Words Roku vs Chromecast vs Firestick – which is the better option for streaming videos

Streaming devices are among the key factors that always determine whether you will enjoy a seamless streaming experience or not.

Roku, Google Chromecast and Fire TV Stick by Amazon are all streaming devices that enable you to stream videos online. And this is not even all, as they all retail at very affordable prices which allows you to acquire them even if you are on a tight budget. One thing that I appreciate with these devices is that they are not pricey and will still guarantee you as smooth streaming experience 24/7.

When to use Roku streaming device

Their streaming players always come in handy if you are looking to buy a device that is affordable and offers you a lot of channels. I mean, Roku guarantees you 4000+ channels free of charge which is pretty impressive. Another reason that you may consider a Roku streaming devise is because you aren’t charged any extra monthly fees for their equipment. All you have to do is just buy the device and you are good to go!

When to use Google Chromecast

If you are a person who is always streaming media from your smartphone or tablet, then this can suit you pretty well. This is because you can easily connect what you are watching on your phone and stream it In HD on your TV at home. It’s pretty convenient right? And this is not all, as you also use your smartphone as the remote to navigate and control what you want to stream. It is also very easy to set up the Google Chromecast device to your HD TV.

When to use Firestick

The Fire TV Stick 4K by amazon is a very efficient device that delivers great download speeds which facilitates seamless streaming. In addition to this, it is also equipped with Amazon Alexa which is a built in assistant that responds effectively to voice commands. So you won’t have to keep on looking for the remote whenever you want to change streaming apps or movies. You just talk to it, give it instructions and wait for it to do the rest.

How we evaluate Roku, Chromecast and Fire Stick

These streaming devices are among the best the market has to offer however, that’s not enough. We follow a certain criteria that help us to rate each and every single device based on what they offer to their users. Without doubt, this helps us make your work easier as you will have a clearer view on which device will suit you best. This criteria includes:

• Video quality– whether they are able to support 4k and HD streaming.
• Cost – affordability of the streaming devices.
• Channels– we look if they allow you to stream local TV channels.

Words Roku vs Chromecast vs Firestick  Overview

Roku review

Roku Express HD Streaming Media Player with High Speed HDMI Cable and Simple Remote

• Watch what you love: Start streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including...
• Quick and easy setup: It’s easy to get started with everything you need included in the box, including...

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Roku is among the leading companies in the land that provides streaming devices used for streaming high quality videos and TV channels. Their devices are also very affordable which means that you won’t have to pass through too much trouble to get your hands on one. In addition to this, you are also guaranteed free channels without any monthly charges. However, you have to pay monthly charges for some video channels that you will be streaming such as Netflix. But there is absolutely no reason to panic as Roku has offers throughout the month for their channels that need monthly subscriptions.

Without doubt, one of the major selling points of Roku is their streaming devices as they are not costly and are suitable for everyone. They retail between $24- $69 dollars which is pretty affordable even if you are working with a tight budget. And this is not all, as these streaming players are actually very easy to use and set up. All you have to do is connect the device to your Wi-Fi and enjoy streaming videos and TV channels from the comfort of your couch or bed. So, if you are a person who doesn’t worry too much about the quality of the video then you can consider buying the Roku Express HD streaming Media player. This is because it efficiently supports streaming of HD videos which to be honest, isn’t too bad.

However, you should opt for the Roku Ultra streaming media player if you love to stream videos on a daily basis and enjoy high quality videos. This streaming player efficiently supports even 4K videos which is the highest offered video quality by most streaming sites and channels. I always believe that you have to have good quality sound as well in order to enjoy the ultimate streaming experience. Well, Roku Ultra also got you covered with this as it comes with high performance JBL earbuds. They have a great surround system in your ear which allows you to fully enjoy watching videos privately without everyone else knowing what you are watching.

Pros 

• Streaming players are affordable.
• Provides up to 4000+ channels.
• It is easy to set up.
• It doesn’t come with extra equipment charges.

Cons 

• Devices don’t support Dolby Vision HDR.

