Roku Vs Google Tv- which is one is the best?

From streaming services to the creation of  media players that is what technology is all about and Google does it better than most of the media player developers.

Back iN 2010, Google introduced a smart TV platform that was developed through a joint effort between Sony, Intel, and Logitech. Google TV we must say made the headlines given the plethora of channels that it came with such as FOX, AMC, ABC, and CBS, the services from the technology giant ran at a premium of $64.99 on a monthly basis.

Over time, however, Google thought it wise to pull down the services after launching its successor, the Android TV.  Roku on the other hand strictly focuses on the digital media players, and is famous for providing units that turn the ordinary TV into a smart TV, one such unit is the Roku Ultra.

Each of these tech companies strives to put out highly functional and innovative devices, below, therefore,  is a detailed analysis as we establish which company has the best media player in the market.

What are the differences between Roku Ultra and Google’s Android TV?

Roku Ultra vs Google Android Tv – how do they compare?

Speed and performance

There are several factors that play a role in the performance of your media streamer, such as how powerful is the processing capacity, how much storage space do you have, and can the space comfortably contains all the channels and applications without causing strain during streaming. Additionally, the use of a wired connection as opposed to WIFI encourages faster transfer of information from one networking device to another.

The Android Tv offers extremely faster networking speeds, at 40-50mbps which means that a lot of information can be sent within a given time frame. Roku Ultra, on the other hand, is within the limits of the recommended throughput speeds and even though the speeds offered are not too high they still will suffice. So as regards performance the Android TV definitely is the best thanks to the powerful processor, the large storage space, and the high throughput speeds.

Storage Space

For the best streaming quality, your streamer needs to have enough storage space, which in turn also allows you to download and install more entertainment content and applications. Therefore, if you are the type of person who loves to download every available streaming application then Google’s Android TV would be a perfect fit; the above does not however mean that the storage space on Roku is insufficient.

On the contrary, the default storage space on Roku Ultra will be okay for channels, applications, and movies with minimal strain during streaming. The Nvidia Shield TV, on the other hand, is a high performer simply because it has packed more storage and RAM not to mention the option of expanding your storage space. So while Roku will suffice for basic use, Nvidia shield Tv is the best because the storage space is finite thus translates to high performance.

Design and Build

Given the speed with which technological innovations take place, we must say that the Shield Android TV is still stuck in the Stone Age.  The advent of the 21^st century saw the introduction of small devices with large processing and networking capabilities, such as the Roku Ultra. While Google might have failed to come up with a smaller and powerful streamer, positioning of the Nvidia Shield TV should not be an issue for those who love big gadgets, and even better is that at the back you will get all the necessary ports in addition to a dual USB 3.0 port.

When compared to the Nividia Shield Tv, Roku Ultra is way smaller and much easier to position as you are not going to need a lot of space. Remember that this unit is small in size and when placed on the side of your Tv it is going to complement the existing décor. The design of the Roku Ultra is therefore not only modern but more practical when it comes to the practicality of positioning and placement.

Roku Vs Google TV – A comparison Overview

Roku Ultra

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Roku through the Roku Ultra has provided its target market with a powerful 4K streaming unit, however, the lack of the Dolby Vision is a major disadvantage that may take users aback not to mention that it retails at a much higher price. The above notwithstanding Roku Ultra is a user-friendly unit right from set up to use. The unit is additionally famous for its brilliant picture quality and comes with a voice remote that has incorporated personal shortcut buttons.

Pros

• Set up and use is easy
• Best for cord-cutters and heavy streamers
• The interface is pretty intuitive
• Offers the best audio and visual quality

Cons

• Roku Ultra media player is buggy
• The remote is not user friendly

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Google TV 

NVIDIA Shield TV | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player

• World Class performance - blazing fast and versatile enough to be a streamer, game console, media server,...
• 4K HDR home theater - enjoy the ultimate visual experience with 4K HDR quality, immersive sound with...

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If you are looking for performance and don’t mind the size of the media streaming device then the Nvidia Shield Tv should suffice, here is why? The unit has been equipped with unlimited entertainment options from games, music to TV shows, all of which will be provided to you in 4K HDR quality.

So, how do you enjoy a good movie without the right sound system, well for the Nvidia Shield TV, you don’t have to look for an external speaker because the streamers will provide you with an immersive sound with Dolby Atmos and the DTS-x Surround sound pass-through?

Pros

• Can be integrated with your smart home
• Users can cut the cord with live sports, DVR and live TV
• The media player is more responsive when compared to the other Android streaming boxes
• Packs a high storage capacity

Cons

• HDMI cable not included in the packaging
• Doesn’t have a mainstream web browser

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Conclusion

The Nvidia Shield TV which is also Google’s Android TV retails at a high price point but offers value for money. Roku Ultra, on the other hand, is a great 4K streaming box, but truth be told the cheaper Roku units tend to offer enhanced performance when compared to the Ultra.

Final Verdict – so which is better? Roku or Google TV

Google TV is the better media streaming unit because it provides frequent updates complete with excellent upscaling which makes the non-4K streaming content look even better, additionally, it supports both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.

FAQ’s

1. Why does Roku Ultra turn itself off?

If your Roku Ultra stays on without any activity it will time out and turn itself off, the above then means that you are not provided with an on and off switch, so once you notice that the indicator light is flashing on and off then goes out, it means your unit has switched off.

2. Does the Nvidia Shield come with a Bluetooth application?

Apart from the dual USB port 3.0 the Nvidia Shield TV also comes equipped with the Bluetooth application and users can use it to pair either a game controller or a set of headphones.