If you’re thinking about setting up digital signage, the player is often the first thing you need to tackle, whether you're running a company, a small business, or just want a simple setup at home.

There are plenty of budget-friendly digital signage players out there from your Smart TVs to Amazon's Fire Stick. But not all of them deliver. Some struggle with high-resolution content, and others don't have the storage or processing power needed to run your digital sign content. And then there are the hidden costs, extra software fees, limited remote control options, or frequent replacements because the device burns out too fast.

Our customers use all kinds of digital signage players, and we've made a list of the most affordable ones for you to try. Let’s dive in.

If you’re looking for an affordable, purpose-built digital signage player, the ScreenCloud Pixi is one of the best options out there. Unlike most budget-friendly options, it’s designed specifically for digital signage so you don’t have to deal with the usual trade-offs that come with repurposed streaming devices.

At just $65, the Pixi offers you strong performance without cutting corners, thanks to its Amlogic S905Y5 SOC, a quad-core CPU and GPU. It's affordable enough to fit a small budget but can also power your digital displays, whether you're displaying dynamic content, or sharing real-time dashboards. 

Best for: Businesses that need an affordable, secure, and scalable digital signage player that’s easy to manage remotely.

Purpose-built for digital signage—not a repurposed consumer streaming stick

Remote device management (RDM) features built-in at no extra cost

Display output of 4K@60 display output (1080p rendering)

Comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage

If you have the option, Chromecast with Google TV is a great budget digital media player for signage.

The fourth-generation model was released in September 2022 and has enough processing power and memory to sync videos, images, and app dashboards to employee- or customer-facing screens.

Like earlier Chromecast devices, you can "cast" to your screen from a Chrome browser, YouTube app, or Android device mirror on the same network. But with the new Chromecast with Google TV interface, you can also navigate the Play app store and interact with Google Assistant via a voice-controlled remote.

Best for: Low-cost digital signage that starts running as soon as you power on your screen

Quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage

Small form factor makes it easy to set up behind any screen with an HDMI port

Google TV interface means you can download directly from Play Store

Requires an internet connection for most features

Expect tradeoffs when using with digital signage 

Read our guide to Chromecast for digital signage.

The Amazon Signage Stick is a great plug-and-play solution for businesses looking for something effective and easy to set-up. Unlike general-purpose streaming devices, this signage stick comes pre-loaded with ScreenCloud, which makes it so much easier for you to start displaying content.

The device is also based on Amazon’s Fire TV hardware and has signage-optimized specs like a quad-core processor, 4K streaming capability, and Wi-Fi 6E support.

Best for: Businesses that want an out-of-the-box digital signage player with built-in cloud management

Comes pre-loaded with digital signage software including ScreenCloud

Quad-core SoC with 4K streaming and Wi-Fi 6E for fast, reliable performance

Secure bootloader and data encryption for enterprise-grade security

Requires you to watch video ads and launch your digital signage player after prolonged downtimes.

Currently only available in the US and North America

Read our guide to the Amazon Signage Stick.

If flexibility is the priority, Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent option, especially when it comes to low-cost media players that can be turned into a powerful digital signage device. It requires a bit more setup than plug-and-play solutions, but it tends to be worth it once you plug it into your TV screens.

Best for: Tech-savvy users who want a customizable, open-source signage solution

Available in multiple RAM configurations (2GB, 4GB, or 8GB)

Dual micro-HDMI ports for multi-screen support

Requires manual setup and additional software installation

Users may experience some software and driver compatibility issues

There are plenty of Android TV boxes under $50 that can handle basic signage, but performance varies by model. Devices with at least 4GB of RAM and a quad-core processor work best for digital signage.

Popular choices include the NVIDIA Shield TV (higher-end but pricey) and lower-cost options like the X96 Max+ or Mecool KM6. These devices support custom APKs, cloud-based signage apps, and local media playback.

Best for: Businesses on a tight budget that want an Android-based signage solution

Can be controlled remotely using third-party software

Not all models are reliable so you'll need to research before buying

Not suitable for 24/7 digital signage use

If you don’t mind buying secondhand, a used mini PC can be a great budget signage player. You can find older models like Intel NUCs, Dell OptiPlex Micro PCs, and Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny for $100 and they bring the power of a PC.

One reason to consider this option is, you get full control over your software and can run digital signage solutions like ScreenCloud with ease.

Best for: Businesses that want a reliable but low-cost signage PC

More powerful than many budget signage players

Can run Windows or Linux-based signage apps

Another thing to consider is software. Some low-cost players only work well with specific apps. If you need a cloud-based content management system, make sure the player you choose is compatible.

Bottom line? Cheap digital signage players can be a great option if you match them to the right use case. But if reliability, speed, or remote management matters to you, spending a little more might be worth it.

What to look for in a low cost digital signage player

Even though price is the big factor here, it's not the only thing to consider. As the saying goes, "if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is." 

It's important to be especially careful if you're looking for a free digital signage player with any bit of reliability. It's not uncommon to find players that cut corners, leading to slow load times, compatibility issues, or unexpected extra costs. 

Here’s what to check before buying, so you don't get stuck with a useless media player.

1. Is it purpose built for digital signage?

Most affordable digital signage players aren't actually designed for signage. They’re repurposed streaming devices, mini PCs, or general-use media players. That means you’ll usually have to trade off some features to get a budget-friendly option.

For example, streaming sticks like Chromecast or Fire TV Stick are easy to use and inexpensive, but they lack built-in scheduling features and may not integrate well with your digital signage network, or work with all digital signage software. If you need offline playback or wired network connections, you'll need to find a work around with these devices. work.

2. Are there subscription costs and hidden fees?

A cheap media player doesn’t always mean free digital signage software. Odds are, your signage provider has  monthly subscriptions for cloud access, remote management, or extra features. Before you choose a player, check the total cost of ownership, including software so you don't get blindsided. You should also look very closely at free digital signage solutions; they may have other pitfalls.

From Amazon Fire to Chromecast with Google TV, we look at the best media player options to create a digital signage screen display on a budget.

Not sure which media player will be best (and cheapest) for your digital signage display? This guide has everything you need to know...

Best Cheap Digital Signage Players Available in 2025

Best Cheap Digital Signage Players Available in 2025

Best Cheap Digital Signage Players Available in 2025

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