With the latest Amazon Fire Stick prices, you'll find turning your TV into a fully equipped smart TV is much cheaper than you would think. Hundreds of shows and apps will be at your fingertips and our roundup of the cheapest Amazon Fire Stick prices and deals is here to point you in the right direction.
All the cheapest entry-level Amazon Fire TV Stick prices are on display today, but we're also highlighting the upgraded Fire TV Stick 4K version, which features more headroom for better sound and display and will still work on a non-4K TV in case you think you'll upgrade in the future.
Amazon has been busy creating even more devices too, such as the Fire TV Cube which acts like a combination of an Echo speaker and Fire TV device. We'll tell you more about that later. Or, there's the US-exclusive Fire TV Recast which allows you to record free over-the-air content - one for all you cord-cutters out there.
The main advantage we've seen with the Amazon Fire TV devices over competitors like Roku and Now TV, is now-standard inclusion of Amazon's Alexa smart assistant thanks to the voice-remote that comes with every Fire TV device. The large number of available apps and games just can't be matched by competitors either. So if you're wanting the smartest of smart TV experiences for less, these Amazon Fire Stick prices are the way to go.
Amazon Fire Stick prices (4K)
The best for streaming 4K content
Picture quality: Up to 4K HDR10+ | Voice remote: Yes | Alexa-enabled: Yes | Storage: 8GB | Ethernet port: No - requires aditional adapter | Launch price: $49.99/£49.99
Alexa Voice Remote
4K and HDR 10+
Dolby Atmos Audio
If you want the most advanced and future-proof streaming device Amazon make without spending a lot of money, the new 4K Fire TV Stick is the one for you. The new streaming media stick packs a wealth of features into a thumb-drive sized stick. For not much more than the older HD-only Fire TV Stick, you get 4K capability, HDR, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, and Dolby Atmos Audio—something very few streaming sticks have. Plus, you also get Alexa, Amazon's smart assistant, and its voice control capabilities.
This version is much better than the old hanging dongle Amazon used to make for 4K streaming, and it's even cheaper. Amazon Fire Stick prices for this 4K model have flitted around the $35/£35 previously this year, so if you see a price that low, grab it while you can.
Amazon Fire Stick prices
A super cheap option for making your basic TV smarter
Picture quality: Up to 1080p (Full HD) | Voice remote: Yes | Alexa-enabled: Yes | Storage: 8GB | Ethernet port: No - requires aditional adapter | Launch price: $39.99/£39.99
Easy to navigate
Alexa well-integrated
Speedy interface
No 4K
Looking for a smart tv experience without another black box on your shelf? Check out the Amazon Fire TV Stick. It offers all of the same content that you'd find on the older full-sized boxes, but in a mini, USB stick-esque form factor. You'll love how quick and snappy the Fire TV Stick's interface is, and that it’s intuitively laid out, making most content quick and easy to find. The new voice search functionality is quick and accurate when searching for Amazon or Netflix content, and it’s also a speedy way of hopping between apps. Most major streaming services are supported.
This earlier model only supports HD streaming, so if you're looking for something to suit a 4K enabled television, you'll want to take a look at the version further up this page. These Amazon Fire Stick prices are often stepping on each other's toes so even if you don't need 4K, you may still find the later model cheaper. That said, there are often far more significant discounts on this standard model when the sales do come around.
Amazon Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen
Like an Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick in one
Picture quality: Up to 4K Ultra HD with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision | Voice remote: Yes | Alexa-enabled: Yes | Storage: 16GB | Ethernet port: Yes | Launch price: $119.99/£109/AU$160
Hands free streaming
Supports 4K content
HDR10+ support and Dolby Vision
Amazon's Fire TV Cube is a hybrid between a smart speaker and a streaming media player. Calling itself the “first hands-free streaming media player with Alexa”. Amazon seems to be betting on this combined functionality to sway consumers away from rival Chromecast or Apple TV devices.
Like the Amazon Echo speakers, customers are able to navigate Fire TV and play/pause/fast-forward content without the need for a remote, while still using Alexa for all their weather/shopping/trivia concerns. Don't worry, you get an actual remote control too.
The Cube comes with its own Ethernet port, 16GB of storage and a built-in speaker as well as top of the range picture quality, as long as your TV can display it. Users are also able to control other compatible smart home devices, including additional speakers, soundbars, thermostats, and security cameras. Compared to Amazon Fire Stick prices, the TV Cube is an expensive piece of kit. You are getting complete control of your Amazon smart home in one neat little black box, however - making it the easiest way of combining all your connected tech.
Fire TV Recast
Watch and record live TV with Alexa
Picture quality: Up to HD | Tuners: 2/4 | Voice remote: Yes | Alexa-enabled: Yes | Storage: 500GB/1TB (up to 75/150 hours of HD TV content | Ethernet port: Yes | Launch price: $229.99/$279.99
Amazon's own DVR
75/150-hour capacity
Compatible with Alexa-enabled products
Only available in the US. Amazon has released its own DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to record free over-the-air content and watch it via an Amazon Fire TV device or Echo Show (so you'll need one of those too). There are no subscription fees here, so it's a tempting option for all you cord cutters out there and with a 500GB capacity on the cheapest model, you're looking at around 75 hours of storage, so there's no need to pick up an external drive to save content, which is an issue with some DVRs.
There's a larger 1TB capacity version if you want to double down. Hook it up to a HD antenna and you'll be able to watch and record content from the likes of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and The CW. Better yet, just ask Alexa to do it for you if you've got a modern Fire TV device with a voice-remote.
Which Fire Stick prices are right for you?
