Looking for a Streaming Media Player Without Mandatory Account Logins

I recently purchased an Nvidia Shield and found it unusable without logging into a Google account, which I am not willing to do. I’m looking for alternatives that don’t require logging into Amazon, Google, iCloud, or any other account just to function. I want to plug something into my TV, download the apps I want, and only log into those specific apps if needed. I’m considering building an HTPC for every TV in my home as a last resort, but I’m hoping there’s a simpler solution. Does anyone know of any streaming devices that meet these criteria, or are they all designed with mandatory logins?

What exactly are you trying to avoid? If it’s about convenience or privacy, you could consider a Roku stick. It’s inexpensive, and you only need to create a Roku account once, which you never have to log into again. You could even use a disposable email for it.

@Umbrielle
My issue is with the principle of needing to log in just to use basic functions. It makes no sense that these devices are essentially non-functional without logging into an unrelated third-party account.

@Benaiah
The login requirement serves their purpose, not ours. It allows them to collect data and monetize your usage, which might eventually be compromised in a data breach.

Umbrielle said:
@Benaiah
The login requirement serves their purpose, not ours. It allows them to collect data and monetize your usage, which might eventually be compromised in a data breach.

Exactly, there’s no benefit to me. My point is the lack of functionality without unnecessary logins.

@Benaiah
Remember, if you’re not paying for the product, you likely are the product.

Keith said:
@Benaiah
Remember, if you’re not paying for the product, you likely are the product.

How does that apply when I’ve already paid a premium for the hardware?

Benaiah said:

Keith said:
@Benaiah
Remember, if you’re not paying for the product, you likely are the product.

How does that apply when I’ve already paid a premium for the hardware?

I was referring to the media services, not the hardware. For your own media, like with Plex, you don’t necessarily need to log in to their services unless you want to access their servers or certain features.

@Keith
That’s what frustrates me. I had to create accounts and log in just to use my TV and the Nvidia Shield, then again for each app. There’s no justification for requiring logins to use the hardware itself.

@Benaiah
It’s a common business model for tech companies to lock down devices to their ecosystems. You might have some luck with rooting the device or using open-source firmware, but that comes with its own set of challenges.

@Keith
That’s why I’m searching for alternatives that don’t force me into unnecessary accounts.

You might lose out on some quality with an HTPC as they are generally limited to web-based playback which doesn’t support 4K or HDR well. Just use a burner Google account for the initial setup.

Sullivan said:
You might lose out on some quality with an HTPC as they are generally limited to web-based playback which doesn’t support 4K or HDR well. Just use a burner Google account for the initial setup.

My HTPC setup supports 4K HDR perfectly. I’m using Plex which plays back full quality. I’m considering software like Flex Launcher and the Plex HTPC app to avoid these issues.

The apps need to come from somewhere, which is why these devices require you to log into an app store. You could root the Shield and sideload apps, though they won’t update automatically.

Jaime said:
The apps need to come from somewhere, which is why these devices require you to log into an app store. You could root the Shield and sideload apps, though they won’t update automatically.

In my view, even needing to log in to download free apps is unnecessary. It’s just another barrier.

cynthiaparks said:
Have you considered setting up Jellyfin on your network? It’s a great way to stream your own media without needing to log into any service.

I already use Jellyfin, but it doesn’t solve the problem of needing to log into the Shield itself.