Roku Express 4K+ or Fire TV

Both Budget Media Streamers Offer Distinct Features

Roku has built a mature media streamer which offers full support for all of today's popular streaming channels. And while the Roku Express 4K is their entry model, it is still feature packed and even supports AirPlay 2. For mirroring any type of video content, music or photos directly on your TV from your Apple phone, computer or tablet.

AirPlay is quickly becoming the preferred standard to watch content online that may not be allowed in the public Roku Store. And it is becoming more widely available as Apple licenses this technology to more devices.

Now that Private channels will soon be removed by Roku, AirPlay and Chromecast will be more important than ever to watch the same content once enjoyed from private channels.

In fact, there's no limit to the content available online that can also easily be watched on a big screen using AirPlay or Chromecast.

AirPlay is Not Available on Fire TV But Here's How to Use It

Airplay is not yet available on a Fire TV. But most users simply install the Air Receiver app, which mimics the same functions. This app is available for $2.99 and you can download it from the Google Play Store.

Fire TV Offers 3rd Party Side loaded Apps

Since a Fire TV uses the Android operating system, it's a more open media streamer. This means apps can be installed outside the Google Play Store. But this also comes with some risks. 3rd party side loaded apps can often contain malware and spyware. But even apps found in official app stores from Google and Apple sometimes carry these same risks.

Fire TV users can scan any apps they download first by uploading them to the VirusTotal free online App scanner before installing them on their Fire TV.

Roku also once offered support for thousands of side loaded private channels, but has since Roku decided they no longer want or need this function on their platform. A big reason reason many cord cutters choose to go with a Fire TV is simply they have more control over the type of apps and content that can be added. And this is one place the Fire TV outshines Roku because it is less restricted.

Only the Fire TV 4K Stick Can be Rooted

While both media streamers rely on ads to enhance their revenue, Roku ads on the home screen are much less intrusive than on Fire TV. Updating to 3rd party firmware to bypass this is not available on Roku. Amazon went as far as installing eFuses on their devices to keep people from downgrading software updates. But users can still install pre-rooted images to a Fire TV.

Both Are Easy to Use

If you just want a simple easy-to-use media streamer to watch Netflix and don't plan on doing much else with it like side loading apps, or rooting the device to eliminate some of the clutter found on a Fire TV 4K Stick, just get a Roku.

And while neither the Apple TV or Nvidia SHIELD would be considered budget streamers like the Roku Express 4K or Fire TV 4K Stick, they definitely take the streaming TV experience to another level. But they will cost you at least 4 to 5 times more. So for many casual cord cutters, the cost is prohibitive. And this is where both Roku and Amazon shine. Because they both make simple to use, budget friendly media streamers.

A Fire TV in its stock form is more cluttered and pushy with their ads than on Roku. But if you overlook that, the Fire TV 4K is a powerful streamer that gives you access to a wider range of content than on Roku.

Conclusion

Both are very good and capable media streamers, but one or the other will appeal more to certain audiences. The Roku 4K Express is best for the less tech savvy who don't understand what the input button does on their remote control. And the Fire TV for those who would like to install the latest KODI build, or side load apps. And you really can't go wrong with either one.

Check The Best Price For:

Roku Express 4K

Fire TV 4K Stick

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