The Best Streaming Media Player??? Roku Vs Amazon Fire TV
Having to pay hundreds of dollars for a cable bill is quickly becoming a thing of the past with all of the advanced and evolving technology that we possess in today’s society. Before there was such a thing as watching cable, most people resorted to the only choice they had, which was watching one of three to five channels with an antenna. Young kids will never know the struggle. Now cable has run its course and people are using Netflix and Hulu to fill their television needs. The latest evolution is Roku, the Amazon Fire Stick and the less popular, Sling TV. We will help you decide on the best solution for you: Roku vs Amazon Fire TV.
Quickly becoming the most popular ways to watch TV now, streaming devices such as an Amazon fire stick and Roku seem to be the most popular portable streaming devices. Streaming devices are better than watching TV through an antenna due to their bonus features, but is one streaming device better than the other???
Although some people prefer one device over the other, they actually both do the same thing, but with slight differences…
Roku vs Amazon Fire TV
For starters, using a streaming media device such as the Amazon fire stick or Roku, lowers or completely removes the monthly bill in your life. These devices of course are not free, but can be purchased in store or online for as low as $19. Offering live streaming of your favorite TV shows, on demand TV watching, games to play and even internet browsing the one time price is definitely worth it. Some add-ons will require a monthly fee, and that price can vary, but you’d be looking at less than $10 a month per add-on. Still cheaper than cable, so you save a large amount of money.
When thinking about Roku vs Amazon Fire TV, the main differences between the two in some people’s opinion is that the Roku is simpler to use than the fire stick and it doesn’t require you to have an account in order to access everything that is available within the streaming device. Personally, I have noticed that the Amazon fire stick allows for more convenient use with its downloadable remote control phone app. The Amazon fire stick allows the viewer to connect with different devices to stream movies or music videos directly from their phone to the TV.
The Roku and Amazon fire stick both offer a vast selection of channels to choose from, providing over 1000 channels and Amazon instant video, which is available only to those with the Amazon Prime service. One slight difference between the two is while the Roku offers a reset button on the console itself, in order to restart your fire stick you have to go into settings. There is also a difference in the amount of memory each device offers as the fire stick holds up to 1GB compared to the Roku’s 512 MB.
One thing to be aware of if you are planning to buy a Roku is that there are 3 different versions available. Roku 2 and 3 have identical internals and the only difference is the remote control it comes with. The latest Roku 4 differs with its 4K Ultra HD support. The oldest and first Roku version is priced at $50 and has the oldest internals. It also lacks miracast and has older versions of apps available but has the advantage of being able to output via composite cables as well as HDMI, which is perfect for those with older versions of TV.
SLING TV
For those that are interested in what the Sling TV has to offer, Sling TV is just like live television but at your control. For $20 per month, you get the whole live TV experience with commercials included but you also have the option to rewind, fast forward and pause. The other great thing about Sling TV is that it also offers Video on Demand so you can catch up on all the latest episodes of your favorite show that you’ve missed and the app can be purchased through Roku and Amazon Fire Stick also.
Deciding which streaming device is better for you all depends on what kind of person you are. If you are looking for the cheapest and easiest way to keep up with your favorite shows then the Sling TV or Roku is for you, but if prefer more of a selection and don’t mind paying a few extra dollars without worrying about breaking the bank, Amazon fire TV is the perfect choice. Ultimately, they both eliminate the use of an antenna and another high cost cable bill.
AMAZON FIRE STICK
Lowest Price: $18.99
Basics: Channel Streaming, Video On Demand, Games, Downloadable Apps
What Makes It Stand Out: Voice Operated Remote, Amazon Instant Catalog, Alexa the personal assistant, 1GB memory, Miracast
Extra Services: Amazon Prime, Sling TV, Kodi
ROKU
Lowest Price: $19
Basics: Channel Streaming, Video On Demand, Games, Downloadable Apps
What Makes It Stand Out: Amazon Instant Catalog, Headphone Jack allows for individual listening, Plex
Extra Services: Sling TV
