Tech for Luddites

News, Views, and How-Tos for a Digital World

Which Player Is Right for You?

Get this FREE PDF comparing the most popular streaming media players: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast.

Around the Interwebs

Related Products at Amazon

Affiliate Links

(Roll over to see current standard prices and click through to product page to see any special deals currently available.)

Streaming Media Players

Note: Amazon no longer carries the Apple TV or Google Chromecast.

Accessories

The Basics

This series of posts will walk you through the process of figuring out whether or not you can cancel your cable or satellite subscription.

Introduction

Watching Live Broadcast TV with an Antenna

Watching TV On Demand with a Streaming Media Player

Casting Videos from the Web to Your TV Using PlayOn Software

Mirroring Your Computer or Mobile Device Screen on Your TV

Cutting the Cable Cord: Putting It All Together

TV Programming Options

TV ProgramsAs much as cable and satellite providers would like you to think they're the only ones with the good content, you do have other options.

Where Can You Find Your Favorite TV Shows Without Cable?

Comparing Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Streaming Content Providers

Sling TV: A Streaming-Only Service for Cord Cutters

More About Streaming Media Players

These devices take content from the Internet to display on your TV.

Introduction to Streaming Media

Which Streaming Media Player Is Right for You?

Streaming Media Players: In Canada

Do You Need a Streaming Media Player for Each TV?

Frequently Asked Questions about Streaming Media

The Bring Back Classic Google Maps Campaign

Tell Google: Bring Back Classic Google MapsWe're not giving up the fight! These links take you to resources supporting the campaign to get Google to bring back Classic Maps.

Subcribe for Email Updates
If you'd like to be informed of updates by email, enter your address below. When you subscribe, you'll receive a Welcome email with links to previous updates as well.

Which mailings would you like to receive?
Maps Updates General T4L Newsletter


Online Petition at Change.org
Sign and share the petition to Larry Page, CEO of Google.

Campaign Page on Tech for Luddites
Here you'll find news and updates about the campaign as well as messages, images, and videos you can share via email and social media to help get more people involved in the campaign.

Discussion Sites
Here are some more places people are talking about Google Maps.

Google Maps and Earth Help Forum Main Page

Reddit: Google Maps

Alternative Mapping Sites

Maps PinWhile none of these alternative sites are perfect replacements for Classic Maps, they're what we've got for now. I haven't checked most of these out personally yet, but I'm linking to them anyway in case you find them helpful for your purposes.

General Maps Based on Classic Maps

Note: Google has recently changed their API so that all maps now have the new-style controls. However, this doesn't affect most of the underlying features.

Google MapMaker
This site is designed to let people make additions and corrections to Google Maps. However, it uses Classic Maps as its base map and provides some of its features including Directions (under the Edit menu), a variation of Street View/Maps split screen, and 2D satellite view.

Classy GMap

An excellent alternative to Classic Maps with some of its most popular features, this mapping solution has undergone some changes since first developed. Check out this post for the most recent update (01/18/16).

Google Maps Streetview Player of Brian Folts
A reader emailed me this link with some detailed instructions about how to use it. There's not enough room for me to write them up here, so I've copied them into a comment on the original Google Maps post.

Instant Street View
Thanks to reader Sappy for sharing this find that has a lot of Classic Maps' features (searchable, zoom, 2D satellite view). However, it doesn't have a full split-screen Street View or directions.

Meteomodel
Thanks to reader Szymon for sending along this link for a Polish site. The map has Street View (not split-screen) but doesn't have search or Directions.

Falk
Thanks to reader Dave for sharing this German site.

Wareko Map
T4L reader Wareko is also developing a map based on Google Classic, available in Japanese and English!

Specialty Maps Based on Classic Maps

TennisMaps
Thanks to reader James for sharing this website that he maintains to help people find tennis courts around the world.

SolarGIS
Thanks to reader S.H. for sharing this Google-based map that includes solar radiation and temperature data.

Thanks to reader John for sharing a whole slew of URLs that incorporate Classic Maps.

www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp
shipspotting.com/ais/index.php
www.sunearthtools.com/dp/tools/pos_earth.php?lang=en
www.heywhatsthat.com/
www.westernhvdclink.co.uk/map-of-route.aspx

Maps Based on Other Platforms

MapQuest
One of the original mapping applications.

Bing Maps
Microsoft's mapping site.

Yahoo Maps Directions
While Yahoo! has shut down its main Maps site, this implementation is currently still working.

OpenStreetMap
Open-source mapping software. A reader adds, "OSM is just the database: It's up to someone to read the data and build actual maps, and possibly provide a router such as OSRM for directions."

Wikimapia
Thanks to reader Metal for sharing this site, which describes itself as "a multilingual open-content collaborative map, where anyone can create place tags and share their knowledge." Has both map and satellite views, but does not include a street view or directions feature.

Cycling-Focused Maps

Thanks to reader Frederic for sending me these links. Descriptions in quotations are taken directly from the site.

Ride with GPS
"Ride with GPS makes it easy to drag and draw your own custom routes with lightning fast elevation profiles to help you anticipate (or avoid) those big climbs."

Bike Route Toaster
"BikeRouteToaster.com is a course creation application primarily aimed at Garmin Edge/Forerunner owners although other users without a GPS may also find it useful for planning rides."

Cycle.Travel
Pretty straightforward-looking route planner built with OpenStreetMap.

Ride with GPS
From their About page: "Ride with GPS was founded by two guys that love writing cool software and riding their bikes: Zack Ham and Cullen King."

New Google Maps How-Tos

Google Maps LiteYeah, I hate 'em too... But if we're going to be stuck with them at least for the foreseeable future, I'll be working on some tutorial posts to try to make them a little less painful.

Google Maps Timeline: How to Use It, How to Lose It
A new feature from Google has privacy advocates worried and I think rightly so.

Measuring Distances in New Google Maps
This popular feature from Classic Google Maps still exists in the new version, but you find and use it a little differently.

Google Is Getting Rid of Classic Maps for Good (Ugh.)
The original sad-news post, it includes basic info on the Full vs. Lite version of the maps.

Streaming Media Players: A Comparison Chart

Last Updated: January 9, 2021

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you end up buying something from the site it goes to, I may get a commission for the referral. If you are using an ad blocker, some product information and links may not display unless you whitelist techforluddites.com.

Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google ChromecastThis 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.

Download a printable PDF of the comparison chart with a streaming media FAQ. >>

Note: This chart was last updated on January 9, 2021. 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 TVRokuApple TVGoogle Chromecast
Websiteamazon.com/firetvroku.comapple.com/tvstore.google.com
Where to BuyAmazon USRoku
Amazon US		AppleGoogle : Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra
B&H Photo
List Price (USD)Fire TV Stick Lite: $29.99
Fire TV Stick: $39.99
Fire TV Stick 4K: $49.99
Fire TV Cube: $119.99
Compare Models
Roku Express: $29.99
Roku Premiere: $39.99
Roku Streaming Stick+: $49.99
Roku Ultra: $99.99
Compare Models
Apple TV HD, 32GB: $149.00
Apple TV 4K, 32GB: $179.00
Apple TV 4K, 64GB: $199.00


Google Chromecast: $20.00
Google Chromecast: with Google TV $49.99
Compare Models

Content Providers Available on AllNetflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV, AT&T TV NOW, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, PBS, PBS Kids, Disney+, WatchESPN, FOX NOW, Crackle, Telemundo Deportes EN VIVO, Plex, Pandora, Sirius XM

NOTE: May be limited to certain models and geographies. Check with device manufacturer to confirm availability.
Additional Available: Apple TV+, Spotify, Amazon Music, PlayOn
Find More

Missing: Peacock, FandangoNOW, Google Play, VUDU, iTunes, Apple Music
Available: Peacock, Apple TV+, FandangoNOW, VUDU, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon Music, PlayOn
Find More (official channel store)
Private channels also available

Missing: iTunes, Apple Music
Available: : Peacock, Apple TV+, iTunes, Apple Music, VUDU
Find More (full list not available online)