The Fire Stick and the Fire Stick 4K prices are fairly similar to begin with ($39.99/£39.99 and $49.99/£49.99 respectively. So, when the sales do come around, you may well find that the more popular 4K model is cheaper than the original HD-only version. Even if you don't own a 4K TV, there's little point in picking up the older version when this happens (and it seems to regularly). In fact, even if the original Fire Stick prices are cheaper than the 4K offering, if there's a sale on both regardless you might as well pick up the latest model and future-proof your purchase.
Roku sale prices are discounted regularly throughout the year as competition in the streaming stick world is seriously intense. Good thing you've landed here then as we're here to tell you which Roku devices are best for your needs and where to find the hottest deals on them too.
Roku's Streaming sticks and boxes plug into your TV via an HDMI port, essentially turning any old HD/4K TV into a smart TV or boosting the number of apps on any modern smart TV that seems to be missing a few of your favorites. In a video streaming device world dominated by Amazon, Google and Apple, Roku is the plucky underdog that continues to hold its own.
In addition to worldwide services like Netflix, Amazon and Spotify you'll find plenty of apps for your country. HBO Now, Hulu, Sling and CBS All Access in the US and BBC iPlayer, All 4 and Now TV in the UK for example. Frankly, Roku can't be beaten as far as the number and quality of streaming services it supports. And yes, there are options to view in 4K HDR too.
There are a lot of Roku devices out there in the wild though and some of them have been discontinued as they've been made obsolete by newer releases. Some however, have an advantage or feature that new sticks don't cater for so we've kept price comparison charts around for those models.
Generally though, we've cut down the list to include the most relevant Roku streaming devices that are readily available and represent great value of money for you. By comparison, you could check out our Chromecast deals or Amazon's Fire TV stick prices.
Picture quality: 1080p HD, 4K, HDR | Connectivity: Wireless | Remote: Voice with TV power and volume controls | Headphone jack: No | Storage expansion: N/A
Cheap 4K Streaming
Improved remote
Packed with apps
Roku continues to give rival streaming devices something to worry about as the new Roku Streaming Stick Plus is super modern, super small and, most importantly, super cheap. Not to mention, unlike many of the older models it's been released in the UK too. Now Brits can finally join the 4K Roku party like the US has been enjoying for years! You're even getting HDR content from supported apps too.
While Amazon's 4K Fire TV Sticks are similarly priced and have a more intuitive remote design, plus Alexa support, you might find the wider range of streaming services on the Roku more appealing.
Roku Express deals
The best entry-level Roku streamer
Picture quality: 1080p HD | Connectivity: Wireless | Remote: Standard | Headphone jack: No | Storage expansion: N/A
Dirt cheap
Faster than the old cheap models
No 4K Streaming
This is the cheapest streaming device in the Roku family. The Roku Express is newer and cheaper than the other standard Roku Streaming Stick and does all the same jobs. If you want to turn any HDMI TV into a Smart TV for as little as possible - this is for you.
However, we'd be tempted to keep an eye out for a good deal on the 4K version mentioned earlier just to avoid having to buy one once 4K content becomes the norm.
Roku Ultra deals
The one with all the features
Picture quality: 1080p HD, 4K, HDR | Connectivity: Wireless or ethernet | Remote: Voice with TV power, volume and gaming controls | Headphone jack: Yes - on remote and box | Storage expansion: Micro SD and USB
Headphone jack on remote
Expandable storage
Gaming remote
More expensive
This Roku was not released in the UK. So don't expect many (if any) UK prices. The Roku Ultra is the most feature-packed of all the Roku media streamers. It has all the quality 4K and HDR streaming and ports of the Roku Premiere Plus. So what do you get for the extra cash? The remote control gets the most attention on the Ultra as it can be used for voice search, it has extra buttons to make it a handy game controller and there's even a little speaker to help you find it via a button on the console. There's also a USB storage slot and an optical out audio port. We're loving the option for private listening via the bundled-in JBL headphones headphones that you can plug into the remote too.
If you're not bothered about the extra audio ports, expandable storage and using the Roku for gaming, then you should opt for one of the Roku deals we mentioned earlier and save a big chunk of cash.
The cheapest Chromecast prices just keep getting better and better with so many competitor devices hot on the heels of Google's streamer. That said, the Chromecast still manages to break ahead with a wide array of excellent features and excellent support from Google Assistant and the best Chromecast apps.
All the best Chomecast deals and cheapest prices have been rounded up just down below, so scroll down to compare the various models that are now available.
Chromecast is a Wi-Fi HDMI dongle that you plug directly into your TV. From there you can use your smartphone or tablet to 'throw' video at your TV over Wi-Fi, whether it be Netflix movies, live football matches from the major broadcasters or simply just a funny YouTube video. On this page we'll find you the best prices for the Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast 3, Chromecast 2 and Chromecast Audio and explain how they differ. You'll have to be quick on Chromecast Audio, as it is now discontinued.
With prices already pretty cheap, there's no need to hang on for specific Chromecast sales. If you're in the UK or US and would prefer to stream content from a standalone box, you should take a look at the latest Roku deals. Otherwise, there's a strong selection of streaming devices over on our Amazon Fire TV Stick prices and deals page.
The cheapest Chromecast Ultra prices
The 4K Chromecast Ultra is the newest member of the Chromecast family. If you have a 4K TV or are planning on getting one, it's certainly worth picking one of these up. Chromecast Ultra deals are usually around £69/US$69/AU$95, so anything cheaper is an added bonus. It's worth noting though that the 4K-ready Amazon Fire TV Stick prices are cheaper nowadays though and that device also comes with a remote.
