Play video Remove | Play video Remove | Play video Remove | Play video Remove | Play video Remove | |
| Product | Google Nexus Q | Roku 3 | Apple TV (2012) | Vizio Co-Star | WD TV Live (2011) |
| Price | Delayed | $99.00 to $104.99 | $95.98 to $260.82 | $99.51 to $99.99 | $89.99 to $216.74 |
| CNET editors' rating | 2.5 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars | 2.5 stars | 4 stars |
| Average user rating | 0 stars | 3 stars | 3.5 stars | 2 stars | 3 stars |
| Release date | Info unavailable | March 6, 2013 | March 16, 2012 | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Bottom line | The Nexus Q's striking, orblike hardware can't outweigh the extreme limitations of this
Android-only, Google-only media streamer. | The
Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack. | The Apple TV is an indispensable living room companion for invested in iTunes content and Apple hardware, but for everyone else it's a step behind the
Roku 3. | The Vizio Co-Star is an affordable way of getting the Google TV experience, but the software remains underwhelming and hampered by restrictions. | The WD TV Live (2011) offers a solid combination of must-have streaming services and excellent USB and network file support, making it one of the best devices of its kind available for under $100. |
| Product type | Media player | Streaming player | Digital multimedia receiver | Media player | Digital multimedia receiver |
| Audio standards | MP3 | AAC MP3 | Protected AAC AIFF WAV AAC MP3 Apple Lossless HE-AAC | Info unavailable | MP3 WAV PCM WMA AAC FLAC OGG |
| Playback capabilities | Internet video playback Digital video playback Digital audio playback | Internet gaming Internet radio playback Internet video playback | Content streaming Internet video playback Digital video playback Digital audio playback Digital photo playback | Content streaming | Digital audio playback Digital photo playback Digital video playback |
| Remote control type | Info unavailable | Standard remote control | Remote control | Bluetooth universal remote with touchpad control | Remote control |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices |
|
|
|
|