Apple TV vs Roku vs Amazon Fire
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- dbloc
Which do you prefer? I hear good things about the Amazon Fire.
- dbloc0
for starters, I will be streaming Amazon Prime & Netflix. I'm pretty sure all of them do that.
- Apple TV doesn't natively access Amazon Prime, unfortunately. You can stream from your phone, but that's not idealmonospaced
- that's not ideal, IMO.monospaced
- ahh okdbloc
- The Roku might, though. If that's the case, it's a no-brainer. Go Roku.monospaced
- are you sure your TV has no Smart functions? Most do and usually include Amazon and Netflix.CyBrainX
- TV smart functions are typically pretty sadmonospaced
- I have and LG and they're not too shabby. I still get more use from Apple TV though.CyBrainX
- monospaced0
I have an Apple TV and the Amazon Fire Stick. The only benefit the Amazon has over the Apple TV that I even notice is the ability to natively access the Amazon Prime content. Otherwise, the Apple TV is a better overall experience.
The Roku is really amazing since there is access to tons more content, but the majority of it is pretty bad (channels dedicated to the most mundane, badly produced and weird content you'd never access). It also has a ton of cool features, but lacks access to the iTunes library.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but if you want a more robust experience, go with a Roku or the Apple TV for now, in my opinion.
- i was signed up for prime as a family member—but since i didn't sign up specifically for my own prime, i am ineligible. i'm returning my fire stick.jaylarson
- dbloc0
I was thinking more the Amazon Fire TV vs the Fire Stick
- do you use an iPhone?monospaced
- yesdbloc
- you MIGHT like the Apple TV for its integration into photos and content.monospaced
- CALLES0
i like roku cuz it seems to be the most impartial. it carries google play amazon hulu netflix all the same doesnt have beef with any...yet
- benfal990
Smart TV and ChromeCast is all I need with PLEX installed everywhere.
- CALLES0
also install google play and download Google Opinion Rewards answer some surveys get money and then rent new releases with it
- kona0
I have the Amazon Fire TV. Apple TV. And the Chromecast.
The Amazon Fire TV is IMO the cleanest and snappiest experience. However, all content is pushing it's own. Meaning, if you want to buy something it's all via Amazon Prime. I signed up for the Prime account but haven't purchased anything on it yet. We'll mostly watch Netflix through it which is pretty snappy.
The Apple TV is OK but the interface looks dated in comparison to the Fire. I like how I can watch movies from my computer on it, and purchasing them is easy via my Apple account. And, if I purchase something through the TV I can later download it and watch it on my devices, which is nice.
The Chromecast is what it is. When the baby is crying I cast Yo Gabba Gabba to it in a few seconds. It's nice for playing YouTube video playlists, and that's about it. The setup was a breeze and it was less than $30.
Good luck.
- Airplay is the only other advantage of the apple tv.jtb26
- And only if it's something you use. I do quite frequently, but others may not.jtb26
- the chromecast you can only cast from another device correct? does not have standalone apps?CALLES
- Don't forget that AirPlay allows the TV to become an external monitor too. Plus Photo Streamsmonospaced
- randommail0
Chromecast!
I like just using my ipad or iphone as the remote.
- timeless0
Anyone here use their playstation/wiiU for this . . . or just me?
- Yup PS3 with Netflix and Yotutubesprophetone
- roku/wiiUCALLES
- I used to use xbox for this. But i feel like it takes twice as long to get to what I want to watch vs. the apple tv.jtb26
- instrmntl0
I got Apple TV for my parents. They really like it.
- moniker0
If you go with Roku, make sure to buy the Plex Channel so you can stream content from your Computer (which will need the free Plex Server program installed)
- fooler0
^
I used a xbox one to stream Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime in the living room and buy/rent lots of movies from the xbox video app . We have a 2nd gen apple tv in the bedroom that does all of that except the Amazon Prime. The Apple TV keeps cutting out, no video only audio. I think it's on it's last leg so I'm thinking of replacing it with the Amazon Fire TV but I'm afraid I'll lose the ability to watch the movies I bought off of iTunes.
- SteveJobs0
i have the apple tv 2. my primary uses are netflix, hulu plus, hbo and streaming movies from my media server (a mac mini)
my complaints are
1. no amazon prime
2. little to no support for non h264 mp4 video formats (so LOTS of transcoding)
3. crashes A LOT
4. seems to struggle with streaming 1080p movies from my media server but maybe that's network-related.
5. worst remote ever designed. ever. over-simplistic for my taste
6. clunky interfaces like search, etc can be cumbersome (goes hand-in-hand with remote)nothing to compare this to but have been eyeing the roku 3 but need to see if apple tv 3 has made any improvements on above.
- I love the remote... when I can find the damn thing. It's so small we lose it all the time.fooler
- my Apple TV has never crashed, neither the v2 or v3monospaced
- My Apple TV never crashed either. There's a remote app for typing and and navigation. you phone becomes a remote.CyBrainX
- yeah, the iPhone Remote app is useful when typingmonospaced
- Noggin0
I have amazon fire TV.
I like it, you can sideload regular Android apps.
- monospaced0
Apple hasn't released a new Apple TV in over two years. I sure hope they make a new box soon that includes an innovative, system-wide search so that I can find a program to watch regardless of whether it's on Hulu, Netflix or available to rent. Bonus if they integrate live television from the cable company into it.
- and design a remote fit for purpose - that tiny thing is one of the worst pieces of design in history.fadein11
- agreed, that would almost be part of the innovative search methinksmonospaced
- So, it'd find your filthy porn. And you want this broadcasted when you turn on your tv?Peter
- was that supposed to be a joke, or a glimpse at how your mind works?monospaced
- I would consider it a warning. You guys ever try the ios remote app?
https://itunes.apple…CyBrainX - I have used the Remote app. Good for typing, but I don't like having to look at my screen during a moviemonospaced
- i_monk0
I went with WDTV a year ago, but it's clunky as fuck. Should have gone with Roku...
- dbloc0
I guess The Amazon Fire has voice search...That sounds nice...I'm sure it's a bitch typing in long titles with a remote.
- JG_LB0
i've had roku and love it but wanted something to stream wirelessly from my phone, laptop, ipad, etc
i bought the apple tv which was great for airplay but kinda sucked for everything else so i returned it.
chromecast was cheaper than a lightning to hdmi adaptor so i just got it instead. i haven't installed it yet but i hope it does what it says it does.
i still have the roku but if chromecast works i may consider getting rid of it. i have the roku streaming stick which came with the purchase of the tv
- scarabin0
PS4
