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What Streaming Device Works Best with the 4th Generation Tablo?

Tablo Support - Chris
Tablo Support - Chris
  • Updated
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This article focuses on streaming devices compatible with 4th Generation Tablo models.

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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.

 

Table of Contents

 

Amazon Fire TV

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Amazon Fire TV devices are popular with cord cutters. All current models are compatible with Tablo. However, those running the Fire OS, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the top-of-the-line Fire TV Cube, offer a wider selection of apps beyond Tablo.

 

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

  • The interface is generally easy to navigate but dominated by ads promoting Amazon Prime Video content.
  • Fire TV devices also require some light maintenance in the form of clearing app caches to keep things running smoothly.

 

Android TV and Google TV

 

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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 and ONN 4K Pro devices are compatible with the 4th Generation Tablo app. The NVIDIA SHIELD Pro is also compatible but is currently out of stock.

 

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

 

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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.

 

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

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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.