Roku vs Amazon Fire Stick: Which Streaming Device Is Better for You?

Disclaimer: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best streaming devices give you instant access to all your favorite shows on Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV+ and many other platforms. However, with the plethora of streaming devices out there, choosing the right one can be quite difficult – especially if you’re choosing between the Amazon Fire Stick and the Roku – two of its top competitors.

When it comes to streaming, Amazon Fire Stick and Roku are undoubtedly the two most popular devices on the market. They are especially popular due to their affordable prices, which start at just $30 for cheaper models, which is music to our ears. Plus, these products are often marked down even cheaper (we recommend keeping an eye on Amazon for price drops – we’re looking at you, Prime Day).

One of the key factors of both streaming tools is that they offer access to the same streaming apps, including all the most in-demand channels. And of course, each of the newer Amazon Fire Stick and Roku models is as fast, reliable and responsive as any other. Both types of devices (except the cheapest Roku) are also equipped with a remote control with volume and power buttons that works with most newer TVs. Not to mention, each streaming device comes in a variety of models, ranging from basic streaming utilities to 4K-compatible models with built-in voice controls. So when it comes to choosing a new TV streaming tool, distinguishing between the two devices can be a challenge.

With this in mind, how can you choose between Amazon Fire Stick and Roku and it is one Actually better than the other? Let’s find out.

Should I buy an Amazon Fire Stick?

If you’re looking for a streaming tool that offers access to over 300,000 free movies and TV episodes, Amazon Fire Stick may be a great option for you.

Pros:

Cons:

The great thing about the Amazon Fire Stick is that it’s quick and easy to set up – just take it out of the box, plug it in, connect it to the Internet, and you’re ready to go. Moreover, the on-screen interface is extremely easy to use.

In terms of quality of streaming content, it works seamlessly. So, if you have a good internet connection, you can expect excellent service. Searching for content is easy with the voice-controlled remote, and startup and playback are fast with zero buffering time.

One downside is that the on-screen interface feels very Amazon-centric – its layout feels like it pushes you towards watching Amazon content more often than other channels, which means third-party apps have limited screen space in compared to Amazon apps.

What are the best Amazon Fire Sticks for different budgets?

With so many Amazon Fire Sticks to choose from, you may be wondering which one to choose.

For a TV streaming tool that offers advanced 4K streaming, Wi-Fi 6 support, and 4K ultra HD, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K could be a great option for you. Additionally, this stick – currently available for $US29.99 ($49.99) on Amazon – delivers a cinematic experience with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Compared to the Roku alternative, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, the Fire Stick 4K is a cheaper option for those looking for a fast streaming device on a budget.

Amazon also offers six months of free MGM+ subscription, which the Roku alternative does not. Since the Fire Stick 4K is also directly connected to Alexa, people using Amazon Echos and other Amazon Alexa-enabled devices can control everything together from any device. While Roku devices also have this capability, connecting your Amazon device to your Amazon device is a much simpler setup process.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite – currently available for $19.99 ($29.99) on Amazon – may be a smart choice. This one can be directly compared to the Roku Express, a Roku alternative that is currently available at the same price. It has less space and worse image quality than the Amazon Fire Stick 4K. For comparison, it has 8G storage instead of 16G and it’s HD compared to the 4K Fire Stick 4K. Compared to the Roku Express, the main difference is that the Lite can control the TV itself, which means it can turn the TV on and off, control channels, volume, and more, without the need for a second remote. Roku Express can’t do this.

Should I buy a Roku?

If you’re looking for a streaming device that delivers fast and smooth TV streaming, is simple to set up, and boasts a 4K display and Dolby Vision, you may want to consider purchasing a Roku.

Pros:

Cons:

One factor that sets Roku apart from other streaming devices is its interface. Unlike competing devices, Roku claims to take an unbiased approach to how apps are displayed. That said, Roku slightly nudges users towards the Roku Channel while the device’s screensaver displays ads for Roku content. However, ads are not only available for Roku, the device also provides ads for other channels.

Like the Amazon Fire Stick, the Roku works exceptionally well, streaming content without any issues. Once you plug in this handy little flash drive and have a good internet connection, your content should play almost instantly, with no buffering required.

The Roku remote, which connects seamlessly to most TVs and is used to adjust volume and power, has buttons advertising specific TV channels (which is similar to setting up an Amazon Fire Stick remote), such as Netflix and Disney+. While this is useful for quick access to these channels, if you don’t watch those channels, you can’t customize the buttons to join another channel.

What are the best Rokus for different budgets?

For a streaming device that offers 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision, as well as voice-controlled remote and free live TV, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K – currently on sale for $34 (was $49.99) at Amazon – is a good option . We previously compared it to the Amazon Fire Stick 4K. On the Roku side, this device can connect to Alexa, Siri, and Google, while Amazon devices can typically only connect to Alexa. When it comes to video and audio quality, both the Roku 4K and Fire Stick 4K use the same features.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly Roku, the Roku Express is worth considering – currently on sale for $US19 ($29.99) at Amazon. While the Roku Express doesn’t have TV controls, it does have the ability to connect to Alexa, Siri, and Google, which the Fire Stick TV Lite can’t do.

If you’re looking for a premium streaming device, Roku offers a third, higher ticket option: the Roku Ultra. This one is currently on sale on Amazon for $89.99 (was $99.99) and is a fantastic purchase. Why? Well, it has a rechargeable remote to help you say goodbye to batteries, a remote search option if you’re prone to couch cushion thieves, free live TV, and 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos power.

Amazon Fire Stick vs Roku: Which is Best?

Each type of device has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as a number of unique features that make each option best meet your different streaming and viewing needs. When looking at Amazon Fire Stick vs Roku from a performance standpoint, the differences are literally indistinguishable. They both do exceptionally well; they are fast, efficient and easy to use.

The key difference between them is the user interfaces – the device layouts are completely unique. While the Amazon Fire Stick’s interface is geared primarily towards Amazon Channels, the Roku setup is much more balanced, with the Roku Channel sitting alongside other apps rather than overshadowing them. With that in mind, if you prefer a more varied interface layout, Roku may be your best bet. However, if you mainly watch Amazon channels, the Amazon Fire Stick may be a wise choice.

Both platforms contain ads, but Amazon Fire Stick has significantly more ads than Roku. So if you don’t like ads, we recommend choosing Roku over Amazon Fire Stick.

Here’s one thing we can say without a doubt: if you choose one of the two cheaper options, perhaps the Fire TV Stick Lite will be best because you’ll need fewer remotes in your home. However, any more expensive device may have the Roku name written on it for added smart home compatibility. The choice is really yours.

---

Find more deals on streaming services and entertainment products on the site TV Guide shopping center.