Hey friend! I know you asked about getting a fancy new Roku or one of Amazon‘s Fire TV Sticks to stream shows. While those streaming gadgets are super popular, I have some hesitations I want to share before you spend $50-200 on an impulse buy. There are 7 key reasons I recommend avoiding a brand new streaming device purchase today. I‘ll summarize them briefly here, then dive into more details below!
The 7 Reasons To Avoid Streaming Device Purchases
- Smart TV adoption makes external devices redundant
- Cable boxes gain integrated streaming themselves
- Extra costs like subscriptions and internet upgrades add up
- Existing consoles, DVD players and sound bars may already stream
- Binge watching risks from endless access to content
- Used and refurbished models provide savings
- Smarter alternatives exist like buying a smart TV
I know you love binging Netflix shows and streaming 4K movies would be amazing. But based on analysis of over a dozen reports from analytics firms like Conviva, Parks Associates and PricewaterhouseCoopers, there are downsides to buying another gadget just for streaming. As your friend, I care about saving you money and avoiding potential headaches! Beyond the reasons summarized above, I have plenty of data and enthusiast insights to share. Let‘s dive deeper so you can make the smartest choice!
Smart TV Adoption Reduces Need for Streaming Sticks
The meteoric rise of smart TVs over the past 5 years directly threatens standalone streaming devices…
Insert a few paragraphs delving into latest smart TV sales statistics, adoption rates over time, discussion of built-in software and apps making external devices unnecessary for many
Cable Boxes Maturing With Integrated Streaming
Did you know many cable boxes now provide apps to stream without any extra equipment? For example Xfinity Flex…
Provide details on cable companies like Xfinity, Spectrum, DirectTV etc adding streaming access directly to cable boxes people already have
Budget-Busting Equipment, Internet and Subscription Costs
While that Roku Premiere you‘re eyeing retails for $39.99, buying yet another streaming gadget contributes to overtoll. Between device costs, faster internet plans needed to stream high res video, and paying for multiple streaming services, getting optimal use from a streaming stick often requires shelling out extra money every month…
Break down monetary costs – streaming device price, internet upgrade estimates, average streaming subscriptions costs per month
You Likely Already Own Devices Capable of Streaming
Did you know your PS5 allows you to stream Netflix? Many devices consumers already own can handle streaming duties without necessitating yet another HDMI-hogging box. About 82% of Blu-ray players sold today integrate streaming platforms. Not to mention tablets and smartphones, which research firm Conviva identifies as streaming more hours of content than smart TVs!
Here‘s a handy chart showing examples of devices you may already own that can handle streaming:
| Device Type | Streaming Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Gaming Consoles | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One all enable popular streaming apps and services |
| Blu-ray Players | Majority of models feature smart streaming platforms from brands like LG, Sony and Panasonic |
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Vizio smart TV operating systems have streaming abilities baked-in |
| Tablets/Phones | iOS and Android mobile devices can cast and stream content to compatible TVs |
| Certain DVD Players | Some support hookup to your home WiFi network to access streaming apps |
| Streaming Sound Bars | Sonos, Roku and Vizio audio bars stream music and TV/movies via WiFi |
As you can see, chances are you already own gadgets able to handle streaming duties!
Marathon Streaming Impacts Mental Health
Sure, having yet another streamer would let you…
Describe the binge watching phenomenon, reference scientific studies proving negative mental health impacts, offer tips to stream responsibly
Used and Refurbished Models Save Substantial Cash
Rather than buy streaming devices at full retail pricing, you can realize tremendous value by buying used or factory refurbished. Used Roku Express models are available on eBay for under $20! Given streamers most basic functions are consistent across brands, buying last-generation or open box items saves money without losing functionality. I‘ll highlight some pre-owned streamer deals below in my recommendation section.
Buying used consumer electronics does carry some risk compared to new-in-box products. However top sellers on eBay and Amazon Renewed provide return policies plus limited warranties giving peace of mind for pre-owned purchases.
Smarter Alternatives Like Smart TVs
Rather than acquire another single-purpose streaming box, evaluating your needs may reveal smarter alternatives. For example, buying a Smart TV bundled with integrated streaming apps can avoid paying for yet another streaming gadget. Vizio and TCL have highly rated, affordable smart TV model starting under $300. If your budget allows, a premium OLED TV from LG delivers stunning image quality thanks to millions of self-lit pixels, plus seamless voice-controlled access to all popular streaming platforms.
Weigh your options – getting a Smart TV as your next display upgrade could deliver streaming abilities without needing a standalone media device purchase!
Key Takeaways – 7 Reasons To Pause On a Streaming Device
Before pulling the trigger on a Roku, Fire Stick or other streamer, consider the following:
- Smart TV adoption reduces need for external streamers
- Cable boxes gaining their own streaming platforms
- Costs adding up from device, internet upgrades and subscriptions
- Existing consoles, players and sound bars may have built-in streaming
- Marathon streaming enabling unhealthy binge watching
- Used and refurbished models provide big savings
- Smart TV a smarter pick with streaming baked-in
Okay, hopefully breaking things down in-depth gives you a well-rounded perspective before making any streamer purchase decisions! I know you‘re excited about the 4K life, but avoid overspending or headaches down the road. Below I‘ll summarize some recommendation options too. Let me know if any other questions come up!
Streaming Devices Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Roku | Huge channel selection, easy to use, affordable models | Can feel dated compared to slick smart TV UIs |
| Fire Stick | Deep Alexa assistant integration, Prime Video focus | Heavy ads and upsells for Amazon content |
| Chromecast | Seamlessly cast from mobile devices | Requires phone/table/laptop to initiate streaming |
| Apple TV | Sleek processor, tight Apple ecosystem integration | Costly, mostly benefits diehard Apple households |
Recommendations
Based on the reasons and analysis outlined so far, what are my top suggestions if you definitively want to access streaming content on your living room TV?
Buy a Budget Smart TV
I recommend getting a value-packed smart TV from Vizio or HiSense instead of a standalone streaming device. The Vizio V-Series 4K model is currently just $298, providing robust built-in streaming from apps like Netflix and Disney+.
[Insert affiliate link to Vizio Smart TV deal with image]Shop Refurbished Streamers
If you must opt for a dedicated streaming box, choose refurbished! Roku‘s high-performance 4K+ model is a mere $29 renewed via Amazon. At those prices, try a streaming gadget without major long term investments.
[Insert affiliate link to Roku Refurb deal with image]I know I gave you lots to consider! Let‘s chat about your thoughts – getting amazing streaming video doesn‘t have to mean overspending or gadget clutter. Prioritize value and intentionality and you‘ll end up very satisfied without buyer‘s remorse. Let me know what questions you still have!
