Even if you already have a smart TV, the interface provided by these devices makes them invaluable, allowing you to easily swap between streaming services and search for media without being forced to fumble through an on-screen keyboard. Neither of these devices has Ethernet connectivity, but come equipped with MIMO 802.11 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, providing them with all the necessary bandwidth for seamlessly streaming at 4K. The remotes for both models are similar in their shape with the Fire stick remote being a little slimmer and more modern in its aesthetic. They each feature dedicated volume and playback controls as well as multi-function directional buttons and they each run on a pair of AA batteries. The most glaring difference, however, is the addition of quick access buttons to the Roku remote that allows you to quickly switch between Hulu, Netflix, Sling, and PS Vue. Each streaming stick uses a separate micro-USB adapter for power and can be connected to either a wall outlet or directly to your TV for power. Both remotes can also serve as substitutes for your TV remote which is handy, and the baked-in Bluetooth connectivity for each device effectively replaces the 3.5mm audio jack that was present in some previous versions of the device, allowing you to wirelessly pair headphones and listen to the TV without disturbing others. There are mobile apps available for both devices but are drastically different in their approach. The Roku app is easily the more impressive of the two, serving as an ad-hoc remote if your original happens to go missing, as well as allowing you to quickly search for apps and media using your phone’s keyboard. The Fires TV Stick app offers the basic home, menu, and back buttons, as well as allowing you to perform a quick voice search, but lacks the private listening feature offered on the Roku. A small library of games are offered by both services, including classics like Pac-Man, and while the Roku library does have access to Jackbox classics like Quiplash, the Fire TV Stick includes a variety of Sega classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and Golden Axe. The bottom line here is unless you’re looking for a very particular game or app, it’s most likely available with your Roku device.
