Using a streaming device while traveling can provide you with access to your favorite movies and shows wherever you are. The first step is to make sure that your streaming device is charged and connected to the internet. You can use hotel Wi-Fi, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, or your phone's data plan for internet access.
Next, you will need to login to your streaming service account on the device. This may require entering a username and password, so make sure you have that information on hand. Once you are logged in, you can begin browsing and watching content just like you would at home.
Keep in mind that streaming content can use a significant amount of data, so be mindful of your data usage if you are using a limited data plan. You may also want to download some content ahead of time for offline viewing if you will be in an area with limited internet access.
Overall, using a streaming device while traveling can be a convenient way to stay entertained on the go. Just remember to take your charger and any necessary cables with you to ensure that your device stays powered up throughout your journey.
Best Streaming Devices in 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Roku Ultra | The Ultimate Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos, Rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro, Ethernet Port, Hands-Free Controls, Lost Remote Finder, Free & Live TV
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Super-fast startup: Stream your favorite channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more in a snap
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Our best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, seamless TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi and Ethernet
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Cinematic streaming: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, plus Dolby Atmos sound
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Our best remote: Roku Voice Remote Pro is conveniently rechargeable with personal shortcut buttons
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Hands-free voice controls: Say “Hey Roku” to play entertainment, power up your TV, and find your lost remote
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Private listening: Use wired or wireless headphones to crank up the volume without disturbing a quiet house
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No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote
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Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including 350+ free live TV channels
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player; 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, Works with Alexa
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The Best of the Best. The world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player upgraded to Android TV version 11. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling. 2x USB 3.0 ports for storage expansion, USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. Plex Media Server built-in, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage.Connectivity Technology : Bluetooth 5.0
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Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR, and surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio
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4K HDR Content. Get the most 4K content of any streaming media player. Watch Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Google Play Movies & TV in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu, and more in 4K. Stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
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GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming. GeForce NOW instantly transforms SHIELD TV into a powerful PC gaming rig. Play over 1000+ titles and nearly 100 of the biggest free to play games. The new GeForce NOW RTX 3080 membership unlocks GeForce RTX 3080 gaming servers in 4K HDR, the shortest wait times and longest session lengths, with RTX ON including ray tracing and DLSS graphics for supported games.
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Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using only your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Amazon Echo. Format/Container support: Xvid/ DivX/ASF/AVI/MKV/MOV/M2TS/MPEG-TS/MP4/WEB-M
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Amazon Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD
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Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
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Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
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Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
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Smoother streaming with the latest in wifi tech - The first-ever streaming media player that features Wi-Fi 6E support.
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Picture quality that puts on a show - Feel every scene with true-to-life, cinematic 4K and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.
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Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
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Designed to protect your privacy - Built with privacy protections and controls, including an off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.
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Manage your smart home right on screen - Use Alexa to start video calls, check the weather, get a live view of your Ring cameras, and more.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Roku Ultra LT 4K/HDR/HD Streaming Player with Enhanced Voice Remote, Ethernet, MicroSD with Premium 6FT 4K Ready HDMI Cable, Black
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Power, picture, performance: Roku Ultra LT has a quad-core processor and is great for smooth wired and wireless streaming. It's perfect for heavy streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR and delivers the kind of powerful performance you want on your home's main TV
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Smooth streaming: Get a connection that stands up to whatever you want to stream with dual-band wireless or use the Ethernet port for wired streaming
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Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite TV in stunning detail and clarity; whether you are streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you will get stunning picture quality that is optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
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No more juggling remotes: Power up and adjust the volume on most televisions, control your player, and enjoy private listening with the enhanced voice remote and included headphones; use your voice to search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
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Lots of extras: Roku Ultra LT is packed with features you will love, including microSD for extra channel storage; use the included headphones to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house. Bundle Includes Premium 4K HDR 6FT HDMI Cable.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Tablo 4th Gen 2-Tuner Over-The-Air (OTA) DVR - Watch, Pause & Record Live TV, News, Sports & Movies Throughout Your Home Over Wi-Fi - Pairs w/Any TV Antenna - 50+ Hrs Recording - No Subscriptions
