Online streaming services have taken over the media industry. With the expansion of streaming apps or even cord-cutting services, you need the best streaming device for it. Some devices come with in-built apps, allowing you space to download more. A few of the more notable ones include the Amazon Firestick and Roku, but which one is better? Are they the same? We’ve highlighted a specified review on Roku vs Firestick, discussing their differences and specifications.
Note – To make the best out of your Roku and Firestick devices and access the best content in any country, you need a working and reliable VPN. Surfshark is the best VPN that not only bypasses geo-blocks on your streaming device but ensures security over your connection and hides your IP address.
Roku vs. Firestick are both popular streaming devices that offer access to a wide range of content, but they differ in their user interfaces and app selections. While Roku provides a more straightforward and customizable experience, Firestick integrates well with Amazon’s ecosystem, making it an attractive choice for Amazon Prime members. Let’s dive in to further details.
Firestick Quick Overview
What is the Amazon Firestick? A Firestick is a streaming device that gives you access to millions of TV series, movies, games, music, Live TV, and more. You only need to set it up on your TV using an HDMI port.
However, make sure that your internet connection is secure for the best results. The latest model is the Fire TV Stick 4K, so we’ll highlight its specifications in this guide.
To use your Firestick device, you will need to sign up and create your Amazon Prime account, have a good internet connection, and have a TV that supports 4K and HDR.
The Firestick 4K box even comes with a remote, where you can navigate with it or use the voice control. It even works with the older Firestick models.
However, if you’re in a region where you can’t sign up for an Amazon Prime account, you need to connect to a Surfshark US server to change your regional location.
Roku Quick Overview
Roku is a media streaming device where you can stream some of the best movies and TV shows. In fact, here, you can get access to popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and many other services.
The latest and best model right now is the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. it supports video streaming in 4K HDR quality, but you need to have a solid internet connection for that. To access it successfully, you need to have a Smart TV that supports 4K and HDR. You can easily set it up via an open HDMI port.
After you set it up, you still need to create your Roku account to be able to use it; make sure that your internet connection is stable and supports 4K streams. There is even a remote that comes with it, with which you’d be able to control several settings on your Roku TV; navigation, volume, and more.
Roku vs Firestick – Features, UI, Price & Other Comparisons
Now that you’ve gone through a quick comparison of the Roku and Firestick device overview let’s delve into a more detailed description of each of these popular streaming devices. We’ve highlighted everything ranging from its devices, pricing, and overall performance. To begin, let’s first discuss the Roku vs Firestick prices:
Price – How Much Do Roku and Firestick Cost?
It’s essential to dive into the prices of both Roku and Firestick to understand better which device has the best features in accordance with it. After taking a look at both, the prices don’t really have much difference; however, every cent counts. With that said, there are users who’d go for the more affordable option, while others go for the device with better features. Below, we’ve highlighted a comparison of Roku and Firestick prices according to the latest model.
Roku Prices
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K – this is the latest Roku model that costs around $39.99. It has a wide range of streaming content, ranging from movies, TV shows, and more, that are free to access.
- Roku Express 4K+ – great price and features that costs just $29.99 with brilliant picture quality, customizable home screen, and a wide selection of free live TV and movie options.
- Roku Express – costs $24.99 with fast HD streams, giving you the liberty to customize your home screen. You even get a good selection of free live TV channels.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ – a bigger and more powerful version compared to other Roku devices that costs $69.99. The remote that comes with it is rechargeable and has Dolby Vision quality streams and free content.
- Roku Ultra – is on the pricier side, costs $$99.99, but comes with bigger and better features. With Dolby Vision streams and ultra HD audio/video, you can’t go wrong with it.
- Roku Streambar – it now costs $99.99 and comes with premium sound quality, Bluetooth connections for private streaming and music, etc.
- Roku Streambar Pro – costs $179.99 with Dolby Audio and streams in HD, 4K, and HDR. You can stream with the best sound quality from a massive library of free, premium TV and live shows.
