Test Report

Streaming boxes and sticks tested

Streaming boxes and sticks are multi-talented. They connect older televisions to the internet and turn them into smart TVs. They also spice up modern TV sets, as their user interface is often more responsive and clearer than that of the TV. The boxes and sticks can be used to watch films and series from streaming suppliers such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, as well as niche channels, YouTube and live television from public and private broadcasters. We tested 17 streaming devices: 12 boxes and 5 sticks. Three devices performed very well in the Stiftung Warentest test - the winner was a box, not a stick. The simple operation of many models makes for more TV fun. However, almost all of them constantly display film recommendations on the user interface - which is annoying. Only two boxes are unobtrusive, our test reveals which ones.

Logo of tester Stiftung Warentest
TesterStiftung Warentest
Edition05/2025

17 Products in test

196/100
Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) - 3rd generation - AV player - 128 GB - 4K UHD (2160p) - 60 fps - HDR
Streaming box

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) - 3rd generation - AV player - 128 GB - 4K UHD (2160p) - 60 fps - HDR

290/100
290/100
Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 (3.07 GB, Android 12)
Streaming box
CHF99.90

Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270

3.07 GB, Android 12

488/100
488/100

No image

Telekom MagentaTV ONE (2. Generation)
Unfortunately this product is currently not available in our assortment.
686/100
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa (2nd gen) (8 GB)
Streaming box

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa (2nd gen)

8 GB

784/100
784/100
983/100
983/100

No image

Google Chromecast mit Google TV
Unfortunately this product is currently not available in our assortment.
1182/100
NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) (8 GB, Android 9.0 (Pie))
Streaming box
CHF149.–

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)

8 GB, Android 9.0 (Pie)

1182/100
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (16 GB, Android 9.0 (Pie))
Streaming box
CHF205.–

NVIDIA Shield TV Pro

16 GB, Android 9.0 (Pie)

1182/100
Xiaomi MI TV Stick 4K (8 GB, Android 11)
Streaming box
−7%
CHF42.70 was CHF45.70

Xiaomi MI TV Stick 4K

8 GB, Android 11

1480/100
Amazon Fire TV Stick (2021) incl. Alex voice remote control (8 GB, Fire OS)
Streaming box
CHF47.70

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2021) incl. Alex voice remote control

8 GB, Fire OS

1579/100

No image

Sky Stream
Unfortunately this product is currently not available in our assortment.
1677/100
Formuler Z 11 Pro Max BT1 Edition (32 GB, Android 11)
Streaming box
CHF156.–

Formuler Z 11 Pro Max BT1 Edition

32 GB, Android 11

1776/100
Xiaomi MI Box S (8 GB, Android 8.1 (Oreo))
Streaming box
−13%
Used
CHF68.– currently CHF77.90 new

Xiaomi MI Box S

8 GB, Android 8.1 (Oreo)