Streaming Media Players Statistics By Manufacturer and Shipment
Updated · Jan 16, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Streaming Media Players Statistics: The most essential function of a streaming device is to connect one’s shows, movies, and sports. However, it is also important to determine what features are needed. You need to know which one is the best device for your needs. For example, although many smart TVs have built-in apps for streaming, an independent streaming device makes the configuration even better.
Particularly for those who possess old smart TVs whose compatibility with some online platforms is only partial, this option seems particularly useful. Also, separate boxes can be equipped with various types of hardware that sound like this – Dolby Atmos support or faster navigation speed and so on, as well as 4K HDR streaming media players. Naturally, every single online service has its unique interface.
Editor’s Choice
- Roku Express 4K Plus is an affordable choice for a 4K HDR streaming media player, although it lacks Dolby Vision support.
- Roku Streaming media players Stick 4K offer Dolby Vision support and similar features to the Express 4K Plus but are typically more expensive.
- Chromecast with Google TV 4K lacks Dolby Atmos support and can have issues with search functionality and the “Continue Watching” feature.
- Approximately 82 million streaming media players were shipped globally in 2023. Shipments are expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2021 to 2026, reaching 100 million units by 2026.
- The number of installed streaming media players is projected to hit 313.5 million by the end of 2026.
- As of February 2023, Roku leads with a 50% market share, followed by Samsung at 21%, Amazon at 13%, Apple at 5%, LG and Vizio at 4%, Xiaomi at 1%, and Chromecast at less than 1%.
Best Streaming Devices of 2024
#1. Roku Express 4K Plus
Roku is our favorite streaming media player system because it offers the most streaming app options, has a simple interface, and has an excellent search function. It is also a content-agnostic platform that does not favor one media streaming service provider over another.
One of the lowest-cost alternatives for 4K HDR in streaming media player television is Express 4K Plus. (Even though your current TV cannot stream in these formats, your next one will be able to.) With the recent AirPlay update, this Roku device is an affordable way of connecting it with your iPhone or any other Apple product on its respective display screen, thus making it one of the least costly choices available in terms of price. Furthermore, it costs less than the company’s Streaming media player, 4K Plus, and different kinds of HDR 4K devices, so this means it should be number one among all streaming media players.
Device
- Size: 3.4 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches (87.8 x 39.3 x 20.8 mm)
- Weight: 1.1 ounces (31 grams)
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Pros |
Cons |
| Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly 4K streaming media players. |
No Dolby Vision Support: Lacks Dolby Vision, which may be a downside for users with compatible TVs. |
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Easy to Use: Intuitive interface with quick access to apps and settings. |
Basic Remote: The included remote lacks advanced features like a headphone jack or customizable buttons. |
| Excellent Search Functionality: Provides results from various streaming services without bias. |
Limited Storage: This has limited internal storage, which may impact app performance if too many apps are installed. |
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Regular Software Updates: Ensures the device stays up-to-date with new features and improvements. |
No Ethernet Port: Relies solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, which might be an issue in areas with weak wireless signals. |
| Extensive App Library: Access to thousands of streaming apps and channels. |
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#2. Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K has the same basic interface, large application assortment, and remarkable search engine among Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, etc. Still, its special feature is compatibility with Dolby Vision. Most importantly, the main distinction between Streaming media player Stick 4K and Express 4K Plus is its stick-like structure along with Dolby Vision HDR support, which plausibly accounts for Streaming Stick 4K’s high prices in comparison to its counterpart Streaming Stick 4K.
Specifications
- Speech Remote: This remote allows you to operate the TV’s power, volume, and several other functions simply by talking.
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+: Experience vivid brightness and color.
- Design: Ideal for wall-mounted TVs and traveling.
- Easy Setup: Just plug it in, get connected to the internet and begin streaming.
- App selection: Supports significant streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+, among others.
- Free content: The Roku Channel offers dozens of episodes of various television shows, and you can watch thousands of free movies.
- Compatibility: Works with AirPlay by Apple HomeKit. Google Home and Alexa are also compatible.
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Pros |
Cons |
| Built-in Access to Free Content: The Roku Express 4K Plus offers a wide range of free content through its built-in channels, making it easy to find something to watch without additional costs. |
“What to Watch” Menu Bias: The “What to Watch” menu tends to prioritize free content, which may lead to other streaming content being overlooked. |
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Supports 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision: The device is capable of streaming in high-quality formats like 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, ensuring a superior viewing experience on compatible TVs. |
No Support for Dolby Atmos: Although it supports high-quality video formats, the device does not support Dolby Atmos, which may be a drawback for those seeking an immersive audio experience. |
| Accurate Universal Search: Its search function is highly accurate and unbiased, helping you find movies, shows, and other content across multiple streaming services. |
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Compact and Travel-Friendly Design: The small size and lightweight design make it easy to take with you, making it a great option for travel. |
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| Compatible with Multiple Smart Home Devices: It integrates well with various smart home ecosystems, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing for seamless voice control and smart home integration. |
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#3. Chromecast with Google TV 4K
Nevertheless, what moderately comes close to the performance of such streaming media players is represented by Chromecast with Google TV 4K streaming media player, although not the same quality as the arrangements mentioned before. The biggest smart device in Chromecast is Google Assistant, which uses voice search technologies, which is good when looking for something to see. It also boasts a commendable integration with Google services, like the Photos app and YouTube TV.
