As cable bills grow steadily more expensive, a greater number of households are choosing to “cut the cord” and shift to streaming to save money. Below, we’ll compare three popular streaming stick devices, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, the Google Chromecast and the Roku streaming stick.
According to a March 2020 report published by data analysis site DecisionData.org, the average monthly cable bill now costs $217.42, while an average household pays $205.50 for all of their major utilities (electricity, water, gas, et al) combined.
On the other hand, a monthly subscription to Netflix, the most popular streaming service costs from $8.99 a month for the most basic plan to $15.99 for a premium plan that allows you to stream content in HD or UHD and on multiple screens.
They also provide a 30-day free trial period so you can check out what they have to offer before you commit to a subscription.
If you want to keep up with your favorite shows and sporting events in real time, there are also streaming services that provide access to live TV.
While these cost substantially more than regular streamers, they are still more affordable than having to pay for cable.
For instance, Hulu + Live TV costs $54.99 a month with a seven-day free trial period. Its channel lineup includes broadcast networks like NBC, CBS and ABC, cable news channels CNN and Fox News, and sports channels such as ESPN and NBC Sports Network. In all, you can live stream over 65 channels.
Of course, if you don’t have Internet at home, you will also have to factor the cost of installing it if you decide to cut the cord.
If you already have Internet, you should check if the speed is enough to accommodate the additional traffic caused by streaming.
What Are Streaming TV Sticks?
If you don’t have a smart TV, streaming TV sticks allow you to view streaming services from your existing TV.
Although you can also avail of a set-top box, a streaming stick is more affordable and includes virtually all the same features.
These sticks are around the size of a USB drive and plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port. Once you set it up, you can start to stream content from services that you have a subscription to.
But the streaming TV stick also gives you access to many free TV and movie services, although these require you to watch ads.
Unlike set top boxes, which typically cost around $100, streaming sticks are more affordable. On the average, the basic streaming devices will set you back $50 or less.
However, you will need to have strong Wi-Fi at home since most of these sticks do not have Ethernet as an option.
Another advantage of a streaming stick is that it is portable. If you do a lot of travelling, you can take the stick with you and use it with any compatible TV.
The main disadvantage of a streaming stick is that it has less processing power and smaller internal memory compared with a streaming box. This means that they are slower when it comes to searching content and loading apps.
In the following sections we will briefly describe three of the most popular streaming sticks. Then we will compare them against each other so that you can decide which one best meets your requirements.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
- The #1 best-selling streaming media player, with Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen, released 2019).
- Use the dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons to control your TV, soundbar, and receiver.
- Watch favorites from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO, and more. Stream for free with Pluto, IMDB TV, and more.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Fire TV Stick comes in two variants – the basic edition and the Fire Stick 4K. The basic Fire Stick offers picture quality of up to 1080p while the Fire Stick 4K offers up to 4K Ultra HD, and provides support for formats such as HDR and Dolby Vision. In terms of audio, the Fire Stick supports Dolby Audio while the 4K supports Dolby Atmos.
No products found.Both also have 8GB of storage as well as a quad-core processor, and dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi. However, you will need to plug the Fire Stick to a wall adapter to power it.
While you can plug it into a USB port in your TV, doing so may result in performance issues. Also, when you turn off your TV, you are also powering down the stick.
Aside from being able to access streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu (with a paid subscription ofcourse), you can also avail of live TV programming and sports. You can even subscribe to services such as DirectTV Now, which gives you access to channels such as Fox and AMC.
You don’t need to be an Amazon Prime member to use the Fire Stick, but you do need to register for an Amazon account. But you can do this while you are setting up your streaming device.
Google Chromecast
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This streaming device comes in the shape of a round dongle that hangs from an HDMI cord. Unlike the Amazon and Roku streaming sticks, it “casts” mobile devices such as your smartphone or tablet to your TV (in addition ofcourse to streaming).
You need to have the apps for the streaming service that you are subscribing to on your device. Once you’ve set up the Chromecast, simply launch the streaming app.
When the content that you want to watch starts to play, tap the Chromecast icon to stream it on your TV or monitor.
If you use the Chromecast with your computer and the Google Chrome browser, you can “tab cast”. This feature essentially allows you to use your TV as a monitor.
Apart from watching videos, you can also use it for work purposes, such as projecting a Powerpoint presentation or reading your emails on the TV.
There are two types of Chromecast available, the regular 3rd Generation Chromecast, which offers picture quality of up to 1080p and the Chromecast Ultra, which allows you to stream in up to 4K. The Ultra also supports Ethernet, in case your Wi-Fi isn’t strong enough to support streaming.
Roku Streaming Stick
- Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room. Backyard movie night. Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy picture quality that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Roku streaming stick players are the compact version of their familiar set-top box. They come with a programmable remote that you can also use to control your TV’s power and volume, so you don’t need two remotes while using the Roku device.
The remote has dedicated buttons that allow you to quickly access the most popular streamers, such as Netflix, Disney, Hulu etc. You also have the option to use voice controls to conduct searches and access other features.
