Roku Streaming Stick 4K (two thousand twenty-one) vs Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: which one should you get?

• The comparison
• Televisions
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K (two thousand twenty-one) vs Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: which one should you get?

Confused whether you want to get a new Roku Streaming Stick 4K or a new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max? We don't blame you. In truth, it is quite confusing. The reason is that Roku and Amazon have annual release schedules for their well-known streaming devices... which can create a lot of confusion about what's truly new and whether it's worth it. The good news? The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max seem very convenient for your streaming needs, and while there are some key differences between them, they have more in common than you might think. To help you spot the differences - and the similarities - we've put together a guide between the two streaming platforms which should hopefully help you decide which one is worth selecting.

Difference # 1: Cost

There is no essential cost difference, but there is a small difference that is worth highlighting. For cost, look for € forty-nine and ninety-nine / € forty-nine and ninety-nine (around AU € seventy) for the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and € fifty-four and ninety-nine / € fifty-nine. five / AU € ninety-nine for Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. So the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a bit cheaper, but not much.

Difference # 2: smart platform

The biggest difference between the 2 streaming devices is the platforms you'll be using when you turn them on. In the case of Roku, it's Roku OS while Amazon has Fire TV. Typically, we find the Roku OS to be a bit snappier and more functional, while the Fire TV is a bit more engaging and content-focused. If you like to get recommendations for new shows and movies when you turn on your streaming device, Amazon literally has you in mind, but if you want to watch every streaming service at your fingertips, Roku has you covered.

The Amazon Fire TV interface absolutely integrates the content. (Image credit: Amazon)

Difference n. 3: smart assistant

It can be quite difficult to locate good help on a streaming device. Thank goodness, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with Alexa on board as well as a voice remote that you can use to chat directly with the smart assistant. Roku, on the other hand, comes with a built-in Roku Assistant that isn't nearly as powerful. While Alexa can answer tough questions about just about anything, Roku's knowledge is largely restricted to exactly which actors were in which movies, and which director was in charge of which movie. In short, if she wants the streaming key with the functionality to unlock doors and check surveillance cameras, Amazon has it and Roku doesn't.

Difference n. # 4: Wi-Fi range vs. speed

Amazon and Roku have chosen to prioritize different aspects of their streaming devices in 4. The Roku Streaming Stick 802.11K offers a huge Wi-Fi antenna that should be able to stretch around your house, while Amazon has focused on speed with installing a standard. Wi-Fi six (4ax) on your streaming device. Essentially, this means that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max should be able to load content faster and rarely buffer, the Roku Streaming Stick XNUMXK should manage a larger coverage area where it's always going to work. In such a case, both have their advantages.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Difference # 5: Amazon has Luna, Roku has more free content

It's probably not relevant to everyone, but we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention Amazon's new game streaming service Luna and Roku's growing library of free movies and shows. Luna is a cloud-based gaming service that streams popular games for a fixed cost per month, making it ideal for gamers who want the latest games with no downloads, while Roku's selection of free movies and shows should. Calm string cutters who want a lot of unpaid content for this reason.

(Image credit: Roku)

Similarity # 1: They have the exact same applications (for the most part)

Of course, these clubs are not exactly polar opposites either. One area where we see clear similarities is in their application libraries. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Roku Streaming Stick 4K can access multiple of the exact same services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu and more are present and supported, which means that regardless of the player. When selecting, you don't have to worry too much about missing out on any of your top streaming services.

(Image credit: Roku)

Similarity # 2: They come with a remote control.

Another interesting advantage of the two players is that they come with a remote control that works approximately exactly the same. The two hidden controls can be used to monitor the TV's power and volume controls thanks to HDMI-CEC support, and you will find direct access buttons for the most popular streaming services on the two hidden controls.

Similarity n. 3: offer 4K HDR playback

While you may see some minor differences when reading, you will not find any difference in the content models accepted by these players. This generation, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max support 4K resolution and each and every major form of HDR, including Dolby Vision and HDR10 +. This means that whether you have an LG, Samsung, Sony television or whatever, you should be able to watch your favorite shows in the highest possible resolution and formats with the device of your choice.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Similarity # 4: These are solid streaming sticks (duh)

Lastly, and it is quite obvious, their form factors are practically identical. Both are about the size of a USB flash drive and can slide behind your television to remain hidden. The streamer bar form factor is great when you want a clean look for your entertainment center or wall-mounted television, and Amazon and Roku players will deliver.

Verdict: they're both good for a different reason

While most disputes in the tech world have a clear winner and a clear loser, this really isn't the case between these two streaming devices – they both have good use cases where they're best. Streamer. For example, if you're looking for an intuitive streaming device that you can give to a family member who isn't always the most tech-savvy, the Roku is great. It has an easy to understand user interface and access to all major applications. With its wide range of Wi-Fi, you shouldn't have any issues and its performance means everything should be running smoothly for the foreseeable future. That said, if you pick up the Amazon Fire TV 2K Max, you'll find yourself in possession of a 4K streamer with a content-based approach that will suggest new shows and movies every time you turn it on. This is perfect for people who have Wi-Fi 4 in their home and can plan to watch Amazon Luna now or in the future.