Roku and Firestick are streaming device players and they are among the leading streaming devices. Both streaming devices programmed with amazing set of features that resonates with their users. However, a lot of arguments have heated up between users of Roku and Firestick on the best streaming device player on the market. The debate has lasted for a while and potential users are searching for information on these two streaming device players. This guide compares and contrasts the two streaming device players and you won’t have a problem choosing the best. Let’s see ‘Is Roku Better Than Firestick?’.
What do we have to say to this question? Yes, Roku is better than Firestick, particularly when you’re comparing their features and flexibility.
Roku vs Firestick: The Comparison
To make you understand better, we’ll be comparing the two streaming devices based on the most relevant factors: pricing, ease of use, controls, streaming services and channels, and video and audio quality.
1. Pricing
In this section, we’ll be highlighting some current Roku services alongside Firestick services and their respective prices.
| PRICING | |||
| Roku Services | Price | Firestick Services | Price |
| Roku Express | $24.99 | Fire TV Cube | N/A |
| Roku Premiere | $31.67 | Firestick with Alexa Voice Remote | $19.99 |
| Rock Ultra LT | $79.99 | Firestick with Alexa Voice Remote Lite | $24.99 |
| Roku Ultra | $89.99 | Firestick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote | N/A |
| Roku Streambar | $99.00 | ||
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | $41.00 |
The Roku Express is a budget-friendly streaming device, while the Roku Streambar comes with Dolby Audio, an optical connection and cable, and a USB port for local playing. The Roku Ultra LT can connect to the internet through wifi or Ethernet.
On the other hand, the Firestick with Alexa Voice Remote Lite device supports voice remote and HDR and it’s ideal for those on a budget as well.
Looking at the pricing plan and options available, it’s glaring that choosing a Firestick is much less hassle than Roku. Roku has a variety of options over Firestick and comparing the 4K option for each, the Firestick costs a bit more. On this account, Roku has got the better services and pricing.
2. Ease of Use
Candidly, both streaming devices have a simple interface. However, we’ll be digging deep and extending to some specific areas of use such as the navigation and initial installation.
Navigation and Use
The Roku interface makes it simple to navigate and choose what you want to watch. For instance, on the Roku’s homepage, you get to see the channels you’ve previously installed, with its menu on the left side, making it easy to find what you looking for.
In addition, Roku’s “my feed” function allows viewers to keep track of new episodes and other programming, and adding channels to Roku is simple.
Unlike Roku, Firestick does not let you arrange your apps; instead, it displays the most popular Firestick channels. Nevertheless, Firestick is also easy to navigate and it displays recommendations based on your previously watched channels.
Installation and Setup
The initial installation of the two devices is very similar – connect the device to a TV and an internet connection – WiFi or Ethernet, depending on the device – create and log in to your account. Then, go to settings and add some apps to get started.
3. Voice and Remote Control
Because neither the Roku nor the Firestick’s entry-level remotes contain TV controls, we may have a tie. However, Roku remotes include channels shortcut buttons for certain services and its Enhanced Voice remote allows you to enjoy private listening and set up personal shortcuts. The remotes for the Firestick, on the other hand, come with voice search as standard.
Voice Assistant
As you may know, Roku and Firestick use different voice assistants; Firestick works with Alexa and Roku works with both Google Assistant and Alexa. The Alexa voice assistant on the Firestick lets you use voice commands to operate your device, ask Alexa questions, and control other Amazon Smart Home Devices in your home.
Roku’s in-built voice control isn’t as advanced as Firestick’s; it’s limited to certain functions. That said, the Firestick’s voice control has a sleek design and the Roku’s extra function including private listening and its compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant gives it an edge over Firestick’s.
4. Streaming Services and Channels
Although we can’t compare all the streaming services of the two streaming devices, we can look at the general offer. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more popular services are available on both Roku and Firestick. Roku, on the other hand, provides access to a far larger number of channels (apps), including some that are free.
Quality of Video and Audio
We’ll use a table to represent this area, and we won’t add any Roku or Firestick TVs because the list is already long enough.
Note: Both Roku’s and Firestick’s video and audio qualities are expressed on the table.
| Device | 1080p | 4K | HDR | Dolby Vision |
| Roku Express | √ | X | X | X |
| Roku Premiere | √ | √ | √ | X |
| Roku Ultra LT | √ | √ | √ | X |
| Roku Ultra | √ | √ | √ | X |
| Roku Streambar | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | √ | √ | √ | X |
| Firestick Lite | √ | X | √ | X |
| Firestick | √ | X | √ | X |
| Firestick 4K | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Fire TV Cube | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Keynotes:
√ = Support
X = Does not support
The table shows all but the Roku Express can stream in HDR as minimum in 1080p. In general, the quality of the video is comparable.
Conclusion
When choosing the best streaming device, there may be little skepticism. So it is with Roku and Firestick – two of the most wonderful streaming devices with a good number of exciting features and streaming channels. However, based on the most significant factors, the Roku streaming device has an edge over the Firestick and can be regarded as the better streaming device.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Roku and Firestick Worth Buying?
Yes. Both Roku and Firestick have the basic features you’d expect from top streaming device players – you can watch content on the big screen.
- What’s the top recommended Roku option?
The Roku Ultra is by far the most efficient and quickest Roku streaming option; it can connect to the server wirelessly or via an Ethernet connector and stream material in 4K, HDR, HD, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