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Chromecast review

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This is a device made by google which allows you to stream videos online. Among the key features about Chromecast is definitely its portability. It is a small puck that is made out of plastic and comes with a HDMI cable attached to it. Without doubt it is so easy to move this device from one point to another especially because of its size, which allows you to easily move around with it.

The Chromecast device is also very easy to set up.  All you have to do is simply connect the HDMI cable to the TV, power cable to the nearest power outlet and switch on the device. Once this is done, you download their user- friendly Chromecast app and follow the necessary steps provided for you. Their software interface is easy to use and after you are done setting your account, you’ll be able to enjoy a high quality streaming experience throughout.

One great point to note about this device is that it supports both android and apple devices. And this is so, because you control your streaming using your phone or tablet. Any device that supports Google – cast will have a pop-up icon of Chromecast which you can tap to and it will automatically stream the video through the Chromecast and show on your HD TV. In addition to this, you can also stream any movies, songs and podcasts that are offered on Google play through the Google Chromecast device. Unfortunately this device is neither compatible with iTunes nor Amazon therefore you can’t be able to stream media from those two.

Pros

• It is very easy to set up.
• It is compatible with android and apple devices.
• It is portable.
• It is affordable.

Cons

• Not compatible with iTunes and Amazon.

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Firestick review

Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls) | Dolby Vision

• Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+.
• Home theater audio with Dolby Atmos - Feel scenes come to life with support for immersive Dolby Atmos...

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The Fire TV stick is an affordable device from Amazon which guarantees you a smooth streaming experience throughout. This device supports the latest 802.11 ac which allows it to provide you with fast download speeds every time you are streaming videos. In addition to this, it also comes with a 1.7GHz processor that allows it to operate efficiently even when you are streaming 4K videos for long hours.

A lot of people were really fascinated when Apple introduced “Siri”. I won’t deny, I was fascinated as well. I mean, your phone actually responds to you when you speak to it. It also acts as a very effective assistant whenever you want to access various phone functions. Well, Amazon also have something up their sleeves as they introduced the new Amazon Alexa that is also a very efficient voice assistant. Their Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K comes with this feature that is not only cool, but also pretty convenient as you can be able to control your streaming activities through voice command. One of the key selling points of the Fire TV Stick is that it also allows you to stream a couple of TV channels. You can also easily set up this device as all you have to do is connect it to your TV through the HDMI port, and to the closest power outlet and voila! You’ll be ready to experience a seamless streaming experience. It is also easy to navigate through the streaming apps and movies as it comes with a remote that is easy to use.

Pros

• It is easy to navigate through.
• Support s4k streaming.
• User- friendly interface.
• Great technology such as Alexa voice assistance.

Cons

• Performance is different depending on streaming apps.

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How do Words Roku, Google Chromecast and Firestick compare?

Cost

Here, Amazon Fire TV Stick is more affordable as compared to both Roku and Google Chromecast. This is because the Fire stick device is only $34.99 and allows you to comfortably stream 4K videos. Roku and Google Chromecast also allow 4K video streaming but only on their premium devices which are pricier.

TV channels

It is always a big plus when a streaming device is able to connect to TV channels as well. The Roku device not only allows you to stream videos online, but also allows you access to more than 4000 + channels. It offers more channels as compared to the Fire Stick device. It is also important to note that Google Chromecast doesn’t support TV channel streaming.

Conclusion

The Google Chromecast and Fire Stick are both great devices that enable you to stream high quality videos throughout at home. However, in this comparison, the winner is Roku because it offers you streaming channels and local TV channels too. So you are actually able to enjoy 2 in 1 services from one device which is pretty convenient and helps you to save on costs that you’d spend separately on cable TV.

FAQs

Does Roku, Chromecast and Fire Stick support 4K videos?

Yes, they all support streaming of 4K videos without compromising on their performance.

Is it complicated to use Roku, Chromecast and Fire Stick?

No, as they all have user- friendly methods that will enable you to easily navigate through the streaming aps and channels.