With regards to streaming media gadgets, we’re spoiled with selections. There are dozens of merchandise vying for our consideration, and on this article we’ll pitch Chromecast vs Roku.
Chromecasts are perennially widespread, however they face stiff competitors from a few of Roku’s merchandise. Which product is best for you relies on which options are most vital to you.
Which Roku Gadget Ought to You Use?
Roku is eternally tweaking its product line. In 2017, Roku launched new {hardware}, which was completed with the purpose of simplifying its lineup. Nonetheless, the corporate’s record of devices has ballooned once more with the reintroduction and subsequent re-cancellation of the Roku Premiere.
Right now, there are 4 gadgets that you could possibly moderately contemplate to be a direct competitor to the Chromecast. They’re the Roku Specific, Roku Specific 4K +, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.
The one Roku product that is not a Chromecast competitor is the Roku Extremely. It is a set-top field reasonably than a dongle. As such, it is not going to type a part of this text.
So, let’s speak in regards to the 4 Roku merchandise and distinction them with the Chromecast over just a few key areas. In case you are not acquainted but, try our Chromecast introduction and the fundamentals of Roku TV to start out.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Price
The most affordable of the 4 Roku merchandise is the Roku Specific; it prices $24.99. The costliest machine is the Streaming Stick 4K+, which can set you again $69. Which means there’s solely a $45 distinction protecting all 4 Roku dongle gadgets.
The usual Chromecast prices $30. That is just a bit costlier than the Roku Specific. A Chromecast 4K prices $49.
If you wish to purchase a Chromecast or a Roku so you’ll be able to minimize the wire, the slim unfold of costs means prices should not be a major consideration. In spite of everything, the common cable invoice within the US is greater than $100/month; you could possibly purchase any of the fashions and nonetheless get monetary savings.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Consumer Interface
The largest distinction between the Chromecasts and the assorted Roku merchandise is the person interface.
Roku gadgets run Roku OS. There’s an on-screen interface with channels, a retailer, a settings menu, and search performance.
Chromecasts use Google TV as an interface. Google TV is actually a approach to have all your streaming accounts and different apps like YouTube multi functional place. Chromecasts are additionally used to solid the display out of your cell phone, which is why you need to use Chromecast as a second laptop monitor.)
You arrange and handle your Chromecast through the Google Residence app. Which is on the market on Android and iOS.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Connections
All of the gadgets connect with your tv through an HDMI port.
The one exception is the pre-2018 Roku Specific+. Along with HDMI connectivity, it additionally gives composite A/V ports. In case you have an older TV that does not have HDMI ports, the older model of the Specific+ is the one machine that may give you the results you want. Word that the newer model of the Roku Specific doesn’t have A/V connections, which means you’ll have to store for the older model on websites like eBay.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Image High quality
One of many 4 Roku gadgets not gives 4K—the essential Roku Specific. Nonetheless, it gives HD streaming.
Of the 2 Chromecast merchandise, solely the costlier Chromecast helps 4K.
Earlier than you run off and purchase a 4K mannequin, cease and suppose. First, does your TV even help 4K? It isn’t but commonplace throughout mid- and low-end merchandise.
Secondly, do you really watch 4K content material? Bear in mind, many widespread streaming companies will cost you extra if you wish to stream in 4K.
For instance, the most affordable Netflix plan is $6.99/month with adverts, whereas the 4K plan (Extremely HD) is $20/month. And, even for those who pay for 4K entry, not all of the exhibits and flicks can be found in 4K.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Controls
All Roku gadgets include their very own distant management.
As you’d count on, the voice distant helps you to seek for content material verbally. Nonetheless, it additionally features a TV energy button and quantity controls, which means you’ll be able to dump your TV distant and have fewer devices mendacity round. The Specific mannequin does not embrace these buttons, nonetheless.
Roku additionally sells extra highly effective remotes individually. For instance, the Enhanced Voice Distant has voice controls and a headphone jack for personal listening.
Lastly, you’ll be able to obtain a Roku app on each Android and iOS. It helps you to management your machine and swap between the assorted Roku gadgets in your house simply. You can too flip in your headphones although your cellphone and take heed to your TV.
Chromecast gadgets run off a single distant and a single interface, Google TV. Until you are casting your cellphone or laptop display to your Chromecast, the controls are related. The one distinction is {that a} Chromecast distant cannot management your bodily TV.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Content material
In response to Roku, there are millions of channels you’ll be able to set up in your machine. Roku additionally boasts 350+ dwell TV channels.
After all, a big share of those aren’t definitely worth the time of day, however you’ll discover all massive hitters like Spotify, Hulu, Sling, Netflix, Amazon Video, Paramount+, Disney+, and so forth.
Roku additionally has a near-endless assortment of personal channels. We have lined a few of the finest new channels to observe on Roku, in addition to methods to watch Stay TV in your Roku machine.
Chromecast gadgets use Google TV. Whereas it is only one app, you’ll be able to stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and hundreds extra in only one place. Additionally they have dwell TV apps in addition to health and music apps. Nearly each app accessible on Roku is on the market on Google TV.
The one distinction is that Chromecasts are additionally made for casting your cellphone or laptop to the TV. So if there’s one thing you wish to watch that is not accessible on Google TV, you’ll be able to solid it.
Chromecast vs. Roku: Extra Options
Roku gadgets and Chromecasts each have some additional options which may assist to tip the scales, relying on what’s vital to you.
The Chromecast 4K used to have an Ethernet port, however the latest mannequin does not. When you’re in search of an Ethernet port, contemplate an older mannequin. The one Roku machine with an Ethernet port is the Extremely, however as defined beforehand, we’ve not included the Extremely on this showdown.
When you’re desirous to solid one thing out of your laptop or cellphone to your TV, you is perhaps leaning extra towards the Chromecast. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to arrange display mirroring on Roku gadgets, which might make Roku an possibility for you as nicely.
Roku gadgets additionally help Google Assistant and Alexa, so you need to use voice instructions and even join your Roku to Google Residence. With this function, Roku gadgets do nearly all the pieces a Chromecast does.
The primary distinction is that Google TV prevents the necessity from bouncing round to totally different apps, as all the pieces is in a single place.
Chromecast vs. Roku: And the Winner Is…
A variety of your choice will rely on which merchandise you have already got in your house, which ecosystems you’re tied into, and the way you propose to make use of your machine.
Broadly talking, for those who’re in search of a platform-agnostic approach to minimize the wire, you should purchase a Roku as the corporate is extra established and the gadgets have a lot of apps. When you’re an informal TV watcher that enjoys simplicity, contemplate a Chromecast.
