Roku vs Amazon Firestick?

[bobdeb]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.

[dewilson58]

Roku Ultra.......there are cheaper & more expensive.
Unless you are an over-the-top gamer, Ultra is the sweet spot.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I have tried almost all available options. As an Apple FanBoi with all Apple products, I use Apple TV.

BUT, I have tried them all.

I do not like the way Amazon organizes the shows in the browser. It is cluttered, and a lot of scrolling around. The entire time I was using it, I got the impression they were trying to impress me with how many shows were available as opposed to making it easy to find what I was looking for.

I found Roku to be a much more enjoyable experience. Simpler and less cluttered.

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, Roku is the best streaming stick. I think the Amazon product will restrict certain apps from being added, which is similar to the way the Amazon Fire tablets also restrict certain apps. You can buy a Roku stick at Best Buy for about $50. Make sure you get one that has volume buttons on the remote.

[champion6]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.Go to YouTube and search Roku v Firestick There a many videos that compare them.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Tried them both and Roku is King ������

[Dana1963]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.
Firestick all the way to side load apps you will need to download “Downloader App” anything you download not in APP STORE Amazon/Firestick will direct you to My Firetv/developer options/ allow from unknown sources. Firestick comes with 2 options 4K @ $50, standard @ $40 if you are an Amazon Prime member it’s a no-brainer just stay away from Kodi applications. APPs can be found @ Firesticktricks.com

[jedalton]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.
You can't sideload any apps to Roku. That's the big dis-advantage. with firestick you can get streaming service for less than $20/mth that gives you over 5,000 live tv channels, movies and series. Ask me how.
Fast Eddie, the villages firestick guy.

[jedalton]

not true

[scottiesrgreat@gmail.com]

Love my Roku ...... I have the latest Apple TV - too —- but, I prefer (and only use) my Rokus.

[mlmarr1]

Been using Firestick, 3 yrs now.. just replaced a bedroom roku with the stick..

[KCrowne]

Keep in mind that at present, you will be unable to add the YouTube TV app on Roku devices. They are in negotiations with Google (who owns YTTV). However, you can apparently still access via the regular YouTube app. We are happy with Roku on three TVs, but we also have a firestick “just in case.” Either seems to work well for what we need.

[Bwolf1]

Can not load Hulu on Roku.

[VIN574]

Can not load Hulu on Roku.

NOT TRUE!

We watch HULU on 3 different Rokus

Roku even has its own free TV channels

Best

[davephan]

I’ve found that the Chromecast 4K streaming device is the most trouble free compared to the Roku Utra 4K. The Roku heats up quite a bit and needs to be occasionally powered down and powered up to reset it. The reset only needs to be done occasionally, like once a week or so. The non 4K Roku streaming boxes are more reliable than the 4K version, but not as reliable as the Chromecast. The Chromecast has no remote control, since your tablet or cellphone is your remote control. If you’re still living in the dark ages, and have a flip (dumb) cellphone, the Chromecast won’t work for you.

Depending on what you stream, one is better than the other. It’s probably a good idea to own more than one streaming device, since they aren’t that expensive. Get the 4K version of the device, even if you don’t currently have a 4K TV now. That will future proof your streaming device in the future when you get the 4K TV.

I plug both the Chromecast and Roku Ultra into a WiFi controlled power outlet. That way, I can power cycled both devices with the “Smart Life” app with my iPhone.

You’ll need to register your credit card when you set up the Roku account, in case you make future purchases with the Roku that’s pay content. I don’t care for the idea of having to register my credit card with the Roku account, but I’ve never been charged anything by Roku on the credit card. The Chromecast doesn’t require you to register a credit card to your Google account.

The 4K TV looks a lot better than the HD TV when you are watching 4K content. The 4K TV up converts the HD content, so that the HD content will look better on the 4K TV than it does on the HD TV, but not as good as if it was 4K content. When you’re replacing TV’s I recommend to not bother with the HD TVs and get a Samsung 4K TV. Samsung is the best brand.

We have an Amazon account, but almost never stream with Amazon. We stream with Netflix and YouTube TV. If you have a T-Mobile Magenta Plus plan, then Netflix is free. T-Mobile is half the price compared to Verizon.

We haven’t tried the Amazon stick yet or the Apple streaming device, although we thought about buying the Apple streaming device.

The YouTube TV service is a lot more expensive than it was a couple years ago, but is a pretty good solution if you are a snowbird, travel around, and it’s very handy to watch TV on a iPad or iPhone around the house.

[retiredguy123]

I’ve found that the Chromecast 4K streaming device is the most trouble free compared to the Roku Utra 4K. The Roku heats up quite a bit and needs to be occasionally powered down and powered up to reset it. The reset only needs to be done occasionally, like once a week or so. The non 4K Roku streaming boxes are more reliable than the 4K version, but not as reliable as the Chromecast. The Chromecast has no remote control, since your tablet or cellphone is your remote control. If you’re still living in the dark ages, and have a flip (dumb) cellphone, the Chromecast won’t work for you.