The cheapest Chromecast 3 prices
The newest version of the standard (non-4K) Chromecast is this 3rd-gen iteration. Generally, you'll find it for the same prices as the previous model. It's phasing out stock of the older model, although if you spot the older one for a decent amount less, you're not missing much at all by skipping the new one. The only real improvement is a modest boost to the speed it'll load up videos and start running them in full HD. The actual dongle looks a bit different too (see images), but other than the speed boost, that's all your getting for the Chromecast 3. At least now we know why Google basically launched this without really letting anyone know.
The cheapest Chromecast 2 prices
The Chromecast 2 is very similar to the now-discontinued 2013 Chromecast. Sure, it looks a little different. And it's got slightly faster network performance and a few other tweaks such as coming with a dangly cable instead of as a rigid stick. But essentially the same product in a different shape - that's why the prices were basically the same. There's a newer version out now, although it's only moderately faster.
The best Chromecast Audio deals
While it doesn't offer true multi-room streaming, this easy-to-use and affordable device modernizes any trusty set of wired speakers you already own with wireless capabilities. In doing so, it also opens them up to smart features. Got an old set of speakers or an ancient iPod dock? Turn it into a wireless speaker with Chromecast Audio! You'll have to be quick though as Google recently announced it is ceasing production of the Chromecast Audio dongle. That means once stock is sold out from stores, don't expect to see any fresh units. Prices may even end up increasing as stores capitalize on the situation. After that, you might only be able to find used or refurbished models. It's a shame Google has decided to drop the Chromecast Audio as there aren't that may similar devices out there. That being said, You could try the new Amazon Echo Input, which comes with voice-controls included too for a similar price.
Sky sits as one of the UK's premium satellite subscriptions, and therefore doesn't come cheap. However, we've collated a bunch of the best Sky TV deals and packages that can save you a pretty penny this month.
Hosting a plethora of entertainment, from TV shows to binge, to movies to marathon, and live sporting events to spectate. There's something here for everyone, no matter what you want to watch, or your budget.
Keep reading to find the highlighted Sky TV bundles below that we think you'll love. Our standout offers this month are the Sky TV and Netflix package, essentially bagging you your Netflix subscription at just £1 a month, alongside Sky TV's 100 channels and over 300 boxsets.
Sky Sports fans will be pleased, too, able to secure Sky Sports as an add on to the baseline Sky TV package with £12 knocked off the price. Want to know more? Below are the best Sky TV deals for you to pick from, with all available savings explained.
Sky TV deals: What is the cheapest Sky TV package?
While the definition of 'cheap' may be subjective in terms of how you value the money you spend, when it comes to Sky TV and its most affordable package it makes sense that you can snatch up Sky TV's baseline package from just £26 a month.
From there you can build it up by selecting any add-ons to your package, or simply enjoy the fantastic selection of content that comes with it, with over 100 channels and 500 ready-to-watch boxsets.
Sky TV- the essential, affordable package
Including over 100 channels such as Sky Atlantic, enjoy great entertainment with Sky TV's baseline package for just £26 a month. The most affordable way to get Sky TV, with a whole host of great entertainment to flick through.
Today's best Sky TV deals and bundles
Latest Sky TV bundle deals
If you're flicking through for TV-only offers that include excellent entertainment on the box, we've got the best of the bunch for Sky TV deals. From combining your Sky TV and Netflix subscriptions into one great value Sky TV package, securing a lower overall cost, or ensuring you won't miss the next match when your team plays with Sky Sports, these are certainly the best Sky TV offers to keep your eye on right now.
Sky TV & Netflix- best for binge watchers
Combine Sky TV and Netflix under one subscription in this excellent value Sky TV package for just £27 a month, essentially getting your monthly membership to Netflix for just £1 a month on top of Sky TV's 100 channels and 500 boxsets.
Sky TV + Sky Sports- best for sports fans
Save £396 in total across 18 months with this Sky TV bundle now just £41 a month and fill your boots with sporting coverage straight from Premier League Football, Test cricket, NFL games, and more.
Sky TV + Sky Sports + BT Sport - the ultimate sports package The ultimate Sky TV sports package, thrown in BT Sport on top and enjoy UFC fights, Champions League football, and more. Now £58 a month, save £576 in total.
Sky Sports + Sky Movies- the best package for families Something for everyone, enjoy thousands of movies on demand, as well as movies premiering on Sky Movies, along with the best of sports coverage from Sky Sports. Now £52 a month, save £396 in total across 18 months.
Sky Sports, BT Sport and Movies- money's no issue package Go big or go home with the ultimate Sky TV bundle, filling your boots with great TV series, movies and sporting action, all for £69 a month right now, with a huge saving of £576 across 18 months.
Sky TV and broadband deals
Want to tick off the TV and broadband bill in one clean sweep? Sky have you covered with its excellent Sky TV and broadband bundles. Benefit from exceptional speeds, and - if you're not satisfied - get your money back with Sky's Speed Guarantee. Choose between its Essential, Superfast, and Ultrafast broadband packages, and browse, stream, and game to your heart's content.
Want a bit more choice? We have a page dedicated to the best Sky broadband deals, where you'll find Sky's current Internet packages in full.
Sky TV deals: all Sky TV package add-on prices
Want to spice up your Sky TV subscription? Well, there are plenty of add-ons, whether you're after extra content to binge or you want to change the way you watch and how you watch it.
It's also worth bearing in mind, much like the constantly changing Sky TV deals, add-ons also receive their own price reductions, meaning you can enjoy the likes of Sky Sports, or the Kids package at a discounted rate for the next 18 months. So keep your eyes peeled below, and mix and match to keep everyone under your roof satisfied.
