Chromecast vs Roku – Which streaming stick has a better overall performance?

When it comes to streaming media devices, there are dozens of products available, but you only need to choose one that suits your needs. Both Chromecast and Ruko are very popular video streaming devices that are loaded with lots of features and software updates that help to improve their functionality.

To watch networked content or streaming media services, you don’t need to tether a box to your HDTV. You just need to plug an HDMI stick at the back and connecting a USB cable to the stick to give your HDTV connected features. The Goggle Chromecast and Ruko stick are functional and inexpensive tiny streaming devices that may look similar but have remarkable differences from each other.

What are the differences between Chromecast vs Roku?

Chromecast vs Roku. How do they differ?

Voice control capabilities

Google Chromecast uses the Google Assistant to give voice commands that the streaming device reacts to. Although Google Home only connects to a few content providers, Chromecast has amazing connection capabilities that far outweigh the limited channels it can integrate with. On the other hand, the Ruko stick has some voice control capabilities with the help of the built-in microphone for voice search found in its remote. The Ruko TV voice remote, the Ruko mobile app for your Android and iSO devices, and enhanced voice remote can all search for content with a simple voice command and even handle playbacks giving you complete control of your TV.

Chromecast has better voice control capabilities with the help of Google Assistant with a wider voice control functionality.

Remote control

When it comes to including a remote the Ruko stick offers more functionality with different buttons that you can use to control your TV. Ruko is easy to use with shortcut buttons that will allow you to access some of the most popular apps like Netflix, Amazon instant video, Hulu, and many others. It provides free remote apps for your smartphone and Android devices with an added advantage of using headphones to have a private listening from your phone or tablet. Chromecast doesn’t come with a dedicated remote, instead, it usesGoogle Home widgets that allow you easy access to the controls where you can pause or fast forward, but scanning through long movies can be a bit hard if you’re tapping the on-screen progress bar.

The Ruko stick comes with a remote control that gives you better access to more controls on your TV.

Setup and ease of use

Chromecast doesn’t come with an on-screen menu or a remote, so you can only control it through your PC, smartphone, or tablet. Once you’ve installed the Android or iSO Chromecast app or added the Google cast extension to Chrome on your PC, you can send videos and music from different services directly from your device to your HDTV. On your phone, Chromecast uses Apply TV and Airplay to add a button to any compatible app that can stream what you’re watching using Chromecast. With Ruko, you’ll need to create a Ruko account before starting the setup process then link it to your credit card in case there are additional fees for buying content. If you don’t want to use the headphones, you can download the app because it’s not only useful, it’s also as responsive as the remote and you can bring up a full keyboard for typing emails and passwords.

The Ruko stick is much easier to set up and control and you have different methods you can use to control your TV.

Channels and apps

The Ruko streaming stick has an open ecosystem and generous support of apps and channels hosting all the biggest names in video streaming including Netflix, Google Play, Amazon Video, YouTube, Now TV, and Sky store with UK catch-up apps like BBC iPlayer, All 4, Demand 5, and ITV Hub. And music apps like Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, and Vevo. Out of all these only Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon video can display Ultra 4K HD with a resolution of 2160p at 60fps and high dynamic range. When it comes to Chromecast, you can access content from most popular apps like Netflix, HBO Now, YouTube, YouTube tv, Disney plus, Prime Video, Hulu, Google play store, and many others. You can stream almost any content from the Chrome browser on your laptop or PC. It can broadcast content with a video resolution of up to 1080p.

The Ruko stick can support more channels and apps with the help of 4K, HDR, and HD streaming.

Chromecast vs Roku – A comparison review

Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast is a streaming device that will allow you to easily stream content right to your TV from all your favorite media apps. You can also cast content from your chrome browser or smartphone to your TV screen. You only need to plug it into the HDMI port at the back of your TV and a USB cable that is included, then using your PC or smartphone as a remote control, use it to access video content from Google play store, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and many others. You can also use this device to mirror your phone, laptop, or tablet screen on your TV which means you can put anything and everything you find online on your TV screen from your PC or Android device. You can use Google Assistant to give direct voice commands and you’ll find self-explanatory Chromecast setup instructions on Google.

Pros

• Simple and easy to setup
• Uses Google Assistant for voice control
• Controlled using a smartphone, tablet, or PC
• Access to content from many channels and apps

Cons

• Doesn’t have a remote

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Ruko stick

Roku Streaming Stick (3600R) - HD Streaming Player with Quad-Core Processor

• Powerful quad core processor & best wireless performance
• Brilliant 4k, HDR, and HD streaming

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Ruko stick is also a streaming device with great range and can process 4K HDR video, however, it doesn’t support Dolby. It comes with a built-in microphone that you can use for voice search and has media buttons for media apps and channels like PlayStation Vue, Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and you can also use it to control the volume on your TV and some external devices. It uses the Ruko OS 8 that adds new streaming apps and services including the free-to-watch Ruko TV. You will have access to over 3000 streaming channels, a clean and simple layout, and a robust searching platform. With the Ruko stick, you can jump between apps quickly and start-up videos even if they’re in 4K HDR. You can also play 4K UHD content even if your TV is far away from your router. With access to thousands of channels, only Amazon Video, Netflix, and YouTube can display 4K HD content with a video resolution of 2160p at 60fps at a decent range.

Pros

• Great remote app
• Simple and easy to use interface
• Speedy operation
• Can stream 4K HDR content

Cons

• Doesn’t support Dolby vision

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Conclusion

Both the Chromecast and Ruko sticks are excellent streaming devices that are easy to use and come with lots of features that will allow you access to thousands of channels.

So which one is better Chromecast or Ruko?

Ruko stick is better because it offers simple streaming for everything you need. Although Google Assistant makes it easy to use voice control, you can use the Ruko stick to do just about anything while providing you with better search, more apps, and a better overall interface.

FAQ

Do I need Chromecast if I have a non-smart TV?

Yes, you can use Chromecast with a non-smart TV as long as it has an HDMI port. However, you can’t use Chromecast alone, you’ll need your phone, computer, or tablet to tell it what to do.

Can you use Ruko without wifi?

If you don’t have an internet connection but have a wireless router at your home, you can use it to mirror the content of your screen to your Ruko device.