In the ever-evolving world of cord cutting and streaming, Roku remains the undisputed champion, according to the latest reader survey conducted by Cord Cutter News. The comprehensive poll, which gathered responses from over 1,200 active cord cutters and streaming enthusiasts across America, underscores Roku’s continued stronghold on the market for streaming devices.
The survey results paint a clear picture of consumer preferences in 2026. An impressive 64.8% of respondents reported using a Roku device as one of their primary streaming platforms. This marks a strong showing for the company, which has long been favored for its intuitive interface, extensive channel selection, and affordable hardware options ranging from streaming sticks to full-featured smart TVs.
Coming in a distant second was Amazon’s Fire TV platform, with 27.7% of readers indicating they use Fire TV devices. While Fire TV benefits from tight integration with Amazon’s ecosystem—including Prime Video and Alexa voice control—it still trails significantly behind Roku in adoption among our surveyed audience.
Google TV and Android TV boxes and devices claimed the third spot at 19.9%. These platforms, known for their deep Google integration, personalized recommendations powered by artificial intelligence, and access to the Google Play Store, appeal particularly to Android users and those seeking a more customizable experience. However, fragmentation within the Android TV space may be limiting its broader appeal compared to Roku’s streamlined approach.
Apple TV followed closely in fourth place with 18% of respondents. Apple’s premium streaming box continues to attract users who value high-end hardware, excellent video quality with support for 4K HDR and Dolby Vision, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, including AirPlay and Apple Arcade. Despite its strengths, the higher price point appears to keep it from challenging the more budget-friendly leaders.
Notably, traditional gaming consoles have seen a sharp decline in usage for streaming purposes. Gaming systems such as the PlayStation 5 were reported by just 3.8% of participants as devices they use for streaming content. This represents a significant drop from previous years, when consoles often doubled as all-in-one entertainment hubs. Industry observers suggest that dedicated streaming devices offer simpler interfaces and lower power consumption for passive viewing, leading many households to separate their gaming and streaming setups.
It’s important to note that survey participants were allowed to select multiple devices, reflecting the reality that many American households own and use more than one streaming platform. As a result, the percentages total well over 100%, highlighting the multi-device nature of modern cord cutting.
Roku continues to be the safe, popular choice backed by the majority of active streamers. As the streaming wars intensify with new services and bundling options, having a reliable, versatile device will remain key to getting the most out of your entertainment budget.
Cord Cutter News would like to thank all participants who took the time to complete the survey. Results like these help paint an accurate picture of how Americans are consuming media in the streaming age. We will continue monitoring these trends and providing in-depth analysis and device reviews to help readers make informed decisions.
Please add Cord Cutters News as a source for your Google News feed HERE. Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help.