Sky TV in HD | £7 a month This is one of the most essential add-ons to any Sky TV package. If you have a HD TV, you'll want to upgrade to HD and enjoy your content with five times more detail than the old standard definition pictures.
Ultra HD + HD | £11 a month So you may be asking, what's the difference between HD and ultra HD? Well according to Sky, with Ultra HD you're getting "four times the detail of HD". Plus, it gives you access to watch Netflix on four screens rather than just two. So if you want the best screen quality, we recommend getting this add-on.
Multiscreen | £15 a month This is ideal for anyone who wants to be able to enjoy Sky on multiple devices. With this add-on you can watch Sky on up to four different devices in your home.
Sky Sports |£32£20 a month
Watch live action from all eight Sky Sports channels, in HD as standard (you'll get 4K if you've selected the Ultra HD add on), with the Complete Sports pack. It's a pricey add-on so it might be worth going to the Sky TV website and checking if they have any bundles or packages to see if it comes out cheaper.
BT Sport | £27 a month
Thanks to BT's latest TV packages, you can now get the best of both worlds. So why not subscribe to this add-on for £25 a month and get access to all four BT Sport channels? You'd be getting access to exclusive Premier League games and every match of the UEFA Champions League!
Sky Cinema |£19£11 a month
With a new premiere every day and over 1000 other films to choose from, the Sky Cinema is great for movie fans. You'll be spoilt for choice with this add-on, with plenty of movies from Aladdin, to Bad Boys, Crazy Rich Asians, Venom and many more!
Sky Kids | £5 a month
A mere fiver a month grants access to over 4500 episodes on demand. There's more though as there are also 10 live channels. Don't worry about them hogging the TV though as you can also have up to 10 individual profiles on the Sky Kids app with shows tailored to the age of your little ones.
What to watch on Sky TV this month
Get your fill of awards season with some of the Oscar nominees finding their way onto Sky Cinema, including Promising Young Woman, a revengeful Carrey Mulligan taking back control on the many stories of sexual assault against women. Alternatively, watch The United States vs Billie Holiday, the biopic of Jazz singer Billie Holiday, and the Federal Bureau of Narcotics investigation into her.
In the world of sports, it's all about F1, with the Portuguese Grand Prix taking place from April 30 to May 2, and the Spanish Grand Prix a week later from May 7 to May 9 on Sky Sports.
Golfing fans can also look to golf returning to British greens with the British Masters taking place from May 12.
Offering front row seats to some of the most anticipated releases, Sky TV really does have it all when it comes to content across the board with amazing TV shows, movies, as well as coverage of some of the biggest sporting events every year.
Of course, as well as Sky TV, you can also get superb, fast broadband deals under the same umbrella, as well as landline calls in one easy, succinct package.
While this can prove pricey, Sky TV is forever offering new customers the best Sky TV deals with new bundles and offers every month to entice you into its ever expanding library.
What is Sky Q?
Sky Q is Sky TV's way of adapting to the way people now watch television, with less tuning in to live broadcasts, instead opting for video on-demand and streaming services. Bringing you a modern interface where you can find all the content you want to watch in one place, including each individual service you subscribe to as well as Sky TV itself, Sky Q integrates both Netflix and Spotify onto one easy-to-use ecosystem.
Better still, Sky Q allows you to access content across devices, not simply your TV. Download the app and login on your smartphone or tablet, as well as being able to access on desktop, meaning you can watch just about anywhere, and comes as a part of any new Sky TV packages purchased.
Are Sky TV deals available to existing customers?
The Sky TV deals available to see without logging in are exclusive to new customers (or anyone who may have left Sky and decides to return to them to start afresh). However, existing customers can find upgrade deals when logging into their account. What's more, if you're really not happy with the price you're paying, it's always worth giving their customer service line a call and see if they can match any of their current deals you've got your eye on. If all else fails, it's been known Sky will budge if you threaten to leave...
What are Sky TV packages?
When it comes to Sky TV, there are plenty of options and price points for you to choose from. A Sky package allows you to get more for your money with the option of both building your own bundle or choosing one of Sky's pre-curated TV deals.
And that's not all. Sky packages aren't all about putting TV in the spotlight. Sky TV packages can also throw broadband into the mix, securing both for a great price and ensuring your Internet connection is just as fabulous as the series and films you get to watch.
Stranger Things season 4 is arguably the most anticipated production on Netflix's plate at the moment. The next instalment in the hugely popular show is currently in the process of being filmed, and there's been a steady-if-small stream of news and leaks about it from the cast, crew and diehard fans.
There are plenty of us who are desperate to find out when the pop culture hit's latest chapter will arrive on TV, phone and tablet screens, mind you, so we'll take any snippets of information we can get.
The latest news drops come from actors Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp, who play Mike Wheeler and Will Byers on Stranger Things. The duo have given us a better indication of when season 4 may arrive, but it might not be to your liking. Either way, read on to find out more.
That isn't the only information that we've gleaned about Stranger Things season 4, though. We've assembled everything else that's worth knowing about the action horror drama TV show, including its potential release date, new cast additions, teaser trailers and more.
A word of warning, too: we're entering spoiler territory for the first three seasons from this point on. If you're one of the few fans who isn't caught up on every season yet, it's time to leave. For the rest of you, let's press on and see what's new about Stranger Things season 4.
The Stranger Things season 4 release date hasn't been announced yet. That isn't surprising, what with principal photography still ongoing, so we can't definitively say when it'll arrive.
