Roku Stick Vs Amazon Stick-which media player is better?

The Amazon stick is famous for being compatible with the Dolby Vision HDR format, Roku on the other hand is known for incorporating the most application options with an easy to use interface.

So as we explore the available media streaming options it is important to realize that there is no one universal fix that will contain absolutely everything that you want. Users must, however, be keen to invest in a unit that has incorporated some of the most important primary features, such as a storage space, the relevant wired connectivity options such as the Ethernet port, USB, or the Micro SD.

A big smart TV needs a media streamer that will match its functionality features, and since you need a new device that can stream interesting content without having you pay for a monthly subscription, we have narrowed down to two highly effective media streamers the Roku stick and the Amazon Stick, the below excerpt, therefore, seeks to find out which of the two is better.

What are the differences between the Roku stick and the Amazon Stick?

Model	Roku Stick	Amazon Stick
Processor	ARM Cortex A7 quad-core 800 MHz	Quad-core ARM 1.3 GHz
Throughput Speed	3.0mbps for SD 9.0mps for HD	5-10mbps for HD 3mbps for SD
Ports	Micro USB port	HDMI output, Micro USB for power only
RAM	512mb	2GB
Storage	256mb	8 GB internal
Availability	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Roku Stick vs the Amazon Stick – How do they compare?

Speed and Performance

When it comes to the performance of a media streaming device the first thing that you have to look at is the unit’s processing capacity. The reason for the above is because it is the one that will be responsible for handling the burden of processing video and audio or play games. A quad-core processor like the Amazon stick contains about four independent unit cores.

Each of the cores in the chip works in conjunction with other circuits such as cache or memory management. The importance of a quad-core processor in enhancing performance is that each of the individual cores within the chip can run multiple instructions simultaneously which consequently increases the overall speed for the programs that are compatible with parallel processing.

Roku stick on the other hand has incorporated the ARM Cortex A7 quad-core 800MHZ processor which is also very energy efficient configured to offer rich performance on the high-end wearables. Important to note is that Cortex A7 has been equipped with all the important features of the high performing Cortex A-15 and Cortex A17 processors.

From the above information both units are quad-core processor meaning that they are sufficient however if we are to look at other factors that contribute to high-quality video and sound, and the fast transmission of content then the Amazon Stick comes out top because of its high storage capacity.

Build and Design

Both the Roku and Amazon Stick feature a modern design thus easy to attach to your display. Both units come with an Alexa voice remote, meaning that you can operate your media streamer without having to touch the remote, just ask Alexa to retrieve the content that you want. The Amazon stick we must say features some quite sophisticated aesthetics from the outlook, the remote doesn’t have any writings on it but the symbols are the easiest to understand.

Roku on the other hand we must say it is very user friendly, the remote has incorporated the necessary functional buttons, making them easy to use by people who have never before used the media streaming devices. So, of the two media streamers, the Roku stick is the best because it can be used by anyone thanks to the labeled functional buttons.

• Wired Connectivity and storage

Wired connectivity has always been preferred over wireless but for Roku stick and the Amazon stick, they don’t have very many options. The Amazon Stick for example only has options for the HDMI and the micro USB port which can only be used for power. Roku on the other hand has equipped some of its devices with the micro sd slot in addition to the power and HDMI port, the micro SD slot is used to expand the media streamer internal storage space.

So while users will not be able to use the Micro-SD storage card for storing personal files like photos and music they can surely put the extra storage to good use by installing more channels and games available in the Roku channel store. Roku stick is, therefore, the best unit when it comes to storage as it allows the expansion of the internal memory.

Roku Stick vs Amazon Stick – A Comparison Overview

Roku Stick

The Roku stick is a compact unit making it easy to use while traveling and it can perfectly fit behind your TV; the unit has been configured to allow smooth HD streaming to your TV and even better is that the remote comes with clearly indicated buttons making it easier to use even for the elderly or the small kids. The additional voice option allows hands-free control and even makes the search for channels and applications way easier.

The unit additionally offers cable alternatives and that is apart from the incorporated movies and series, set up and use takes less than three minutes as you all you have to do is plug it into your TV, then connect it to the internet and you can begin streaming.

Pros

• Allows hands-free operation
• Set up and use is easy
• Users can access the unit via the free mobile application
• Has incorporated over 5,000,000 movies and TV episodes

Cons

• The remote is not responsive
• The unit tends to overheat a lot

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Amazon Stick

The major advantage that the Amazon stick has over the Roku stick is that it offers many gaming options, the Amazon stick has incorporated a gaming website and applications that users can download to their TV sets. Firestick also runs a highly modified version of the Android, the unit has additionally incorporated a Bluetooth application giving users the chance to connect the Bluetooth controller with the Amazon stick to play games on it.

And for those with smart homes, the Amazon stick will allow you to integrate some of the smart devices and use voice control for customization.

Pros

• Offers more storage for channels and applications
• Alexa voice allows hands-free streaming
• Offers faster throughput speeds
• Comes equipped with a powerful processor

Cons

• Does not offer the best video quality
• No support for YouTube Tv

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Conclusion

If you are out looking for a media streamer that is good for gaming and offers a wide selection of games then the Amazon stick is your unit, but if you are looking for a device that has the vast majority of content then the Roku stick will suffice.

Final Verdict – So which is better? Roku Stick or the Amazon Stick

Amazon stick is the better media streamer because it has incorporated a larger storage space and Ram when compared to the Roku stick.

FAQ’s

1. Why is my Firestick occasionally slow?

Your Firestick becomes slow when you leave it plugged in even when not in use, so whenever you want to re-use unplug and plug it back again.

2. Can I use Roku on an ordinary TV

Yes, you can use Roku on both ordinary and smart TV mainly because they come integrated with many free applications and channels when compared to cable subscriptions.