Nowadays, a rising number of people are ditching traditional cable subscription plans in favor of streaming TV shows and films from websites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and others. Given its widespread use, a whole line of gadgets termed “streaming devices” was created with the sole purpose of making it simpler to access streaming media on your TV.
The three most popular streaming devices are Roku, Apple TV 4K, and Amazon Fire Stick. These tiny devices are the easiest and most practical way to stream content to your TV as they plug directly into your TV and can be operated with remote control. However, keep in mind that a high-speed internet connection is necessary for you to enjoy streaming.
If you’re considering purchasing a streaming stick, you’ll learn everything you need to know in this article about its prices and features to make the best decision. Let’s begin!
Roku
Roku is a streaming device manufactured by the American company Roku, Inc. It offers a wide range of versions, including the Roku Express, Roku Express 4K+, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, and Roku Streambar Pro. The device also allows you access to various TV stations like live sports and streaming channels.
How Much Does It Cost?
There are numerous models available, ranging from the $99 Roku Ultra to the $29.99 Roku Express. The Roku Express streams 1080p content with basic control, while the Roku Premiere gets you up to 4K for $39.99.
At $49.00, the Premiere+ adds a voice remote. You also get a dongle for your TV back when you purchase the $49.99 Streaming Stick. At $59.99, the Streaming Stick+ adds the 4K feature. The most expensive Roku stick is the $99.99 Roku Ultra, which has an internet connection feature, a headphone jack in the remote, and private TV viewing.
Why It’s Our Top Choice for Streaming
An easy-to-use remote with specialized buttons that give one-touch access to well-known streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and HBO as well as a simple interface, make up Roku’s basic user interface. The more advanced models also have a headphone port on the remote, allowing you to stream your TV while listening to it wirelessly without the need for additional equipment.
The Surprising Downsides About Roku
Some of the most recent apps lag slightly behind the competition because Roku’s interface isn’t as polished as its competition these days. While some versions come with voice search built into the remote, which can access about 100 popular services, it lacks the extensive feature set of smart assistants like Siri and Alexa.
Amazon Fire Stick
Fire Stick is a digital media player offered by Amazon. The device comes in two different setups: a set-top box and an HDMI plug-in stick. The latest set-top box type is the Fire TV Cube with an integrated Amazon Echo smart speaker, while there are three models available in the stick form factor: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, the Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Stick.
How Much Does It Cost?
There are currently three different Fire Stick models available: the Fire TV Stick, which supports 1080p and costs $39.99; the Fire TV, which supports 4K and HDR and costs $69.99; and the new Fire TV Cube, which costs $119.99.
Why It’s Our Top Choice for Streaming
Amazon Fire Stick device comes with a voice-activated controller and supports voice search for content. Alexa has many useful features, including the ability to search across multiple popular streaming sites, make reminders, automatically rewind or fast-forward what you’re watching, and even manage your smart home appliances.
What’s more, several music streaming services, including Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music, are supported on the Amazon Fire Stick. Hence, to enjoy your favorite music without interruptions, make sure you have a good internet connection, whether it’s from cable or fiber internet. Keep that in mind.
The Surprising Downsides About Fire Stick
The Fire TV Stick does not offer the quickest streaming speed. Despite the abundance of options, the processing speed needs to be improved. Searching and streaming are challenging to its confusing user interface. The voice recognition feature may be your only option, and as we all know, it’s not always accurate.
Apple TV 4K
The new Apple TV 4K is the most recent model of Apple TV. It is available in two configurations: Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi), which has 64GB of storage, and Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), which has twice as much capacity for applications and games and supports Gigabit Ethernet for fast networking and streaming (128GB).
How Much Does It Cost?
The price for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only model of the Apple TV 4K starts at $129. Customers have the option to purchase a 128GB model with a gigabit Ethernet port and compatibility for the Thread mesh network interface for $149 in order to link even more smart home devices. For $59, you may get the Siri Remote with USB-C on its own.
Why It’s Our Top Choice for Streaming
The most recent version supports 4K content, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio. It runs the sleek tvOS interface and has a strong A8 CPU. It offers the majority of the top streaming services, including well-designed Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and other host streaming apps.
The Surprising Downsides About Apple TV 4K
The original Apple TV 4K comes with a heavy, fragile, and easily breakable glass-surfaced remote control. Moreover, although the Apple User experience is really attractive, it is not the most user-friendly.
Summing Up: Who’s the Winner?
Each of the three platforms has benefits and drawbacks. Although Apple TV is significantly more expensive, it offers the nicest design, integrated smart home technology, and a gaming platform.
On the other side, Roku is the best at leveling the competitive landscape for all services and has the greatest remote, but it falls short of the competition in terms of polish and intelligent features. Amazon has excellent hardware, Alexa, and a stunning user experience, but it shines when you have a Prime membership.
Overall, we’d recommend the Amazon Fire stick to most people. It is a versatile device that works with all of the main streaming services and is remarkably simple to set up. The audio and video quality is kept at a high level due to Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision compatibility.
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