Whether you’re used to it or not, we now live in the digital age. Digital media has become an integral part of our everyday lives, and it’s one of the only ways we consume media anymore. The products that are most quickly growing in popularity are streaming devices, and can now be found in more houses than ever before. Since they’re getting so popular, more and more companies are jumping on-board, causing a lot of confusion between buyers.
Today, we’re looking at two different types of streamers: set-top boxes and HDMI dongles. Traditionally, set-top boxes provide a more robust software experience and generally offer smoother gaming and performance. On the other hand, HDMI dongles are far easier to use and are made to be portable.
In this roundup, we take a look at the best media streamers out there to help you decide which one is best for you!
Roku Streaming Stick
First up is the most popular of all the offerings, the Roku Streaming Stick. The main feature that stands out with this one is that it provides over 1,000 actual channels to watch, not just individual movies and shows. The HDMI stick, remote, USB cable, information booklet, and batteries come included with the package. The Roku device is purple, and is exactly what you would expect from an HDMI streaming stick.
It has an HDMI output on one end, and a MicroUSB port on the other to plug it into a wall or your television. The remote control is glossy black with purple accents, and feels very durable. It features play, pause, forward and back buttons, a directional pad, and even a few dedicated buttons to connect you straight to Netflix and other popular services. These buttons tend to come in handy since they link right to the services that are most popular on the device.
The set up process is quite easy, but requires you to use a computer. Once you make your Roku account online, you have the ability to select your favorite apps, or channels as Roku calls them, to load onto your device. After this process, verify the confirmation code on your television, and you’re all set up.
Roku’s interface is very simple. A number of different categories can be found on the left, and all of your content on the right. The dashboard is where you go to purchase all of the media content you’d like, and there’s quite a big selection. You have access to free channels like WatchESPN, Netflix, and HBO GO, among others. While its functionality only extends to a few applications, the Roku has casting capabilities, similar to what we’ll see in the Chromecast. /
When using the YouTube app on a phone or tablet, users can “cast” their content straight to the Roku, without pulling up the dedicated YouTube app. Most of the content you watch on the device, though, will be launched through Roku’s interface. Additional settings include theme adjustment, adding additional controllers, and many more. Also, content discovery is extremely easy, thanks to Roku’s huge content-hungry community.
In all, Roku does a great job at mixing paid and free streaming options, which should make it desirable for cord-cutters who prefer an “a la carte” type of system.
Fire TV & Fire TV Stick
The next two offerings on the list come from Amazon – the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. These two devices have a lot in common, but also have notable differences when it comes to content delivery. Let’s first start with the Fire TV Stick.
Included in the package are the HDMI dongle and remote control, with the option to purchase an additional gaming controller or a voice search-enabled remote. The controller is small, but still feels comfortable in the hand. It includes very clicky playback and menu buttons, just as we’d expect. The top ring-like button actually functions as the directional pad, almost resembling an iPod Classic. The dongle itself is a matted plastic texture, and features an HDMI-out and MicroUSB port.
Editor’s Note – See Chromecast vs Amazon Fire TV here.
Let’s move on to Amazon’s set-top box, the Fire TV. Within the stack of media that many of us have surrounding our television, the Fire TV will blend in and likely go unnoticed. It has a matted texture, and only comes in black. Around back, you’ll see a power connection port, HDMI port, ethernet port, optical audio port, and USB-in. The shape of the device is square, and looks extremely sleek.
The Fire TV device, game controller, voice search-enabled remote, and HDMI cable all come included in the package. The remote is basically the same one that’s included with the Fire TV Stick, but features a voice search button up top. The gaming controller reminds us of an Xbox controller, fitting comfortably in our hands.
When booting up, both devices go through the same process. Connect to your Wifi, then sign into your Amazon account. If you purchased the device directly from Amazon, you’ll just need to confirm your account rather than typing it in, then you’re all set to go. After your account is confirmed, you’re whisked away into a tutorial on how to use your device.
In terms of the interface, these two devices are exactly the same. You’ll see a big list of categories on the left side, your content in the middle, and you’ll find a list of applications on the right. One thing we found a bit off-putting is the use of the menu button. When in the YouTube app, for example, pressing the menu button achieves one result, while pressing the menu button inside Vimeo achieves another. Aside from this, the interface is easy to navigate and lightning fast. Amazon’s new ASAP feature coupled with the voice search remote makes the experience really great. ASAP suggests new movies and TV shows that you may want to watch next, and queues them up so they’re waiting for you when you’re done with your current movie or show.
Free with your Fire TV or Fire Stick purchase is a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. If you’re not a Prime subscriber, Amazon will make it very apparent that you need to be. Remember, you’re using their product that’s connected to the Internet. They’ll bug you from time to time about your subscription, but that’s what you sign up for when purchasing their product. If you are a Prime subscriber, you get some added benefits like improved suggestions and commercial-free streaming.
