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Roku, Firestick or Chromecast: Which Streaming Device Is Best?

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Finding the best streaming device for you can be tricky. The research can feel like it’s taking forever if you’re weighing up the best and worst elements of each streaming device.

Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you. So, without further adieu, it’s time to find out which streaming device is best between Roku vs Firestick vs Chromecast.

Here we will compare the three, sum up the pros and cons, and get you to a conclusion on the best device for you.

Photo credit: Mollie Sivaram

Roku Streaming Stick Review 2020

Roku is an American company, based in California. It produces a variety of digital media players in conjunction with video streaming. Roku has its own advertising business and licenses its devices and software to other companies.

The Roku Streaming Stick is very much worth its price tag! It streams some of the best services and comes with the most streaming services of the bunch. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and many more are all compatible with Roku. It has a compact, yet easy-to-use, design.

The remote provided can control your TV’s volume and power making it easy for everyone to control the telly. The remote control response times are super fast and the simple menus provide a very simplistic interface perfect for viewers of all ages.

The Roku device menu mah seem dated compared to its competitors, however, its simplicity is applauded. The voice search and control, when compared to a Firestick, is considered a little less effective.

If you are a user that’s not particularly worried about 4K streaming, then Roku is a great option for you.

The Roku Express is the cheapest option of our round-up. You can buy a Roku Express streaming stick from Amazon.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Lightning-fast speed
  • Easy to navigate menu

Cons:

  • Voice and search control
  • Quality of streaming isn’t 4k or HDR
  • Menu could be considered dated

Is the Amazon Firestick Worth it?

The Firestick is an Amazon device which combines home entertainment through streaming technologies. The Firestick gets plugged into your TV’s HDMI port. It gives you access to your favourite movies, series, music, photos, subscriptions and games. The Firestick makes it easy to watch your most-loved shows on-the-go.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is renowned for being great value for money. It offers many of the catch-up TV applications and premium streaming services.

The Firestick is compatible with an impressive range of HDR standards which provides great quality streaming at any time.

Amazon has added some features to newer models of Firestick including the ability to search and control video playback with your voice. This can be completed via the remote or your Alexa speakers, making TV control effortless for the user.

The Firestick is almost double the price of the Roku streaming stick. Purchase a Firestick via Amazon today.

Pros:

  • Great value for money
  • A common household favourite
  • Immaculate 4K streaming visuals

Cons:

  • Double the price of the Roku
  • Limited services available compared to the Roku
  • The UI (user interface) isn’t known for easy searching.

What UK TV Channels Are Free With the Firestick? How to Get BBC, Pick & More

Chromecast vs Firestick vs Roku in 2020

Finally, let’s take a look at the Chromecast. Chromecast was first developed by Google in 2013. The device features a range of digital media players. Its screen content can be mirrored from the Google Chrome web browser when using a computer desktop, TV or mobile phone.

The setup for the Chromecast is very easy to follow. You simply plug the HDMI cable into your TV and connect it to a Wi-Fi connection through your phone, computer or tablet.

The Chromecast does not come with a remote as the device you are using is your remote. This can sometimes confuse users.

However, it’s good to note that you can still access your device whilst watching something. To do this, just click off of the streaming app and the content will still stream on your TV screen.

The screen mirroring is simple to use. All you need to do is open up the Google Chrome app which is available on both Apple and Android devices.

A cheaper option compared to the Firestick, the Google Chromecast can be bought from Amazon.

Pros:

  • Good value for money
  • Screen mirroring is simple to use
  • No remote control to lose

Cons:

  • Mobile device required
  • Fewer apps compared to the Roku or Firestick
  • Some feedback suggests a slow boot time for the apps

Roku vs Firestick vs Chromecast: Which Streaming Device Is Best?

Roku vs Firestick vs Chromecast, who has won the battle?

After running through the pros and cons of each streaming device, hopefully, you have come to a conclusion on the best one for you. However, it really depends on your personal taste and requirements.

From reviewing each one, the Roku seems to come out on top. With the highest amount of streaming services available and the cheapest price, it tops all other devices.

If you are looking for quality as the fundamental reason for buying a streaming device, we suggest the Amazon Firestick. But, if you are more tech-savvy and enjoy connecting devices, why not opt for the Google Chromecast?

Overall, the Roku seems to provide the best value for money. The Roku device’s simple menu makes it easy to use and allows viewers to enjoy the content much more.