Streaming media is continuing to provide great convenience to home users. Streaming devices like Contour TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Chromecast offer better protection against piracy. They allow instant viewing and playback as compared to the traditionally downloaded media.
Both Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick are currently the most popular streaming players in the market. You can also stream your favorite content with Optimum TV packages at a reasonable price. Both come with tons of benefits and amazing features. And both provide access to a huge library of content. Whether you’re a hardcore anime fan or a film buff, there are tons of titles that you can stream via the said devices.
A Brief History of Roku and Firestick
Roku has been around for more than a decade. Surprised? The original version was a collaboration between the company (est. 2002) and (guess who?) Netflix. It was released in May 2008 and was dubbed the “Netflix Player”. The first model, Roku DVP N1000, was standalone streaming hardware. It came packed with remote control.
The first-gen Amazon Fire TV was released in April 2014. Amazon announced the gadget on April 2 along with a video game titled “Sev Zero”. It came with several features such as HDMI audio, a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 8GB ROM and 2GB RAM, and a USB port. Amazon had stated at the time of the launch that Fire TV had been designed to outperform the competition in the streaming market. It, however, went on to state that Fire TV was not designed to outpace gaming consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Roku Streaming Stick+ & Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: A Technical Comparison
Roku Streaming Stick+ is a part of the fourth generation of Roku streaming players (released in 2015). The fourth-generation comes in different versions, each offering its own capabilities and features. The Roku Streaming Stick+ is the most popular of the Roku streaming devices. Moreover, it is quite expensive as compared to its counterparts.
The Fire TV Stick 4K was released last year and included multiple versions like Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen. The former is priced at $29.99 while the latter can be purchased for just $39.99. That said, let’s explore the technical features of the two devices.
#1. Roku Streaming Stick+
Quad-core processor
ARM Cortex A53 GPU
Supports Bluetooth connectivity
HDMI 2.0a mini-USB port
High-speed HDMI input
High-speed internet connectivity via Wi-Fi
Supports WebM, MP4, M4V, MKV, MOV
Compatible with 4K UHD HDR TVs, 4K UHD TVs & HD TVs
#2. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Quad-core 1.7 GHz processor
IMG GE8300 GPU
Bluetooth 5.0
Micro USB
High-speed HDMI input
High-speed internet connectivity via Wi-Fi
Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR 10, H.265, HLG, VP9, H.264
Compatible with 4K, UHD & HD TVs
Comparing the Prices
Pricing and ease of use are perhaps the two most important factors when it comes to buying an electronic gadget. The list below contains the price for different models of the two streaming services. A good device offers both great price and value for money. With that in mind, let’s begin.
#1. Roku
Roku Express: Roku’s entry-level version is available for just $29.80. Though you won’t get 4K streaming with Roku Express, it still a great pick if you are on a budget.
Roku Premiere: For $34.99, you can stream in 4K and HDR.
Roku Streaming Stick+: This device is priced at $39.00. It comes packed with a long-range wireless receiver as well as a voice-activated remote control.
Roku Ultra: You can get this awesome streaming hardware for $69.00. Features include Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and Dolby audio and video.
Roku Ultra LT: This model will cost you $79.00. You’ll get access to private listening, an expandable storage facility, as well as an Ethernet connection.
Roku Streambar: If you want better sound quality, then Streambar is for you. It is priced at $99.00 and comes with a built-in Roku player, Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, and other exciting features.
#2. Firestick
Firestick + Alexa Voice Remote Lite: This entry-level model is priced at $29.00. It does not offer 4K streaming but is great for those looking for affordable gadgets.
Firestick + Alexa Voice Remote: Upgraded version of the Remote Lite mode. Offers TV controls. Priced at $39.00.
Firestick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote: Available for $49.00. Supports Dolby Audio and Vision as well as 4K streaming.
Fire TV Cube: This top-of-the-line model will cost you $119.99. It comes with exciting features like built-in speakers, 4K viewing, HDR, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision, and Ethernet connectivity.
Roku or Firestick: Which Device is Better Overall?
When it comes to overall performance, Roku owns the game. It offers more device options and additional features as compared to Firestick. Also, it has a bigger library of channels and applications. Roku offers a personalized navigation experience. With Roku, you can organize your favorite TV shows and other titles as per your requirements without running into search hassles. The major drawback, however, is that it only runs on Google and Alexa.
Firestick’s library, on the other hand, focuses on the titles available on Amazon Prime Video. It works better with Amazon devices like Echo and Alexa. In addition to Android and iOS platforms, Firestick also runs on Fire OS. Firestick is also popular with gamers due to the vast gaming library, thanks to the Amazon Appstore. The sound quality of Firestick is great as compared to Roku devices.
Whatever you decide to choose in the end will ultimately depend on your personal preference.