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The second best thing about it is how easy it is to set up. If your holiday bounty included a brand-new Roku device, here’s how get it up and running—and add some essential channels right off the bat.

In terms of streaming functionality, they’re more or less identical. Still, there are a few differences between the full-on Roku box and the HDMI stick. In this explainer, I’ll concentrate on the latest streamers: the $90 Roku 3 box and the $50 Roku HDMI Streaming Stick.

The cheaper stick has one advantage, and it’s right there in its name: It has a built-in HDMI connector. The Roku 3 (and all other Roku boxes) don’t come with HDMI cables, so you’ll need to buy or supply your own.

But while you’re limited to Wi-Fi streaming with the stick, the box is more versatile. The little set-top box has a speedier processor, an Ethernet port, a remote control with a headphone jack and earbuds for private listening, and a MicroSD slot and USB port for expanding storage and running local files. The Roku 3’s remote also doubles as a motion controller for games, with an old-school Nintendo-style button setup when you flip it sideways.

Features and Ethernet aside, the setup process is essentially the same. Here’s how to set up your new Roku device, no matter what shape it is.

Roku calls the services and apps available on its devices Channels, and currently offers thousands of choices on the Roku Channel Store. All of the big streaming media names are available, including Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Sling TV, and Twitch, along with many smaller, niche apps and services for movies, sports, weather, news, and international content. Roku has also pushed into the television market with its Roku TV platform. The company doesn't make TVs itself, but it offers its technology to TV manufacturers to incorproate into their screens. This has allowed many more budget-priced televisions to include connected features they couldn't use a few years ago, while keeping prices low. Roku TVs work just like Roku media streamers, only they're built directly into the TVs themselves. The first 4K Roku TVs have started trickling out, though if you like the Roku platform but don't want it tied to your television, the Roku 4 supports 4K on its own. Any of the devices here are a great choice for bringing online content to your TV. For even more options, check out our Media Streamer Product Guide.

Is there any reason not to buy the Roku Stick? Maybe if you're perfectly happy with your current streamer. Or you don't mind paying extra for that fancy Roku 3 remote, or you want the 4K streaming available on the Roku 4. If you have a bunch of stuff on iTunes or want to play phone or tablet games on the big screen, get an Apple TV. If you really love using your phone instead of a dedicated remote, or want to put video from your computer on your TV, go with a Chromecast. There are a few other good reasons to buy something other than a Roku, but most are corner cases or involve streaming "files" on your home network.

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