Today’s question comes from Norm, who says, “I’m planning to upgrade to new streaming sticks during the upcoming Black Friday sales. Which streaming devices work best with Tablo and which should I avoid?”
Which compatible streaming box or stick will work ‘best’ with your 4th Generation Tablo is mostly a matter of personal preference and budget, but there are some considerations to keep in mind for each platform.
As streaming devices age, they may not offer enough memory and processing power to provide a smooth streaming experience with Tablo and other cord-cutting apps. If you’ve been relying on the same streaming box or stick for more than five years, it’s time to purchase something new.
And with the recent price hikes in this category caused by component shortages, it’s smart to plan ahead of known promotional periods like Black Friday so you can save some cash.
Let’s take a look at the options…
Amazon Fire TV
Fire TV devices are popular with cord cutters. Current models running the Fire OS are fully compatible with Tablo, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the top-of-the-line Fire TV Cube.
PROS
- Amazon Fire TV offers stick and box-style streaming devices with fully featured remotes and fast Wi-Fi for smooth streaming, including Wi-Fi 6 on the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Wi-Fi 6E on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Amazon also offers frequent device discounts and a device trade-in program if you’re planning to upgrade.
CONS
- Amazon has begun switching its newest streaming sticks from the Android-based Fire OS to a new Linux-based operating system called Vega and the reaction has been decidedly mixed. Because existing apps must be rebuilt for Vega, many apps, including Tablo, aren’t yet available on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick HD and Fire TV Stick 4K (3rd Gen). The good news: a Vega-compatible Tablo app is now in beta testing and owners of these devices can sign up to help test it. Until it’s widely released, pick a Fire TV device that runs Fire OS.
- To get a Fire TV device compatible with most apps, including the 4th Generation Tablo app, you’ll need to choose one of the models running Fire OS, which range from $69.99 for the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus up to $199.99 for the fully featured but due for a refresh Fire TV Cube.
- The interface is generally easy to navigate but dominated by ads promoting Amazon Prime Video content.
- Fire TV devices also require light maintenance, like clearing app caches, to keep things running smoothly.
Android TV & Google TV
Several manufacturers are producing streaming sticks and boxes running Android TV or Google TV as an operating system, which is growing in popularity.
All current Google TV Streamer, ONN 4K, ONN 4K Pro devices are compatible with the 4th Generation Tablo app. The NVIDA SHIELD Pro is also compatible but is currently out of stock.
FYI – A next-generation Google TV Streamer is reportedly in development, with built-in microphones, presence sensing, a faster processor and more storage. There’s no word yet on price or release date, so there’s little reason to skip this year’s Black Friday deals while you wait.
PROS
- Cost-conscious cord cutters have been snapping up streaming devices from ONN, Walmart’s in-house electronics brand. The capable 2026 ONN 4K stick is just $39.98 and the ONN 4K Pro streaming box is just $59.98. The 4K Pro adds 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6, an Ethernet port and hands-free voice control with Gemini, plus a backlit remote you can locate with the Find My Remote button.
- Google TV and Android TV devices offer clean, streamlined user interfaces and are compatible with a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store.
CONS
- Some consumers have found it difficult to download apps on Google TV devices because the Google Play Store is tucked away in the system settings rather than on the home screen. The simplest workaround is to use the Search feature to find and install the Tablo app.
- Premium Android TV and Google TV devices cost much more following recent price hikes. The Google TV Streamer 4K rose from $99.99 to $149.99 in August and the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro recently jumped from $199.99 to a whopping $299.99 (if you can find one in stock). Compared with lower-cost options, both offer faster Gigabit Ethernet connections and better support for advanced audio, among other benefits. For average consumers, though, they may be overkill.
- Most Android TV and Google TV devices lack a dedicated PLAY button which Tablo fans can use to skip straight to playing their favorite programs.
- Like Fire TV, Android TV devices require light maintenance, like clearing app caches to keep things running smoothly.
Roku
Roku is the leading streaming platform in the US, reaching more than half of US broadband households and it’s also the most popular platform among 4th Generation Tablo customers. The current Roku Streaming Stick Plus, Roku Streaming Stick 4K (model 3820) and Roku Ultra (model 4850) are compatible.
FYI – Roku has recently been acquired by FOX. While FOX claims Roku will remain an open platform for programming not owned by the broadcaster, changes may happen after the deal is expected to close early next year.
PROS
- Roku offers a simple interface and functional remotes that are easy-to-use for less tech-savvy users.
- It offers a wide selection of apps, including free content through the Roku Channel.
- At $59.99 for the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and $79.99 for the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (with better audio support and a long-range Wi-Fi booster) Roku’s pricing is in line with other mid-range competitors, despite recent increases.
- The price of the Roku Ultra also recently went up $50 to $149.99, but it’s still a solid choice. Its Ethernet port offers an Ethernet connection for fast and stable streaming of content from the Tablo app. Its ability to play local video files or home movies from USB storage and the handy remote finder feature are fan favorites.
- Roku offers frequent discounts, so watch for Black Friday or other deals.
CONS
- The entry-level Roku Streaming Stick (3840) and older HD-only models are not compatible with Tablo. These models experience intermittent problems displaying over-the-air TV content due to a bug in the Roku operating system.
Apple TV
While Apple TV’s market share is small, it has devoted fans that value its privacy features and integration with the broader Apple ecosystem. All recent Apple TV models and the new Apple TV 4K (4th Gen) are supported.
PROS
- Apple TV is a premium platform with excellent quality hardware and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- The simple yet functional remote has been upgraded in the newest model with Find My support, so it can play a sound to help you locate it.
- The interface is snappy and well designed in true Apple fashion.
- It works seamlessly with iOS mobile devices and HomePod speakers.
CONS
- Apple TV remains a premium-priced option. The new Apple TV 4K (4th Gen) is available for pre-order at $299, with availability starting November 13. That’s $100 more than the previous entry-level model, though every unit now includes 128GB of storage, Gigabit Ethernet and Thread support. Small discounts on earlier-generation models may be available and those models remain a solid choice since Apple’s new Siri AI features are coming to them in beta.
- Some people find the remote’s touch-sensitive clickpad annoying, but you can reduce its sensitivity or switch to click-only mode in the Apple TV settings under Remotes and Devices.
- If you often start watching recordings while they’re still in progress (for example, starting a game late so you can skip commercials), choose another supported device. Due to player software limitations, the 4th Generation Tablo app on Apple TV cannot play in-progress recordings from the beginning.
The Bottom Line
Based on compatibility, feature set and value, Tablo owners should consider the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K MAX, the Roku Ultra, the ONN 4K Pro, or a recent Apple TV.
Investing in one of these quality streaming devices should ensure smooth streaming performance over time when compared to budget options.
But, depending on your specific needs, budget and potential Black Friday discounts, you may want to look at other compatible options.
Have a question about watching TV that you’d like answered? Send us a note and you may see your question on the Tablo blog and in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, Stay Tuned!