However, fans have been told next to expect it to air until 2022. That's according to Finn Wolfhard, who portrays Mike Wheeler, in Stranger Things. The actor recently conducted a chat via online meet-and-greet platform Fanmio, and he was asked about when season 4 may arrive. In somewhat disappointing news, Wolfhard confirmed that fans shouldn't expect to see season 4 arrive until next year.
Check out Wolfhard's response, which was uploaded to the StrangerThingsSpoilers Twitter fan account, below:
A week after Wolfhard's comments, Noah Schnapp also teased when season 4 may arrive. Like his fellow cast member, Schnapp was asked about its possible release date during a Fanmio chat, and he suggested that it could be out sooner than we think.
Asked if the cast had started filming again, Schnapp said that they had. He went on to reveal that principal photography should be completed "by the summer" and then "the season will be out".
Of course, Schnapp's comments don't necessarily means that season 4 will arrive sometime this year. The next season will need to be edited into episodes, post-production will need to carried out to include VFX and other behind-the-scenes elements and there's always the possibility of reshoots to make each chapter flow better from a story perspective.
The duo's estimation has seemingly been backed up by Netflix, too. As part the streaming giant's Q1 2021 shareholders' letter, which was released in mid-April 2021, Stranger Things season 4 was notable absent from a list of productions that Netflix confirmed to be arriving in 2021.
The streamer revealed that TV shows including The Witcher season 2, You season 3, and Sex Education season 3 would launch later this year, but Stranger Things was nowhere to be seen. If anything, this confirms that we won't see season 4 until 2022.
Filming began back in February 2020, according to this GameSpot article, but production was shutdown soon after as the pandemic hit. Principal photography restarted in late September last year in the state of Georgia (h/t Newsweek), while other set locations have been spotted in nations including Lithuania. The country's recently decommissioned Lukiškės Prison was used for specific scenes and, if we had to guess, we'd say these relate to Hopper's Russian imprisonment (more on this below).
meanwhile in the upside down... pic.twitter.com/BtPlMjy0pSOctober 1, 2020
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There are other aspects of the series that the cast and crew do know about, however. Speaking with Vogue back in October 2020, Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler) mentioned that, in terms of Stranger Things season 4, "while I can't say a lot, except that it’s going to be a while before it comes out, it will definitely be worth it. It’s going to be really big."
Season 4 won't be the final entry in the series either, even though its ending has been planned. "Season 4 won't be the end," co-creator Ross Duffer told THR, "We know what the end is, and we know when it is." We can expect at least one more season after this, then, though there has been speculation that there will be six seasons in total before the TV show is done and dusted.
Stranger Things season 4 trailer: is there one?
Yes, but it's only a teaser trailer. You can watch the 50-second long video below, which was released in February 2020, and confirmed the survival of one particularly key character in the series:
A welcome gift on Valentine's Day? Stranger Things have happened. pic.twitter.com/6bUFvnyrjYFebruary 14, 2020
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It'll be a while yet before we see an official trailer. Once that is released, though, we'll be sure to update this hub.
Stranger Things season 4: Hopper is alive
(Image credit: Netflix)
Yep, as the season 4 teaser above revealed, Detective Jim Hopper survived the events of season 3's finale. His fate was unknown after he convinced Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) to cause the Russians' machine - which opened a gate to the Upside Down - to self-destruct, despite Hopper being trapped inside.
However, fans had speculated that Hopper hadn't died in the blast. At the end of season 3, when Russian soldiers said "the American" should not be the victim fed to a captive Demogorgon in a mid-credits teaser, fans thought they knew who the soldiers were referring to. It could only be one man: Jim Hopper, and the season 4 teaser confirmed as much.
Along with the trailer above, which sheds light on where Hopper ended up after the ending of the last season, the Duffer brothers issued a statement on what's happened to the character back in February 2020. They said they were "excited to officially confirm that production on Stranger Things 4 is now underway – and even more excited to announce the return of Hopper!"
"Although it’s not all good news for our 'American'; he is imprisoned far from home in the snowy wasteland of Kamchatka, where he will face dangers both human...and other. Meanwhile, back in the States, a new horror is beginning to surface, something long buried, something that connects everything…"
"Season 4 is shaping up to be the biggest and most frightening season yet, and we cannot wait for everyone to see more. In the meantime – pray for the American."
We don't know much else about what Hopper will be doing as part of his imprisonment, but Harbour is still filming his parts for season 4. Recently, the actor went live on Instagram in his season 4 costume - an outfit fans already saw in the season 4 teaser trailer. While Harbour didn't give anything away, he did FaceTime Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), and the duo briefly confirmed that they were currently filming, or had filmed, in Atlanta.
Check out the footage, which is currently available to watch on Harbour's Instagram account, below:
Stranger Things season 4: what will the story be about?
While there isn't an official synopsis yet, we've been receiving steady trickle of new information from the series' cast and crew - and all signs point towards season 4 being even darker than its predecessors.
Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harington, has told Total Film that season 4 will be the "scariest yet", and David Harbour revealed (per Deadline) that Hopper's journey this season will be "painted in a bit of a darker palette."
We're also aware that more pictures have been coming out from the set too. These include the ones below, which show a very 80s looking trailer park, covered in what appear to be some creepy tendrils that would look at home in the Upside Down.
NEW PHOTOS FROM THE STRANGER THINGS 4 SET...😱📸👽 pic.twitter.com/VRRJgKmbDuMarch 13, 2021
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That's not all either. As we stated earlier, Gaten Matarazzo has been teasing what fans can expect from season 4 in a couple of recent interviews, and it sounds like Keery and Harbour were spot on with their darker vibe assertions.
