The 9 Best Ways To Use Streaming Apps Without A Smart TV – SlashGear

Today’s game consoles do a lot more than just let you play games. If you have an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, you also have access to pretty much the entire world of streaming apps, from mainstream choices like Netflix and Disney+ to more specialized services like Crunchyroll.

As we noted in our review of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s console works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, VUDU, Apple TV+, NBC Peacock, FandangoNow, Twitch, Sky Go, Now TV, Spotify, and Sky Ticket. Some of these, like Netflix, Disney+, VUDU, and Apple TV+, can also deliver Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound, provided your TV supports it.

PlayStation 5 owners can enjoy a similar list of services. The console launched with support for Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, Spotify, Twitch, and YouTube. Since the launch, the platform has added support for Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll, ESPN, and quite a few more. Unlike the Xbox Series X, though, you won’t get Dolby Atmos sound out of any streaming services on the PS5; it’s only supported when playing Blu-Ray discs. It’s also taken longer for streaming apps like Disney+ to catch up in offering 4K HDR streams.

Getting started is as easy as downloading the appropriate streaming apps from the appropriate console app stores. Just be aware that streaming from your game console isn’t the most eco-friendly way to go. According to FlatpanelsHD, a PS5 “consumes up to 25 times more energy than Chromecast with Google TV and up to 20 times more than Apple TV 4K,” and “Xbox Series X consumes 18 and 14 times more energy, respectively.”