Chrome Stick Vs Fire Stick – A Comprehensive Comparison

Media streamers have been configured to bring the entertainment world to your living room, with this option users don’t have to pay for the monthly rental fees that come with the installation of cable TV.

When it comes to buying the media streaming devices users have different tastes, some would want a media player with a remote that is Bluetooth enabled so that they don’t necessarily have to point it to the streamer before they receive a signal. So, if you have been keen on the different kinds of media streaming devices you must have noticed that not all of them have incorporated the programs that you would want, for example, you will not find Amazon Prime on Chromecast, while Netflix is missing on some of the Android boxes.

So while it might be a bit of a challenge to find everything that you want in one box, the Chrome Stick and the Fire Stick have incorporated most of the channels and applications, below is a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best.

What are the differences between Chrome Stick and Fire Stick?

Model	Chrome Stick	Fire Stick
Processor	Integrated Rockchip Mali T764	1.7 GHz quad-core processor
Storage	16GB	8GB
Ports	HDMI, USB 2.0	HDMI
Throughput Speeds	3.0mbps for SD 5.0mbps for HD	5-10mbps for HD 3mbps for SD
RAM	2GB	1 GB
Availability	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Chrome Stick vs Fire Stick- How do they compare?

Speed and Performance

As you are looking to invest in a media streaming device, speed and performance are some of the primary factors that many people barely take into consideration. Most people will, therefore; focus on the aesthetics and brand of a device failing to realize that brands manufacture networking or electronic devices to cater to different categories of individuals.

Chrome stick and the Fire Stick both offer faster throughput speeds, but there are other factors that could limit the speed and effectiveness of your media streamer, for example, its processor capacity and the storage space. So as regards the performance of the Chrome stick with special consideration of the storage space and processing speed then it is obviously more efficient than the Firestick.

Build and Design

Both the Chrome Stick and the Fire Stick feature a modern compact design, however, Firestick does have some sophisticated aesthetics when compared to Chromestick. And as simple as the Chrome sticks look from the outside, so is it simple to use. The unit comes incorporated with an external extension HDMI cable, to enable connectivity to the differently positioned HDMI ports on different TV displays; users will also get a charger.

Firestick on the other hand comes with a remote for use in operating the media streamer, which is also easy to use given the easy to understand symbols embedded on the buttons of the remote. Both units are easy to attach to a display even if your unit is hanged on the wall but we must also note that there are some logistics of operation when it comes to the Chrome Stick given that users will need a separate Bluetooth keyboard and mouse before they can come up with a fully-functional Chrome OS computer.

The Firestick only weighs 1.1oz and for it to be fully functional you will only need the remote control that is Alexa enabled making browsing and searching for channels and programs quite easy.

Wire Connectivity

Wired connections revolve around the USB ports and the Ethernet ports among others all of which are incorporated to help enhance the efficiency of a particular media player. For the above reason, the Chrome Stick is the better unit because it comes incorporated with a USB port which can be used to expand storage or transmit content from an external storage device. Firestick only offers an HDMI connection thus it is a bit limited as regards customizable options.

Chrome Stick Vs Fire Stick – A comparison Overview

Chrome Stick

Google seeks to remove limitations that other media streaming sticks seem to be struggling with, for example, the device, has incorporated the dual-band Wifi Standard, designed to offer users a stable wireless connection. Another significant feature with this device is that it comes with 100GB Google Drive space, which gives users access to the files that they will need in addition to their favorite Google services.

Remember also that with the provision of the Google Drive space all the files in your streamer are automatically synchronized to Google Drive which then grants you access anytime that you want and anywhere. Set up and use is pretty easy as all you have to do is plug the unit to your display either via the extension HDMI cable or you can just slot it into your TV.

Pros

• Comes with Built-in Security features
• Has incorporated thousands of applications
• The perfect unit for basic web surfing and video streaming
• Offers value for money

Cons

• Can only handle a maximum of 5 open tabs
• Problems with streaming YouTube above 480p

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Fire Stick

Despite featuring the best Aesthetics, the fire stick has minimal customizable features, with the most notable one being the Alexa voice remote option and its ability to integrate with your smart home devices. Firestick feature a compact and portable design and even better is that it works with HDTV thus users can use it while on the move, and all you will have to do is plug and you are good to play.

Additionally, the unit has incorporated both the free and paid channels so if you subscribe to Hulu you can get to watch the Live TV; other broadcast networks such as the NBC will be availed to you without any subscription charges. Set up and use is as simple as ABC, where you will first plug the device to your HDTV, then plug it into a wall outlet and ensure you have a reliable internet connection and you are good to start streaming.

Pros

• Turns an ordinary TV into a smart one
• Set up and use of the media streamer is pretty easy
• The incorporated remote is responsive and intuitive
• Retails at a fair price

Cons

• Problems when it comes to using the Alexa voice feature
• Bluetooth Audio support is not as effective

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Conclusion

The Chrome Stick media streaming devices have incorporated varied customizable options complete with the Bluetooth expandability feature, so when compared to the Chrome stick, the Firestick is just a basic media streaming device.

Final Verdict – so which is better? Chrome Stick or the Fire Stick

Chrome stick is a better media streamer when compared to the Fire Stick because it has a high storage capacity, offers faster throughput speeds, and comes incorporated with a separate USB 2.0 port, perfect for streaming local content.

FAQ’s

1. How do I use Google’s chrome stick?

To use the Google Chrome Stick Just plug the dongle to a modems television set HDMI port and proceed to stream media, be sure to, however, pair the device with a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse.

2. Does the Amazon Fire Stick come with a subscription plan?

The Firs Stick does not come with any monthly subscription fees but there are some premium services in the Firestick that you will have to pay for before you can access them.