Fire Tv Stick Vs Roku Streaming Stick- Which Media player performs better?

The influx of the media streaming devices is gradually rendering the cable subscriptions obsolete in many parts of the world as people can now stream their favorite, channels, shows, and programs from the Internet, all they need is a smart TV or a media player.

Choosing one media streamer over the other can be a challenge especially if they come from reputable developers, which is the case with the Amazon Firestick and Roku. Both of the above technology giants command a large following in the media streaming industry, have years of experience, and release innovative products from time to time.

So, with regards to the incorporated features, the media streamers are designed to serve different categories of users; you will, therefore, find that some love the Alexa voice feature while others don’t fancy talking into a remote.

What are the differences between the Fire TV Stick and Roku Streaming Stick

Model	Fire TV Stick	Roku Streaming Stick
Processor	1.7 GHz quad-core	ARM Cortex A7 quad core 800 MHz
Storage	8GB internal	256mb
RAM	1GB	512mb
Ports	USB port	Micro USB port
Throughput speed	3mbps for SD content 5-10mbps for HD	3.0mbps for SD 9.0mbps for HD
Availability	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Fire TV Stick VS Roku Streaming Stick-How do they compare?

Speed and Performance

The recommended internet speeds for streaming standard definition content in your media streamer is 3mbps while the High Definition content requires at least 5mbps. Also if you want to stream videos in HDR or 4K ensure that you at least have 25mbps, in which case both the Fire TV Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick offer the recommended throughput speeds, necessary for both HD and SD.

Important to note however is that there are other factors that could affect streaming and the quality of videos presented to your screen, one of which is the storage space. So, for as much as you have strong internet signals with the right throughput speeds, if your unit has a small storage space then buffering will be the order of the day, not to mention freezing.

Therefore, when it comes to performance and speeds, the Amazon Fire TV stick turns out to be more reliable because it has incorporated up to 8GB of internal memory and 1GB RAM, which in turn gives you the option of downloading and installing more channels and applications.

Design and Build

The build and design of a media streaming device is equivalent to the ease of positioning and usability. So, we will begin with the fact that the Fire Tv stick is quite attractive and this goes for the remote too. The latter is pretty intuitive, and users have the option of customizing the unit to use the voice option to find channels, shows, and movies stored in the unit’s cache.

Users can also integrate their smart home appliances with Amazon Alexa, and with this feature, you will get the visuals of the different rooms in your apartment. The Roku streaming stick isn’t very different from the Fire Tv stick since you can also use the Alexa voice option on Roku via the Amazon Echo. The distinguishing feature between these two devices is Roku’s headphone jack that encourages private listening and which makes this unit better in terms of functionality. 

Storage

Roku streaming stick has 256mb storage space while the Fire Tv stick has about 8GB, well the difference is quite significant and the big question, therefore, is can you expand your storage. Unfortunately for Roku, you don’t have the option of expanding your storage, so with regards to your needs, you might want to settle with a device that has the relevant storage space.

When it comes to the Firestick you will be presented with varied options, non of which includes expanding your internal memory. Users can, however, integrate the USB thumb drive and here they will get a prompt from Fire TV stick asking them if they want to use it for additional applications, and it is from here that they can install more applications to the Fire TV.

In essence, therefore, is that none of these devices has incorporated the memory expandability feature, but with a thumb drive you can add more applications to the already incorporated large storage space in your Fire TV Stick.

Fire Tv Stick Vs Roku Streaming Stick – A comparison overview

Fire Tv Stick

Coming from Amazon users expect nothing else but high performance from the Fire TV Stick, the unit has, therefore, been configured to offer good picture quality, and users will be treated to about half a million Tv episodes and movies, and are at liberty to voice their commands using Amazon’s Alexa.

Remember that this Fire TV stick has incorporated the infrared emitter in addition to the power and volume buttons. The above then means that you can perform the basic functions on your remote without necessarily needing a separate remote for your TV. The Amazon Fire Stick also has a large storage space, which apart from enabling a flawless transmission of the gaming content, it also accommodates the various applications and channels.

Pros

• Allows access to Amazon prime videos
• Features an elegant design
• The Unit is 4K capable
• Set up and use is pretty easy

Cons

• Does not have unique streaming features
• The Amazon Fire Tv can be hacked

View Price on Amazon

Roku Streaming Stick

The Roku streaming stick is compact meaning you can carry it with you if you are going out of town, and we also can’t fail to give it the credit for being the best 4K gaming device, which also comes at a fair price. The unit has also been established to have conformed to the latest wireless standards and has additionally given users the chance to listen privately via the headphone. For those who have a busy home with kids, you have been conveniently provided for with a lost remote finder so that you don’t turn your house upside down looking for the remote.

Pros

• users can watch both the paid and free content
• Allows voice control
• Retails at a fair price
• Comes with a free mobile app for Android and IOS

Cons

• The remote is not very effective
• The unit keeps losing connection

View Price on Amazon

Conclusion

The major difference between the Fire Tv Stick and the Roku streaming stick is the storage and RAM capacity. Additionally, with Roku’s remote, you can only control your TV set but with the Fire TV’s remote control you can control the AV receivers and the soundbars.

Final Verdict – so which is better? Fire Tv Stick or the Roku Streaming Stick

The Fire Tv Stick is the better media player because the incorporated remote enables varied customizable options and can work with your soundbar. The unit has also integrated a large storage space complete with a fast quad-core processor.

FAQ’s

1. How many Fire TV sticks can I use with the same account?

You can use two Amazon Fire TV sticks with one account and even stream three videos at the same time with the same account.

2. Can you jailbreak the Roku streaming stick?

It is not possible to jailbreak any Roku media streaming device because they all have a closed system software.