The streaming services have began to be seen as a necessite, so if your tv has an outdated software or is a “dumb” TV then buying a dongle or a box capable of viewing streamed content is your way to go.

Word of Advice

As you may know there are plenty of cheap copycats after Chromecast. Avoid them ! They don’t have the google casting support(so no Netflix app, Hbo Go, PrimeVideo, Youtube). The only thing that they are doing is mirroring the screen of the phone, which is not same thing as google cast(In that case the phone is sending thru the Google Cast protocol an url with the streaming address to Google Chromecast. After that, the streaming is done directly to the Chromecast, without implying the phone resources)
The same thing can be said about cheap NoName Android TV Boxes. Avoid Them ! Netflix, Prime Video, Hbo Go have a high rate of not working on these kind of devices. Even if it is working,by some miracle, the playback will be at max 480p because of the lack of Widivine support(L1(4k) or L2, or even L3).
For 4k streaming you will need HDMI 2.0 cable or greater and of course 5 Ghz Wifi or ethernet cable (if the TV Box has ethernet port)

Google Chromecast

For using google chromecast it is mandatory for setup and usage to have a phone(Android or IOS).

All the big streaming apps have support for google chromecast. This includes: HBO GO, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video,Youtube, Disney+, Hulu etc.

Google Chromecast 2.0 ~ 25 Euros

Supported resolutions – HD(720p) and FULL HD(1080p) at 60hz

Avantages: – can be powered by the TV USB port

Google Chromecast 3.0 ~ 35 Euros

It’s with 15% faster then the Chromecast 2.0

Supported resolutions – HD(720p) and FULL HD(1080p) at 60hz

Avantages: – can be powered by the TV USB port

Google Chromecast Ultra(4k) ~ 70 Euros

Supported resolutions – HD(720p),FULL HD(1080p),4k at 60hz

Android TV

Spre deosebire de chromecast, Cutiutele cu Android TV vin cu un sistem de operare de sine statator, folosirea impreuna cu un telefon nu este necesara.

Amazon Fire TV Stick ~ 40 Euros

The cheap, entry level, fire tv stick from Amazon comes with a modified version of Android. It has low hardware cpu specs and it struggles to be responsive. No change to get fluid streaming at 60 fps. More like 20-30 fps.

Hardware Specs:

Size: 85.9 mm x 30.0 mm x 12.6 mm
Weight: 32.0 g
Processor: MediaTek Quad-core ARM 1.3 GHz
GPU: Mali450 MP4
Storage: 8GB internal
Memory: 1GB
Supported resolutions : 720p and 1080p at 60 Hz

Upside:

can be powered by TV’s USB Port
Software Support

Downside:

Slow in UI.
Low RAM memory.
No USB Ports
No Google Play Store. Amazon Store instead

Amazon Fire TV 4k Stick ~ 60 Euros

As size, it is more ore less the same as the standard Fire Stick. But, we have a better CPU, better RAM ( 1.5 GB) at a greater frequency (DDR4). It has HDR10 and up to 4k resolution.