A streaming device is a trendy gift for Christmas or special occasions, and they are continuously gaining the attention of consumers. With so many options available, which one do you choose? Fire stick vs Roku stick?

There are many devices with similar functionalities but different prices. People tend to buy the cheapest one, but that is not necessarily the right approach. It is important to check some features or specs before buying a streaming device. Some of the features you must look for when putting your money on a streaming device are:

Type Of Connection Between Your TV And the Device

The global streaming media devices market has reached around US$ 150 billion in 2020.

You can connect your streaming device using either an HDMI cable or a Wi-Fi connection. The streaming device and your TV must connect via HDMI cable. With this cable, you can experience better picture quality.

It is an essential factor in choosing between a fire stick vs. Roku stick or any other similar device.

Operating System

If you are a tech-savvy user, then Linux based operating systems will not bother you. But suppose you are not at all familiar with technical terms, it is better to opt for Roku stick or Amazon fire stick, which uses their operating system, than for Google Chromecast or DLNA devices that run on Android OS.

Content

Most streaming devices support various apps like Netflix, Hulu, Plex, etc. Roku supports most of the apps as it has its own platform, whereas Amazon fire stick mainly supports those apps available for Kindle Fire devices.

Hardware

If you have a smart TV with internal hardware, you can save some money on purchasing a streaming device. So, before buying a streaming device, check whether your TV already has the feature. If your smart TV does not support these features, you can choose to buy such a device (provided it is compatible with your TV) or opt for another option like Google Chromecast, which supports any TV having an HDMI port.

Audio and Video Quality

All streaming devices support HD quality video and Dolby digital audio. But only a few of them support DTS and Atmos, which can make a difference in sound quality.

For example, the Roku player supports Dolby digital plus and DTS, whereas the Amazon Fire Stick does not support these features.

Control

Some devices like Google Chromecast and Apple TV allow you to use your mobile remotely. But other devices like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick have their remotes.

You can also buy a wireless keyboard or mouse to control it if your streaming device does not have a remote.

Voice Control

The Alexa voice control feature is available only on Amazon Fire TV devices, making it an exclusive option among the list of streaming devices.

Gaming

If you are a gamer, then Xbox one and Nvidia shield would be the right option for you. Roku does not support gaming, whereas Amazon Fire Stick is a good option if you wish to play games.

You can play games like Minecraft, Terraria, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on it. However, it is important to take note that there are separate remotes for gaming which you need to buy separately.

So, these are some of the features you should check before buying a streaming device.

If you are willing to spend more money purchasing a streaming device, you can consider going for the one with these features mentioned above for the best streaming experience.