In a March interview with Collider, Matarazzo revealed that the Duffer brothers had finished writing the script for season 4, which is a far cry from how the duo had written the first three seasons. On seasons 1-3, the Duffer brothers were still penning the final couple of episodes while filming was ongoing - a process that led to some "panic writing" on their part, according to Matarazzo. This time around, though, the Covid-19 pandemic allowed the pair to finish writing season 4 before principal photography restarted last September.
Matarazzo was also a guest on the April 7, 2021 edition of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. During the chat, Matarazzo claimed that season 4 would be the "scariest" one yet, and that the Duffer brothers were "really going for it this year".
One seemingly confirmed piece of information we do have, which relates to season 4's plot, is its length. In a tweet posted by the Stranger Things writers' team - uploaded in June 2020 - it appears that there will be nine episodes in season 4, just like there was in season 2.
Check out the tweet below:
Stranger Things 4: the complete season. #ST4 pic.twitter.com/DAjQFnPVGqJune 18, 2020
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While the image above seems to only show eight scripts, Dyer appeared to confirm that there would be nine entries in season 4 (h/t The Hollywood Reporter).
The official Stranger Things Instagram account has also revealed the title of season 4's first episode. It'll be called 'The Hellfire Club', and this will relate to one of the new characters who will be appearing in Stranger Things' next chapter:
Finally, there are plenty of unresolved plot threads from season 3. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) has seemingly lost her powers, while the gang has been split up with the Byers family leaving for pastures new.
Joyce (Winona Ryder), Will (Noah Schnapp), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Eleven have departed after Joyce sold her home, with the likes of Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Nancy left to mull over long-distance relationships with Eleven and Jonathan respectively.
Max (Sadie Sink) will be dealing with the fallout from brother Billy's death, too, and that's all before we consider what Hopper's dealing with in his new surroundings. Add all of that onto the Duffer brothers' sinister chatter about a new horror rising, and season 4 will be jam-packed of threads to begin and tie up.
Stranger Things Season 4 cast: who is portraying who?
(Image credit: Netflix)
The TV show's core cast will all be reprising their roles for season 4:
Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers
David Harbour as Detective Jim Hopper
Millie Bobby Brown as 'Eleven'/Jane Hopper
Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler
Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson
Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair
Noah Schnapp as Will Byers
Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler
Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers
Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield
Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley
Joe Keery as Steve Harington
Brett Gelman, who played conspiracy theorist Murray Bauman in seasons 2 and 3, has been bumped up to a series regular. Priah Ferguson, Matthew Modine, Joe Chrest and Cara Buono will also reprise their roles as Erica Sinclair, Matthew Brenner, Ted Wheeler and Karen Wheeler respectively.
In November 2020, Variety also detailed the eight new faces we'll be seeing in Stranger Things season 4. Tyner Rushing's IMDB page has revealed she has been cast in a bit-part role, while Joel Stoffer will play another supporting character (h/t Collider):
Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd) as Peter Ballard, a caring orderly at a psychiatric hospital.
Eduardo Franco (Booksmart) as Argyle, Jonathan's new best friend. A fun-loving stoner and pizza-delivery boy.
Joseph Quinn (Catherine the Great) as Eddie Munson, audacious metalhead that runs Hawkins High's D&D society, The Hellfire Club. At the centre of this season's key mystery.
Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) as Victor Creel, a disturbed, intimidating man imprisoned in a psychiatric hospital for a gruesome murder in the '50s.
Tom Wlashicha (Game of Thrones) as Dmitri, a Russian prison guard who befriends Hopper.
Sherman Augustus (Virus) as Lt. Colonel Sullivan, an intelligent, no-nonsense man who believes he can stop the evil consuming Hawkins for good.
Mason Dye (Teen Wolf) as Jason Carver, a handsome, rich sport star, whose perfect world unravels as evil spreads.
Nikola Djuricko (World War Z) as Yuri, a Russian smuggler.
Tyner Rushing (Lovecraft Country) as Virginia Creel, a relative of Victor's.
Joel Stoffer (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) as Warden Hatch.
Bower, Franco and Quinn's characters have been added as main cast members, while the others will be recurring throughout season 4.
Will Stranger Things season 4 be in 4K / HDR?
If you're interested in Stranger Things' good looks as well – as you should be – you may be wondering what video formats the next season will be filmed in.
All three seasons so far have been filmed in 4K Ultra HD resolution, meaning anyone with a 4K TV and a strong enough internet connection will be able to watch in a huge amount of detail. Seasons 2-3 are also in HDR (high dynamic range), meaning an expanded range of colors and enhanced contrast – important for a show awash with bright colors, dazzling neon, and moody skies – though again you'll need an HDR-compatible screen to make the most of it.
Netflix also uses the Dolby Vision HDR format, rather than the competing HDR10+ standard – we know this is a lot to think about with your next TV, but some only support one format over the other.
With a new PC, you might be looking to buy a copy of Windows 10. But, if you’re working on an older PC or hoping to install Windows on a Mac, you’ll want to upgrade to Windows 10. Updating to the latest OS is the best way to make sure your PC stays secure, especially now that Windows 8 is considered vulnerable to a number of security risks. If you have an older computer running a legacy version of Windows, you’ll want to find the best price for an upgrade to Windows 10, especially now that the deadline for the free update has passed.
We’ve rounded up the best deals available right now so you can upgrade to Windows 10 without breaking the bank. And, by grabbing Windows 10, you get access to Cortana assistance and faster performance, as well as important security-related features.
