Written by Among Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV, you maybe want to know which one has the coolest features, which one is the best, which one is the most popular. Here, in this article, we’ll do you a favor to choose which box is right for you since they have different merits.
If you’re looking to buy a media-streaming player, it’s likely you’ll end up choosing between three types: Roku, Apple TV and Chromecast. And if you’re a frequent Amazon.com visitor, there may be a fourth option intruding into your thoughts: Fire TV.
Of course, these four are not the only streamers on the market, but they are the most popular and perfect goods with attractive price. Let’s know more about them one by one. Take the following advice into consideration and I don’t think it’s bad for your final purchase decision.
Part 1: Roku
The Roku platform remains our favorite, and the best Roku, the Roku 3, won a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. Despite being released in March 2013, it still delivers a better overall experience than any of the other boxes or sticks, with the most apps and the best search, as well as a lightning-quick interface.
Advantages:
- Multiple hardware and pricing options
- Over 1,700 apps
- Headphone jack in the remote
- Blazing-fast
- Best-in-class cross-platform search
- Content-agnostic
Disadvantages:
- No true AirPlay / Google Cast mirroring equivalent
- Sparse gaming support
Part 2: Apple TV
New model is coming soon? One final thing to consider: there’s a lot of speculation that Apple may release a new Apple TV soon. Those rumors have certainly circulated before, but considering how old the current Apple TV hardware is, I would be surprised if we didn’t see a new box in 2015, perhaps in partnership with a cable company.
Advantages:
- It “just works” in the Apple ecosystem
- AirPlay mirroring is just awesome
- Catching up with apps
Disadvantages:
- Fewer apps and features than Roku
- No games or cross-platform search
- Very iTunes-centric
Part 3: Chromecast
Chromecast is a digital media player developed by Google. The device plays audio/video content on a high-definition display by directly streaming it via Wi-Fi from the Internet or a local network. Users select the media to play using mobile apps and web apps that support the Google Cast technology. Alternatively, content can be mirrored from the Google Chrome web browser running on a personal computer, as well as from the screen of some Android devices.
Advantages:
- $35 is tough to beat
- Stick form is “not a box”
- Major apps covered, catalog growing
Disadvantages:
- No onscreen user interface or standard remote
- App selection could still be better
- No cross-platform search
- Screen mirroring can be spotty
Part 4: Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed by Amazon.com. It is a small network appliance and entertainment device designed to stream digital audio/video content to a high-definition television. The device also allows users to play video games with the included remote, via a mobile app, or with an optional game controller.
Advantages:
- Choice of stick or box
- Loads Amazon video content faster
- Voice search that actually works
- The best gaming support
Disadvantages:
- Pushes Amazon content down your throat
- Lags behind in apps
All of these streaming devices are capable and affordable, which is one reason they all received at least a “Good” rating in our reviews. A die-hard iOS user can get a lot of functionality out of the Google Chromecast, and an Android fan can get a lot out of an Apple TV. As of now, the Roku 3 is still the best option for most buyers, but it’s a quickly evolving space, as the Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV continue to add more apps, and the rumors intensify about a newer, better Apple TV.
Question: How to stream unsupported videos?
You may have some media that is incompatible with your streamers like Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV. It will be enjoyable realizing their compatibilities. Fortunately, there’s a workaround can make it comes true. Here I recommend an easy solution – Pavtube Video Converter (Mac version). It enables you to convert unsupported formats with just a click. You can follow the tutorial to see how it works.
Hope all the suggestions mentioned above can help you out from hesitation. Now, among Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV, do you make a decision?
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