It’s no secret that extra persons are chopping their cable TV companies in change for on-line streaming companies like Netflix, HBO Max and Hulu. However what streaming gadget must you seize to plug into your tv and change your cable field?
With buying on a finances in thoughts, we have a look at the perfect Roku and Hearth TV streaming sticks. We examine the variations in an effort to discover the perfect streaming media stick in your dwelling or workplace.
What Is a Streaming Stick?
A streaming stick, or streaming media stick, is a thumb-sized gadget you could plug into your tv’s HDMI port. As soon as plugged in and powered on, a streaming gadget lets you watch your favourite exhibits and flicks from totally different companies.
Roku and Amazon’s Hearth TV platforms are two of the preferred {hardware} choices out there. All streaming units require lively web connections and powerful Wi-Fi indicators inside your house to function reliably.
Many streaming media platforms, resembling Netflix and Hulu, require an lively subscription. For individuals on a decent finances, or those that take pleasure in free content material, we provide a roundup of the perfect free TV apps you may obtain.
Roku vs. Amazon Hearth TV Streaming Sticks
What Options Do Streaming Sticks Have?
Streaming Stick | Video Options | Audio Options | Distant | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99) | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Audio Move By means of | Normal Roku distant | Buy |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ ($69.99) | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Audio Move By means of | Upgraded distant w/ headphone jack, distant finder | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick Lite ($29.99) | 1080p HD | Dolby Audio Move By means of | Simplified Hearth TV distant w/o quantity controls | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick ($39.99) | 1080p HD | Dolby Atmos | Normal Hearth TV distant | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick 4K ($49.99) | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos | Normal Hearth TV distant | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick 4K Max ($54.99) | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos | Normal Hearth TV distant | Buy |
Roku and Amazon supply related streaming stick choices, so we wish to make it simpler to type by the choice. We’ll focus on a number of components round every gadget and supply suggestions.
It’s vital to search out not simply the perfect streaming gadget out there however the only option that works in concord together with your digital life-style.
Apps, Video games and Particular Options
Probably the most vital choice you’ll must make when deciding on between all of those streaming sticks is whether or not you would favor to hitch Staff Roku or Staff Amazon.
The vast majority of {hardware} every firm affords is analogous, so probably the most vital differentiator would be the out there apps, video games and particular options provided by both platform.
This choice has grow to be a lot simpler through the years, with each platforms providing lots of the similar apps and video games. On the subject of main streaming companies, you’ll seemingly discover your favorites on each: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and so forth.
Nevertheless, in case you are on the lookout for a selected streaming app or online game, it doesn’t damage to go looking every retailer earlier than buying.
For instance, for some time, HBO Max wasn’t out there on Roku, whereas Peacock wasn’t on Hearth TV. Fortunately, that’s been mounted.
Particular options are barely totally different, with Hearth TV providing exclusives resembling deep Alexa good assistant integration and entry to Amazon’s cloud gaming service, Luna.
With Alexa’s integration, you’ll be capable of seek for exhibits, management good dwelling home equipment and even peek out of your Alexa-supported front-door camera.
Roku doesn’t present a lot in the case of unique options, so the corporate doesn’t have a lot (if any) benefit right here. The Roku Channel was as soon as unique, providing free TV exhibits and flicks for Roku streaming stick customers, however it’s now out there as an app for Hearth TV.
Widespread Audio and Video Options
Audio and Video Help
Streaming Stick | Video Options | Audio Options | |
---|---|---|---|
Roku Streaming Stick 4K | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Audio Move By means of | Buy |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Audio Move By means of | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick Lite | 1080p HD | Dolby Audio Move By means of | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick | 1080p HD | Dolby Atmos | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick 4K | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos | Buy |
Amazon Hearth TV Stick 4K Max | 4K UHD with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos | Buy |
Is your tv HD or 4K UHD? This can assist decide which Roku or Hearth TV streaming stick is best for you. Completely different fashions supply various ranges of assist for TV applied sciences, so that you’ll wish to make sure you’re choosing what is going to finest match your setup.
In case your tv affords 4K UHD image high quality, you’ll be OK with both of Roku’s choices, the Streaming Stick 4K or 4K+. Alternatively, Hearth TV purchasers will wish to seize the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max, because the common Fire TV Stick and TV Stick Lite assist solely HD.
To find out whether or not your TV helps 4K UHD, test the included guide or name the producer and supply your mannequin quantity.
