Kodi vs Roku- Which one performs better?

Roku, Inc manufactures the media player devices used to transmit content from varied online service providers. Kodi on the other hand can be described as an open-source media player software application and users have to find their own devices from which they can run the services.

When compared to smart TVs, media streamers do have a subtle competitive edge that makes them prominent. For one is that there are some that work with varied types of television sets and most of them have integrated content that you will rarely find in the smart TV’s.

Kodi, therefore, is a streaming service provider and has been in the industry for over 12 years so we can comfortably say that it does command some respect in this niche. Roku on the other hand, has bagged at least 10years in the media streaming industry and you can, therefore, expect to get value for your money, if you decide to settle with their products. Below is an analysis of both companies and their services.

What are the differences between Kodi and Roku?

Kodi vs Roku – How do they compare?

Speed and performance

When it comes to the performance of the media streamers the primary determinant is your ISP, in which case you will have to invest in the best package that offers high internet speeds which will then translate high video quality. So, if you are going to be using the Roku device to stream then you have to ensure that you can get a download speed of 3.0mbps for the standard definition, while for the HD content 9.0mbps should suffice.

Remember that Kodi is a service therefore, the devices that you decide to use for streaming are of utmost importance. So, for the perfect viewership, you might want to get up to 25mbps for 4k, 5mbps for HD, and 3mbps for SD. Roku, therefore, turns out to be the best performing unit with no provisions for 4k but you can expect enhanced picture quality if you decide to engage the 4k.

Storage

Storage space is meant to store the channels and applications that come integrated with the media streamer. So, while you will have to provide at least 8GB to run Kodi content, the Roku streaming stick only provides you with up to 256 Mb channel storage space, well the above simply means that Kodi is a better performer when it comes to content storage and you can also expect high-quality viewership.

Roku on the other hand has limited space meaning that you will have to ensure all the present applications are relevant; failure to which they will eat up your storage space, and restrict you from comfortably running some of the programs or engaging some applications. The visual and audio quality will also be interfered with.

Processor capacity

How fast is your media streamer that is the question that you should be asking yourself anytime you comb the markets for a media streaming device? The quad-core processor runs at 2.50GHz and features the 6MB L3 shared cache allocated to each of the processor cores; with regards to the above, it only means that you will experience minimal latency with high performance, well that is Kodi for you.

Roku is a slightly faster performer given that it runs on the ARM Cortex A7 quad-core 800 MHz; Kodi is however the better performer thanks to the fast processor that runs at 2.50 GHz.

Kodi Vs Roku – A comparison Overview

Kodi

The one selling advantage when using the Kodi service is that it gives you the option of downloading varied community made applications and you also have the freedom to whichever channel that you want to watch. The service provider has its user’s interest at heart, to which end they developed a rather intuitive user interface, which is super easy to navigate.

Additionally, Kodi is supported by all the platforms that you can come up with but with the exceptions of a few. Remember that Kodi doesn’t manufacture media streamers but you can easily get a box that is Kodi pre-installed; you can also get a separate media streamer box only that you will have to ensure that it has incorporated a 3D GPU graphics hardware controller or a dual or quad-core CPU and about 4GB RAM maximum or 2GB minimum.

Pros

• Works with all the major OS
• Provides an intuitive user interface
• The unit hosts more content
• Users can install addons and stream TV shows and movies

Cons

• Streaming Kodi content is hard
• Finding content from unofficial Kodi addons is especially difficult

Roku

Roku Streaming Stick+ | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Device with Long-range Wireless and Roku Voice Remote with TV Controls

• Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room. Backyard movie night. Bring ‘em on. The long-range...
• Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether...

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Roku is a high performing media streamer regardless of whether you are streaming in HDR, HD, or 4k, you can expect to be furnished with high picture quality and clarity complete with stunning detail. And instead of having to go through the many channels as you search for your favorite, just use your voice and the remote will transmit the information and your favorite channel or application will be displayed on your screen.

Users have also been provided with unlimited entertainment options, from sports to news and even live TV. Given its compact size, you can use your Roku device while on transit, don’t however, forget to carry your remote and the power cable with you.

Pros

• Offers unlimited entertainment options
• Easy to set up and use
• Offers hands-free operation
• Intuitive user interface

Cons

• Streaming is a bit slow
• The remote control is not very effective

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Conclusion

Roku and Kodi are good streamers respectively however, if you want a unit with many customizable options then better you settle with Kodi.

 Final Verdict – so which is better? Kodi or Roku

If you want a streaming device that you can tweak then Kodi is your unit but if you want a hands free device then Roku will suffice. And by considering all the factors Kodi is the better unit because it can only operate with a high performing processor and does not compromise on RAM and storage space, meaning that you can expect high-quality audio and video

FAQ’s

1. Must I have a Roku account to use Roku?

Without a Roku account, you will not be able to activate your media streamer and access the various channels and applications. Having the account does not, however, mean that you will have to part with a monthly fee rather you will just add a payment method that will enable you to buy or rent movies that you want to watch.

2. Is the Kodi connection protected?

Safety of user information is paramount for Kodi developers, which then means that all your information is safe, however, by using the torrent add-ons, your connection will be shared by others as you stream. Users, however, have the option of protecting their connections on Kodi by integrating a proper VPN connection.