Today's streaming media market offers a wealth of choices. With dozens of devices competing for your attention, this guide pits Chromecast against Roku based on hands-on experience testing both ecosystems.
Chromecast has long been a favorite, but Roku's versatile lineup gives it serious competition. The best pick for you boils down to your must-have features.
Roku frequently refreshes its product lineup. In 2017, it streamlined offerings with new hardware, but the roster expanded again with the Roku Premiere's return.
Currently, six Roku models directly rival Chromecast: Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku Streaming Stick+.
The Roku Ultra stands apart as a set-top box rather than a dongle, so it's excluded from this comparison.
Let's break down these six Roku devices against Chromecast across key categories.
The most affordable Roku is the Express at $29, while the priciest dongle, the Streaming Stick+, costs $59—a modest $30 range across the board.
The standard Chromecast runs $35, matching the Roku Express+ and undercutting the Premiere by $4. The 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra is $69.
For cord-cutters, these low prices make either a smart buy. With average U.S. cable bills exceeding $100 monthly, any model saves you money long-term.
The starkest contrast is the interface.
Roku runs Roku OS, featuring an intuitive on-screen menu with channels, a store, settings, and search.
Chromecast skips the on-screen UI entirely, relying on mirroring from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Set up and manage your Chromecast How to set up and use your Chromecast How to set up and use your Chromecast If you just got a Chromecast, here's everything you need to know to set it up. Read More Which is available on Android and iOS.
All connect via HDMI.
Roku Express+ adds composite A/V ports, making it the sole option for older TVs lacking HDMI.
Roku Express, Express+, and Streaming Stick top out at 1080p HD. Premiere, Premiere+, and Streaming Stick+ support 4K and HDR.
Only the pricier Chromecast Ultra handles 4K.
Before splurging on 4K, confirm your TV supports it—not yet standard on mid- or entry-level sets. Also, consider your content: many services charge extra for 4K, like Netflix's $7.99 basic plan vs. $13.99 premium, and not everything streams in 4K anyway.
Every Roku includes a remote. Budget models (Express, Express+, Streaming Stick) have basic ones; premiums add voice search, TV power, and volume controls to streamline setup.
Roku sells upgraded remotes separately, like the Enhanced Voice Remote with headphone jack or Gaming Remote.
The free Roku app for Android/iOS offers control and multi-device switching.
Chromecast control stays on your mobile or computer—screen mirroring reflects all inputs to TV.
Cast-enabled apps like Netflix work seamlessly via the Cast button. Non-native ones like Amazon Prime Video require workarounds: How to watch Amazon Prime video on your TV with Chromecast How to watch Amazon Prime video on your TV with Chromecast As you may have discovered, Amazon Prime video it does not work on chromecast. However, there are a couple of ways around this. Read more.
Roku boasts over 500,000 channels, including majors like Spotify, Hulu, Sling, Netflix, and Amazon Video—plus niche private channels. We've covered some of the best private channels on Roku. 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Right Now. 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Now. Here's how to add private channels to your Roku, along with some of the best private Roku channels you can. Install right now. More information as well as how to install private channels on Roku How to Install Private Roku Channels and Unlock More Content How to Install Private Roku Channels and Unlock More Content Roku devices have one big advantage over all other streaming devices:channels. private. Read more if you want to learn more.
Chromecast depends on app support; non-cast apps mean screen mirroring, draining battery and locking your device. Some formats (Silverlight, Flash, QuickTime, VLC) won't play.
Extras can sway your choice.
Chromecast Ultra includes Ethernet for stable streaming. Roku dongles lack it (Ultra has it, but excluded here).
Roku supports Miracast for mirroring Android/Windows screens to TV (no Apple support).
Since September 2018, Roku OS integrates Google Assistant for voice control via devices like Google Home.
Your home ecosystem, brand loyalties, and usage matter most.
For a versatile, platform-agnostic cord-cutting solution, go Roku. For quick, occasional streams from your phone or computer, Chromecast shines.
Dig deeper with our guides: tips for getting more from your Roku Get more from your Roku with these 10 tips Get more from your Roku with these 10 tips OK, so you've got your Roku up and running, but you probably don't. you are maximizing its utility. These 10 tips will help you get the most out of your Roku. Read More Hack your Chromecast experience with these tricks. Hack your Chromecast experience with these tricks. Did you know that your Chromecast is capable of much more than just streaming video? In this article, we'll show you eight clever hacks that will make your Chromecast experience even better. Read more.
