Consumer Reports tests best video streaming sticks

A streaming stick is a simple, inexpensive way to watch online content on your television. Consumer Reports took a look at the three top sellers.

Want to watch online video from virtually any television?

Streaming sticks can help you watch online video from virtually any television.

They're about the size of a USB thumb drive, plug right into a TV's HDMI input, and connect to your home WiFi - making any TV a smart TV.

"If you want to access Netflix and other streaming services, these are the lowest cost options. And they're smaller and less obtrusive than even the tiniest set-top box," said Jim Wilcox from Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports looked at three: The Amazon Fire TV Stick, the Roku Streaming stick and Google Chromecast.

For around $35 dollars, Google Chromecast is the least expensive, but to operate it, you need a smartphone or tablet loaded with the Chromecast app.

"Chromecast is a bit different in that you use your own device - a tablet, a smartphone, or a laptop computer - to access the content, like Netflix or HBO, and then you wirelessly send it, or cast it, to your TV," said Wilcox.

For around $50 dollars, the Roku Streaming stick also lets you download a remote-control app and use your phone or tablet, but it comes with a handy WiFi remote as well.

Roku has the most channels of any of the sticks and lets you know when newer movies are available to stream.

"Keep in mind that with any of these sticks, you're still going to have to pay for any content that's not free," said Wilcox.

That's one advantage to the $40 dollar Fire T-V stick. You get Amazon Prime movies and music at no extra charge if you're already an Amazon Prime Subscriber.

It works with either the included remote, or use your phone or tablet for features like voice search.

If you're in the market for a new streaming media player and you'd prefer a more conventional set-top box-style player, you might want to consider any of the three Roku boxes. They earned the top spots in Consumer Reports ratings of streaming devices.