Between our phone, computer, and tablet, today’s modern poly-gadget lifestyle offers a buffet of screens to entertain and engage us throughout the day. But despite our many options, we always come huddling back, Leave-It-To-Beaver style, to that big ol’ TV screen in the living room.

There are more ways than ever to send content directly to your screen, and prices have come down significantly since streaming devices started trickling into the market about three of four years ago. There are a number of wireless Smart TVs on the market—with various degrees of “smartness” and pricing on content—that provide access to all the YouTube cat videos and Netflix documentaries you can handle. But for those of us who aren’t in the market for a Smart TV, there are various affordable options that will slap a steady stream of content right on up on your TV.

For a more in-depth look at features and specs, be sure to check out our Media Streamer Reveiws.

hdmiDirect Gizmo-to-TV Hook-Up

The cheapest way to get Web content on to your TV is to directly hook up the laptop, phone, or tablet you already own (granted your gizmo has an HDMI output, and the TV has the proper input). All HDTVs have an HDMI input, and your mobile device or computer may already come with an HDMI output and cable, or, alternatively, a DVI, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt connector that will need an adapter. If you don’t have a cable, you can buy one from any electronics store starting at $6 for a standard cable, up to more than $150 for a premium cable. There are many choices, but err on the $6 end of the price spectrum. Unless you’re in a professional AV setting, these “premium” cables are probably overkill. 

For those who like to keep their entertainment area neat and clutter-free, there are several options that will allow you to wirelessly stream content from the cloud to your TV. These will generally run you between $100 and $200. Let’s start with the Apple TV.

apple tv streaming mediaApple TV ($99)

Apple’s namesake wireless content streamer sold 1.3 million units last quarter, prompting CEO Tim Cook to upgrade the device that former CEO Steve Jobs famously dubbed a “hobby” to a “beloved hobby.”

For only $99, the sleek little Apple TV allows users to wirelessly stream audio, video, and pictures from their mobile device or computer to their TV via AirPlay (though annoyingly, HBO GO will not work). Users can also buy content directly from iTunes. Apple has partnerships with other content providers such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, and YouTube in addition to the NBA, NHL, and MLB, though most require additional subscription or usage fees, as they do across all services.

Users can navigate Apple TV via their mobile device or the included “Apple Remote.” If you don’t have an Apple device, don’t be turned off by the Apple-branding on this device as the system’s not just for Apple users. Apple TV works with PC laptops or Android devices. All you need is an iTunes account.

Good for: Apple fans, people with their whole music collection stored in iCloud, and people whose digital lives aren’t too intertwined in Amazon or Google Play.

Roku LT streaming boxRoku ($50 to $100)

The good people at Roku have a few streaming device options to offer. Everything from the $50 Roku LT on up to the $100 Roku 2 XS come packed with several partner channels, including Amazon (both Prime and the à la carte Instant Video service), Netflix, Crackle, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, and Pandora. A separate computer or mobile device isn’t needed to stream these services; just Wi-Fi access. Users can navigate the minimalist interface via an included remote or download the Roku remote app for Android- or iOS-powered devices .

Good for: People who want access to non-iTunes content from the likes of Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu, but don’t already own a gaming console with streaming capabilities. (Note: Users can actually get iTunes content to via Roku, but there are a few steps involved.)

Western Digital WD TV Live HubWestern Digital WD TV Live Hub ($200)

Not only does the Western Digital WD TV Live Hub allow users to stream their favorite content, but it also doubles as a hard drive. Boasting a 1TB hard drive, The WD TV Live Hub lets users centralize their media collection and can play almost any type of video or audio files. It can access apps like Flickr, Facebook, Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as Netflix, Blockbuster on Demand, and Hulu Plus, to name a few.

Good for: People who want to keep all their entertainment files – music, videos, photos – in one place and access them from their TV in between Battlestar Galactica marathons on Netflix.

Google Nexus QGoogle Nexus Q ($300)

Those who love minimalist futuristic orb-y design concepts and content from Google Play and YouTube might want to check out the Google Nexus Q. The very Google-centric device only plays Google-affiliated content, which is purchased and stored in Play or in YouTube. Users control and access their content via an app on an Android-powered device.

Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait to get our hands on one. The Q has already been delayed from a July release to a still non-specified future date in order to put in some much-needed additional functionality. The Q was recently removed from Google’s Nexus landing page, and we’re not really sure when it will be back up. We should note that the Q originally came with a decidedly out-of-place $300 price tag.

Good for: Until we know more about this “new functionality,” this product is good for people with extra money to spend who appreciate design from an Eighties Hollywood vision of the future. But chances are these types of people will want their content from multiple sources and will not all be Android users.

playstation-3-reviewPlayStation 3 ($250 to $350)

Not only is the PS3 a quality DVD and Blu-ray player, I think I heard something about it playing games too. The PS3 is also a formidable Wi-Fi-enabled streaming device — a smart move on Sony’s part since most casual gamers will just keep the console hooked up to their TV and will be happy to use its content service.

For no monthly fee, users can get access to a variety of channels including Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon. There’s no HBO GO or iTunes, but with Sony’s synergistic connections to major studio content, it offers its own purchasable library of shows, movies, and music available directly through its PlayStation Network.

The PS3 also has access to several Major League sports channels including NFL Sunday Ticket access for every non-local football game (an exclusive perk for the PS3 that is only shared with DirecTV and JetBlue in-flight content).

Good for: Gamers who don’t live in their favorite NFL team’s local market, don’t have DirecTV, and whose digital libraries aren’t too iTunes-dependent.

xbox-360-slimXbox 360 ($200 to $300), Xbox LIVE subscription ($5 to $8.33 / month)

Besides being a top-notch gaming console, the Xbox 360 is also a quality streaming device for gamers . It’ll play DVDs, but it won’t play Blu-rays without a software or hardware upgrade. Unlike the PS3′s online network, in order to access most video and TV content, you have to buy an “box LIVE Gold membership for a fee ranging from $5 to $8.22 per month, depending on the plan.

In addition to multiplayer gaming, an Xbox Gold account will give you access to Hulu Plus, Amazon, Crackle, and HBO GO, which still require additional usage fees. An Xbox LIVE account provides a deep integration into any device running Windows software via Xbox SmartGlass, which allows for access to media content and games across various devices.

Good for: Gamers who also own a Windows-powered PC, tablet, or phone.

nintendo wii uOther Options

Not to be outdone in the console wars, the upcoming Wii U ($300) will give users access to Nintendo TVii, which has agreements with the usual content suspects including Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video. The versatile GamePad controller will control everything. This is a good choice for fans of the minimalist surreal Wii aesthetic and their bounty of family friendly games.

Another living room staple, TiVo, also provides access to content from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon, YouTube, and Pandora. TiVo devices are available from $150 to $400 while the service is available for either $14.99 per month, or $499 for lifetime service.

Many modern Blu-ray players will also stream content from the Web. For example, the Yamaha BD-A1020 ($450) will play your favorite Blue-rays, but also give you access to the on-demand streaming content you desire. It combines all the best consumer technology the second Bush W term had to offer. This is a good deal for consumers who want on-demand content, but are still dedicated to physical media with all its commentary and alternate director’s cuts.