Depending on what you stream, one is better than the other. It’s probably a good idea to own more than one streaming device, since they aren’t that expensive. Get the 4K version of the device, even if you don’t currently have a 4K TV now. That will future proof your streaming device in the future when you get the 4K TV.

I plug both the Chromecast and Roku Ultra into a WiFi controlled power outlet. That way, I can power cycled both devices with the “Smart Life” app with my iPhone.

You’ll need to register your credit card when you set up the Roku account, in case you make future purchases with the Roku that’s pay content. I don’t care for the idea of having to register my credit card with the Roku account, but I’ve never been charged anything by Roku on the credit card. The Chromecast doesn’t require you to register a credit card to your Google account.

The 4K TV looks a lot better than the HD TV when you are watching 4K content. The 4K TV up converts the HD content, so that the HD content will look better on the 4K TV than it does on the HD TV, but not as good as if it was 4K content. When you’re replacing TV’s I recommend to not bother with the HD TVs and get a Samsung 4K TV. Samsung is the best brand.

We have an Amazon account, but almost never stream with Amazon. We stream with Netflix and YouTube TV. If you have a T-Mobile Magenta Plus plan, then Netflix is free. T-Mobile is half the price compared to Verizon.

We haven’t tried the Amazon stick yet or the Apple streaming device, although we thought about buying the Apple streaming device.

The YouTube TV service is a lot more expensive than it was a couple years ago, but is a pretty good solution if you are a snowbird, travel around, and it’s very handy to watch TV on a iPad or iPhone around the house.
To clarify, you do not need to register a credit card to get a Roku account and use the streaming device. If you buy or rent a movie from Roku, you need to pay with a credit card, debit card, or gift card, but you can always delete the card from the account.

[PoolBrews]

Google recently released the Chromecast with Google TV streaming device. It offers 4K, is faster than the Firestick, has a better interface than the Firestick (and Roku in my opinion), AND you can sideload apps like you can in Firestick. In addition, the included remote is far more capable than either the Firestick or Roku remotes. It can turn your TV on/off, control volume (both of which the Roku do), and also can change TV inputs!

Keep in mind, if you get a Roku, you can't currently use YouTube TV. Roku has removed their app from the app store, and they are in a huge battle. If this were the Firestick or Chromecast, you could simply sideload the app.

[Jayhawk]

You can't sideload any apps to Roku. That's the big dis-advantage. with firestick you can get streaming service for less than $20/mth that gives you over 5,000 live tv channels, movies and series. Ask me how.
Fast Eddie, the villages firestick guy.

Fast Eddie, if someone took you up on your offer, then refused to pay you the monthly vig, would you feel like you were being cheated? Once you crack the Firestick, aren't you relying on someone who is willing to bend the rules? And if they don't, what is your cure?

[Looking for next wife]

Simple:
1. Get the cheapest Roku model that has the ability to MUTE and control your tv for each tv. If you can read, you can set it up. You don't need voice control etc on your remotes. Comes with dvr capabilities and separate watcher lists under their name.
2. Sign up for one hulu account. One account can be accessed by your many rokus for the one subscription price.
3. Sign up Netflix. Ditto here that each roku can access your account with just one subscription price.
4. Add or select Amazon Prime tv if you already have an Amazon Prime account, most of it will be a free tv subscription included in
your original Amazon Prime shopping account.
That is enough tv to keep you through another year of pandemic.

With Roku you can add many many others streaming services if you have a subscription accounts to pull from.

[KCrowne]

@lrvalley
You can access YouTube TV through the YouTube app on Roku devices if you don’t already have the YTTV app installed.

[JimmyDebbie]

We have 2 Roku televisions (TCL brand) and use a Roku stick on our other tv. We can add multiple apps plus watch shows on Roku app for free. We’ve been very pleased with Roku for several years.

[billethkid]

Does Roku or Amazon Firestick do anything different than what is available on a smart TV set?

I can access just about all the streaming sites with my Vizio smart TV.

[BlackhawksFan]

I started with Chromecast but found it kind of clunky and limited. About 15 months ago my youngest son got me to change to firestick so I could download an IPTV APK and had it ever since.

My stick is jailbroken, easy to do, so I can add those outside apps like Peacock and my VPN.

I saw a mention about remotes, mine is 2nd Gen and it has Alexa which I don't use. I can control my TV and power with it. If I use my soundbar the volume and features are controlled by that remote. The firestick also has a search function and while I agree with the cluttered screen comment you can find what you're looking for using search in less than a minute.

