Roku vs Amazon Firestick 2018
Back in the day, being a movie buff or devoted fan of certain TV shows meant trading space in your home for a large video or disc collection. These days, there’s no need to own physical copies of shows or movies. The majority of what you want to watch, you can instantly stream over the internet.
If you ever had a massive DVD or VHS library, the idea of having something like half a million programs on all one tiny USB stick might seem absurd. But that’s precisely what streaming devices like the Firestick or Roku give you.
Firestick is produced by Amazon while Roku comes from a company devoted to streaming devices. Each has its benefits, as well as its disadvantages. After trying each one out and doing lots of research, we’ve put together an extensive comparison of the two products.
Can’t wait to find out which one won? Jump to the winner below.
Read on if you want the full story.
Roku vs. Firestick: Which Should I Buy?
Roku vs. Firestick
Roku and Firestick are both devices that plug into your TV and that connect to the internet so that you can play streaming movies and shows on a big screen. Each option has its own special features that make it stand out from the other. Here’s what they do well and why you might consider buying one.
Why Buy a Roku?
Since the beginning (2008), Roku has committed to doing one thing and doing it well: streaming. The company initially produced set-top boxes that allowed you to connect to a range of streaming programs and channels.
All of the “big name” streaming channels are available on Roku, from Netflix to Amazon and from Hulu to HBO. It also has a selection of thousands of less-well-known channels, including several that are entirely free and several that are designed for an international audience. You’re even able to stream music or listen to online radio with a Roku.
While the first Roku models were set-top boxes, the newest Roku model is a streaming stick that lets you stream 4K/Ultra HD programs and includes a voice remote. The streaming stick plugs into the HDMI outlet on your TV and is portable, meaning you can plug into pretty much any TV, anywhere in the world (as long as the TV set has an HDMI outlet).
While the newest model is ideal for people who want the most from their streaming experience, other models are designed for consumers who might be more budget-conscious.
Why Buy a Firestick?
The Firestick is Amazon’s foray into the streaming device market. It has a lot in common with Roku, in that it lets you access a wide range of programs and channels. You can watch streaming video from Amazon, as well as Netflix, HBO, Hulu and a lot more. Like Roku, you can get access to nearly half a million titles with the Firestick.
Also like Roku, the newest Firestick models let you view content in 4K/Ultra HD. The devices connect to the HDMI outlet on your TV and are portable. While you can use the power from your TV to charge up and power your Firestick, Amazon includes (and recommends using) a separate power pack with the device.
Charging your device while streaming can adversely affect playback. Meaning, plugging the Firestick into a wall outlet while it steams will allow you to enjoy the highest-quality 4K programming.
One more reason to buy a Firestick: the newest models include an Alexa voice remote, so you can easily control the device by speaking. Amazon Firesticks also connect to Amazon Echo devices, making it even easier for Alexa to hear what you’re saying.
What They Aren’t So Good At . . .
Nothing’s perfect, and that includes Roku and Firestick. Here’s where each model stumbles.
Firestick
When it comes to user-friendliness, Firestick has some catching up to do. While Alexa does make it easier to communicate with the device and to navigate around it, the on-screen navigation does take some getting used to and isn’t exactly intuitive.
Although the Firestick does offer most of the same channels you’ll find on Roku, it doesn’t have Google Play, but instead gives you a more limited selection through an “Amazon App store.”
Another drawback of the Firestick is its limited ultra-HD options. You get 4K and high dynamic range (HDR) support, specifically HDR10. But Firestick doesn’t work with all HDR standards, notably Dolby Vision. That means if you primarily watch streaming programs on services that rely on Dolby Vision, you’ll be stuck watching them in standard definition.
Roku
Like Firestick, Roku’s newest 4K streaming stick also lacks Dolby Vision. Another drawback of the streaming device is that it has very limited voice controls. While you can connect with Alexa and ask her pretty much anything on the Firestick, Roku’s voice controls let you search, and that’s about it.
The other big issue with Roku, at least with the company’s streaming sticks, is that you can’t connect them to an ethernet cable. You can only connect using WiFi. While that offers you some flexibility and portability, it also typically means a less reliable connection, which can be an issue when you’re trying to stream programs in 4K or HDR.
The Winner
Given the choice of Roku vs. Firestick, which do we pick? We’re going to have to go with the Firestick.
You get loads more options and flexibility with the Firestick than you do with similar Roku products. For example, Firestick gives you the opportunity of connecting over ethernet. It’s also “smarter” than Roku, as you can connect it to other Amazon smart home products with ease.
Plus, you get more features with the Firestick for about the same price as the Roku. For us, choosing the Firestick is a no-brainer.
Brand Recap
If you need a streaming device, here’s a quick recap Roku and Firestick.
Firestick
Created by Amazon, Firestick runs on Android software. It seamlessly connects with Amazon Echo and lets you access voice control from Alexa. Although the device is designed to work well with Amazon’s video and music library and can be particularly beneficial for Amazon Prime members, you don’t need to be a Prime member to use it, nor are you limited to Amazon products only.
Models
Roku
Roku’s been in the streaming game since 2008, and you could argue that the brand was the first one out there making set-top streaming devices. Roku does one thing, and it does it well, but it can’t compete with companies like Amazon that are making streaming devices that fully integrate with other internet-of-things devices.
Models
Why Buy a Streaming Device?
The major reason to buy a streaming device is that it makes watching a movie or TV show online a lot more enjoyable. Although watching on a phone or laptop is fine when you’re on the go, it can be less enjoyable when you’re at home or watching a movie with friends.
Streaming devices connect to your TV. Streaming sticks, in particular, are very portable, so you can easily enjoy your favorite programs no matter where you are. If you visit a friend who doesn’t have Netflix, you can tuck your Roku or Firestick in your pocket and get access to your Netflix account from his or her home.
Another reason to buy a streaming device, especially one that has “smart” capabilities, is that it lets you do more with ease. You can use the voice controls on your Firestick to turn lights on and off, order pizza, or turn music on.
How Streaming Devices Work
To function well, streaming devices need a few things. They need a reliable internet connection. In some cases, that can mean connecting over a cat-5 or Ethernet cable, although many works over Wi-Fi or work over Wi-Fi exclusively.
You also need to connect your device to specific streaming programs or channels. For example, if you want to use a Roku or Firestick to watch programs on Netflix, you’d first have to sign up and paid for Netflix, then use your log-in credentials to connect the device to your account.
Newer streaming devices, including the later Roku and Fire models, feature voice controls as well as a standard remote. The voice controls let you search for movie or TV show titles, actors or directors across various channels. The remote functions similarly. In some cases, you can use the remote to turn the TV on and off, as well as to control the streaming device.
Roku and Firestick are pretty similar when it comes down to it. Both give you the option of watching hundreds of thousands of programs and of listening to music. But Amazon’s Firestick is just a bit more feature rich and flexible, making it the ideal pick if you’re looking for a streaming device that does more.