The interface is well-structured. It contains tabs for tailored recommendations, applications, and library content. Furthermore, the latest updates have improved user experience by creating separate sections for easier item finding and a new live feature specifically designed for YouTube TV customers. With the Google Assistant button, you can easily access voice requests, through which you can search for different types of content, including smart home management, or even ask any question. Search outcomes are nice overall, though certain features, such as extensive Google Map navigation, are somewhat restrained in their operations.
Specifications
- Video & Audio: Resolution: Supports up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support
- Audio: Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus; does not support Dolby Atmos
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1
- HDMI: HDMI 2.1
- Internal Storage: None (streaming device, no local storage)
- Voice Remote: Includes a voice remote with built-in Google Assistant for voice command.
- Buttons: Dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube
- Device Size: 2.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches (61 x 61 x 12.8 mm)
- Weight: 1.8 ounces (51 grams)
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Pros |
Cons |
| Neat Interface with Google TV: Offers an organized and user-friendly interface with the Google TV platform, making content navigation easy. |
Poorly Formatted Google Searches: General searches through Google may sometimes yield poorly formatted results. |
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Includes Remote with Google Assistant: The device comes with a remote control with a dedicated Google Assistant button for voice commands. |
Issues with “Continue Watching”: The “Continue Watching” feature can experience problems, potentially causing interruptions in resuming content. |
| Supports Various Streaming Services: It is compatible with a wide range of streaming platforms, giving users access to diverse content. |
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4K Resolution with HDR Support: This product provides high-quality 4K video with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. |
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| Integration with Google Assistant: Allows for seamless smart home control and voice commands through Google Assistant. |
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#4. Chromecast with Google TV HD
Among all the high-definition-only streaming media players that are great for starters, Chromecast with Google TV HD takes the crown. For a low-priced streamer for a high-definition television set, this is the right choice for you. It is fast, and it uses the same shape as the remote control that comes with Chromecast. This remote control is used together with Google’s 4K system, making it operate without line-of-sight and effortlessly control the power, volume, and inputs of your television.
Specifications:
- Resolution: Supports up to 1080p HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- HDR: Supports HDR10 and HDR10+ (does not support Dolby Vision)
- Audio: Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus; does not support Dolby Atmos
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1
- HDMI: HDMI 2.1
- Storage: None (streaming device with no local storage)
- Remote Control: Includes a voice remote with built-in Google Assistant
- Operating System: Google TV (based on Android TV)
- Apps: Access to Google Play Store for app downloads
- Chromecast: Built-in Chromecast functionality for casting from mobile devices
- Power Supply: USB-C power adapter
- Device Size: 2.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches (61 x 61 x 12.8 mm)
- Weight: 1.8 ounces (51 grams)
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Pros |
Cons |
| User-Friendly Interface: It has the Google TV platform and a well-organized, easy-to-navigate interface to make things easy for users. |
Limited Resolution: Only allows up to 80p HD, which cannot serve if you want something in 4k. |
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Voice Remote with Google Assistant: This package includes a remote with an exclusive Google Assistant button, which enables voice commands and smart home appliance controls. |
No Dolby Vision Or Dolby Atmos: The product doesn’t support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos, which could be bad news for those who prefer cinematic quality in image and sound. |
| Affordable HD Streaming: Offers 1080p HD streaming at a cheaper price compared to 4K ones. |
Basic HDR Support: It just plays back HDR10 and HDR10+, but its picture brightness cannot compete with Dolby Vision’s. |
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Broad Streaming Service Support: This feature supports various streaming services, providing more options for viewers regarding their content. |
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| Google Assistant Integration: Works perfectly with Google Assistant, allowing voice automation and smart home integration. |
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#5. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) is almost as fast as its predecessor when it comes to loading apps, and the system’s operation can be described as smooth or swift. Additionally, this device is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E technology and supports most of today’s playback standards, including Dolby Vision. For those who are integrated into the world of Amazon, it has a new “Ambience” mode that allows real-time delivery details to be displayed on your television set.
All popular streaming media player applications can work with Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Despite being critically bemoaned for years by some people for missing services, among other things, those who choose Amazon have their streaming service now equal to other big boys. Moreover, the interface is also very good.
