Streaming sticks are a great way to add streaming services to your TV, and both the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick+ offer excellent features and functionality. The Roku platform hosts a more extensive library of apps and channels and has a more versatile companion app, making it the clear winner in this comparison, unless you need Alexa functionality built into your remote or are already invested in the Amazon ecosystem. Roku Streaming Stick+ | Image: ROKUīoth players cost around $50, so choosing one should come down to your needs and what you expect from your streaming device in terms of available apps and channels. For example, the Fire TV Stick doesn’t have access to YouTube, which currently doesn’t have a native Fire TV app, and it doesn’t have access to any Google Play apps. While all the most popular streaming services are available on both platforms, there are differences. The Fire TV Stick requires an Amazon account before you can use it, and it nudges users towards an Amazon Prime subscription if they don’t already have one.

The Fire TV Stick app offers the primary home, menu, and back buttons, allowing you to perform a quick voice search, but it lacks the private listening feature offered on Roku.Īlso Read: Roku Advances Into Smart Home Gadgets The Roku app is more impressive, serving as an ad-hoc remote if your original goes missing and allowing you to search for apps and media quickly using your phone’s keyboard. Mobile apps are available for both devices, but they differ in their approach. It also has Alexa support, making it a valuable addition, especially if you already own any of Amazon’s smart hubs. Amazonīoth options include built-in Wi-Fi and voice search, with the Fire TV Stick 4K being slightly more responsive.

The most significant difference is the addition of quick access buttons to the Roku remote that allow you to quickly switch between Hulu, Netflix, Sling, and PS Vue. They each feature dedicated volume and playback controls, multi-function directional buttons, and run on a pair of AA batteries.

The remotes for both models are similar in shape, with the Firestick remote being slimmer and more modern in its aesthetic.

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