Now another twist, I live just outside TV and my media company is Zito Media. They've gone away from cable boxes and out their "cable tv" on an app that you can access on firestick or Roku. I won't get into it here but you have to wonder if other media providers are going the same route?

[BlackhawksFan]

Does Roku or Amazon Firestick do anything different than what is available on a smart TV set?

I can access just about all the streaming sites with my Vizio smart TV.

They give you more options. My smart tv has MLB TV but not NHL TV it's why I originally got a Chromecast and changed to firestick.

[airstreamingypsy]

I use Firesticks. Have 4 of them. I can order apps on Amazon, and cancel subscriptions on Amazon. I have no experience with ROKUs and doubt I ever will because I'm so happy with Firesticks.

[Spalumbos62]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.

I have used both, now my 3 tvs are on roku. We mute commercials, so it was very important to find the roku that has that button ON THE SIDE of the remote. Not all are located there and some of the bottom levels don't even have mute on the remote...you have to just keep lowering the vol.
Another thing, the remote does not have numbers, therefore when on the guide you can not punch in the channel number..you have to toggle to it... that can be a pain. Maybe newer models have corrected it.
Roku has very fast set up.

[tallyhoer]

Just found out my Roku is not compatible with ������pectrum. Apparently ������pectrum is wanting to launch their own version and no longer offers the Spectrum app on the Roku device. Disappointing. When I am in FL, I use Xfinity and it works fine with Roku. I do not like the way the guide works with the Roku versus the Xfinity box. Also, you cannot rewind a live show you are watching with Roku. A few small inconveniences.

[yanksansky]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.
Hi. We love our specially installed Lock Streamed Amazon Fire stick. A gazillion channels and apps live everything. Purchase FS, then the TV Doctor came. Sets everything up and spent spent allot of quality time showing us how to use. Dropped television 📺 services. Saving over $100 per month. His software engineering invented this method. His name is Arty the Tv doctor. 386-843-1670. Lives in Fenney

[Laurel Maryland]

Does Roku include viewing of local TV stations? I like getting local weather & sports.

[retiredguy123]

Does Roku or Amazon Firestick do anything different than what is available on a smart TV set?

I can access just about all the streaming sites with my Vizio smart TV.
It depends on the features included on the smart TV. Some smart TVs have built-in streaming apps and don't allow you to search the internet for new streaming apps. With the Roku, you can search for new apps and install them on the Roku stick.

[retiredguy123]

Does Roku include viewing of local TV stations? I like getting local weather & sports.
No. The free Roku service is just a platform for streaming apps, some of which are free. You get local channels by subscribing to a streaming app that includes the local channels. I don't think you can get local channels through a free app.

[Carla B]

Does Roku include viewing of local TV stations? I like getting local weather & sports.

But Roku offers the app called "locast.org" for a subscription "donation" of $5.50 per month. Locast airs the main Orlando channels. However, Locast is being sued by the networks (ABC, NBC, etc.) for streaming their content, so I don't know how long this app will work.

I wonder why the networks don't stream their own content to reach rural areas. Maybe FCC rules?

[retiredguy123]

But Roku offers the app called "locast.org" for a subscription "donation" of $5.50 per month. Locast airs the main Orlando channels. However, Locast is being sued by the networks (ABC, NBC, etc.) for streaming their content, so I don't know how long this app will work.

I wonder why the networks don't steam their own content to reach rural areas. Maybe FCC rules?
It's called a donation, but if you don't pay it, the broadcast will stop every 15 minutes to ask you for money. If you do pay it, you need to authorize a monthly credit card charge, with no way to contact the company directly if you decide to cancel. It doesn't sound like a very good service.

[ldj1938]

Google Chromecast! Cheap, simple to install and use. Fire and Roku don't compare. Fire, being the worst!
Available online or at Best Buy. About $35.

[stebooo]

I have Roku. Love it. Don't know which model. Didn't know Roku has more than one. I suspect not much difference. Other than maybe price

[Professor]

I have one of both and Roku is far superior in my opinion. Amazon Fire Stick has constant memory issues which shut down streaming regularly. I have done some work to improve the Firestick memory hog, but it is a work in progress. Roku worked well right out of the box.

[jmaccallum]

Roku Ultra.......there are cheaper & more expensive.
Unless you are an over-the-top gamer, Ultra is the sweet spot.

I have been using the Amazon fire stick for about 3 years because as a prime member you pay nothing more for it after the purchase which is relatively cheap. Is it great, probably not, but it’s enough for me. The layout and App stuff really comes down to personal preference. Amazons algorithm streams on minimal bandwidth which is nice, no sitting and spinning of the stupid little icon on the screen, instead of your show or movie.

[PoolBrews]

Does Roku or Amazon Firestick do anything different than what is available on a smart TV set?

