team at Google and has some unique features, such as casting directly from mobile devices. This device plugs directly into the back of the TV and is in the shape of a small doughnut. It has all the usual features of an Android device, with the ability to download from the Play Store. This device is excellent if you are already used to using Google devices and apps on your desktop or phone. It also comes with the Google Assist feature, allowing you to search the device, or request a TV show or movie suggestion.
Amazon Firestick with Amazon Prime
The Firestick device is straightforward to use. If you already have an Amazon account, it’s simply a case of logging in. It works like other Android products, with an excellent range of apps available to download from the Amazon App Store. Suppose you are already a fan of Amazon Prime. In that case, it will come loaded with all your favourite shows and suggestions available from the main screen after logging in. Not all the devices have voice features (mainly the Lite products), but most do. An ideal element if you are looking for something specific.
Of all the portable media streaming devices, the Firestick is always recommended for its performance and content. Being an Amazon product, it will also link to all your other devices, such as your Echo and Echo Show. Having all these gadgets on the same page can help you communicate within your busy household. For example, one announcement from the kitchen and the family will come running as the Firestick will pause any TV shows to display the announcement. Having access to Amazon Prime (£79 per year) allows you to get the most out of the device. It provides you with next day delivery and access to other features within the Amazon Services and is undoubtedly worth the money.
Apple TV
The Apple TV, much like all their other products, is renowned for its quality. The remote is much slicker than others in this list; it certainly feels and looks first-rate with Siri voice command and a touch-enabled pad. It comes in the form of a small box which sits on the surface with your TV, or you have the option to mount it directly onto the wall. Like Amazon products, Apple also allows you to connect all your products. Without a subscription, you can still use free apps, such as on-demand streaming services. However, to get the most out of the device and access the thousands of shows and movies, paying the £4.99 monthly charge would be beneficial.
How Do They Compare to Smart TVs?
We have spoken in much detail about each device, but their basis all tends to be the same. They plug into the HDMI port, have voice-activated searching, apps you can download and a subscription for the best use of the products. Oh, and of course, the varying remotes. So are they better than buying a smart TV? In our opinion (and of course, we are certainly not biased), no. Most smart TVs are now available with voice control. All of the apps you can access through the devices can often still be accessed through a smart TV.
We touched upon the claims that smart TVs can be slower with streaming, loading, and downloading, but a quick update on your device could often solve this issue. The biggest problem is the lack of supported services. Netflix and other platforms are beginning to withdraw their services made for older devices, which can cause real issues if you have owned your TV for many years. However, it could be a great excuse to look at our cheap LED TVs.
Your internet connection can also be a reason for slow service. If you have a bad connection or a small package, it can interrupt your experience with your smart TV.
These issues only seem to arise in older products, so if you are having difficulties, it could mean you are due for an upgrade with one of our cheap TVs.
Overall, a smart TV reduces the number of devices, provides most streaming services, and is available with the portable media streaming devices’ features as standard. The only feature the smart TV cannot match and will not match (anytime soon) is their ease of portability. You can plug in and play anywhere with an internet connection, and they fit in the bottom of an overnight bag. So if you are looking for something to take on the road or are not quite ready to buy a new TV, then a portable device is ideal. However, if you have no plans on taking out of the room it will be home to, then it is a new smart TV you are best looking for.
If you have decided to take the plunge and upgrade your old smart TV or begin your journey of experiencing the features of one in your home, then give our team of experts a call and see what we can do for you. Contact us today, and let us find you that perfect device.
