Apple recently announced the next generation of Apple TV 4K, prompting us to look at the competitors like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick and Chromecast with Google TV. If you haven’t already cut the cable cord, the streaming smart tv boxes offer a very compelling reason to take the plunge. Being able to choose when and where to watch your favourite content is the single main reason why many users have opted to use a streaming device. If you don’t have a smart TV or if you are not satisfied with the one you have, you can add more capabilities onto your current TV with a media streaming device.
What is a smart TV box?
You will see the term Smart TV Box or Media Streamer used interchangeably, and it applies to any device that delivers content to your TV by accessing the streaming services online. Now a days, majority of the new smart TVs have this functionality built-in but the streaming devices are still a good option if you are looking for additional functionality or improvements. All of the streaming devices allow you to access the content by simply connecting to your home internet using either WiFi or Ethernet. Keep in mind that you still have to pay for the streaming subscription separately.
Which media streaming device to buy?
There are many streaming devices available on the market including popular platforms from Apple, Roku, Amazon, and Google. In 2021, you don’t have to worry about content as most of the popular applications and streaming services are available on all devices. In our opinion, when choosing a streaming device, you need make sure that it will satisfy your need for any unique feature that may not available on other streamers.
As an example, if you want to stream media from your smartphone or computer to your TV, you need to make sure that the streaming device has that functionality. For instance, Chromecast with Google TV not only allows you to stream content from built-in apps but it also integrates with your Android or Apple smartphone. You also need to consider if you will stream content (online website videos, photos or home movies) from your computer to your big screen TV as not all of the devices offer this functionality.
Let’s compare the four popular streaming devices, including Apple TV 4K, Roku Streaming Stick+, Amazon Fire Stick 4K, and Chromecast with Google TV. The first obvious difference that stands out is the price. The Apple TV is the most expensive at $180, which is almost four times more expensive than the competition from Roku, Amazon, and Google which all offer streaming devices at $50.
The second main difference is the internet connectivity as only Apple TV and Chromecast with Google TV offer ethernet connectivity. If you don’t have a reliable WiFi connection or prefer hardwire internet connection than these are your only two options. It is important to note that Apple TV is the only one that offers gigabit ethernet as Google only offers 100 Mbps ethernet via a separate power adapter for extra cost. Thirdly, Apple TV 4K offers the most storage space but this is usually not a big concern if you intent to use the device for streaming purposes only. Check out the full comparison of the features and specifications below.
Lastly, all of the streaming devices offer voice search capability with Apple using Siri, Amazon using Alexa, Chromecast using google assistant and Roku with its own voice search. Note that Roku doesn’t offer fully functional voice assistant that gives you weather report or dims lights when you’re watching a movie. Note that you can control Roku streaming device (running Roku OS 8.1 or above) via other Google Assistant supported devices, such as smart speakers, phones and Smart Displays. If you care about smart home control with your streaming device, Google and Amazon are still better options.
Our Recommendation
Chromecast with Google TV is the best option for a 4K Smart TV Box as it offers all of the functionality of the competitors with an easy to use remote and user interface with android app ecosystem. The ability to cast chrome tabs/videos, desktop, or files remains a distinctive key feature of Chromecast. Apple TV offers this feature but it is limited to only Apple devices whereas Chrome works on both Windows and Mac computers. In addition. Google assistant is still the leading voice assistance with plethora of smart home connectivity options and easy voice detection. As a result, Chromecast is the clear winner as it brings the convenience of watching any web content on your big screen at a very low price.
Source: Tom’sGuide, DigitalTrends
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav