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Android Authority Recommends Cheaper Streaming Boxes Over $299 Apple TV 4K

Android Authority lists cheaper streaming boxes after Apple's new TV 4K launched at $299, versus $129 for the prior model.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-24 20:21

Android Authority attributed the higher price to months of rising memory and chip costs, which have affected hardware prices across the industry. The article said $300 is too much for watching Netflix while scrolling on a phone, and that a full television can cost that much. It argued that buyers who do not mind leaving Apple's ecosystem can save money upfront while still getting premium hardware and features.

Google's TV Streamer 4K is the first alternative listed. Android Authority said the device, now priced at $149 after rising from $99, offers 4 GB of RAM and supports Dolby Vision, Atmos, HDR10+, HLG, Matter and Thread. The publication described its performance as snappy and said the extra memory gives it enough headroom to remain usable for several years.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is included in its previous Fire OS version rather than this year's model with Vega OS, which Android Authority said has limitations and is yet to prove itself. The Plus model supports Dolby Vision and Alexa+, and the article advised against paying full price because Amazon frequently discounts the stick by up to 50%. It said anything under $40 is a good buy.

Walmart's Onn 4K Pro 2026 is listed at a $60 manufacturer's suggested retail price. Android Authority said it runs Google TV, supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, and includes USB-A and Ethernet ports, a backlit remote with a remote finder, and hands-free Gemini support. The device has 3 GB of RAM, and the publication said a colleague found its interface responsive and reliable.

The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) is described as a no-frills Google TV device with an Amlogic processor and 2 GB of RAM. Priced at $100, it supports Dolby Vision, Atmos and HDR10+, includes a USB-A port and has 32 GB of onboard storage. Android Authority said it is suited to everyday, non-demanding use such as a spare TV or local media playback rather than high-performance tasks.

Android Authority also names the Roku Streaming Stick HD as an ultra-cheap option, saying it often sells at a low price. The article did not present the Roku device as a performance competitor to the Apple TV 4K, but as a lower-cost way to add streaming features.