Roku Vs Firestick: Which is Better Streaming Device?

Roku and Firestick are two of the leading media streaming devices. Both of these devices have the best collection of apps and features for users. At the same time, they are entirely different in certain aspects. For instance, these devices have different operating systems and app lineups. So, let’s compare Roku vs Firestick.

Roku vs Firestick: Overall Comparison

When we compare Roku vs Firestick, there are a lot of categories to compare. if you are looking forward to buying one of these devices, consider the primary factors such as budget, app library, and streaming quality.

Streaming Device	4K Video Quality	Dolby Atmos	Sideloading	Private Listening	Smartphone App Integration	Voice Assistant	Price
Roku Express							Check Price
Roku Express 4K							Check Price
Roku Streaming Stick 4K							Check Price
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+							Check Price
Roku Ultra							Check Price
Roku Streambar							Check Price
Roku Streambar Pro							Check Price
Fire TV Stick Lite							Check Price
Fire TV Stick							Check Price
Fire TV Stick 4K							Check Price
Fire TV Stick 4K Max							Check Price
Fire TV Cube							Check Price

Design

Fortunately, both streaming devices have undergone many updates over the course. They keep on redefining themselves to provide the best streaming experience for streamers. Each update brings out a unique feature or upgradation in the device. You can look at the prominent features compared between Roku and Firestick.

User Interface

Roku has a simple interface in comparison to Firestick. It is one of the most attractive features of the device because everyone finds it easy to use. Roku users can find the downloaded apps on the home screen in tabs. By clicking on these tabs, they can easily open the respective app. Fortunately, there are no interrupting ads from different services on this interface. However, some users might think the interface is plain with fewer customizable features.

The Firestick interface is not as simple as the Roku interface. It looks more engaging with more customizable options. The homepage has a lot of ads from popular services. The ads sometimes could hide the app icons, making them hard to find. On the other side, these ads include recommendations for popular shows based on an algorithm. So, users can access exciting shows to watch without searching. The users familiar with the interface might not consider it to have a complicated UI.

Apps

The Roku Channel Store has one of the biggest channel collections for users. These apps include Netflix, Disney+, Sling TV, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and Tubi. This means users can access their favorite apps in various genres in the service. However, the users can’t access any additional apps on the device by sideloading.

The Amazon App Store does not miss any of the popular apps. For instance, users can access apps like Apple TV+, Disney+, Peacock TV, Hulu+Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. In addition, users can stream additional apps on the device by sideloading.

Cost

Users can find both budget-friendly and high-end models of devices from Roku and Firestick. Find out the best features of a few popular models.

Remote

Compared to Amazon Firestick vs Roku, Roku streaming stick remotes offer much easier navigation and choices. The remotes have designs and development to control the device remotely.

With control buttons for top streaming services, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, the channels are easily accessible. Models of Roku remotes support the private listening feature by connecting headphones to the respective jack.

A well-designed voice remote control comes with the Fire TV Stick Lite control. The Firestick Lite’s remote includes an integrated Alexa button. This function is useful for exploring menus and looking for channels on the device. The remote’s ability to control the device is exceptional. Also, the remotes are very simple to operate with specific buttons. There are now buttons on the Amazon Fire Sticks remote for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu.

Smartphone App

Both Roku and Amazon Firestick provide users with a remote app. The Roku smartphone app is available in both the Google Play Store and App Store. The app has a simple user interface with a separate section for the remote interface. Utilizing the on-screen keypad or speech recognition, users can simply navigate and access apps. In addition, users can have playback controls on the device. Also, it integrates the private listening feature.

The remote app for Firestick is also available in the Play Store and App Store. The remote app can operate and control different Firestick versions. Also, users can cast apps and media to Fire TV from their device or cloud account. It has a separate keyboard and remote interface. The Firestick remote has a simple layout. Users can control Firestick and access the apps and channels.

Voice Control

The voice control feature is not available on the default Roku remote. Users must be using a Voice Remote or Voice Remote Pro to use voice commands to control Roku. By pressing and holding the Microphone button on the Voice Remote, users can issue voice commands. The button is conveniently placed directly below the arrow keys. Users can issue voice commands with the more costly Voice Remote Pro without pushing a button.

The much-needed voice capability is accessible to users via the Firestick remote. To activate Alexa on Fire TV Stick, press the blue Alexa button and hold it for a few seconds. The Alexa button on the remote will have a blue light next to it during the process. After placing the voice command, users can release the Microphone button.

Gaming

There is a good selection of games on Roku and Firestick. However, the game selection on Firestick is better and more varied than on Roku. This may be a result of its access to the Amazon Appstore, which offers more games. Users can also sideload their favorite games onto Firestick. As a result, users of Firesticks can access more titles on the platform.

Despite not being a specialist gaming device, Roku has a large selection of games. This contains board games, card games, classic games, arcade games, puzzle games, and more. Many games are 100% free to install and access. However, some games are premium ones or ones with add-ons. On Roku, users cannot sideload any games additionally.

Roku vs Firestick: Conclusion

Both the Roku and Firestick devices come equipped with all the essential features that the top streaming device should have. However, there are also significant distinctions between them in terms of connectivity and accessibility to apps and channels. To get the most out of the Amazon Prime subscription, subscribers might need to select the Firestick gadget. Also, if they wish to use Alexa or Amazon Smart Speakers, Firestick is a good alternative. At the same time, Alexa and Google Smart Home gadgets work with Roku.