Missing: Google Play, FandangoNOW, Spotify, Amazon Music, PlayOn		Available: Peacock, Google Play, YouTube, YouTube TV, FandangoNOW, VUDU, Amazon Music, Spotify, PlayOn
Find More

Missing: Apple TV+, iTunes, Apple Music
Ethernet Connector
(all have Wi-Fi)		Cube has built-in Ethernet port. A separate Ethernet adapter is available for all stick models.UltraHD: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
4K: Gigabit Ethernet

N/A
4K/HDR Support
(all have 1080p)		Stick 4K, CubePremiere, Streaming Stick+, Ultra4KWith Google TV
Voice Search on Remote
(all have feature via app)		AllStreaming Stick+, UltraAllWith Google TV
Display Mirroring
N/AAllCan cast and control streaming content and mirror screens from compatible Macs and iOS devices using AirPlay
Screen mirroring available for compatible Android devices

Use Chrome browser to cast any tab or full computer screen to TV
Hotel Login
YesYesNoNo
Single Sign-On for TV Everywhere Apps
YesYesYesNo
Additional Features

  • Stick, Stick 4K, and Cube include TV controls on remote

  • Amazon Fire, iOS, Android apps available

  • Pair stick versions with select Amazon Echo voice-activated devices for hands-free control

  • Remote and mobile apps also work with Alexa

  • Fire TV Recast adds live TV watching/recording capabilities with HD antenna

  • Amazon FreeTime for children

  • Free Amazon Cloud storage for all Amazon content

  • Supports Bluetooth accessories



  • Streaming Stick+, Ultra include TV controls on remote

  • iOS, Android, Amazon Fire apps available

  • Additional features on Ultra: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, headphone jack, USB port, Bluetooth, personal shortcut buttons, remote finder

  • Company also has TVs with built-in Roku capabilities, soundbar/streaming video combos, wireless speakers, and a few streaming devices available exclusively at Walmart or Best Buy.


    See all products


  • Can watch content saved on Mac computers, iOS devices, iCloud

  • TV app helps organize content in one interface

  • Use Siri voice commands

  • iOS app available for use as remote

  • Supports Bluetooth accessories


  • Additional features on Chromecast with Google TV: physical voice remote, TV interface, control for smart home devices

  • Chromecast available in white, black

  • Chromecast with Google TV available in white, blue, pink





Frequently Asked Questions about Streaming Media

The links below will take you to the Streaming Media FAQ page that has answers to questions relevant to streaming players and content in general.

Do I need a computer to use a streaming media player?

Do I need Internet service to use a streaming media player?

How fast does my Internet connection need to be for streaming movies and TV shows?

How many gigs of data do I need to watch streaming media?

Can I stream content using my cellphone's data plan?

I have a limited data plan with my Internet service provider. Does my player stream data even when I'm not using it?

Can I use a VPN service with a streaming media player?

Do I need cable or satellite service to use a streaming media player?

How does a streaming media player work with my cable/satellite service?

Can I watch "regular TV" through a streaming player?

If I have a streaming media player and an antenna, can I cancel my cable/satellite service?

Do I need a Smart TV to use a streaming media player?

All my HDMI ports are already being used. Is there a way to add a streaming player without unplugging another device?

Can I connect multiple streaming players to the same TV?

I have multiple TVs. Do I need a separate player for each one?

Can I use a streaming media player with an older TV?

How do I switch back to watch regular TV?

If I buy a Roku/Fire TV/Apple TV/Chromecast, is that a one-time cost or do I have to pay annually?

If I buy a streaming media player, why do I need to pay to watch videos?

What are the costs of the various streaming services you can use with your streaming media player?

Can I watch videos saved on my computer, phone, tablet, or external hard drive on TV using a streaming media player?

Can I use a streaming media player outside the United States?

Can I record streaming videos with my DVR?

Filed Under: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Cutting the Cable Cord, Google Chromecast, Popular, Real Life Tech, Recommended, Roku, Series, Streaming Media

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