Cord-cutting is surging in popularity, with cable TV providers losing millions of subscribers annually.
If you've cut the cord, you're likely weighing the Amazon Fire TV Stick against Roku's lineup for your go-to streaming solution.
We'll break it down to help you choose the right one.
Comparing Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Roku devices isn't straightforward.
Amazon offers two main contenders: the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K. Roku has six direct rivals: Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku Streaming Stick+.
We cover them all here, drawing from hands-on testing and years of reviewing streaming hardware.
Price matters upfront. Amazon's base Fire TV Stick starts at $39.99, with the 4K version at $49.99.
Roku's most affordable, the Express, is $29.99. The top non-Ultra model, Streaming Stick+, runs $59.99.
Closest price matches: Roku Premiere ($39.99), Premiere+ ($49.99), and Streaming Stick ($49.99).
Specs vary widely—here's the breakdown based on our benchmarks.
Amazon's entry Fire TV Stick features a 1.3GHz processor, 8GB storage, Bluetooth 4.1, and 1080p at 60fps.
The 4K upgrades to a 1.7GHz processor, Bluetooth 5.0, 8GB storage, and 2160p support.
Roku's Express, Express+, and Streaming Stick top out at 1080p; Premiere, Premiere+, and Streaming Stick+ handle 4K.
Both come with dedicated remotes.
Amazon's integrate Alexa voice control. For Roku voice, opt for Premiere+, Streaming Stick, or Streaming Stick+.
Companion mobile apps work for both, and Amazon Echo speakers pair seamlessly with Fire TV.
Amazon's interface looks sleek and modern but pushes Prime Video content heavily—even non-subscribers see it prominently. Your apps are tucked away up top.
Roku prioritizes customization: channels in a scrollable grid, groupable with third-party channels for quick access. It's functional but visually dated.
For neutral streaming, Roku leads—surpassing Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. It supports Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Spotify, TuneIn, and more.
Roku's private channels add variety (install via codes on their web portal; note some operate in legal gray areas). 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Right Now. Here's how to add private channels to your Roku, along with some of the best Roku private channels you can install right now. Read more.
Fire TV lacks a native YouTube app due to ongoing Google-Amazon disputes—web access is clunky.
Amazon shines here with Silk and Firefox browsers, remote-navigable. Sideload others from Google Play, though some need a mouse app. You Can Also Download Apps on Fire TV Sticks How to Sideload Apps on Your Amazon Fire TV Stick How to Add Apps on Your Amazon Fire TV Stick Your Fire TV Stick can run almost any Android app and installing it couldn't be more easy. Read more.
Roku skips browsers entirely.
Both offer games, but Fire TV's selection is stronger for casual play: Minecraft, Badland, Star Wars. Roku's are lighter fare.
Serious gamers? Skip both for Nvidia Shield. We've tested the best: The best free Amazon Fire TV games There are a surprising number of free Amazon Fire TV games available for download. Here are the best we've found. Read more. And 10 Incredible Roku Games You Should Be Playing. Did you know that the Roku has a surprisingly extensive catalog of games? Here are the best games you can play on your Roku right now! Read More.
Roku's Miracast works with most Android/Windows devices (not Apple). Some older Fire TV models support it; newer Stick/4K don't.
No outright winner—it hinges on your setup, services, and needs.
Top picks: Fire TV Stick 4K or Roku Streaming Stick+. Or consider Chromecast—see our Chromecast vs. Roku:Which is the best for you? There are many streaming media devices to choose from. In this article, we compare the heaviest hitters:Chromecast vs Roku. Read more.
