This chart compares several features of the Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast streaming media players, including price, TV and Internet connection options, supported content providers and additional features specific to each one.
The chart does not compare streaming performance, ease of setup, or ease of navigating each device’s user interface because I haven’t really found a significant difference between any of them.
Below the chart, you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions about streaming media players and content.
Download a printable PDF of the FAQ and comparison chart. >>
Note: This chart was last updated on July 15, 2019. Information may change at any time. For complete, up-to-date details about any of these devices, please visit the device manufacturer’s website. If you find any errors, please let me know at elizabeth@techforluddites.com.
| Amazon Fire TV | Roku | Apple TV | Google Chromecast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  | |
| Website | amazon.com/firetv | roku.com | apple.com/tv | store.google.com |
| Where to Buy | Amazon US, Amazon Canada , Amazon UK | Roku Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK | Apple Sam's Club | Google : Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra B&H Photo |
| List Price (USD) | Fire TV Stick: $39.99 Fire TV Stick 4K: $49.99 Fire TV Cube: $119.99 Compare Models | Roku Ultra: $99.99 Roku Streaming Stick+: $59.99 Roku Streaming Stick: $49.99 Roku Premiere+: $49.00 Roku Premiere: $39.99 Roku Express+: $35.00 Roku Express: $29.99 Compare Models | Apple TV 4K, 64GB: $199.00 Apple TV 4K, 32GB: $179.00, Apple TV, 32GB: $149.00 Compare Models | Google Chromecast Ultra: $69.00 Google Chromecast: $35.00 |
| Content Providers Available on All | Netflix, Hulu, Crackle, FilmStruck, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu Live TV, HBO, SHOWTIME, PBS, PBS Kids, WatchDisney, WatchESPN, FOX NOW, Telemundo Deportes EN VIVO, Plex, Pandora, Sirius XM | |||
| Additional | Available: Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Amazon Music, PlayOn Find More Missing: FandangoNOW, Google Play, YouTube*, YouTube TV, VUDU, iTunes, Apple Music * Coming in 2019 | Available: Amazon Prime Video, FandangoNOW, VUDU, Google Play, YouTube, YouTube TV, Spotify, Amazon Music, PlayOn Find More (official channel store) Private channels also available Missing: iTunes, Apple Music | Available: : iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Prime Video, VUDU, YouTube, YouTube TV, Sirius XM Find More (full list not available online) Missing: Google Play, FandangoNOw, Spotify, Amazon Music, PlayOn | Available: Google Play, YouTube, YouTube TV, FandangoNOW, VUDU, Amazon Music, Spotify, PlayOn Find More Missing: Amazon Prime Video*, iTunes, Apple Music * Coming in 2019 |
| Ethernet Connector (all have Wi-Fi) | Cube has built-in Ethernet port. A separate Ethernet adapter is available for both stick models. | Ultra | Apple TV 4K: Gigabit Ethernet Apple TV: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet | N/A |
| A/V TV Connector (all have HDMI) | N/A | Express+ | N/A | N/A |
| 4K/HDR Support (all have 1080p) | Fire TV Stick 4K, Cube | Ultra, Streaming Stick+, Premiere+, Premiere | Apple TV 4K | Ultra |
| Voice Search on Remote (all have feature via app) | All | Ultra, Streaming Stick+, Streaming Stick, Premiere+ | All | N/A |
| Display Mirroring | N/A | All | Can cast and control streaming content and mirror screens from compatible Macs and iOS devices using AirPlay | Screen mirroring available for compatible Android devices Can use Chrome browser to cast any tab or full computer screen to TV |
| Hotel Login | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Single Sign-On for TV Everywhere Apps | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Additional Features |
|
|
|
|