In case your tv helps solely HD content material, you may nonetheless seize a 4K streaming gadget, however you received’t be capable of reap the benefits of the elevated image high quality. In these circumstances, saving some cash with the Hearth TV Stick and Hearth TV Stick Lite may very well be a stable choice.
All 4K UHD streaming stick choices from Roku and Amazon are compatible with HDR and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. For TVs that assist these options, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in extra vivid colours and deeper blacks for a extra immersive viewing expertise.
Should you’re on the lookout for a Hearth TV gadget that may do much more, try the Fire TV Cube, which affords Alexa voice management from throughout the room and extra storage for apps and video video games.
The place Roku’s streaming sticks fall quick is with their audio assist. In case you have a complicated dwelling theater setup with Dolby Atmos, none of Roku’s streaming stick choices will assist the know-how.
On Amazon’s facet, Hearth TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max all assist the know-how. Stick Lite is the one choice that doesn’t.
Distant Controls for the Streaming Sticks
Options for Every Distant Management
You may management Roku and Amazon streaming sticks utilizing an app in your smartphone. However you’ll seemingly favor to make use of the included {hardware} distant for ease. Whereas the distant controls are related, they do have slight variations.
On the Roku facet, the Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+ present an almost equivalent person expertise, however the 4K+ mannequin throws in just a few additional options.
For instance, in case you’re a late-night TV watcher, you could benefit from the built-in headphone jack on the 4K+ mannequin, enabling you to take heed to exhibits in non-public with out bothering these round you.
The 4K+ mannequin distant management additionally features a rechargeable battery, so that you don’t must fiddle with batteries when the facility begins to empty. That is one thing we’d like to see with all streaming units.
Our favourite additional characteristic on the 4K+ distant is the Misplaced Distant Finder, which helps you to discover your distant simply in case you’ve misplaced it someplace, resembling between your seat cushions.
Amazon’s Hearth TV Stick remotes are almost equivalent, aside from its most cost-effective mannequin, the Fire TV Stick Lite. Whereas all different remotes characteristic devoted quantity management buttons, the Stick Lite doesn’t.
If you wish to take pleasure in your TV utilizing a single distant, it could be finest to keep away from the Hearth TV Stick Lite, which would require you to maintain an additional distant for quantity close to you.
What It’s Going to Price You
Costs of Every Streaming Stick
Amazon and Roku’s streaming sticks don’t sport value tags which are more likely to break the financial institution. However we’d moderately you not spend more money in case you don’t want a characteristic.
Should you’re on the lookout for a 4K streaming stick, Amazon and Roku’s choices value about the identical. Amazon’s Hearth TV Stick 4K and 4K Max value $50 and $55, respectively. The additional $5 for the 4K Max will give you quicker Wi-Fi 6 assist.
Roku sticks to related pricing, with its Streaming Stick 4K costing $50, however stepping as much as the 4K+ will value you $70. The principle distinction between the 2 is the distant management, so that you’ll wish to determine whether it is value the additional $20.
Roku affords cheaper streaming units that aren’t in stick kind. Be sure you additionally try the Roku Express and Express 4K+ together with the costlier, and have packed, Roku Ultra.
Amazon’s Hearth TV Stick and Stick Lite are cheaper choices in case you don’t have a tv that helps 4K UHD video. The usual mannequin will run you $40, whereas the Stick Lite with a distant missing quantity controls and no Dolby Atmos assist will value $30.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions (FAQs)
Is Roku Higher than Amazon Hearth TV?
Roku and Hearth TV supply nice TV streaming experiences for anybody who wants a technique to watch their favourite on-line streaming companies, resembling Netflix and Hulu. Hearth Stick supplies just a few benefits with its unique options, together with entry to Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant and the power to manage good dwelling home equipment.
Does Roku Have a Month-to-month Charge? How About Hearth TV?
Utilizing your streaming gadget won’t value you additional; as soon as bought, it’s yours for all times with none extra fees. Nevertheless, you could must pay to entry streaming companies, resembling HBO Max, YouTube TV and Disney+. Nevertheless, free companies can be found for individuals who wish to get monetary savings whereas having fun with nice TV exhibits and flicks.
Will Roku or Hearth TV Work With out the Web?
You will have an lively web connection to make use of your Roku or Hearth TV Stick — all streaming units require a connection. Earlier than setup, you’ll want to make sure your house has an lively web connection with a secure Wi-Fi sign.
Michael Archambault is a senior author with The PNW, specializing in know-how.