When you’re picking a streaming box, you have no other options. There are three most popular streaming devices, which are Roku, Amazon’s Fire Stick, and Google’s Chromecast.
Each of them has it own benefits and drawbacks, but once you know the differences, you can make the right decision for your setup. Continue reading this article to known the differences between these devices.
A Note About Versions
When comparing the Roku, Fire Stick, and Chromecast, you are not just thinking about three devices. Amazon and Roku gives about lots of different gadgets you can use to stream TV and movies to your living room; the Chromecast label also encompasses various versions of hardware. The specifics and features within these groups may vary widely, so this guide will try to stick with the primary points of comparison.
What is Roku Streaming Stick Plus and how does it work?
For a lot of reasons, Roku streaming stick Plus is considered the overall best streaming device. You won’t have to choose between content selection and price with this device.
Roku device costs less than $50 and has more than 5,000 channels to choose from. The channels include Amazon Video. Roku was previously lacking HBO Max but right now the service is available.
You can get 4K HDR compatibility with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, which means you are getting a relatively future-proof device.
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is very effective, it has a snappy performance and is very powerful. In most tests and reviews available online, lot of people confirmed that the device takes less than 5 seconds for the content to stabilize to 1080P and about 15 minutes to get to 4K quality.
Moving on, the remote is also one of the best and most functional supportive devices you will ever get, Roku device is very small and un-obstructive. Its main selling point is the fact that it gets a strong signal from anywhere you are in the house. It has also added power and volume buttons to the remote.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- It’s very affordable
- The volume can control TV volume and Power
- It has a huge selection of apps
- Full 4K HDR capabilities
- The best value for your money
- Takes less than 5 seconds for the video to stabilize at 1080p
- Takes less than 15 minutes for the video to stabilize at 4K quality
Disadvantages
- The search could be deeper
- The remote lacks an audio jack
Chromecast with Google TV
Second-best streaming device overall
This streaming device is not quite as good as the Roku Express 4K Plus, but it comes closer than any other device on the market. Chromecast outdoes Roku by adding Dolby Vision compatibility, but its biggest smart device strength is Google Assistant voice search, which works well for finding stuff to watch. We also like the impressive integration with other Google services such as Google Photos and YouTube TV.
The interface is more evolved-looking than Roku, but ultimately we prefer Roku’s simpler approach, no-nonsense search results and lower price. That said, the new Chromecast is a better smart streaming device choice for those already living in Google’s world.
Amazon Firestick
The Amazon Firestick is a modified version of the Android that was developed for Amazon’s content, But today, the Firestick devices depend heavily on Amazon Prime Media, Prime Music, and Prime Video and there’s a lot of prime content right at your fingertips.
Fire TV Stick simplifies streaming with power, volume, and mute buttons in a single remote. And with 50% more power than the previous generation, Fire TV Stick delivers quick app starts and fast streaming in Full HD.
There are a lot of other streaming services that are available with the Firestick device that allow you watch live channels through YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu.
The remote for this device hasn’t changed much but it still has the same capabilities. It also lacks the premium feel that comes with the Roku remote and what is offered by Chromecast. Though, the new remote adds the ability to control the TV’s volume and power just like Chromecast and Roku remotes.
The process of setting the remote for Firestick is easy and very fast. It actually takes less than 30 seconds to integrate the remote with the device wirelessly. It has the ability to control the receiver without any issues.
The stick has a power adapter. Amazon highly recommends using this. You can use the USB ports and the TV power to get the power to the device. It’s actually good to consider using the USB ports for power.
Firestick advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- It is not expensive
- The remote offers TV controls and Alexa Capabilities
- There’s a wide range of streaming apps
- It has HBO max
- It integrates with Echo speakers
- It saves a lot of power
- It’s a great value for your money
Disadvantages
- It has relatively complex menus than Roku and Chromecast
