(That’s why you can use Chromecast as a second computer monitor.) They’ll simply mirror your phone, tablet, or computer screen on the TV. There’s an on-screen interface with channels, a store, a settings menu, and search functionality.Ĭhromecasts do not offer an on-screen interface. The biggest difference between the Chromecasts and the various Roku products is the user interface. After all, the average cable bill in the US is more than $100/month you could buy any of the models and still save money. If you want to buy a Chromecast or a Roku so you can cut the cord, the narrow spread of prices means costs shouldn’t be a significant consideration. A Chromecast Ultra, which adds 4K support, costs $69. That’s the same price as a Roku Express + and just $4 cheaper than the re-released Roku Premiere. That means there’s only $30 difference covering all six Roku dongle devices. The most expensive device is the Streaming Stick +, which will set you back $59. The cheapest of the six Roku products is the Roku Express it costs $29. So consider what you want to watch, then take your pick. But there isn’t a single one that can do absolutely everything you might want it to. Ultimately, all three platforms are easy to recommend, and all three $49.99 4K media streamers are excellent.
Similarly, if you want Google Play services, you should buy a Fire TV Stick. Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu are all covered by the three services, but if you want to watch an Apple TV+ show, you should count the Chromecast out. The big question is what you want to watch and where.
If you still have a 1080p TV, you can spend a bit less (though not with Chromecast). If you have a 4K TV, you should be prepared to spend at least $49.99 for the Fire TV Stick 4K, the Chromecast With Google TV, or the Roku Streaming Stick+. The best streaming hub for you is a matter of taste and technology. Roku has the best selection of services, but doesn’t have a voice assistant. The Fire TV Sticks have Apple TV, but lack Google Play services, and Alexa, while useful, isn’t as simple to use as Google Assistant.
The Chromecast With Google TV has our favorite voice assistant, but lacks Apple TV. They’re all very good platforms with plenty of apps and services, and they all have excellent media streamers available for under $50.
Head here for an in-depth review of everything Chromecast has to offer. This article will explore what’s the difference between Roku and Chromecast and help users to find the right device for their streaming requirements. Chromecast users can watch any streaming service that provides Google Cast support, such as Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube.
In contrast, Google’s Chromecast devices plug into the TV and enable users to cast their favorite content from their mobile phone, which acts as their remote control, or via a Google Chrome browser window on a Mac or PC. The service is increasingly now available directly on Roku technology-powered smart TVs. Users can then choose from tens of thousands of channels on the Roku Channel Store, which they simply download, log in to, and start watching. Roku provides a range of streaming devices that users connect to their TV either directly or via an HDMI cable and control with a remote. However, they both provide this capability in completely different ways. The two types of devices are designed to make it as simple as possible for users to watch their favorite streaming services through their TV. Roku and Google Chromecast are two of the most popular budget devices for streaming popular content at home.