Smarter TV Viewing: Battle of the TV-Based Streaming

Back in the day, we published a blog entitled Comparing Music Streaming Services. We stacked various music streaming services against each other in a battle. Now, we do the same. This time we're looking at various TV-based streaming options: Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Amazon Fire TV.

Overview

Apple TV

Easily the most polished experience of the bunch, the Apple TV's familiar interface is like coming home. The remote is the most user-friendly with search results pulling from iTunes and beyond. The TV-app variety is broad and AirPlay takes care of any apps not on the device/App Store. However, it is much more expensive for the same core functions, and in typical Apple style, there is little room for Google or Amazon apps. However, for the person comfortable with Apple and in love with the design, this system is the way to go. 

Price: $149.99 (more or less, depending on the model)

Roku 2

Cheaper and just as fast as the Roku 3, the Roku 2 presents a great value. It has all the great TV apps and doesn't show a bias to content providers. The search is great and varied, and it even sorts by price. It's not very portable and lacks in gaming options. However, the value far outweighs the lack of features. 

Price: $69.99

Roku 3

The Roku 3 comes with some extra features that the Roku 2 doesn't have. The remote has voice search and a headphone jack for private listening. Again, the apps are great and the bias is nonexistent. However, the Roku 2 is just a better value. If you don't need the headphones or the vote search, the Roku 3 is a bit extravagant. 

Price: $81.97

Chromecast

The price is unbeatable with all the apps offered and it can stream from either an Android or an Apple portable device, or a PC. It's small and easy to travel with. However, the lack of remote leaves you dependent on your smartphone or table to control it. It may be cheap, but the design and lower features mean you get what you pay for. 

Price: $34.00

Amazon Fire TV

It has access to the most popular apps for streaming. It responds quickly and Amazon content is lightening quick. Voice search and Alexa (Amazon's Siri or Cortana) are a cool extra. It's the cheapest 4K option with several games and expandable storage via an SD card. However, it's very biases toward all things Amazon and will hide search results from those apps. If you want to make it personal, the interface isn't customizable. It's great for 4K and general streaming, as long as you're focused on Amazon apps. 

Price: $99.99

So, which is the best?

As an Apple snob, I will always claim the Apple TV is your best bet. I've owned one for the past five years and it has been an investment I have never regretted. However, if you want something a little cheaper, the Roku 2 is the best bet for the price. While Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV are good options, they just don't measure up in this battle. 

If you need help setting up your streaming device, just call DormNet and we'll be happy to help you out. Happy Netflixing!