The estimated reading time for this post is 4 minutes
Q. I read your article about streaming media boxes like the Roku and Apple TV. But I’m wondering if I can save some money by getting a stick instead. I’ve seen sticks like Chromecast and was curious to see whether I should get a stick or spend the extra money for a box.
What’s the difference and is it worth it to spend more for a box instead of a stick?
=> See, Apple TV, Fire TV or Roku: Which Is Best for You? to learn more about the streaming media boxes.
Streaming Media Sticks
A. You can definitely save money by getting a streaming media stick instead of a box. Fire TV stick, Roku stick and Chromecast let you stream media for a lot less money than streaming media boxes. They don’t have as many features and their hardware isn’t as advanced as the boxes but they may be all you need to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBOGo and other streaming services.
Sticks are more convenient than boxes so you can take them between rooms, to a friend’s house or with you when you travel on business or a family vacation. Just unplug it from your TV and plug it into the TV in a hotel room.
[tip]If you’re going to use a streaming media player in a hotel room be sure the hotel has fast Internet service and doesn’t charge for the amount of Internet data you use. [/tip]
If you want the fastest streaming or are in to gaming, the boxes may be best for you. If you want a portable device that can stream videos, a stick may be all you need.
You can choose from Fire TV stick, Amazon’s streaming media stick, Chromecast, Google’s streaming media stick, or the Roku stick.
Chromecast
Unlike the other streaming media sticks, Chromecast streams from another device such as your computer, tablet or smartphone. You open the Chromecast app on your mobile device and control the stick from the app or from the Chrome extension on your computer.
Chromecast plays compatible apps on your device, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBOGo, etc. Some apps don’t currently stream on Chromecast, such as NBC, Vimeo and SlingTV.
Chromecast uses a Wi-Fi connection to connect to your mobile device or computer to stream the media. The media may load more slowly because it comes from your device or computer.
Chromecast lets you use your TV as a monitor for your phone or tablet. You can display web pages on your TV from Chromecast.
Chromecast does not come with a remote control, you use the Chromecast app on your phone or tablet to control the stick.
Because you control Chromecast from an app on your phone, you can use it to stream music from a sound system. One Wonder of Tech reader from Australia told me she likes to use her Chromecast to play Pandora in her home through her speakers from her sound system.
Price: Chromecast is $35.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Can display web pages on your TV
- Works with many devices and your computer
- Can control from an app on your phone
Cons
- Least powerful hardware of any streaming media stick
- Relies on streaming from a device or computer
Fire TV Stick
The Fire TV Stick has been upgraded and now includes a remote control. The internal hardware isn’t as powerful as the Fire TV box, but you may not need that extra power, especially if you don’t use many apps.
Fire TV has over 3000 apps available to download, but those include some apps built for Android phones that don’t work ideally with the Fire TV.
You get 8 GB of storage, just like the Fire TV box, but the storage isn’t expandable with a Micro SD card as the Fire TV box is. The Fire TV Stick also has ASAP that preloads videos you may want to watch.
If you choose the remote with the voice control ($10 extra), you get voice search and Alexa voice assistant.
Price: $39.99 with standard remote, $49.99 with voice remote.
Pros
- Comes with a remote control
- Amazon Prime Videos
- Apps
- Games
- Voice search
- Alexa Voice Assistant
- ASAP preloaded videos
- Best hardware for a streaming media stick
Cons
- Storage not expandable
- Hardware not as powerful as Fire TV box
- No 4K
Roku Stick
The Roku Stick hasn’t been updated this year. The 2014 model is still being sold by Roku and comes with a remote control. You can also use the Roku app to control the stick.
The Roku remote control for the stick doesn’t have voice control or an audio jack for connecting headphones as the Roku box does.
The stick has the same 2500+ channels as the Roku box but doesn’t offer 4K display. The hardware of the Roku Stick isn’t as powerful as the Roku box
Price: The Roku Stick is $49.99.
Pros
- 2500+ channels
- Comes with a remote control
Cons
- No voice control
- No audio jack on remote control
- Hardware not as powerful as the box
Your Thoughts
Do you think a box or a stick is better for your streaming media? Which of the sticks would be the best fit for you? Which features are the most important for you when you watch streaming media?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Voice of America Learning English
If you are an English learner, check out my article at Voice of America Learning English: ‘High Tech’ Devices to Enjoy Holiday Music
Hi Carolyn,
Informative indeed 🙂
Honestly speaking, we have none of such sticks in our country or very commonly use in major of our homes or cities even, so reading all about it was educative indeed. I guess with so many options at hand, you can easily watch streaming media with ease – we hope and pray to get such options soon at our end as well.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice weekend 🙂
Hi Harleena, Yes, streaming media sticks can be less expensive and more portable than streaming media boxes. But the sticks generally aren’t as powerful and don’t have as many features as the boxes. It all depends on what you’re looking for, but a stick may be all you need.
I hope sticks come to your area soon, Harleena as they really are a great option for many people.
Superb!
Awesome review of these 3 popular products.
Yeah! Harleena mam is right, everyone is facing with this problem, by the way if someone ask me to choose one from these three products then i will go with chrome cast.
Thanks helpful information 🙂
Hi Sanu, Yes, with all of the choices for streaming TV, it’s easy to become confused as to which streaming media player is best for you. I hope this helps you decide.
Happy holidays, Sanu!
Hi Carolyn,
Feels good to be on your blog. You’re among the few writers who seemed to offer their perspectives in real terms in the article. Your writing style clearly reflects your perspective.
Talking about my country, India, we have our own variant to Chromecast known as Teewe. Though I haven’t tried it, Teewe seems to be the new buzz in the market. I would be trying to get my hands over it sometime!
Thanks for the article. It was informative indeed! 🙂
Hi Yashraj, Thank you for the kind words about The Wonder of Tech. I’m glad you have a streaming stick option in India. I hope you do get a chance to try it sometime.
I really enjoyed your 101 Internet ideas article. Very interesting information, brilliantly displayed!
Hey Carolyn,
Thanks for that complement! I am really glad that you bothered to check that article out! So nice of you. 🙂
Hi Yashraj, You’re very welcome. Happy New Year!
Hi Carolyn,
Well now that’s interested.
I was talking to Thomas when we went to see his new place and they have the channels that stream through the computer. I know I’m not saying that right, I didn’t quite understand how it worked but he said that it’s the best thing ever. I believe they also get Netflix and Hulu as well.
I’m stuck with Comcast because we pay for the cable through our association dues. I can’t see paying for a different service if I have to pay for this anyway. It’s not like I can just stop paying my portion but we’ve really wanted to get out of this contract for a very long time. Hopefully when it comes up for renewal we just won’t renew and let everyone pay for their own individual service. With what’s available today I think that’s almost better.
Happy Holidays.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, you can hook your computer up to the TV and stream these channels. Most people find using a streaming box or stick more convenient though so you can use an app or remote to control what’s on the screen.
You probably are getting a good deal with Comcast by signing up as a group in your building but then you don’t have control over what you get to watch. I hope it’s sorted for you soon, Adrienne.
Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family, Adrienne!
Hey Carolyn,
I do have control over what I watch. We just have basic cable through this service and then if I want additional channels I’ll have to pay for them separately but since I don’t watch a lot of movies and things then what I have is fine. I do have the box though to tape my shows plus I have my internet through them as well. I think we each though would like to have something different and be able to be given that choice.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Okay, sorry I misunderstood. I’m glad you have the ability to choose which channels you get. I bet the deal your condo has is a good one with Comcast so you’re saving a lot of money if you watch TV.