Best Media Streaming Device Brands

Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study

In an era where digital content consumption is at an all-time high, the Media Streaming Device has become a cornerstone of the modern entertainment experience. These devices not only provide access to a vast array of streaming services—ranging from popular platforms like Netflix and Hulu to niche offerings—but also boast features that enhance user experience, such as voice control, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with smart home devices. As consumers increasingly seek convenience and versatility in their media consumption, the choice of streaming device plays a pivotal role in shaping how they interact with content, making it a significant consideration for today's tech-savvy shopper.

However, the decision to invest in a Media Streaming Device extends beyond just technical specifications; it hinges heavily on brand trust. In a marketplace flooded with options, consumers often rely on their perception of a brand’s reliability, reputation, and customer service when making purchasing decisions. Trust in a brand can influence not only the initial choice of device but also ongoing loyalty and satisfaction. As more consumers turn to online reviews and recommendations, understanding how brand trust impacts the buying journey is critical for both manufacturers and retailers in this competitive landscape.

To illuminate these dynamics, this post draws on insights from the America’s Most Trusted® study, which delves into consumer attitudes towards various brands in the media streaming sector. By analyzing how consumers rated different brands based on trust, we can gain a clearer picture of what drives purchasing decisions in this category.

The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study

For over a decade, the America’s Most Trusted® study has stood as a critical barometer for brands seeking to grasp the essential nature of consumer trust. It’s a well-known fact that a strong relationship between brand trust and market success can significantly impact a company’s bottom line. This study, which provides an annual benchmark for brand trust, is highly anticipated by both consumers and brand strategists alike, with the latest results typically unveiled every January. The insights gleaned from this study are invaluable for anyone shopping for a Media Streaming Device, as they highlight which brands consumers feel most confident in.

Building trust is not just beneficial; it’s essential for fostering repeat purchases. The reputation of a brand’s streaming media device hinges on how well customers believe the company can meet their promises. When consumers trust a brand, they are not only more inclined to purchase its products but also likely to recommend them to friends and family. This trust translates into customer loyalty, with shoppers favoring the brands they believe in, which is particularly important in a competitive market flooded with options for streaming devices.

At the start of each year, Lifestory Research publishes the latest findings from the America’s Most Trusted® study, drawing on over 75 detailed product assessments conducted throughout the year. Thousands of participants share their thoughts and experiences regarding various brands, helping us measure the trust they place in specific names when it comes to purchasing decisions. The research employs the Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS) to evaluate how well a brand meets consumer expectations relative to its competitors. This robust metric is derived from advanced social and opinion science methodologies, ensuring that the research adheres to the highest standards.

2025 America’s Most Trusted Streaming Device

The Lifestory Research 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Streaming Device Study revealed that Amazon Fire TV is the leading brand in terms of consumer trust among those in the market for a streaming device. This ranking was compiled based on feedback from individuals actively seeking to purchase a streaming device, who assessed the brands they were knowledgeable about.

The findings of the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Streaming Device ranking draw from a survey of 4,215 participants across the United States, conducted over the past year.

With an impressive Net Trust Quotient Score of 102.9, Amazon Fire TV secured the top position among the most recognized streaming device brands. Following closely were Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and TiVo Stream, rounding out the list of the most trusted options available.

What are the most trustworthy brands in America?  What companies do people see as trustworthy? What are the top brands people trust the most? Below, you’ll find the complete rankings of the leading streaming device brands from the study.

TOP 5 Ranked Streaming Devices – 2025 Customer Ratings

1Amazon Fire TV102.9★★★★★
2Roku101.6★★★★★
3Apple TV95.9★★★★★
4Google Chrome89.7★★★★
5TiVo Stream75.5☆☆

No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary. 

Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. Explore the latest customer reviews to ensure you're making a purchase based on trustworthy ratings and superior quality, so you can buy with confidence!  See the results of 75 different product studies here.

Brands Ranked in Study

The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study actively surveys streaming device shoppers throughout the year in the United States. The study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized streaming device brands in the market. In the study, consumers rate the quality of the streaming device brand, their likelihood of recommending the streaming device to others, how favorable they feel about the brand behind the streaming device, how they rate the reputation of the streaming device, and their trust in the streaming device brand.

Here, we provide information on the brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study. The brands are presented in the order they ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.

In the fast-evolving landscape of media streaming, consumer trust can make or break a brand’s standing. The 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Streaming Device Study highlights several key players that have captured the hearts of viewers. Here’s a closer look at each brand, shedding light on their histories, unique offerings, and the products that have made them household names.

  1. Amazon Fire TV

    At the forefront of the streaming device market is Amazon Fire TV, a series of digital media players and micro consoles crafted by Amazon. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust content library, the Fire TV lineup includes popular products like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube. These devices are engineered to effortlessly stream a plethora of digital content straight to users' televisions. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon has grown from an online bookstore to a technology powerhouse headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The Fire TV brand is a testament to Amazon's commitment to integrating innovative technology with everyday entertainment needs.

  2. Roku

    Roku Inc., based in San Jose, California, is a pioneer in the streaming media player industry, having launched in 2002. Renowned for its simplicity and vast selection of channels, Roku offers a range of devices, including the Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Ultra. These products enable users to access an impressive array of streaming services, enhancing the viewing experience with their straightforward navigation and personalized content recommendations. As a publicly traded company, Roku has made its mark by providing an extensive entertainment ecosystem that caters to a diverse audience.

  3. Apple TV

    Apple TV stands as a premier digital media player developed by Apple Inc., a tech giant founded in 1976 by visionaries Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple has become synonymous with innovation. The Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD are two standout devices in their lineup, allowing users to stream movies, TV shows, and access a wide variety of apps from their television screens. With its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV enhances user experience, reflecting Apple's commitment to quality and design in technology.

  4. Google Chromecast

    Chromecast, developed by Google, offers a unique take on streaming. This compact dongle plugs into the HDMI port of a television, allowing users to cast content directly from their mobile devices or computers. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Google has become a dominant player in the tech industry. With models like Chromecast with Google TV, the brand has expanded its functionality to include a dedicated remote and access to various streaming services, enhancing the convenience and versatility of home entertainment.

  5. TiVo Stream

    TiVo Stream represents a hybrid approach to media consumption, integrating streaming services with traditional cable and satellite television. Developed by TiVo Corporation, founded in 1997 and based in Durham, North Carolina, the TiVo Stream 4K device stands out for its ability to blend various content sources seamlessly. TiVo's pioneering legacy in DVR technology has paved the way for innovative solutions that enhance how viewers access and enjoy their favorite shows and movies, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

    Each of these brands not only provides streaming solutions but also embodies unique values and experiences that resonate with consumers. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone navigating the ever-expanding world of media streaming devices.

  • Foundational Principles

    At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.

    By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.

    Core Principles of Quality Research

    We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:

    • Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.

    • Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.

    • Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.

    • Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.

    Our Commitment to Excellence

    Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:

    • Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.

    • Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.

    • Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.

    • Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.

    When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.

  • What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?

    The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.

    How Does the Survey Work?

    Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.

    Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.

    The Importance of Brand Awareness

    An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.

    Sampling Methodology

    The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.

    The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.

    Calculating Trust Scores

    At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:

    • Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.

    • Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.

    • Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.

    These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.

    Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.

Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.