No matter if you’ve grabbed a cheap laptop deal, are putting together a new system, or just want to upgrade an older machine, you’ll have to get a copy of Windows 10. To help you, we keep tabs on the latest prices of Microsoft’s current OS so you can find the best deal.
Why buy Windows 10?
You may still be running your computer on Windows 7 or 8, and if so now's the time to buy Windows 10. This isn't just a performance update, Windows 10 brings new features and security settings to your machine that are crucial to getting your work done in today's operating systems. From the ease of the Cortana assistant to the speed boost you'll notice instantly, upgrading your older system to Windows 10 will be well worth your while.
Windows 10 Home is the version that most people will need. It's for home use and includes game streaming from Xbox One and other consumer features like Cortana, as well as Windows Hello for logging into your PC via a fingerprint scanner or your face. If Windows 8 was the steepest learning curve imaginable, Windows 10 is like meeting a great friend you once knew again - it's just that they've bought some new clothes of which you really do approve. If you're looking to buy Windows 10 Home today, you'll find some excellent offers to save you some cash below.
Buy Windows 10 Pro for the cheapest price
Go Pro if you think it's worth paying more for the Pro features
Buy Windows 10 Pro if you need the extra security and management improvements over the Home version above. It includes Hyper-V for virtualization, BitLocker whole disk encryption, enterprise mode IE, Remote Desktop, a version of the Windows Store for your own business and assigned access (which locks a PC to running only one modern application, to use like a kiosk). Network admins can also schedule updates so they don't happen at important times.
Buy Windows 10 to install on a Mac
Another reason you might want to buy Windows 10 is you want to install the operating system on an Apple Mac computer. You can install Windows 10 on a Mac that is no older than 2015 by using Boot Camp Assistant, Apple's own utility. You will need between 64GB and 128GB of free storage space on your computer, as well as an external USB flash drive with at least 16GB of space in certain instances. Find out more about installing Windows 10 on a Mac via Apple Support. Once installed, you'll be able to switch between Mac OS and Windows 10 when you start up your computer.
A host of different services will now let you put a website online, quickly and easily, no coding skills required – but if you're looking for something to show off your talents as a musician then you need a more specific set of features.
Primarily, a way of uploading and sharing your tunes in a simple and secure way, even if it's just snippets of songs rather than whole tracks or indeed albums.
If you're a musician for hire then it can be useful to have some kind of booking system in place as well, or at least a contact form. On top of that, there are all the extras you might be interested in, like support for your own domain name or gallery pages to show just how many people came to your last gig.
Here are our picks for the best website builder for musicians to create a presence online.
Top 3 website builder services
1.Wix - a top-notch website builder that's great value Wix is top dog when it comes to free website builders, but it also offers some powerful paid plans. These start from as little as $8.50 per month for the Combo plan (over three years) which removes the adverts from your site, as well as giving you 3GB of storage space, a free domain and free SSL certificate.
2.Gator is a great website builder service Gator Site Builder from Hostgator has a superbly cheap Starter package which comes with free hosting and a domain name included, plus a free SSL certificate. You get constantly available customer support, too, and the benefit of website analytics to boot: all with 50% off meaning you pay just $3.84 per month.
3.Zyro - a serious, high-quality site builder Hostinger-owned Zyro offers a website builder that is very easy-to-use and ideal for novices, allowing anyone to get their site up swiftly. You’ll pay very little for the privilege too and even the premium "Unleashed" plan costs just $3.90 monthly.
Website builder designed specifically for musicians
Sell music, tickets and merch
Plug in all your social accounts
Not the most flexible theme editor
You won't find too many website builder services aimed specifically at musicians, but Bandzoogle gleefully jumps in to provide a bespoke service specifically for bands and artists. While it lacks some of the polish of the big names, because it focuses on the musician niche in particular, it has everything you should need.
That includes, of course, the ability to upload your own tracks and let visitors stream them from your website. You can get tracks organized into entire albums if you really want to go to town, or just share (or even sell) single tracks. And then, as well as that, you've got simple ways to post gig dates, blog updates, and so on.
Whether you need to build a contact form or a video diary, Bandzoogle makes it easy, no coding required – you can really make a site that's as simple or as complex as you like, and the end result is something that looks like you hired a specialist.
You've got over 100 themes to choose from (there is even one for crowdfunding), they're all straightforward to edit and tweak, and connecting up social accounts (including the likes of SoundCloud and Bandcamp) only takes a few clicks as well. As an added bonus, you can sell fan subscription, merchandise and tickets right through Bandzoogle as well.
This all makes, in our opinion, Bandzoogle the best overall website builder for musicians.
Check out any list of website builders for any purpose and Wix is likely to feature on it, but not only does this service earn that high reputation, it also has some useful tools for musicians – not least the ability to upload your own tracks so visitors to your website can listen to them without any extra software or browser extensions.
Platforms that you're probably already using, like Bandsintown and Songkick, can plug directly into your Wix site: you can set up integrations like these in just a few clicks. What's more, you can add on an e-commerce portal to your site, for the purposes of shifting albums, T-shirts, or whatever else you need to sell.
Wix has a very solid selection of templates, with more than 500 to choose from, and if you delve into the music section you'll see there are options for solo artists, bands, DJs, producers, or anyone else connected to the industry. Have a click around these templates to see the kind of sites it's possible to create.
After that you've got all the features Wix has become known for: a site editor that's a breeze to use whether or not you know what CSS stands for, custom domain name support, easy blogging and simple social media support, and a free tier that lets you work out whether Wix is for you before you part with any cash.
Overall, Wix offers a great website builder, and especially a website builder for musicians.