I can access just about all the streaming sites with my Vizio smart TV.

Yes, both devices include far better apps that have gone through extensive testing, and get regular updates. Apps on the TV's are added as an afterthought to lure the consumer in. They work for the most part, but will exhibit issues from time to time. They generally require more internet speed to maintain a solid stream, and have been known to lock up occasionally, or cause a TV to reset.

If an issue occurs on an app on TV, good luck getting it fixed. If it happens on Roku, Firestick, or Chromecast, a fix is usually provided fairly quickly.

Also... once you have your device loaded and connected, when you replace your TV, just move the device over and everything is working.

[Former IT Guy :)]

[Jeanne wilson]

Roku I feel is great.

[Carla B]

Our first Roku was a gift from a family member years ago, when I was complaining about Comcast's rising prices. I think it was a Roku 2. Then, a couple years ago, lightning killed it.

We replaced it with a new Roku and the difference between the power of the old and new was striking. So if anyone is operating with an older one, it's worth updating.

[PoolBrews]

The current issue with Roku is that if you want to get YouTube TV, you can't. They have blocked the app from being downloaded. Not sure when they will resolve their differences, but it doesn't look good.

With either the Firestick or Google TV you can sideload the app if the company blocks it. There is no way to sideload an app on Roku.

I loved my Roku 4K stick right up until I decided to drop Xfinity and move to YouTube TV... Now I have Chromecast with Google TV and two 4K Roku sticks for sale :)

[jedalton]

You can get the same app on the firestick

[Heyitsrick]

The current issue with Roku is that if you want to get YouTube TV, you can't. They have blocked the app from being downloaded. Not sure when they will resolve their differences, but it doesn't look good.

With either the Firestick or Google TV you can sideload the app if the company blocks it. There is no way to sideload an app on Roku.

I loved my Roku 4K stick right up until I decided to drop Xfinity and move to YouTube TV... Now I have Chromecast with Google TV and two 4K Roku sticks for sale :)

YouTube already did a workaround for the Roku issue by adding a link to YouTube TV through their regular YouTube app. This has been in place for a couple of weeks now.

Screen shot of the YouTube regular app with the YouTube TV link:
https://9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/05/youtube-tv-roku-workaround.png

[bobdeb]

Forgive my questions please...

So, obviously wifi is essential. Is this just a matter of calling Comcast/Infinity and only cancelling cable but retaining wifi?

Or, is it best to cancel both and obtain wifi only?

You're going to say whatever offer is more attractive perhaps?

Seriously. Step 1. Cancel cable. Step 2. Install Roku or whatever. Step 3. Determine which apps are desirable.

All assuming a smart TV however? One I have is and the other is not.

Again, forgive the naive questions. And all the advice here is extraordinary. Thank you.

[retiredguy123]

Forgive my questions please...

So, obviously wifi is essential. Is this just a matter of calling Comcast/Infinity and only cancelling cable but retaining wifi?

Or, is it best to cancel both and obtain wifi only?

You're going to say whatever offer is more attractive perhaps?

Seriously. Step 1. Cancel cable. Step 2. Install Roku or whatever. Step 3. Determine which apps are desirable.

All assuming a smart TV however? One I have is and the other is not.

Again, forgive the naive questions. And all the advice here is extraordinary. Thank you.
If you have a current 2 year agreement with Xfinity, you can just downgrade to the "internet only" service to avoid an early termination penalty. You will need a Roku or other type of streaming stick for the non-smart TV. Then, subscribe to a streaming service. I would suggest using the website, "suppose.tv" which is a free site to determine which streaming services you may want to get and the cost.

[bobdeb]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.

I recently had a hands-on experience with Roku Ultra and was blown away. Goodbye cable.

However, I will miss not having a DVR to record anything I may not be able to watch in real-time. Any suggestions?

[retiredguy123]

I recently had a hands-on experience with Roku Ultra and was blown away. Goodbye cable.

However, I will miss not having a DVR to record anything I may not be able to watch in real-time. Any suggestions?
YouTubeTV and many other streaming services have a cloud DVR service that allows you to record programs. You can also watch a lot of previously aired shows using their "on demand" service.

[Philipd411]

I'm just starting to investigate the pros and cons of streaming sticks, and I'm wondering what experience folks might have with either of these, or perhaps others.

Amazon Firestick may appear to be popular with Prime users. Is Roku easier to setup and use? Which model? What pricing?

Any problems encountered or advice to share would be welcomed and appreciated.


I have use both of them and I think the Roku is best.

[jdulej]

I have Roku. Love it. Don't know which model. Didn't know Roku has more than one. I suspect not much difference. Other than maybe price
The better levels of Roku come with a remote that will turn the tv on and off, adjust volume, etc. so you only need one remote