Does Roku still rule? Roku vs Fire TV vs Chromecast in 2020

Roku is the most used streaming TV device in 2020, but will it remain the best? The new Amazon Fire TV Stick offers HDR at 1080p resolution, the new Chromecast with Google TV has a remote and on-screen interface, and the Roku Ultra is built for power users who want it all, but it costs twice as much. Which streaming device is right for you? We compare Roku vs Fire TV vs Chromecast.

0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Initial Setup
0:55 - Why Get A Streaming Device?
1:34 - Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
3:35 - Google Chromecast With Google TV
6:58 - Roku Ultra
9:28 - Which Should You Buy?

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#Roku #FireTV #Chromecast

[catguy]

I honestly prefer the look of the Roku interface. It's not so cluttered with ads and recommendations. Pure and simple.

[doasindefinitely]

i upgraded to the new chromecast from the original chromecast and im so happy with it. i know it is not expensive but im glad i waited.

[alonzo]

I like Roku. It is very simple to use. They designed it where a 10-year-old can use it.

[KizaruB]

I got the Roku because it had the headphone jack. My tv doesn’t support Bluetooth audio, and I wanted private listening for gaming and stuff, so that jack was the deal breaker for the other options.

[Scalptrash]

Replaced Roku Ultra with new Chromecast with Google TV and absolutely love it. It is significantly better for finding content, more intuitive and very modern. I agree that Roku needs an overhaul, never been a fan.
I use Apple TV 4K on the main TV, but the new Chromecast is nearly as good for interface and speed. Best budget steamer, hands down.

[Ronmexico]

Chromecast with Google TV is awesome. I bough the TCL R635 3 weeks ago and while Roku is good, I think the interface on Chromecast is better.

[ryankosowsky]

I’m deeply confused regarding your review of the FireTV stick. The comparable here would be the FireTV Stick 4K which supports UHD, Dolby Vision (as well as HDR10+), and Dolby Atmos, and has for some time. Moreover, the $50 street price you reference here is for the 4K version, not the HD version which retails for $40.

[RobertLeBlancPhoto]

You could've used the Roku Streaming Stick + if you wanted the keep all of the devices under $50, many of us got it for under $30 last Black Friday.

[keithjohnson]

I recently bought the Roku Ultra when it was on sale. I also have the Chromecast with Google TV. The interface of the CGTV is better and the voice control is stellar. But the Roku replaced it as my primary device for the following reasons:
1. The Roku sounds better. Music playback from YouTube videos and YouTube Music is noticeably superior to my ears. I run the audio into an external DAC which feeds my 2 channel integrated amplifier. The sound is so much better from the Roku that I am compelled to use it.
2. YouTube TV is more stable on the Roku over the CGTV. My previous router would occasionally momentarily drop the network connection. YTTV on the CGTV would freeze the video and continue with the audio when this happened. On the Roku Ultra YTTV continued without issue after a momentary drop.
3. Airplay 2 support. Airplay is the best way to cast from the Youtube Music app on my iPad to a streamer. Using Chromecast from my iPad to either the Roku or the CGTV is not stable. YouTube Music app on my iPad will "forget" that's it's casting even as music continues to play on the target device. Conversely using Airplay to cast from my iPad to the Roku is rock solid. And, the remote works for music control.
4. The Roku has a built-in ethernet port. I would have to attach a dongle on the CGTV to get that.

[DavesDimension]

hbo max is now available on roku as of the 3rd week of december 2020

[edjerum]

A big plus for the Roku Ultra is that it has a USB port for a storage device which allows TV pause up to 90 minutes. Very handy for watch sports and fast forward throughout the endless commercials.

[PlayhouseRage]

HBO MAX is now available on Roku. I use an old school Roku device with no issues

[gaiusnormanyo]

UPDATE: Roku does now support HBO Max. Go watch Watchmen (series), Doom Patrol, Lovecraft Country, and Stargirl!

[A.R.B.J.]

I went with Roku. The main reason was that it wasn't Amazon and it wasn't Google.

[howeljak]

Just trying to be helpful: $50 for Dolby Vision has also been a feature of the Fire TV Stick 4K for a while

[FormularSumo]

The old Chromecast Ultra ($60) had Dolby Vision so the new one having it for $50 isn't a massive difference... A bigger difference is that it supports HDR10+ now (mainly beneficial for Samsung TVs), which the Roku Ultra doesn't.

[saquibhussain]

You do an amazing job balancing reviewing but also covering important details. Thank you for all you do.

[diehlwithit]

Hey Caleb! Correct me if I'm wrong, but another huge feature from the latest Roku Ultra is that it now supports Apple Airplay 2 and Homekit.

[Daniel-urmw]

Admittedly I have all three. I just picked up the Chromecast with Google TV yesterday and was sold as soon as it was set up. The Roku Ultimate was my favorite but just being able to have HBO Max was what pushed me over the edge as far as a favored device. I have to say I like the Roku remote a little bit better than the one that comes with the Chromecast but as you said, with everything it brings to the table with Dolby HDR and everything else, it's the one for me

[amiesh]

You can connect bluetooth headphones with firestick which is much more convenient then opening an app on you phone for private listening.