Reasons Why to Choose Roku over Amazon Fire
Last Updated: 5/21/18Which TV stick is best for video streaming to your TV?
Note: This review is for Roku Stick (3800) vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick (1st/2nd Generation with voice search)
If you don't want to view the whole article, Here is a comparison table.
| Roku Stick (3800) | Fire TV Stick | |
| Universal Voice Search |  |
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| HDMI 1080p | |
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| Netflix/Hulu and other common apps | |
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| Watch Amazon Prime Video | |
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| Highest Amount of Apps (i.e. Channels) | |
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| Youtube App | |
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| Cast Youtube Video from Phone to TV *using native Google casting |
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Miracast Support: Cast your phone or computer screen (Windows/Android) to your TV. |
Yes, from any screen if you accept the prompt. |
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Control Your TV with the same remote (Power and Volume Only) |
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| Private Listening: See Video on your TV, but have audio go through your smartphone |
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| Smart Phone App to Control your Device |
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| Average Price for 1080p model: | $40 | $40 |
| Average Price for 4k model: | $55/$90 | $70 |
Amazon versus Google: Streaming Wars
Amazon Fire does not have the youtube app or the ability to easily cast from the youtube app on your phone due to a conflict between Google and Amazon. This is really bad for the consumer. Both of these features were available, but were taken out of theAmazon Fire TV products.
Private Listening Mode
I have tested private listening mode a few times. It works reasonably well, but expect it to be choppy if you don't have strong WiFi in that part of your house. I do like this feature and find it useful.
Control TV with the same remote.
I really enjoy this feature. Being able to quickly start netflix with a single remote was one thing I could never do with my Amazon Fire TV remote.
One Reason to Get Fire TV Stick: Hacking and specs
I have not done this myself, but I've heard that modifying the fire TV stick with non-approved Android apps and having the hardware power to run certain services, is a strength of the Amazon fire TV stick.
4K Video Streaming
If you need want 4K video Streaming, you will need the Roku Stick+, Roku Ultra, or the Amazon Fire TV with 4k Ultra HD. Keep in mind that you need a 4K TV and content that is in 4K to really take advantage of this.