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WATCH, PAUSE, RECORD, & REPLAY LIVE TV: Enjoy live TV from major networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC(2), as well as a curated selection of free live streaming TV (FAST) channels
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WHOLE-HOME ACCESS: 1 DVR pairs with any TV antenna to let you watch TV on multiple compatible devices at once, including smartphones, tablets, as well as smart TVs & streaming players from Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast w/ Google TV(1)
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NO SUBSCRIPTIONS OR HIDDEN FEES: Pay once for the Tablo device and watch and record your favorite live, local TV shows, along with free streaming TV channels without contracts or ongoing fees(4)
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RECORD MULTIPLE SHOWS: 2 tuners within this device allow you to record one live TV channel while watching another for viewing flexibility
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WATCH, PAUSE, RECORD LIVE TV: Watch, pause, and record live TV, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as a curated selection of free live streaming TV (FAST) channels
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RECORD 50+ HOURS: Never miss a moment with 128GB of onboard recording storage; add up to 8TB of external USB storage(3) to record even more
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GET MORE TV CHANNELS: Access more than 60 additional free streaming channels you can’t get with your TV antenna alone, enhancing your endless free-TV experience(4)
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TIME-SHIFT VIEWING: Start watching in-progress recordings—perfect for catching the action from the beginning or skipping to the good parts
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EASY SETUP: Connect the Tablo DVR to ANY TV antenna; connect it to your home network via Wi-Fi or using the included Ethernet cable; download the Tablo app on your smartphone or tablet and follow the setup instructions(4)
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WI-FI CONNECTIVITY: The only OTA DVRs with Wi-Fi, Tablo devices let you position your TV antenna wherever it can get the best signal reception, then wirelessly streams live and recorded free TV content throughout your home to compatible devices.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Roku Express 4K with Voice Remote Pro - Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR, Rechargeable Roku Remote, Hands-Free Controls, Lost Remote Finder, Free & Live TV - Amazon Exclusive
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Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in 4K HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV
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Seamless wireless streaming: Enjoy a seamless streaming experience with fast Wi-Fi performance
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The ultimate Roku remote: Roku Voice Remote Pro is conveniently rechargeable and includes TV controls and personal shortcut buttons
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Hands-free voice controls: Say “Hey Roku” to play entertainment, control your streaming, power up your TV, and even find your lost remote
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Headphone Mode: Plug headphones into your remote to crank up the volume without disturbing a quiet house
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Find your lost remote: Say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” and your Roku remote will play a sound
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No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote
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Upgrade to Roku streaming: All your favorite channels are front and center, plus your device is always improving with automatic updates
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Simple setup: It’s easy to get started with everything you need included in the box—just plug it in and connect to the internet
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Watch what you love: Stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV including Prime Video, plus free live TV channels and local news on The Roku Channel.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal
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OUR BEST SOUNDING ECHO DOT YET – Enjoy an improved audio experience compared to any previous Echo Dot with Alexa for clearer vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound in any room.
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YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AND CONTENT – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
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ALEXA IS HAPPY TO HELP – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
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KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
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DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY – Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic off button.
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DO MORE WITH DEVICE PAIRING – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, create a home theatre system with Fire TV, or extend wifi coverage with a compatible eero network so you can say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering.
How to customize your streaming device's settings for travel?
- Adjusting video settings: If you are traveling to a different country with different video standards, make sure to adjust the resolution and refresh rate settings on your streaming device to match the local standards. This will ensure that you get the best picture quality on your TV.
- Manage internet connection settings: If you will be using your streaming device in a hotel or other location with a shared internet connection, make sure to adjust the network settings on your device. You may need to enter login credentials or set up a VPN to access certain streaming services.
- Enable offline viewing: Some streaming services offer the option to download content for offline viewing. Before you travel, make sure to download your favorite movies or TV shows so you can watch them without an internet connection while on the go.
- Set up parental controls: If you have young children traveling with you, make sure to set up parental controls on your streaming device to restrict access to mature content. This will ensure that your kids can safely enjoy their favorite shows while on the road.
- Manage power settings: To conserve battery life while traveling, adjust the power settings on your streaming device. You can dim the screen, reduce the auto-off time, and disable background apps to prolong the battery life of your device.
By customizing your streaming device's settings for travel, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies wherever you go without any technical difficulties.
What is the difference between streaming content on a laptop vs. streaming device while traveling?
