Chromecast Ultra Vs Roku Premiere-A Comprehensive Comparison

The advantages of streaming media is that you will not need a lot of memory space, you get to stream different content, playback is instant and you will also interact with clear sound and pictures.

The world of media streaming is finite and keeps growing, you will, therefore, find varied types of streaming sticks and boxes. The Chromecast Ultra and Roku premiere perform the same functions but are distinctly different when it comes to the physical dimensions. Streaming boxes tend to be big and have incorporated more ports while the streaming sticks don’t have much in terms of hardware and specs.

Chromecast Ultra and Roku Premiere are examples of streaming sticks and don’t have much in terms of specs but are high performing media streaming devices, below is a comprehensive comparison of the specs to help you understand the effectiveness of each of the units.

What are the differences between Chromecast Ultra and Roku Premiere?

Chromecast Ultra vs Roku Premiere- How do they compare?

Performance & RAM

Your media streamer can either process information fast or painfully slow thanks to the processor that has been configured to enable the unit to carry out and complete the tasks that your request anytime you open an application. Additionally, the processor’s cores and clock speed will also determine the information that can be received at a particular time and how fast the information can be processed.

The speed at which your media streamers cores and clock speed work is what is known as the processing speed, and in this case the processing speed for the Chrome Ultra and the Roku Premiere are the same, but we must also note that the incorporated storage and RAM play a big role in the performance of the media streamer.

Still, on performance, your media streamer’s RAM can help improve streaming video playback but that is if your unit is struggling to display content. Therefore, a streamer with minimal RAM will end up transmitting video that is choppy upon playback and will also take frequent breaks when it comes to loading content during the stream. In this case, therefore, Roku Premier is the best when it comes to performance because it has incorporated more RAM.

Wired Connectivity

Chromecast Ultra and Roku premiere seem to have a lot in common from streaming in 4k, HD, and HDR to the same processing power and throughput speeds. However, there is one notable difference when it comes to the wired and wireless connectivity between the two media streamers.

Now, as opposed to the wireless connection, wired connectivity is known to maximize the performance of a unit even when being used with demanding devices that require a strong and stable internet connection. So while the Roku Premiere might have incorporated a larger RAM, it doesn’t support the wired internet connection via Ethernet, which then makes the Chromecast Ultra a better streamer as Ethernet works faster than the wireless connections.

Build and Design

Roku premiere features a simple yet practical design as regards positioning; the streamer is compact and portable thus easy to use in a different location and even better is that you can bundle it up with the remote to use it in your cabin, or hotel room. The unit is, however, not as attractive when compared to the Chromecast Ultra, which apart from its unique shape doesn’t require so many cables before it becomes fully functional.

Chrome cast Ulta is equally portable and to power the unit you will have to plug it into a wall socket instead of the USB port. The build and design of the Chromecast Ultra has incorporated an Ethernet port which is necessary for users who wish to stream the 4K videos. Both of these media streamers are compact thus can be carried for use in a different location, the chrome cast is, however, the better unit because it features a sleek design and has incorporated an Ethernet port.

Chromecast Ultra vs Roku Premiere – A Comparison Overview

Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast Ultra has been designed in such a way that it can receive 4K HDR signals from different mobile devices. The unit is additionally packed with extra power known to easily handle 4K HDR streaming, given that the Chromecast Ultra is used to cast, you might be having doubts of the devices that it can work with, so here is a small list of some of the compatible devices; the Chromebook pixel, windows, and MAC laptops, iPhones, Tablets and Android smartphones.

The units also offer a hands-free option where users can begin streaming with just their voices and select from a wide variety of shows, movies, and applications.

Pros

• Compact in size thus portable
• Easy to set up and use
• Allows wired Ethernet connectivity
• Users can use their phone as the remote to easily customize their media streamer

Cons

• Problems when casting from a laptop
• Cannot install without a mobile application

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Roku premiere

Roku Premiere | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Media Player, Simple Remote and Premium HDMI Cable, Black

• Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV,...
• Incredible picture, exceptional value: Whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy...

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The best thing about the Roku Premiere streaming hardware is that it comes with an application “the Roku Channel Store,” from where users can install new channels the likes of VUDU, Netflix, Showtime, and HULU among others. The unit comes incorporated with a premium high-speed HDMI cable which then gives you the liberty to stream whichever genre you like from shows, sports, and movies.

The incorporated free mobile Roku application allows users to listen privately on their mobile while interacting with the endless entertainment options. What’s more, is that the unit comes with an intuitive remote so all you are left to do is to start streaming.

Pros

• Disappears nicely behind the display
• Set up and use is a cinch
• Offers the best app selection
• The Roku channel store allows users to install new channels

Cons

• The cord is short
• The interface is not intuitive

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Conclusion

The only major difference between these two units is that the Chromecast Ultra can have the option of both wired and wireless connectivity, while Roku premiere only allows wireless connectivity.

Final Verdict – so which is better? Chromecast or Roku Premiere

The Chromecast media streaming device might have a small storage space but remember it only needs enough space for streaming. So when compared to Roku Premiere, Chromecast Ultra is highly functional more especially because it has incorporated the Ethernet connectivity option.

FAQ’s

1. How fast is my Chromecast Ultra?

According to Google, the Chromecast Ultra performance is about 1.8 faster when compared to its predecessors.

2. How much do I need to pay for my Roku Premiere on a monthly basis?

The Roku media streamer goes for about $29.9; you must however note that you will not be charged for watching the free channels on your Roku premier. Some of the free channels that you are going to get with Roku are such as the Cartoon Network, Sky News, Tubi Tv, PBS, and Crackle.