Disney Plus not on your smart TV? Use these streaming sticks instead
Stream your way to Disney Plus
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Disney Plushas now come to the UK and most of Europe, ending the months-long wait that UK viewers have had to sit through without their preciousStar Wars movies,Marvel movies, classic Disney films, Pixar titles, and (of course)The Mandalorian.
But if you’re stuck with a television that can’t load up Disney Plus, a streaming stick can offer an easy and affordable way to get the streaming service on your television display.
Why wouldn’t you be able to load up Disney Plus?Smart TVs made before 2016 generally aren’t compatible with the app’s code – while those of you still clinging onto ancient TVs (those without any smart features or online streaming capabilities) simply don’t have the software needed.
That’s where streaming sticks come in. A streaming stick is usually highly affordable – often as cheap as $20 / £20 / AU$30 – and can be plugged into a TV’s HDMI port to access heaps of streaming apps, such asNetflix,Amazon Prime Video,YouTube, Disney Plus and (in the US)HuluandHBO Now.
What streaming stick should I buy?
There are a number of different streaming stick models to consider.
First, there’sAmazon’s range of streaming sticks: theFire TV StickandFire TV Stick 4K. These sleek streamers are still brilliantly cheap, with only a small price markup for the4KHDRmodel, which enables you to stream in even higher quality – if you’re using it on a4K TV. (If you only have an HD TV, the regular Fire TV Stick will do you fine.) You’ll get both Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as Disney Plus on these streamers – with an excellent smart TV interface, and an Alexa remote for some limited voice commands – though you can find out more in ourAmazon Fire TV Stick review.
There’s also theGoogle Chromecast, which offers a huge number of streaming apps, and the ability to conveniently cast video content from your Android tablet or smartphone. Like the Fire TV Sticks, there’s a budget HD option and more premium4KHDRstreamer (Chromecast Ultra). You won’t get Amazon Prime Video, though Disney Plus is very much available on the device.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Roku streaming devicesalso boast a brilliantly simple OS and Disney Plus support, whether you’re using the budgetRoku Express(HD only) orRoku Streaming Stick+(4K HDR).
Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former News & Features Editor for TechRadar, where he specialized in home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, projectors, soundbars, and smart speakers. Other bylines include Edge, T3, iMore, GamesRadar, NBC News, Healthline, and The Times.
How to watch Gangnam B-Side online – stream the South Korean drama from anywhere
‘The stakes are so different’: Endurance filmmaker on finding Ernest Shackleton’s iconic lost ship in a new documentary on Disney Plus
Belkin’s Travel Bag for Vision Pro has pockets and is way cheaper than Apple’s own case
