Who is this for?

Flatmates sharing a match stream

If other residents use the connection during the match, consider how the streamer will connect at the TV. Ethernet is an option on some devices; a Wi-Fi stick depends on reception at that spot.

Occasional cricket viewers

If you only want one match or a short series, check its broadcaster before choosing hardware. For cricket available through NOW, compare its Sports Day and Month Memberships against the dates you plan to watch.

Households sharing a NOW account

If flatmates want to watch different programmes at the same time, check the stream limit as well as device support. NOW permits one stream with standard access, with higher limits depending on the Boost or Ultra Boost upgrade.

What matters when choosing?

Confirm the match and its streaming service before buying a device. Then check the connection at the communal TV, the membership you need and the space available for setup.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Match and app access Confirm the match’s broadcaster and check the exact streamer model against the required app’s supported devices. NOW cricket coverage requires a Sports membership. If I am buying a streamer for one match, I need to know I can actually watch that fixture on the TV. Around 29% of consumers would put confirmed service access first.
Connection during shared use Check Wi-Fi reception at the TV or whether an Ethernet cable can reach it. NOW specifies at least 12 Mbps per streaming device for Boost and 30 Mbps for Ultra Boost. When the flat’s connection is busy, I want the match to keep playing rather than relying on the device’s resolution label. Roughly 29% of consumers would make connection resilience their primary concern.
Membership and picture quality Compare NOW Sports Day and Month Memberships for the matches you intend to watch. Check the applicable Boost or Ultra Boost plan, supported device and TV before relying on enhanced playback. For a single match, I do not want to choose a longer membership or an upgrade I will not use. About 24% of consumers would prioritise the membership decision.
Communal-TV setup Check for a free HDMI input, suitable power and any cable the device requires. Agree who will manage the streaming account on the shared TV. If several people use the TV, I need a setup we can connect and manage without disrupting everyone else. Around 18% of consumers would put straightforward setup first.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming a 4K-labelled stick guarantees a 4K cricket stream

    A streamer’s 4K capability does not establish that the match, app, membership, TV and connection will meet NOW’s enhanced-playback requirements.

    If ordinary live viewing meets your needs, start with confirmed app support. For enhanced playback, check NOW’s requirements for the exact device and display before choosing an upgrade.

  • Buying the streamer before checking the match

    The device supplies access to an app, not rights to every cricket fixture. Coverage depends on the event and broadcaster.

    Find the intended match on the broadcaster’s current schedule, then choose a supported device and the appropriate membership.

  • Expecting a new stick to fix shared Wi-Fi

    Other activity in the flat can affect the connection available during a match. An Ethernet-capable streamer offers a wired connection to the router when cabling is practical, but it cannot add broadband capacity.

    Check the connection at the TV when the household is busy. If Ethernet is impractical, assess Wi-Fi reception there before choosing a stick.

  • Overlooking power for a Roku Streaming Stick 4K

    Roku says a TV USB port may not supply enough power for its Streaming Stick 4K, and that the Wi-Fi receiver is built into the supplied USB cable.

    Check for a free HDMI input and suitable power access. Keep the supplied cable rather than substituting another lead without manufacturer guidance.

Brands to consider for this setup

Roku

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K, model 3820, is an HDMI-stick option for a TV with Wi-Fi access.

  • NOW lists Roku Streaming Stick 4K model 3820X for Boost and Ultra Boost features. Roku describes the stick’s Wi-Fi as long-range.
  • It remains dependent on Wi-Fi at the TV. Roku says to use its supplied USB cable, which contains the Wi-Fi receiver, and to check whether the TV USB port provides enough power.

Apple

Apple TV 4K is a set-top option when the communal TV can accommodate a separate box.

  • NOW lists second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K for Ultra Boost features. Apple specifies Gigabit Ethernet on the Wi-Fi + Ethernet version.
  • The Wi-Fi-only version does not provide that wired connection. Apple says an HDMI cable is sold separately, and 4K/HDR output requires a compatible TV.

Amazon Fire TV

Fire TV offers compact stick models for viewers who want to use the NOW app on a shared TV.

  • NOW lists Fire TV devices and names Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max generations in its enhanced-feature compatibility information.
  • Amazon describes Wi-Fi 6 support for Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, but check that precise model against NOW’s current Boost and Ultra Boost device lists before choosing it for enhanced playback.

Google

Google TV Streamer (4K) is a compact box to consider where a wired connection to the TV location is practical.

  • Google specifies Gigabit Ethernet, 4K HDR and 32 GB storage for Google TV Streamer (4K).
  • Before selecting this exact device for cricket through NOW, confirm current app availability and any Boost or Ultra Boost support; compatibility for Chromecast with Google TV does not establish compatibility for Google TV Streamer (4K).

Joybuy product choices for a shared TV

This Roku streaming stick is a compact option for adding a streamer to a shared TV with an available HDMI input. Confirm support for its exact model before choosing it specifically for NOW cricket or enhanced playback.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Dolby Vision

Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Dolby Vision

For a shared TV with a free HDMI input, this 4K streaming stick is a compact way to add streaming access. Check NOW support for the exact model, Wi-Fi reception at the TV and the included power components before ordering.

View on Joybuy

Common questions

Do I need a membership as well as a streaming device for cricket?

Yes, if the match is available through NOW, you need a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership as well as a device that runs the app. Check the fixture’s current broadcaster first, because a streamer does not provide access to every cricket event.

Would a NOW Sports Day Membership cover one match?

It can cover a match shown through NOW during the membership period, provided you use a supported device. Check the fixture listing and timing before choosing between NOW’s Day and Month Memberships.

Can flatmates watch NOW on different devices at once?

Standard NOW access permits one stream at a time. NOW says Boost or Ultra Boost can increase the limit to two or three simultaneous streams, depending on the upgrade and its conditions.

What else is needed for enhanced Sky Sports playback on NOW?

The applicable Boost or Ultra Boost upgrade, a supported device and compatible TV and HDMI equipment must meet NOW’s requirements. NOW specifies at least 12 Mbps per streaming device for Boost and 30 Mbps per device for Ultra Boost; a 4K-labelled streamer alone is not enough.