So should you spend less on a streaming stick, or splurge on a fully-capable box? Here’s a quick-and-dirty guide.
Size and Connections
The streaming sticks are obviously smaller and they plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port. They are also capable of drawing power from an available USB port. The boxes all offer extra ports, including an Ethernet port which could be important if you don’t have great Wi-Fi.
Speed and Power
The Fire TV is way out in front with a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, while the Roku 3 is also snappy with a dual-core processor. By comparison, the streaming sticks and Apple TV lag behind. This won’t affect the streaming speed, but it will impact your navigation through menus, how quickly apps load, and potentially how games are handled.
Remote Control
Content
Roku is a clear leader here, and both the Roku 3 and the Streaming Stick have access to over 1,200 channels. They also have a useful universal search function that makes it easier to quickly find the shows or movies you want. Fire TV and Apple TV both have numerous channels and apps, but omit at least some favorites like Spotify, Vudu, Showtime, and/or HBO Go. Chromecast still has limited functionality, though it does support Netflix, Hulu, and others.
Casting
Chromecast is the only one that allows you to stream from your Chrome browser on any computer or mobile device, but it doesn’t work perfectly and it doesn’t work with all content. (It won’t work with Silverlight for example.) Apple TV supports AirPlay for mirroring or streaming content, but only from a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Fire TV allows you to stream from a Kindle Fire tablet. The Roku app offers limited streaming options for your personal photos, music, and videos, but you can find third-party apps that will allow you to mirror your Android or iOS device.
Price Considerations
Wrap Up
Republished with permission. Header image via Shutterstock
