There's suddenly a wealth of affordable media streamers on the market, with multiple options from Amazon, Google, and Roku. For $50 or less, you can get a Fire TV device from Amazon, a Chromecast With Google TV from Google, or any of a plethora of Roku media hubs. They all have different platforms with different feature sets, as well as different apps and available streaming services. We're comparing them here to help you decide which one is right for you.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Amazon's Fire TV platform is popular, powerful, and affordable, with three different tiny Fire TV Sticks that plug into the back of your TV for under $50. The Fire TV Stick 4K offers 4K streaming for $49.99, while the standard Fire TV Stick supports 1080p streaming for $39.99. If you want to spend even less, the $29.99 Fire TV Stick Lite offers similar performance and capabilities to the 1080p Fire TV Stick, but comes with a remote that can't control your TV.
The difference between the Fire TV Stick 4K and the other two are clear: It can output video at 4K, so if you have a 4K TV, you should seriously consider spending the extra $10 or $20 on it. The difference between the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite is entirely in the remote. The Fire TV Stick has an infrared emitter for controlling your TV, while the Fire TV Stick Lite doesn't.
The Fire TV platform is based on Android, but Amazon has been developing and refining it so much that it's completely distinct from Android TV and its new Google TV front-end. Obviously, as an Amazon platform, Fire TV is focused on delivering Amazon content through Prime Video (as well as Prime Music and Amazon Channels), but it also does a very good job of aggregating other movies and shows from other major streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix.
The platform has thousands of different apps, including Apple TV. The only big hole is Google Play services, which severely limits the available apps compared with the Chromecast, and prevents you from streaming content from Google Play.
On the plus side, Fire TV features Alexa, Amazon's voice assistant. Just press the microphone button on your Fire TV Stick's included remote, speak into it, and ask Alexa for whatever you want. It's a powerful voice assistant that can provide general information, bring up different apps and content, and control your smart home devices. It stumbles a bit on syntax for certain activities, and you need to get used to more specific phrasing when, say, adjusting your living room lights, compared with Google Assistant.
Chromecast With Google TV
Google only offers one media streamer, the $49.99 Chromecast With Google TV. It's a nice step up from previous Chromecast devices, adding 4K streaming, a remote, and an on-screen interface to the experience.
Google TV is essentially a new interface for Android TV. This means the Chromecast has all the features of an Android TV device, including thousands of apps, Google Assistant, and (of course) the ability to stream content from other devices with Google Cast, all wrapped up in a new, streamlined menu system.
Google TV also covers most major streaming services and offers thousands of apps, including Prime Video and Disney+. However, Apple TV isn't available, which gives the Fire TV and Roku devices a bit of an advantage if you subscribe to Apple TV+ or Apple One.
Google Assistant is our favorite voice assistant for media streamers. It's easily as powerful as Amazon Alexa, offering the same content search, smart home control, and general information functions, but it's much more flexible with language. Its only weakness is that it has far fewer third-party skills, though the vast majority of those skills feel like novelties.
Roku Streaming Stick+ vs. Roku Premiere vs. Roku Express
Roku has a wide variety of media streamers, just like Fire TV, including three available for less than $50 (not counting retailer exclusives). The Roku Streaming Stick+ is $49.99 and most like the Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast With Google TV—it's a stick you plug into the back of your TV with 4K media streaming and a voice remote for using Roku's voice search feature. The $39.99 Roku Premiere is a step down, keeping 4K streaming but in a small box you need to keep in front of your TV so the infrared remote can activate it. The Roku Express is the most affordable at $29.99, and is basically a Roku Premiere that outputs video at 1080p instead of 4K.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Premiere are a slight step behind the Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast With Google TV, because while they support 4K video in high dynamic range (HDR), it only works with HDR10 and HLG, not Dolby Vision like on the other two devices.
That said, Roku is a remarkably powerful platform for streaming services and apps, with thousands of "channels" (Roku's term for apps and services) available. Nearly all major services are here, including Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Prime Video, and many more. For sheer number of apps, Roku comes out on top. Gamers should look elsewhere, though, as Twitch isn't currently available on Roku.
Roku stumbles in the "smart" department compared with Fire TV and Google TV. While the Streaming Stick+ and higher-end Roku devices have voice remotes with microphones, you can only use them to search for content and control playback. Roku lacks a fully functional voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, which means you can't ask your Roku for the weather report, or to dim the lights when you're watching a movie. It's a fairly significant drawback compared with the other two platforms.
Which Media Streamer Is Right for You?
They're all very good platforms with plenty of apps and services, and they all have excellent media streamers available for under $50. The Chromecast With Google TV has our favorite voice assistant, but lacks Apple TV. The Fire TV Sticks have Apple TV, but lack Google Play services, and Alexa, while useful, isn't as simple to use as Google Assistant. Roku has the best selection of services, but doesn't have a voice assistant.
The best streaming hub for you is a matter of taste and technology. If you have a 4K TV, you should be prepared to spend at least $49.99 for the Fire TV Stick 4K, the Chromecast With Google TV, or the Roku Streaming Stick+. If you still have a 1080p TV, you can spend a bit less (though not with Chromecast). The big question is what you want to watch and where. Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu are all covered by the three services, but if you want to watch an Apple TV+ show, you should count the Chromecast out. Similarly, if you want Google Play services, you should buy a Fire TV Stick.
Ultimately, all three platforms are easy to recommend, and all three $49.99 4K media streamers are excellent. But there isn't a single one that can do absolutely everything you might want it to. So consider what you want to watch, then take your pick.
And once you decide on the right one for you, check out our top tips for Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku streamers.
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