Music Glue is a little different to the other website builder services we've featured here: it focuses first and foremost on the merchandise and ticketing aspects of the music business, and indeed powers the online stores for some of the biggest names in the industry. Its pricing system is unusual too, taking a 10% cut of whatever you sell rather than a flat fee.
That does at least mean you won't be out of pocket if your online marketplace doesn't attract much attention to begin with. There are no additional fees for payment processing, and customers can rock up with debit or credit cards, or PayPal.
Music Glue is less impressive on the website building side, although you do get the basics – a choice of themes for the site attached to your online shop, the option to bring over your own custom domain name, tools for tweaking the code and layout of your site, and so on. It's possible to plug in social media accounts and even set up a mailing list.
If your priority is the mechanics of selling music and tickets to your audience, then Music Glue is a good bet, and has some very famous clients on its books, as we mentioned. If you don't really have anything to sell right now and want to spend more time fiddling with a site design and layout, then maybe look elsewhere.
French website Difyd2c isn't the most well-known website builder for musicians out there, and it doesn't have the same breadth of tools and features as some of the big names – but where it really comes into its own is in getting your music online quickly and easily.
If you'd rather just get your stuff up quickly with a few pictures and links, rather than spend ages choosing a theme and editing HTML, Difymusic could be for you. It relies on plug-ins – like Spotify or SoundCloud for getting your music up, for example – but it supports an awful lot of them, so you're bound to find something that works.
If you want to sell merch and tickets, then you can pay to add that on your main site, with a one-time €9.99 setup fee (about £9 or $12) and then 5% commission based on sales, but the basics are free. Connect up your Facebook page and your YouTube channel and you're good to go in just a few minutes.
Admittedly the choice of templates and editing options aren't very strong, but the designs you can play around with are decent enough, and certainly won't put anyone off your music. Difyd2c lets you get started quickly, and scale up as required.
Tumblr isn't a website builder in the conventional sense – it's more of a half blogging, half social media platform – but if you take a longer look at what Tumblr has to offer, it's actual very appealing for musicians. For one thing, it's completely free to use, plus it already attracts a busy community of creatives.
You can post up to one 10MB MP3 file every day, as well as links, text posts, videos, photos and more. Those MP3s appear as streamable files for visitors to your site – they can listen to the tunes in their browser, no plug-ins or extra software required, so it's a great way of showcasing your talents without paying anything.
If Tumblr was simply a blogging platform and that was it, we probably wouldn't recommend the service, but it also supports pages alongside your blog (for a gallery or a contact form), custom domain names (so you can pay extra for whatever URL name you like), and posting from mobile apps too.
On top of all that there are a host of themes to choose from, some of which cost money, but many are free, and a lot of them would suit a musician's portfolio. If the theme isn't exactly to your liking, you can tweak it with the integrated options or your own CSS, and switching between themes whenever you like is simple, too.
Start the weekend off with this fantastic cheap TV deal that we've spotted at Walmart. You can get the Vizio V-Series 50-inch 4K TV on sale for just $419.99 (was $799). That's a massive $380 discount and a fantastic price for a feature-rich 4K smart TV.
VIZIO V-Series 50-inch 4K UHD Smart TV:$799$419.99 at Walmart
Save $380 - You can score a massive $380 price cut on this feature-rich Vizio 4K TV at Walmart. This cheap TV deal features smart capabilities and delivers bright, bold colors with sharp contrasts thanks to the Dolby Vision HDR and 4K HD resolution.
This 50-inch set delivers bold, bright colors and sharp contrasts thanks to the 4K HD resolution and full array backlighting with Dolby Vision. The Vizio TV also has smart capabilities, so you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows from apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more. You're also getting Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in so you can stream content from your iPhone or Android device directly to your TV.
As we mentioned above, this is a fantastic deal for a feature-packed 4K TV and the lowest price we've seen for this particular model. If you're interested in other sizes and prices, we've listed more of the best cheap TV deals from your favorite retailers just below.
More cheap TV deals
Insignia 32-inch HD smart Fire TV:$189.99$139.99 at Amazon
Save $50 - Amazon has this 32-inch HD TV from Insignia on sale for only $139.99. This budget set comes with the Fire TV OS and Alexa voice remote, so you can stream from apps like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, and more.
TCL 55-inch 4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV:$399.99$349.99 at Best Buy
Save $50 - One of our favorite TV deals this week, Best Buy has this TCL 55-inch 4K TV on sale for just $350. The smart TV delivers a stunning Ultra HD picture quality and comes with the Google Assistant, Chromecast, and a handy voice remote.
Insignia 55-inch 4K UHD Smart Fire TV:$429.99$389.99 at Amazon
Save $40 - You can pick up this 55-inch 4K TV for just $389.99 at Amazon. This smart TV deal has the Fire experience built-in, so you can stream your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video from the home screen of your TV.
Sceptre 65-inch 4K UHD LED TV:$479.99$389 at Walmart
Save $90 - An incredible price, Walmart has this Sceptre 65-inch 4K TV on sale for just $389. While this cheap TV deal lacks smart capabilities, it does include four HDMI ports so you can connect and stream, browse and listen to all of your favorite multimedia.
Hisense 75-inch H65 Series4K UHD Smart TV:$799.99$699.99 at Best Buy
Save $100 - This Hisense might be on the cheaper end of things, but that doesn't mean it's not packed to the brim with great features, and with a $100 discount, you're also getting a fantastic price. With Google Assistant and Chromecast built right in, you're off to a great start, and you're also getting Motion Rate 120 and DTS Sound Studio.