When it comes to gaming, you can play them on both, but the Fire TV is far superior in this category thanks to its powerful specifications. When it comes down to it, this may be the best way to stream media, just as long as you’re a Prime subscriber. If not, there may be a better product out there for you.
Chromecast
Editor’s Note – See the full review of the Chromecast here!, and see some of the best apps for Chromecast here, too!
After a failed attempt of making it to your living room with the Nexus Q, Google announced the Chromecast. This media streaming dongle was the first one to really impress everyone with its price point, launching at only $35. Google could afford to sell it at this price because of one major factor: it doesn’t use a remote. Instead, your smartphone controls the device, allowing for a simpler, more unique experience. In terms of simplicity, the Chromecast has every other streaming device beat. It only comes with a dongle and a MicroUSB charging cable. Plug it in, use your smartphone, tablet, or computer as your remote, and it just works.
The set up process take less than 5 minutes from start to finish. You can use your mobile device or computer running Chrome to verify the confirmation code they send to you. The Chromecast will likely need to update, but after that, you’re good to go.
Since the Chromecast doesn’t really use a controller, it acts a bit differently from the rest. There’s not really an interface, only a screensaver. On your device, when you have an application that is compatible with Chromecast, you simply press the Chromecast icon in the app, then your content shows up on your monitor. You still have the ability to play, pause, fast forward, and rewind, but you’re doing it all from within the individual apps on your phone. This can take awhile to get used to, but it’s actually very convenient after you get used to it.
The device is compatible with Android, iOS, and Chrome, allowing basically everyone to use it. We tried to find a better way of summing up the Chromecast, but we found that it just works.
Nexus Player
The Nexus Player is the most recent media streamer to be released. It’s Google’s second take at a set-top box, but its first running Android TV. It was released just about the same time as the Fire TV, and is its most worthy competitor. The Nexus Player is shaped like an oversized hockey puck. It’s black, cylindrical, and features a nice smooth texture. The Nexus Player, voice search-enabled remote, power adapter, 2 AAA batteries, and some documentation are all included in the package. Around back, the Nexus Player has a power slot, USB input, and an HDMI port. It sits flush on the table, and blends in with your other media content, similar to the Fire TV.
The remote is almost identical to that of the Fire TV. It has a similar button layout, all the way down to the voice search button. When testing these two set-top boxes, we found ourselves picking up the wrong remote all the time.
Set up is easy, and requires little to no effort. Connect to Wifi, verify a few codes, and you’re all set to start streaming.
The interface on the Nexus Player differs greatly from the competition. The layout features mostly tiles, separated into categories. We prefer this layout to the Fire TV and Roku’s, but it’s apparent that the available content is still lacking. For now, choices are limited when it comes to apps and games, though it shouldn’t be long until we see more developers making apps for Android TV. The Nexus Player’s transition animations are Material Design-based, so there’s an abundance of flashy, smooth, and pretty animations. When Material Design works, it works well. And since a ton of third party apps are available, not all of them follow the Material Design guidelines. We see this problem on Android, as well, but it’s very noticeable when your favorite app looks nothing like the interface around it.
Though it’s not included in the box, you can purchase a gaming controller to go along with the Player. And surprise, surprise… it looks like the Fire TV controller! It’s good, though. It fits well in your hands, and is very comfortable.
This is very much a first generation device. We can see that very clearly when it comes to gaming and media storage. Gaming is just… okay. It’s wonderful when it’s good, but when it lags, it completely ruins the experience. So, what’s wrong with the internal storage option? The Player only comes with 8GB of storage, which is about enough for a few games. This is perhaps the biggest annoyance with this device. It’s supposed to be a device for gaming, but can’t store more than a few games on it. We’re really hoping Google comes out with a higher storage option variant in the near future.
The Nexus Player also has Google Cast built into it, allowing you to cast things from your mobile device to your TV.
Looking for more information on the Nexus Player? Head here to see our full review!
Editor’s Note – If you’re looking for something completely different, and want a wireless HDMI streamer to stream from your desktop, laptop, MacBook, or Gaming console to your TV or Projector, check out the Nyrius Aries Pro here!
Final thoughts
Ultimately, it really depends on your use habits, your loyalties, and how you want to consume media, play games, and organize your content. Without a doubt, the Chromecast represents one of the best values, but those that want to game on their big screen with it will find it lacking. But millions of users agree, it’s an inexpensive way to get content from your smartphone or tablet, regardless of whether you use an iPhone or an Android. The Roku alternative represents a robust, mature platform that is equally as good, just different.
With its mature ecosystem, it represents a very solid choice, but Android die-hards will find the direct casting that the Chromecast offers, lacking. Amazon Fire TV and the Fire stick are great options for those that are deeply invested and committed to Amazon’s ecosystem. And, for those that want to try something new and with great promise and potential, the Nexus Player is a very interesting choice. Plus, its gaming controller capabilities, and the fact that Google is encouraging developers to offer their games and apps on the platform should portend some very fun multiplayer games for fans down the road.
No matter which one you choose, you’re likely to be quite pleased. Let us know which one you think is best down below!
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