5 streaming boxes you should buy instead of the new Apple TV 4K

You don’t need to spend $299 to stream Netflix. 5 streaming boxes you should buy instead of the new Apple TV 4K. Streaming and entertainment 5 streaming boxes you should buy instead of the new Apple TV 4K You don’t need to spend $299 to stream Netflix.

Apple already raised its streaming box’s prices some time ago, but the long-anticipated Apple TV 4K 2026 recently launched with an even higher, eye-watering price tag of $299, bringing it right on par with the Nvidia Shield TV Pro after its recent hike. For comparison, the previous Apple TV 4K used to start at a much more palatable $129. Not too long ago, there were rumors that Apple might release an even cheaper variant next — but it went the opposite way.

$300 is way too much money to watch Netflix while you scroll on your phone — you can get a full-blown TV for that kind of price these days. If you don’t mind stepping outside Apple’s walled garden, you can easily snag a much better deal where you not only get premium hardware and all the associated perks, but also save tons of cash upfront. Here are the best streaming boxes that you should consider instead of the new Apple TV 4K 2026.