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.
Note: This chart was last updated on December 12, 2017. 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.
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Comments
Using the amazon fire stick is there any way to watch tv in multiple rooms at the same time? if I purchased the prime package or amazon has a bundle package with an antenna included can I also get local news channels and ESPN?
Hi Oshoon.
Please check the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to your questions:
Streaming Media Players: Frequently Asked Questions
– Elizabeth
Im a REAL Luddite when it comes to this technology – my wife & I are moving back to UK from abroad soon. We’ve been happy enough with digital terrestrial TV when we’ve visited relatives up till now, but wonder whether one of these services might be a good alternative to cable/satellite when we come back for good.
What sort of subscription fees do the various providers charge, or do you pay a per movie/series/event charge…?
If we had a Fire TV box in the lounge & a Fire Stick in the bedroom, would we need two accounts…?
We’re looking at Smart TVs – do we still need a box/stick, or can we access any or all of these services via the TV’s internet connectivity…?
Hi Andy.
It’s very hard for me to answer questions about services outside of the U.S. because the offerings are very different from country to country. But to your specific questions:
– Some providers, like Netflix, charge monthly subscription fees while others, like Amazon Video, charge for each title you rent/purchase. The latter has one exception where if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can stream a subset of their library for free. What you’ll need to do is look at each supported content provider you’re interested in and check out what their model is.
– You don’t need separate accounts for multiple devices. However, note that some content providers may have limits on how many screens you can stream to at the same time. Again, you should visit their websites to find out the specific terms.
– If you get a smart TV, you may not need an additional streaming device. It just depends whether the content providers the TV supports are the only ones you’re interested in. In general, the smart TVs don’t currently support as many providers as the individual players, but they usually support the most popular ones. And going forward I’m sure the big-name smart TV manufacturers will continue to add more content providers as this becomes more popular.
I hope that helps.
– Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth, that’s very useful info – life was so much easier when there were only 3 channels to choose from…! 🙂
I notice one error – the Google Chromecast offers an ethernet adapter for $15. Works great, but may no longer be needed with the improved wifi on Chromecast 2.
Thanks for sharing that info. I’m in the process of updating this post to include the new info but I’m not ready to go live with it yet. Hopefully soon!
Greetings
I’m looking for cable alternative, am considering Fire TV/stick
How can I find out:
a. Easiest way to look up networks and show listings
b. How can I be sure if they are included in fire stick and or price listings for subscriptions
Thank you for any help! George C
Hi George.
I recommend you check out my Cutting the Cable Cord section. It provides answers to your questions and more.
– Elizabeth