In addition, you can download the Roku mobile app on your smartphone. This gives you access to the Roku Channel so you can stream content from your favorite channels at any time. And you can also “cast” content to your TV from the app. You can even listen privately by attaching earphones to your smartphone.
There are four types of Roku streaming players. The basic Ultra allows you to stream in HD, while the Premiere, Streaming Stick + and Ultra provide picture quality of up to 4K and HDR.
Amazon Fire TV Stick vs. Google Chromecast
When comparing these two streaming sticks, it is important to point out that they work in different ways. You download the streaming apps you use on the Fire Stick (or use the pre-installed ones), and you stream content right from the device.
With the Chromecast, the apps are loaded on your smartphone, tablet or other device, and the stick “casts” it to the TV that the Chromecast is plugged into.
In terms of price, there is not much difference between the two devices. The regular Fire Stick and Chromecast cost just under $30.
However, if you want devices that can stream up to 4K, the price difference is a little more substantial. The Fire Stick 4K usually costs less than the Chromecast Ultra.
Another difference between the two is that the Fire Stick has an included remote, while the Chromecast requires you to use the device that you’re casting from as a remote. However, if you have Google Home, you can use it to control the playback while you’re casting.
If you do a lot of travelling, the Fire Stick offers more convenience since you can simply plug it into any TV with an HDMI and log on to a network, and you can start to watch. On the other hand, with Chromecast, you would still have to set up the network on your device before you can start streaming.
Winner: Amazon Fire TV Stick
Amazon Fire Stick vs. Roku Streaming Stick
While these two streaming sticks work in similar way, they have one significant difference – Amazon runs its own streaming service. This difference is reflected in their interfaces.
When you open the Amazon platform, you’ll discover that it is mostly Amazon Prime content displayed on the screen. Your apps will only occupy the first row.
Roku, on the other hand, does not have partnerships with any streaming services. Hence, you can customize the on-screen interface so that it displays apps to all the streamers you use.
This basic difference is also reflected in the results you get when you search for a particular piece of content, whether it is a movie or TV program.
In Roku, you will be told if it is available for free on a service you’re already subscribed to, or how much it costs to rent or buy it.
On the other hand, the results you get with the Fire Stick are more confusing. Depending on the title you might get false positive results or multiple options.
Once you find what you’re looking for, the search results display only one service. If you want to view others, you will have to click the “more ways to watch” link.
Price
The differences in price between the two devices are not that substantial, particularly with the more basic streaming sticks.
Here are the pricing of each device below:
- The #1 best-selling streaming media player, with Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen, released 2019).
- Use the dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons to control your TV, soundbar, and receiver.
- Watch favorites from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO, and more. Stream for free with Pluto, IMDB TV, and more.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room. Backyard movie night. Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy picture quality that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Both can stream in HDR and 4K, but the Streaming Stick + includes a remote with voice control.
The Fire TV Stick 4K, which can stream in 4K Ultra HD, also has a remote with Alexa Voice Remote.
Winner: Roku Streaming Stick
Google Chromecast vs. Roku Streaming Stick
While both the Chromecast and Streaming Stick are popular devices for streaming media, the Chromecast also lets you do many other things.
You can cast apps such as Google Photos and Google Play Music to your TV. You can also use Plex to stream local media stored on your device to your TV.
If you’re using the Chromecast with your laptop or desktop, you can cast any content you’re watching or listening to, to your TV.
You can even view content that is downloaded on your computer by pasting its path onto the Google Chrome browser and then casting that tab onto your TV.
Price
The difference in price between these devices is negligible.
Here are the price details:
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- Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room. Backyard movie night. Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
- Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy picture quality that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The regular Chromecast can stream in 1080p while the Ultra can stream in up to 4K.
The basic Roku Express, can stream in HD, while the Premiere Streaming Stick + and Ultra can stream in up to 4K and HDR respectively.
User Interface
Since the Chromecast is only mirroring your device, it does not have its own interface. It only displays your device’s network status and wallpapers when it is not streaming.
Roku’s on-screen interface, on the other hand, allow you to not only quickly access the streaming channels you’re subscribed to, but also access your feed, perform a search, and visit the Movie or TV Store.
Winner: Roku Streaming Stick
Which is the Best?
Overall, the Roku streaming devices are still the best choice if you are planning to cut the cord and move to streaming.
See our Recommended Model at Amazon
They are easy to use and allow you to readily access the streaming services you are subscribed to. The Roku devices also all have remotes that also let you control your TV, so you won’t need to switch between two remotes when you’re watching something or Netflix or other streamers.
If you are already watching streaming content on your tablet or smartphone, you might want to consider the Chromecast.
It allows you to watch content on your big-screen TV, while providing you with the ability to use the device for other purposes.
Of course, if you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, the Fire Stick allows you to access content available on their platform more easily. Prime members can also get deals on the Fire Stick during Prime Day.
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