For the cord-cutting TV junkie: the best media streaming box

holiday gift guide streaming media player

For the cord-cutter in your life, or the person who travels so much that he or she can't keep on a regular show schedule, a media streaming box can be a lifesaver that delivers all your favorite shows and movies on-demand over the Internet.

The best media streamer for most people is the Roku 3. It's fast, responsive, easy to use, and versatile. Plus it supports almost all the streaming content you want, from Netflix, to Hulu, to PBS, to HBO Go, to ESPN, and much more.

But if your giftee mostly uses Apple products, consider getting the Apple TV instead. It has much of the same content as the Roku (here's a list if you want to double check for your favorite stuff) and is functionally similar and easy-to-use. But if you happen to use other Apple devices with AirPlay, like an iPhone or an iPad, the Apple TV is a lot more versatile, because it can show with whatever you've got on your iOS screen as well, including games and presentations.

First published December 5, 2014: 7:08 PM ET

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