Which is better? Nvidia shield tv or steam link?

Streaming has had a notable effect in the video game sector. It has managed to make PC gaming reborn after years of poor results. Without a doubt a more than remarkable merit. Currently there are several streaming devices that allow us to enjoy the best games. Two of the most relevant are Nvidia Shield TV and Steam Link.

Which is better? Nvidia Shield TV or Steam Link?

They are the two main competitors with Chromecast permission, although this is not an ideal option if we want to play from the computer. It is a good option to watch movies and series (maybe even the best today). But it is not suitable for streaming, so it is relegated. It leaves us then with Steam Link and Nvidia Shield TV. Users who want to buy one of these two devices are in doubt. Which of them is better? What are their differences?

These are common questions, but we have some answers. In this way we can help you in this process and thus choose the one that best suits your needs and tastes. Do you want to know more about these two models? We tell you more below, so you can determine which of the two devices is the most suitable for your needs.

Nvidia Shield TV and Steam Link: Features

Steam Link is a device made by Valve. It allows us to play computer games from our television, and with a delay that is barely noticeable. It is practically imperceptible. It is a very simple device, and easy to use. In addition to very small size, which makes it very comfortable. It does not have its own operating system, nor does it have hardware. It is a receiver that we can control remotely.

Thanks to Steam Link we can play video at 1080p and 60 FPS. It has a Fast Ethernet network card and WiFi ac com, so that we can obtain a higher link speed in the local network. Steam Link has its own controller, but it is compatible with the controller for PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Its price is 55 euros in the official Valve store.

The other device we are looking at today is Nvidia Shield TV. It is a very complete device. It works with Android TV, so it has applications like YouTube or Netflix. We can buy movies and series with it. It also has a USB port with which we can play any type of multimedia file. Nvidia Shield TV works with a 4K video resolution with HDR at 60 FPS (Be careful, it incorporates Google Chromecast 4K). Also note that Nvidia has GeForce Now.

It is a platform in which we can find 150 titles available in streaming at maximum resolution. Although it is a paid service, 9.99 euros per month. Also, you have to pay for additional games to play. In terms of prices, the simplest version of Nvidia Shield TV costs 230 euros in Spain with two controls. A somewhat more expensive option but it really is worth it, and the prices increase if you want to buy the model with an internal hard drive, although you can always manage to put an external one and save those euros.

Similarities and differences

One of the main differences is logically the price as you have seen. Between the 55 euros of the Steam Link and the 230 of Nvidia there is a notable difference. Although it is true that they offer different services, they make the difference have its raison d'être.

One thing they both have in common is that they allow you to stream from the Steam Library. Although in general Nvidia offers you more options (For example: streaming with Twitch…), it offers you a much wider range of games. In addition, with Nvidia Shield TV you can stream games that you do not have, even if you have to pay extra to enjoy this service, but it is a function that for many may be interesting.

There is an aspect to take into account in both cases and that is that of graphics cards. If you want to use Nvidia Shield TV it is important to know that it only works with GTX graphics cards from said manufacturer. So if you have or are thinking of buying a card from another manufacturer, you have to choose yes or yes an Nvidia, otherwise internal streaming will not work on your network. An important limitation to keep in mind if you are an AMD fan. In the case of Steam Link there are no such problems, it works with all graphics cards. Much more flexible as you can see, but much more limited in functions.

Although in the end the main difference is that Steam Link is a receiver, a very simple device, while Nvidia Shield TV is a complete set. It is logical that the price between the two is so different, but in the end they serve different purposes. Although they have some services in common.

Which is better?

This is undoubtedly the million dollar question. The answer depends on what you are looking for. It sounds vague, but it is so. If what you are looking for is something simple, cheap and that allows us to play with all kinds of games, both stored on Steam and others, then Steam Link is the best option. It has an affordable price, it is very simple in its operation, and it allows you to play. It more than fulfills its main functions, of that there is no doubt. Nor any complaints about it.

If you are looking for a complete equipment, much more advanced with which to take advantage of a 4K TV, then you better bet on Nvidia Shield TV. It is a very complete option, which allows you to do many more things besides playing. You will also be able to enjoy TV series and movies. And to be able to play in streaming through the internet. So your ideal choice is Nvidia Shield TV. But yes, save a little, because the cheapest version is 230 euros, which was the one we analyzed and we are super happy with it.

Therefore, be clear about your needs and the use you want to give it, and you can make the decision appropriately without fear of being wrong. Which is the best? Depending on your needs, one is better than the other, as we have already explained. Which of the two seems best to you?