You can turn any TV into a smart TV with one of these easy-to-use and affordable streaming sticks.
When it comes to deciding between a Roku and an Amazon Fire Stick, you might think there’s not much of a difference.
Both streaming devices are affordable ways to access Netflix, YouTube, Spotify and more without needing to pay for cable. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll find that there are some major differences.
“The Fire TV menu is much more cluttered. Instead of a single app launcher, there are separate rows for favorite and recent apps, along with a master app list you can access by holding down the home button,” according to Tech hive.
The home screen is also surrounded by extra menus for movies, TV shows and apps, each with its own layers of recommended videos. But when compared to Roku, it’s much harder to navigate.
“Fire Stick lets you launch videos and music directly through its voice remote more than Roku does.It also supports tuning to live channels in some streaming services, and if you have an Echo speaker, you can launch movies and shows without even touching your remote. (Roku does support hands-free controls with Echo and Google Home speakers, but the syntax is clunky and the controls are limited),” according to Tech hive.
Smart TVs are all over, and many come with built-in streaming features. Yet Roku and Fire Sticks still are the best. This is the case for a variety of reasons, but these companies have on every TV manufacturer out there that they’re well designed and accessible.
If being organized is a priority for you, then a Roku may be the better choice. This is because Roku lets you arrange all the apps on the home screen, just like you can on your smartphone. For example, if you use Netflix more than any other app, you can place Netflix in the top line so you don’t need to invest energy looking for it.
Roku’s no-nonsense menu system places the apps themselves front-and-center and lets you arrange them however you please, just like on your phone.
While Roku doesn’t support as many games and apps as the Fire Stick does, you do get access to the Roku Channel. This free app has a wide selection of ad-supported movies and series. You can likewise discover a great deal of recordings for kids and other free live channels. For example, ABC News, WealthNation, and the sky is the limit from there. In this way, in case you’re into motion pictures and shows more than games, you should go with Roku.
There’s no contest on this one. While both platforms are amazing, I like the Roku stick the best. It’s cheaper and easier to use. I also like how with Roku it comes with the Roku Channel.
When it comes to the Roku vs Fire Stick debate, if you’re new to streaming, Roku is much easier to use than a Fire Stick. If you also want a vast range of movies and TV options for free, Roku is your better option.