Specifications
- Resolution: Supports up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 support
- Audio: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
- HDMI: HDMI 2.1
- Storage: None (streaming device with no local storage)
- Remote Control: Includes a voice remote with Alexa integration
- Operating System: Fire OS (based on Android)
- Apps: Access to Amazon Appstore and various streaming services
- Power Supply: Comes with a USB-C power adapter
- Device Size: 3.5 x 1.2 x 0.6 inches (89 x 30 x 15 mm)
- Weight: 1.8 ounces (51 grams)
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Pros |
Cons |
| 4K Ultra HD with HDR: This format supports advanced HDR 4K streaming, including Dolby Vision, HDR10 +, and HDR 10 for high-quality visuals. |
Limited to Amazon Ecosystem: This user interface is designed for Amazon only and might not be suitable for users of other platforms. |
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Dolby Atmos Audio: Gives you immersive sounds as it supports Dolby Atmos. |
No Ethernet Option: It does not have an Ethernet port, so it requires strong Wi-Fi connections for optimal work. |
| Wi-Fi 6: The latest Wi-Fi 6 technology provides faster and more reliable streaming. |
Interface Ads: The Fire TV interface includes ads and promotional content that some users may find overwhelming. |
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Alexa Voice Remote: This comes with a remote that features Alexa voice control for hands-free operation and smart home integration. |
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| Quick Performance: The processing power of previous models has been improved, resulting in faster load times and smoother performance. |
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Broad Streaming Support: Compatible with many different types of streaming applications and services. |
The Best Overall Media Streaming Players
The Roku Express 4K Plus is made so by its content-agnostic approach, user-friendliness, availability of a broad range of apps, and effective search functionality. At times, it has been the most affordable device from Roku, and it supports 4K HDR streaming media players. But even though it does not have Dolby Vision support, such an omission is usually not a significant disadvantage because, in any case, this feature only works with selected televisions and does not provide any real improvement over ordinary HDR.
That said, there are moments when one may prefer to purchase something other than this streamer—the preferred alternative being the Sale-priced Streaming Stick 4K, which is cheaper than the Express 4 K Plus device. The Streaming Stick 4K has all the features of Express4K + and more, i.e., it supports Dolby Vision. However, unless the offer price drops below its invoice amount, purchasing such a streamer is not worth it because the value for money may not be fully realized in investment terms.
Streaming Media Players Devices By Manufacturer
- The dominion of North America’s leading streaming device is Roku, which accounted for half of its market share as of February 2023.
- Samsung put up 21% of it.
- Amazon accounts for 13%.
- Anecdotally, Apple occupies 5%.
- LG takes up 4 %.
- Vizio claims another 4%.
- 1% belongs to Xiaomi.
- Less than 1% point goes to Chromecast.
- Likewise, MXQ has been getting less than this share, too.
Streaming Media Device Shipment Statistics
- According to Streaming Device Statistics, approximately 82 million units were shipped globally for streaming media players in 2023, a moderate increase.
- The total shipment for these devices is set to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1 % from 2021 to 2026, with an expected shipment of 100 million units by 2026.
- The installed base of streaming media devices (SMD) is expected to reach about 313.5 million by the end of 2026.
Conclusion
Modern home entertainment systems have come to depend on streaming media players. With various options available on the market today, consumers can choose a device that suits their needs and financial capacity. Whether you are in search of a basic device only for HD streaming or a high-end version that possesses more complex features, there is something for everyone among streaming devices. The demand for media players is also expected to increase as many people switch to streaming as their main form of viewing content.
These streaming media players’ evolution will allow them to acquire even more features and effectively integrate with other smart home technologies. A good investment for anyone who wants to up their entertainment game will be a reliable streaming media player.
FAQ.
A streaming media player is a device that connects to your TV and allows you to stream content from various online platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It works by connecting to the internet (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and using apps to deliver video and audio content directly to your TV.
While smart TVs have built-in streaming capabilities, a streaming media player often provides a better user experience, with more app options, faster performance, and additional features like voice control and 4K HDR support. It can be a valuable addition if your smart TV’s interface is slow or limited.
Yes, many streaming media players support live TV apps, such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. These services allow you to watch live channels, including news, sports, and entertainment, just like traditional cable or satellite TV.
Streaming media players themselves do not require a subscription. However, to access content on many of the streaming apps (like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+), you’ll need to subscribe to those services. Some free apps are available, but premium content usually requires a paid subscription.
For gaming, the NVIDIA Shield TV is often considered the best option. It offers powerful performance, supports 4K HDR streaming, and integrates with GeForce Now for cloud gaming. It’s a great choice for those who want a device that can handle both streaming and gaming.
Pramod Pawar brings over a decade of SEO expertise to his role as the co-founder of 11Press and Prudour Market Research firm. A B.E. IT graduate from Shivaji University, Pramod has honed his skills in analyzing and writing about statistics pertinent to technology and science. His deep understanding of digital strategies enhances the impactful insights he provides through his work. Outside of his professional endeavors, Pramod enjoys playing cricket and delving into books across various genres, enriching his knowledge and staying inspired. His diverse experiences and interests fuel his innovative approach to statistical research and content creation.
