Or, as I like to call them, plug-and-play smart TVs.
Lets get into it!
Contents
What Are Plug-and-Play Smart TVs?
If you dont have any experience with the products, their purpose might seem a bit confusing.
But dont worry its pretty simple!
Once plugged in, you could watch streaming services on that machine.
These devices were made to allow people to access apps like Netflix on their TV.
But the average TV on its own doesnt have access to these apps.
It cant connect to WiFi, so how is it supposed to connect to Netflix or Hulu?
It also comes with a remote.
What About a Standalone Smart TV?
This is a television that is capable of connecting to your WiFi.
The problem with smart TVs is that theyre generally costly, or they have poor image quality.
And many just dont have that great of an interface.
So you have more options in terms of interfaces, budgets, and picture qualities.
Youre in safe hands.
So anyone can upgrade to a smart TV for not too much.
Apple offersrefurbished Apple TVsfor $10 off, andeBayhas options as low as $40.
In my opinion, Google is offering the best value while Roku offers the most variety.
Firestick is priced fairly, if not as well as the others.
Apple TV is overpriced, period.
Even for the 4K version of Apple TV is way too much.
Ease of Use
My experience with the various streaming sticks is that theyre all straightforward to use.
Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Firestick doesnt matter.
These are all simpler to use than a gaming console and even a DVR.
Both start working pretty much immediately after being plugged in.
Roku and Chromecast, on the other hand, take a little more effort.
When it comes to interface, Roku is a popular favorite.
At the same time, Chromecast is also known for being exceptionally easy to use.
This makes sense, as Googles apps are all very straightforward and easy.
I wouldnt let ease-of-use sway your decision too much.
Anyone with a basic tech-savviness will pick any of these up in a matter of minutes.
Which Is Best for Streaming the Most Shows?
Honestly, each machine is pretty even in this department, too.
The Apple TV HD will not offer the same level of quality as the Apple TV 4K.
However, your actual TV is going to affect this, too.
Plugging a 4K streaming equipment into a TV with a 1080p screen isnt going to give your TV 4K.
The extra money spent on the 4K capability is going to be wasted.
With that in mind, the Apple TV 4K and the Roku 4K offer the best picture quality.
Chromecast doesnt offer anything higher than 1080p at 60fps.
The Chromecast Ultra offered 4K, but this product has been discontinued.
The Amazon Firestick that weve been reviewing (the 2021 version) doesnt offer anything beyond 1080p.
However, there are older versions of the Firestick that do offer 4K.
You might be able to find these on sites like eBay.
In short, go with a Roku or Apple TV equipment for great picture quality.
Just see to it you get one that offers 4K and that your TV supports 4K.
Gaming on Your Smart TV
Lastly, we have gaming on your smart TV stick.
I imagine that this is only going to matter to a small percentage of readers.
Still, I decided to include it because it does differentiate these products.
The Apple TV is being built around the idea that it will gradually become a gaming equipment.
So if playing games on your streaming stick is important to you, Apple TV is the winner.
Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Firestick: Which Should You Pick?
Alright, so youve reached the end of the article.
And youre now ready to learn which of these devices you should buy.
