Amazon Fire Stick vs. Roku Stick vs. Chromecast: Face-Off!

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Is Amazon’s Fire Stick a viable alternative to Google’s Chromecast or Roku’s Streaming Stick? Here’s a look at the key features of each device.

It's just about time to stop saying, "set top box." The devices never did fit on top of a flatscreen TV, and now the hottest devices aren't even boxes, but HDMI sticks that plug in the back of the TV (or receiver). Amazon joined the game today (Oct. 27) with its Fire TV Stick, a $39 alternative to its $99 Fire TV box. As with other sticks, the new Fire TV gives up some features to squeeze into a smaller size and price, namely processing power and the Fire TV's signature remote with voice search capability. (It includes a basic remote instead, the Voice Search-enabled remote is a $30 add-on.)

MORE: Best Streaming Players: Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV & More

If you want to play games in addition to video and music, the Fire TV Stick is your best bet, as it supports about 200 titles, controlled either by a remote or the optional $40 game controller. 

If you're in the market for one of these devices, check the comparison below to help with your choice.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Amazon Fire TV StickGoogle ChromecastRoku Streaming Stick
Price$39$35$50
Size3.3 x 1.0 x 0.5 inches
2.8 x 1.4 x 0.5 inches3.1 x 1.1 x 0.5 inches
Remote controlIncludedNoneIncluded
Voice controlYes, with $30
Voice Remote		NoneNone
Syncs media
streams from
mobiles/
computers		Netflix and YouTube onlyYesNetflix and YouTube only
Screen mirroringMiracast and Wi-Di:
Newer Android and
Windows Phone devices;
Windows 8.1 PCs		Newer Android
devices, PCs via
tabcasting only		Miracast and Wi-Di:
Newer Android and
Windows Phone devices;
Windows 8.1 PCs
Number of
channels/apps		600+600+2000+
Games200+Very limited80+
Headline apps
(sampling)		Amazon
Instant
Video
Crackle
Hulu Plus
Netflix
Pandora
PBS Kids
Twitch
WatchESPN
YouTube		Crackle
Google Play
TV, Movies,
& Music
HBO GO
Hulu Plus
MLB.TV
Netflix
Pandora
PlayOn
Rdio
VUDU
YouTube
WatchESPN
Watch ABC
Twitch
Watch
Disney
PBS Kids
Vevo

Amazon
Instant
Video
Disney
Disney
Junior
HBO GO
Hulu Plus
MLB.TV
Netflix
Pandora
PBS
Plex
rdio
Showtime
Slacker
Spotify
Vudu
Yahoo
Screen
YouTube
Crackle
M-Go
WatchESPN
Vevo
Video output720p and 1080p
up to 60fps		720p and 1080p
up to 60fps		720p and 1080p
up to 60fps

Senior editor Sean has run out of HDMI ports on his TV. Follow him @seancaptain. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.

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Sean Captain

Sean Captain is a freelance technology and science writer, editor and photographer. At Tom's Guide, he has reviewed cameras, including most of Sony's Alpha A6000-series mirrorless cameras, as well as other photography-related content. He has also written for Fast Company, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.