With the rise of streaming, choosing the right device can be challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we compare the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku Streaming Stick to help you decide which is better for your needs. And if you’re deciding between Roku vs DirecTV or Roku vs traditional cable, these streaming sticks provide a compelling alternative.
Quick Comparison
Fire TV Stick | Roku Streaming Stick | |
---|---|---|
Price | $39.99 | $49.99 |
Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
HDR Support | No | No |
Storage | 8GB | N/A |
Remote | Alexa Voice Remote | Simple IR Remote |
Smart Home Integration | Works with Alexa | Works with Alexa and Google Assistant |
How Much Do They Cost?
The Fire TV Stick retails for $39.99, while the Roku Streaming Stick costs $49.99. The Fire Stick is cheaper, but the Roku offers better software and more streaming options for just $10 more. Both offer excellent value. Both offer excellent value compared to DirecTV or traditional cable packages.
Fire TV Sticks also go on sale more frequently compared to Roku devices. So with a little patience, you can often grab the Fire Stick for under $30.
Winner: Fire TV Stick due to lower price
Video Quality and Resolution
Both the Fire Stick and Roku Streaming Stick max out at a resolution of 1080p Full HD. While they don’t support advanced formats like 4K or HDR, 1080p offers more than enough quality for most users especially at this price point.
The Roku does have one advantage with its Auto Low Latency Mode which minimizes lag for gaming. But for streaming movies and shows, there is no major difference in video fidelity between the two streamers.

Winner: Tie
Interface and Usability
Roku devices are acclaimed for their simple, intuitive interface optimized for streaming. The home screen makes all installed streaming channels clearly visible and easy to launch. Compared to other options like Apple TV, many find Roku the most user-friendly.

Comparatively, the Fire TV interface promotes Amazon Prime content first while making it a little harder to access other streaming apps. There is more navigating required compared to the straightforward Roku experience.

The Roku remote is also preferred by many with its classic button layout vs the unique triangular Fire Stick remote. But Alexa voice functionality gives the Fire remote robust hands-free control.
Winner: Roku Streaming Stick
App and Content Selection
Both Roku and Fire TV grant access to all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and more. But Roku edges out the competition with over 10,000 available channels on their Channel Store compared to Fire TV’s smaller selection.

Fire TV does promote Amazon content front and center. So Prime members get quicker access to their go-to shows and movies. Roku maintains more neutral ground among different streaming competitors.
The good news is that you can use Roku and Fire TV Stick on the same TV if you want the best of both worlds in terms of content.
Winner: Roku Streaming Stick
Smart Home Connectivity
A key benefit of these streamers is integrating them into a connected smart home system, allowing control over other devices right from the remote.
The Alexa-enabled Fire TV remote can activate thousands of Alexa skills ranging from smart lights to robot vacuums. Unfortunately Google Assistant support remains limited on Fire TV.

Roku devices work well with both Alexa and the Google Assistant for broader smart home compatibility. Still, the standard Roku remote lacks built-in mics so you need to use Roku’s mobile app for voice commands.

Winner: Roku for wider smart home compatibility
Wired Connectivity
While both streamers connect via WiFi out of the box, only Fire TV offers optional ethernet connectivity with a $15 adapter. This gives the option for faster, more reliable wired streaming less prone to buffering issues.

Roku Streaming Sticks currently have no way to utilize ethernet. You would need to upgrade to a Roku Ultra, Ultra LT or one of their standalone streaming boxes.

So if your WiFi connection proves unreliable, Fire TV includes the hardware expansion option to resolve this which Roku lacks.
Winner: Fire TV Stick
Streaming Specific Services
If you’re looking to stream DirecTV on Fire Stick, access NFL on Fire TV, or use the Spectrum app on Fire TV, a Fire Stick will serve you well. These popular services integrate seamlessly with the Fire TV platform.
Roku devices also support DirecTV Stream, NFL streaming and Spectrum apps. So you can achieve similar functionality on either streamer – it just depends which ecosystem you prefer.
Winner: Tie
Key Takeaways
- For those wanting the most affordable streamer, the Fire TV Stick is cheaper at just $39.99
- Roku devices offer a more intuitive streaming interface compared to Fire TV
- The Roku Channel Store provides the most extensive app selection
- Fire TV enables Alexa voice control and optional ethernet connectivity
- For widest smart home compatibility, the Roku Streaming Stick works with both Alexa and Google Assistant
- Both streamers provide excellent value with all core streaming features
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Fire Stick or Roku without WiFi?
No – both devices require an internet connection via WiFi to function. Only the Fire TV Stick can optionally connect via ethernet with a $15 adapter accessory.
Which has better picture quality?
The video quality is essentially identical between the Fire Stick and Roku Streaming Stick, both able to stream 1080p Full HD resolution at 60 fps. Without 4K or HDR support, the streamers offer very comparable image quality.
Which remote is better?
Most users tend to prefer Roku’s clean, classic remote layout with dedicated playback buttons and labeled directional arrows. However, Alexa voice functionality gives Fire TV’s remote robust hands-free controls. It comes down to personal preference.
Can you watch live TV?
Live TV streaming access depends which subscription services you have logins for. Both devices support apps like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling TV and more to stream live cable channels. An HD antenna can also connect to stream local broadcast networks.
The Final Call
Ultimately both the Fire TV and Roku Streaming Stick make excellent media streamers with comparable core functionality.
For those wanting maximum affordability along with Alexa integration plus the option for wired connectivity, I recommend the Fire TV Stick.
However the Roku Streaming Stick shines for its simpler interface, expansive channel store, smoother streaming performance and wider smart home ecosystem support. So if usability is most important and you don’t mind spending a little more, Roku narrowly wins out.
Either streaming stick presents amazing value to cord cutters. Your decision can simply come down to whether you prioritize price and Amazon-centric features with Fire TV, or the smoother overall user experience provided by Roku streamers. Both enable easy access to all your favorite streaming content.
You really can’t go wrong with either pick. But hopefully this detailed feature breakdown helps steer you toward the right choice to meet your needs whether it ends up being Team Fire TV or Team Roku!