
Today’s question comes from Gerald, who asks, “I got a Tablo for Christmas and I don’t have a smart TV, so I’ll need a compatible streaming stick. Which one is best for using Tablo?”
Whether you have a ‘dumb TV’, need to upgrade the smarts of an aging smart TV or just prefer to use a separate streaming device, there are many Tablo-compatible streaming boxes and sticks on the market.
Which streaming box or stick is ‘best’ for Tablo is mostly a matter of personal preference but there are some considerations to keep in mind for each platform.
To ensure your streaming device has enough memory and processing power to provide a smooth streaming experience, TV fans should avoid low-end devices and upgrade to a newer model about every five years.
Amazon Fire TV

Pros
- Amazon Fire TV is a popular platform that offers both stick and box-style streaming devices with high-quality Wi-Fi connections and fully-featured remotes for under $140.
- Amazon also offers frequent device discounts as well as a device trade-in program if you’re planning to upgrade.
Cons
- Lower-end and older models of Fire TV streaming sticks don’t have the memory or horsepower to run the Tablo app well.
- Fire TV devices also require some light maintenance in the form of clearing app caches to keep things running smoothly.
Android TV/Google TV

Pros
- Android TV (aka Google TV) has grown in popularity over the last few years thanks to the arrival of affordable, better quality streaming devices like the Chromecast with Google TV and the ONN 4K and 4K PRO. Their latest model is the Google TV Streamer.
- For around $50 or less, Android/Google TV devices are widely available, offer simple, yet functional remotes and some even have high-quality Wi-Fi chips.
Cons
- Like Fire TV, Android TV devices require some light maintenance in the form of clearing app caches to keep things running smoothly.
- To get a top-of-the-line experience with a more fully featured remote, you’ll need to spend $200 on the Nvidia Shield.
Roku

Pros
- Roku is also very popular and offers a wide range of stick and box-style devices with simple, yet functional remotes and interfaces for under $100.
- Roku also offers frequent device discounts.
Cons
- Low-end Roku devices like the Roku HD are not supported as they are unable to properly display some over-the-air TV channel formats.
- Depending on your setup, even top-of-the-line models like Roku Ultra may require you to adjust some settings to ensure playback of antenna TV content.
Apple TV

Pros
- Apple TV is a premium platform with excellent quality hardware and Wi-Fi connectivity and a simple, yet functional remote.
- The interface is snappy and well designed in true Apple fashion.
Cons
- Expect to pay a premium for this Apple product which starts at $129.
- Some people find the touch aspects of the remote annoying, but this can be adjusted or even disabled.
- If you frequently watch in-progress recordings (aka tape delay), you should choose a different platform as this Tablo feature has limitations on Apple TV.
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!