When it comes to streaming devices, the first thing most people think of is Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. But there are other alternatives. One is the cheaper Roku Express 4K. For comparison, the Fire TV Stick 4K normally costs 69.99 euros on Amazon. On Prime Day in July 2022, the price was 22.99 euros. This means that the Roku Express 4K is currently even cheaper.
But is it worth buying the little streaming device? After all, the Fire TV Stick is widely regarded as the top of the line on the market.
Roku Express 4K vs Amazon Fire TV Stick
The Roku Express 4K is the cheapest streaming player from the American manufacturer and is deliberately positioned as a cheap Fire TV alternative. Ease of use is paramount here. Unlike the Fire TV Stick, Roku isn’t targeting a streaming service. You are free to decide what to display on your homepage.
The order of the streaming services displayed can also be adjusted individually. The film pages are clearly arranged. If you search for a current blockbuster such as “Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania” via the menu, you will get a list of all streaming services where the film can be seen. The search results are sorted by price. The Fire TV Stick always shows the Prime Video offer first instead.
Navigating through the menus is flawless with the Roku Express 4K and always goes smoothly. Most streaming services are supported. Joyn, Twitch and Arte are three providers you still have to do without. However, it is quite possible that there will soon be suitable apps for the streaming services.
Support for Apple AirPlay and Android
Technically, the 4K stick cuts a good figure. The only criticism is the lack of support for Dolby Vision, but it’s bearable for the price. become for it HDR10 and HDR10+ supports.
However, the Roku Express’s small remote feels good in the hand. However, the technology is based on radio, so you always need a line of sight to the streaming device. You also cannot operate your TV with the remote control. This is where the Fire TV Stick comes out on top.
Roku is one of the few carriers that supports both Apple AirPlay and Android device screen mirroring. This way you can easily stream content from your smartphone to the Express 4K.
The best alternatives to the Roku Stick
This makes the Roku Express 4K a cheap alternative to the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Amazon’s topper is currently also cost-effective 69.99 euros* but more than threefold. Galaxus offers a cheap option. The Fire TV Stick 4K is included there only 48.20 euros*.
Another alternative to the Roku Express 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for 57.99 euros at Galaxus*. This is very reminiscent of Amazon’s counterpart and technically has more to offer than the Express.
Among other things, you get Dolby Vision support and a faster processor with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. There is also a voice remote control, which also allows you to control your television, and a faster WiFi receiver.