Amazon fire stick vs. Roku – Find the right streaming device for your home

Most cable TV companies are no longer making profits due to the availability of streaming devices. If you are tired of paying hefty TV subscription costs, you should consider getting a streaming device. Roku and Amazon fire stick are some popular options that many people choose. Find out how they compare.

Both Amazon fire stick and Roku can help you stream content from different platforms at a cheaper cost. Though amazon fire stick and Roku have some similarities, they are not the same. Before you choose either of these devices, you have to find out how they differ so that you get one that can fulfill your streaming needs. Find out more!

What is the difference between amazon fire stick and Roku?

Amazon fire stick vs. Roku – How do they compare?

Home screen navigation

Do you like accessing content online in a more organized manner? If yes, you should choose Roku. This streaming device enables you to arrange your apps well on the screen. If, for instance, you spend most of your time on YouTube, you can place it at the top row to avoid continually searching for it. The home screen of Roku also comes with polished tabs on one side of the home screen. It allows you to browse different TV shows and free movies easily.

The home screen navigation of amazon fire stick works differently. Rather than giving you a chance to arrange apps according to your preference, this streaming device gives you a list of the recent apps. Apart from accessing favorite apps easily, Amazon fire stick even gives you recommendations based on the TV shows you have been watching. Unlike Roku, Amazon fire stick displays new films from different channels such as Amazon Prime and Hulu. It is a great option for viewers who like staying updated on new TV shows and films. Despite this, the home screen navigation of amazon fire stick is still simpler and better compared to that of amazon fire stick.

Remote control

Even though both amazon fire stick and Roku feature a remote control, they work differently. The Roku remote features a microphone button that allows you to search for movies through voice commands. It also contains some short cut buttons for some well-known channels. This remote only supports HDMI soundbars.

The fire stick’s remote may not come with short cut buttons, but it contains a mute button. It also differs from Roku in that it can control many soundbars. Most users of Amazon fire stick reveal that they like the sleek remote, which feels nice in your hand. Roku remote, on the other hand, is big and features some old school buttons that are not easy to push. The remote control of amazon fire stick is, therefore, better than what Roku offers.

Voice control

Both Amazon fire stick and Roku allow you to control your smart TV through your voice. The voice assistant you already have at home should, however, guide you into choosing the right streaming device. Roku can work with both Alexa and Google. Amazon fire stick, on the other hand, does not work with Google. If you use the Google Home smart speakers, you should go for Roku. Amazon fire stick, on the other hand, connects with Alexa home speaker. In terms of voice control, Roku is better than amazon fire stick.

Screen Mirroring

One of the reasons why many viewers choose Roku over Amazon fire stick is the inclusion of screen mirroring capabilities. Roku features built-in Miracast technology. This is another version of the HDMI cable. A lot of Windows and Android devices are compatible with Miracast technology. Since amazon fire stick lacks this feature, it does not have screen mirroring capabilities. This makes Roku a better option than amazon fire stick due to such extra features.

Amazon fire stick vs. Roku – A comparison overview

Amazon fire stick

Fire TV Stick streaming device with Alexa built in, includes Alexa Voice Remote, HD, latest release

• The #1 best-selling streaming media player, with Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen, released 2019).
• Use the dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons to control your TV, soundbar, and receiver.

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Save space on your hard drive by choosing a streaming device that allows you to access content directly from different channels. Amazon fire stick is a well-known device that allows you to watch or listen to music without waiting for files to download. It comes with excellent voice-powered features that you will enjoy. For instance, you can combine it with the Echo speaker to establish a home cinema system.

It is among the most affordable streaming devices that is compatible with Alexa. Just like other streamers, Amazon fire stick offers quality videos to boost your viewing experience. Your purchase should also include a remote control that you can use to control your TV’s power or volume. This remote can also control AV receivers and soundbars. You can even talk into this remote once you press down a button to give it different commands.

Pros

• It works with Alexa
• Has a fast interface
• The streaming device is affordable

Cons

• Searching for content is not that easy

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Amazon fire stick specs

Roku

Roku Streaming Stick | Portable; Power-Packed Streaming Device with Voice Remote with Buttons for TV Power and Volume (2018)

• Powerful and portable
• Voice remote with TV power and volume

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You can start accessing all your favorite films using this small stick form streaming device. Roku organizes different content providers in menus so that you navigate easily. Through this streaming device, you can access content from various channels, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Plus. The simple software and solid hardware of this streaming device make it an excellent choice for many viewers.

Roku can connect to your television through the HDMI. It comes with a remote control that includes regular buttons and voice search features. Some of the major services you can access through this streaming device include Apple TV, Netflix, Now TV, and Disney plus. Feel free to check out other numerous apps available at the app store.

Pros

• Voice search included
• It offers a seamless interface
• Compatible with both Google and Alexa
• The setup is a breeze

Cons

• Hard to push buttons on the remote control

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Roku specs

Conclusion

HDMI sticks give you access to numerous features by only plugging them into your TV. Though there are different options available, most people are torn between the Amazon fire stick and Roku. For you to pick a suitable one, you need to determine how you intend to use it. You should also look at the gadgets you already have at home and choose a streaming device that can work well with them.

Verdict: So, which is better? Amazon fire stick or Roku

After looking at both Roku and Amazon fire stick in detail, we found out that Roku has more to offer. This streaming device has a seamless interface and is compatible with both Alexa and Google. It gives people with different gadgets more flexibility compared to Amazon fire stick. We also appreciate the presence of a remote that features short cut buttons and a microphone button. If you have never utilized a streamer before, you should consider Roku since it is beginner-friendly. We also like the way this streaming device offers a wide range of TV options such as YouTube TV.All these made up choose Roku as the clear winner.

FAQs

Does the Amazon fire stick feature a USB port?

Yes. It has a USB mini-port that you can use to connect a USB cable.

What is private listening?

This feature is present in both Roku and Amazon fire stick. It allows you to listen to videos without disturbing others.