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Confused and unable to choose between Roku and Firestick? Enters!
Cutting the cord increases every day with the increase in the price of cable television subscription. Cord cutters, also known as streaming devices, are used as a replacement for cable TV. Thus, anyone can enjoy videos from different streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and many more.
If you have abandoned your cable TV connection, then you can choose between Roku and Firestick. Both are versatile media players and are reasonably priced. Choosing any of them is not complex if you know what Roku and Firestick are offering. The article covers the exact same thing, so you can read on to find the right cord cutter for your entertainment needs.
Roku Vs Firestick – Which Models To Compare?
When it comes to Amazon’s “Firestick,” the right model to compare is Roku’s streaming stick. Fire TV Stick 4K is the media player currently available when it comes to Amazon streaming sticks. Similarly, Roku has the Roku Streaming Stick+. So, in this article, we will compare these devices in terms of streaming services, quality, cost, and more factors.
Roku vs. Firestick – Comparing its price
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick entry-level model costs $39.99 while the Fire TV Stick 4K model costs $49.99.
The Roku Streaming Stick is priced at $49.99 while the Roku Streaming Stick+ is $59.99.
If you want a relatively cheap digital player, you can choose from the Firestick models. Otherwise, you can consider choosing between the Firestick 4K and the Roku streaming stick since they both cost the same. If paying an extra $10 means that much to you, then the Roku Streaming Stick+ isn’t for you.
Roku Vs Firestick – Comparison of processor, GPU and more
The basic model of the Firestick incorporates a 1.3 GHz processor while the Firestick 4K incorporates a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor. They have an IMG GE8300 GPU. The similarities with both models are 8 GB of internal storage space and Bluetooth 5.0 support.
Roku Streaming Stick has come up with quad core processor and has ARM Cortex A53 as GPU. Its storage space is 256 MB and 512 MB while it can be expanded with the micro SD card.
Firestick consumes power up to 4W while Roku stick consumes less than 3W. However, both transmission devices support 5V – 1A as power input.
Roku Vs Firestick – Comparing Video and Audio Quality
With the basic model of Firestick, you can stream in 720p and 1080p resolution with up to 60 FPS. While the Firestick 4K model supports video streaming quality up to 2160p. Make sure you have an Ultra HD TV to experience this video quality with the Firestick. They support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos in addition to HDR, HLG, AAC, AC3, etc.
The Roku Streaming Stick provides 4K Ultra HD quality streaming on an Ultra HD TV. Provides smooth video playback at 60 FPS or less with certain applications. Roku supports most video and audio formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, AAC, WMA, MP3, and more.
Roku Vs Firestick – Comparing Configuration and Design
Both Roku and Firestick are flow sticks and look exactly similar. They are designed to be rectangular in shape and can be easily configured. They both come with a remote control. All you need is to connect them to the HDMI port of your smart TV. The Firestick weighs 43.4 grams while the Roku stick is slimmer and only weighs 26 grams.
Roku Vs Firestick – Interface Comparison
The Firestick interface appears to be modern and more user-friendly. It allows you to customize and organize the applications, but sometimes it complicates the experience. The only drawback is that the Firestick will bring you more of Amazon’s own content than anything else.
The Roku stick interface is more customizable and allows you to organize your channels however you like. The channels will be available as a scrollable list. Therefore, accessing third-party plugins is easy and you can navigate the interface with ease.
Roku Vs Firestick – Comparing the Remotes
Firestick and Roku streaming devices have their own dedicated remote. The Firestick remote has control buttons to play/pause, control volume, skip to next track, turn to previous page, etc. In addition to this, the Firestick remote supports voice control over Alexa or with the Echo speaker.
Roku streaming sticks also have the same similar buttons on the remote as the Firestick controller. However, it does include shortcut buttons with which you can select and assign channels to each button. So you can conveniently access the Roku remote and change channels with ease. The Roku Streaming Remote also supports voice control.
Firestick, just like Roku, has its own free remote apps on the Play Store and App Store. By installing the app, you can control Firestick and Roku stick directly from your laptop.
Roku Vs Firestick – Comparing Apps and Content
Amazon Firestick and Roku support the same similar number of apps and content. You can download apps from the Amazon app store for the Firestick and it supports several hundred apps.
Roku stick has a wide range of channels or app support and they are available on the Roku Channel Store. In addition to official channels, Roku has a large number of private support channels.
Roku and Firestick support most of the popular video and music streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, YouTube and more.
You can upload apps or apk files to Firestick using various methods like Aptoide TV app, Downloader app and ES File Explorer app. Similarly, you can upload apps to Roku using the Developer App Installer.
Roku vs. Firestick – Comparing the game
You can play with Roku stick and Firestick on your smart TV. However, Firestick is not worth it if you play hard. But still, you can enjoy playing Minecraft, Star Wars, and more.
Roku excels when it comes to playing high-end graphical games on a smart TV. You will get much higher absolute entertainment than Firestick. Therefore, the Roku stick is better to choose than the Firestick if you play games for hours.
Roku Vs Firestick – Comparing Other Features
The Firestick is worth using if you browse the web more often. You can use the chrome Browser or Firefox to search for content on the Internet. Whereas, Roku does not support web browsing at all.
Roku can be used if you are projecting content from a smartphone to the Roku Smart TV. It uses Miracast and thus you can transfer content from Windows and Android devices to Roku connected TV. Both Firestick and Firestick 4K models do not support screen mirroring.
Which one to buy? Roku and Firestick – Final Verdict
It is not so easy for us to conclude with a device between Roku and Firestick. All other entertainment enthusiasts will have their own streaming preferences. Therefore, we leave the choice of choosing between Roku and Firestick up to you. Just check out the differences between the two streaming devices and get yours. We have even compared Firestick Vs Chromecast. Take a look at that too and you can make your decision.
Let us know which streaming stick you have chosen between Roku and Firestick in the comments. For more such articles, connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.
