Why run after pricy cable subscriptions or a Smart TV when you can use a streaming stick to binge-watch shows, movies, and much more. Many devices like Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Chromecast have dominated the market as these are much cheaper than any other alternatives.
Each streaming device has a different budget and deals that offer unlimited content for a set amount of money. For the ones who aren’t familiar with the term ‘Streaming Stick,’ it is a media player that can be connected with an HDMI port to stream content from various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc.
If you think that having a smart TV fills the bridge of not having a streaming stick, you must know that a stick can upgrade your viewing experience. So, are you ready to upgrade the user-quality of your streaming device? Here are the three best Streaming Sticks that you can purchase in a pocket-friendly budget.
Fire TV Stick Lite, Roku Express, or Chromecast?
Overview
Starting with Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, it is a more powerful device than all other existing Fire TV Sticks. The new model supports Alexa that enables you to control your actions using a voice remote. The stick also comes with an 8GB storage that offers you plenty of space to download your favorite shows and movies.
Roku Express gives you a powerful HD streaming at such a low cost. Though who doesn’t like a budget-friendly device, it doesn’t support 4K and has a basic remote with a slow chipset. However, it offers a whole range of premium content.
The 3rd generation Google Chromecast was released in 2018 and is linked directly to your phone or tablet. All you need to do is find content that you want to watch and tap on the cast icon to watch it on your TV. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support 4K streaming.
Pricing
The three devices that have been picked are the cheapest of everything else you’ll find in the market. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is available for $29, which is the most affordable in the Fire TV range. However, the Fire TV Stick 2020 is available for $39.
If you’re looking for something other than the Fire TV Stick, Roku Express is the ideal option that is available for $30.
The Google Chromecast matches a Fire TV Stick price that is $29-$30; however, it is not the same experience because of a remote’s unavailability. As mentioned above, you’re supposed to use your phone or a tablet.
Features and Design
If you’re rooting for a device that gives you excellent user-experience at a low price, Fire TV Stick is the one for you. It offers an HD resolution referring that if you use a 4K TV to stream, it’ll automatically upscale to a 4K resolution. It also has an in-built HDR that gives you advanced controls like a better range of colors, better contrast, etc. A microphone and Alexa assistant are cherries on the cake, and you can search for anything without having to put in much effort. Not only this, but you can download a lot of content for the 8GB internal storage.
The Roku Express is the easiest method to stream your favorite shows. It comes pre-loaded with various online streaming platforms and offers up to 3500 channels. It is easy to set up and can be controlled using a mobile app once you download the same. Unlike some other models, Roku can be connected via a USB port to stream on TV.
The Chromecast 3rd generation model enables you to fit it to the HDMI port of your TV directly. To stream with the same, you’ll require a Chromecast and Google Home app as it only streams via your phone. Chromecast also works fine with other Google devices such as smart speakers and allows you to use voice control.
Finally, coming down to the question most people ask. Which of the three devices should you buy? We’ve given a detailed guide on overview, price, and features of all the three devices. Thus, it’s time for you to decide whatever suits you the best and will be worth investing in. Are you looking forward to a great content viewing experience? Well, don’t give it a second thought and watch great unlimited content with the help of these pocket-friendly streaming options.
Avery Smith is a McAfee product expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, Avery has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as mcafee.com/activate.