The main difference between streaming content on a laptop vs. a streaming device while traveling is the convenience and portability of the device.
When streaming on a laptop, you will need to carry around a larger and bulkier device, which may not always be ideal for traveling. Laptops also require a stable surface to sit on, making it less convenient to use on-the-go or in cramped spaces.
On the other hand, streaming devices such as a smartphone, tablet, or portable streaming device are smaller, lighter, and more compact, making them easier to carry around while traveling. They can be easily held in your hand or propped up on a stand, allowing for more flexibility in where and how you watch your content.
Additionally, some streaming devices may have built-in features or apps that make it easier to stream content while traveling, such as offline viewing options, built-in data saving modes, or streamlined interfaces for accessing popular streaming services.
Overall, the choice between streaming on a laptop vs. a streaming device while traveling will depend on your personal preferences and needs for convenience, portability, and access to content.
How to stream on multiple devices simultaneously while traveling?
To stream on multiple devices simultaneously while traveling, you will need a reliable and fast internet connection. Here are some steps you can take to stream on multiple devices:
- Use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot: Consider investing in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device that allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet using a single mobile data plan. This can help ensure all your devices have access to a stable internet connection while you are on the go.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you access geo-restricted content and secure your internet connection while traveling. Additionally, some VPN services offer the ability to connect multiple devices at the same time, making it easier to stream on multiple devices simultaneously.
- Consider using offline viewing: Some streaming services offer the option to download content for offline viewing. This can be a great way to watch your favorite shows or movies on multiple devices without worrying about internet connectivity while traveling.
- Check data limits: Be mindful of data limits on your mobile data plan or Wi-Fi hotspot device to avoid exceeding your data allowance. Streaming on multiple devices simultaneously can quickly consume data, so consider monitoring your data usage to avoid any overage charges.
- Plan ahead: Make sure to plan ahead and ensure you have all the necessary devices, cables, and accessories needed for streaming on multiple devices. Consider packing portable chargers or power banks to keep your devices charged while on the go.
By following these tips, you can effectively stream on multiple devices simultaneously while traveling and enjoy your favorite content without any interruptions.
What is the best method for controlling your streaming device remotely while traveling?
The best method for controlling your streaming device remotely while traveling is to download and use the corresponding mobile app provided by the streaming device manufacturer.
For example, if you have a Roku device, you can download the Roku mobile app on your smartphone or tablet to control your Roku device from anywhere in the world. Similarly, if you have an Apple TV, you can use the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone to control your Apple TV.
Using the mobile app will allow you to navigate through your streaming device's interface, browse and select content, adjust settings, and even use voice commands if supported. This way, you can easily control your streaming device remotely and enjoy your favorite content while traveling.
How to use a streaming device in a rental car?
To use a streaming device in a rental car, follow these steps:
- Make sure the rental car has a compatible USB port or auxiliary input to connect your streaming device. Most newer cars should have these features.
- Connect the streaming device to the car's USB port or auxiliary input using the appropriate cable or adapter.
- Turn on the car's audio system and switch to the USB or auxiliary input mode.
- Power on the streaming device and select the content you want to stream (e.g. music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc.).
- Adjust the volume and playback controls on both the streaming device and the car's audio system as needed.
- Enjoy your favorite content while driving!
Please note that using a streaming device in a rental car may be subject to the rental company's terms and conditions, so it's a good idea to check with them before connecting any external devices to the car's audio system.
How to keep your streaming device secure in crowded public spaces while traveling?
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks - Instead, connect your streaming device to a secure and private network such as a mobile hotspot or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
- Use a password for your device - Set up a strong and unique password for your streaming device to prevent unauthorized access.
- Enable two-factor authentication - Many streaming services offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your mobile device in addition to your password.
- Keep your device updated - Make sure your streaming device's software is up-to-date with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Use a portable lock - Consider using a portable lock or cable lock to secure your streaming device to a fixed object when using it in crowded public spaces.
- Keep an eye on your device - Be vigilant and keep your streaming device within sight at all times to prevent it from being stolen or tampered with by strangers.
- Use a screen protector - Consider using a privacy screen protector to prevent others from viewing your screen from a distance.
- Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections - Avoid connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks automatically and manually select secure networks when needed.
By following these tips, you can help keep your streaming device secure while traveling in crowded public spaces.
