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 TV | Roku | Apple TV | Google Chromecast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | amazon.com/firetv | roku.com | apple.com/tv | store.google.com |
| Where to Buy | Amazon US | Roku Amazon US | Apple | Google : 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 All | Netflix, 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. | Ultra | HD: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet 4K: Gigabit Ethernet | N/A |
| 4K/HDR Support (all have 1080p) | Stick 4K, Cube | Premiere, Streaming Stick+, Ultra | 4K | With Google TV |
| Voice Search on Remote (all have feature via app) | All | Streaming Stick+, Ultra | All | With Google TV |
| 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 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 |
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View 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