Firestick Prices
- FireTVStick Lite – costs $29.99 and comes with an Alexa Voice Remote Lite, and gives you over 200,000 free TV shows and movies from services like Pluto TV and Tubi.
- Fire TV Stick with Alexa Remote – is now going for the discounted price of $24.99. All streams are HD supported, but not 4K.
- Fire TV Stick 4K – costs $31.99 after the discount, giving you a 36% off the original price. However, this plan does not come with an Alexa remote. You will need to buy that as an accessory.
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max – costs $34.99 and comes with an Alexa remote, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a wide selection of free movies, TV shows, and live games.
- Fire TV Cube – last on the list, we have the FireTV Cube, which costs $14.99. Comes with Wi-Fi 6 support, 4K Ultra HD Streams, and more perks compared to the other plan.
In terms of the price of Roku vs Firestick, FireTV seems to be the more affordable option with the inclusion of 4K streams. However, if we take a look at the features and perks, Roku seems to offer more. The end result is entirely up to you, in accordance with what you’re looking for. Also, note the prices will vary according to the service provider you buy it from and on the deals being discontinued.
What Apps Are Available on Roku and Firestick?
Is there a big difference in the apps available for Roku and Firestick? Let’s discuss a little on them below:
Roku Apps
For starters, Roku offers a wide variety of streaming apps and content. Firstly, the Roky Channel gives you access to some of the best movies and TV shows that are all free to watch. However, of course, it only comes with the Roku streaming stick.
Other than that, Roku gives you other common but popular apps like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Showtime, YouTube, etc. You will even find some international options for movies, TV shows, and even music. For example, you will find music apps like Spotify.
There are many more apps available, which you’d probably find on other services, but it’s best to get everything under one hood. There is even a section where you can download some games. You just need to go to the home screen, click on “Streaming Channels,” and then on “Games.” You can use your remote to play them.
Firestick Apps
In my opinion, I feel that Firestick has more to offer in terms of the apps you can download and Sideload if not directly available on the Amazon App Store. Compared to Roku, Firestick allows you to branch into much more than just streaming apps. The sky is the limit.
You will find apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Showtime, HBO Max, Hotstar, and many other options. Even if you’re in a country where the streaming service is not available to you on your Firestick device, you can simply download the best VPN for Firestick, change your location, and access just about any app that you want on your Firestick.
However, if you were to choose the best, we’d recommend Surfshark. Other than streaming apps, there are many more app or software categories you can sideload on your Fire TV from third-party providers.
For instance, you can even download the Kodi Android app to your Firestick to be able to find more content. Through that, you can download Kodi add-ons for games, music, skins, and more.
FAQs – Roku vs Firestick
Which is better a Firestick or Roku?
Both Firestick and Roku are exceptional options. They both offer some of the best and most popular streaming apps or channels like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and more. In terms of variety, Firestick is better, but in terms of free channels, Roku offers much more. It gives you over 3000 free channels, while Firestick a little over 200.
Do you pay a monthly fee for Roku?
No, there is no monthly fee. Roku only offers the option of paying once for its subscription plans. However, you can still choose selective channels on the app and pay for them individually without extra costs.
What is better than Roku?
If you’re not looking for Firestick or Roku, another option that is better than Roku is the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. It is one of the best and most popular streaming devices in the market that supports 4K HDR streams and more. In fact, it gives you more options than just streaming.
Is Firestick more affordable than Roku?
If we compare the prices of both devices, there is not much difference. Although, there are times when the Amazon Firestick offers bigger deals compared to Roku, which makes it the more affordable option.
Roku vs Firestick – Which One is Better?
The verdict depends on your preferences. Now that we’ve come toward the end of the Roku vs Firestick dilemma, the end result solely depends on what you need. If you’re only looking for a few basic apps that offer streaming material, then Roku is the perfect fit. On the other hand, Firestick opens up much more opportunities for you to get your hands on the best apps out there, both official and unofficial apps.
