If, like many of us, you want to cut the cord and enhance your streaming TV experience, you may be wondering which device is the best fit for you. Two of the most popular options are theAmazon Fire TV Stick and theRoku Streaming Stick . However, there are some key differences to consider before making a purchase.

Also: Roku TVs are getting one of Samsung's best features via a free update

AmazonandRoku strive to provide the best streaming experience possible through their plug-in sticks, branded televisions, and streaming boxes. Choosing the right device, however, involves more than just comparing price tags.

In this article, we'll delve intoAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K and theRoku Streaming Stick 4K -- with additional information on each company's other streaming devices -- to help you determine which one aligns with your needs and preferences.

Specifications

You should buy a Fire TV Stick 4K if...

1. You want the most features for less money

When you compare the tech specifications of a Fire TV Stick 4K against the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, you'll find that both devices are very similar, even down to the price. One thing is certain, however: Amazon offers bigger discounts more often on its Fire Stick than Roku does. This means you can typically find the Fire TV Stick 4K fora lower price than the Roku. 

For example, last holiday season brought many sales on both Roku and Fire TV devices, and you could get aFire TV Stick 4K for $30 , while the Roku Stick 4K was$34 . Both were discounted, but the former is a better deal.

Also: The best Fire TV players: Fire TV Stick, Cube, Lite, and more compared

Amazon also features other Fire TV Stick models that range between$30 and$140 at regular price, while the Roku lineup ranges from$30 to$130. In a head-to-head match between the two higher-end sticks, theRoku Express 4K Pro and Fire TV Stick 4K Max , the two are similar in features, although the Amazon player is$15 cheaper. Plus, the Fire Stick is Wi-Fi 6-compatible, while Roku isn't yet, for extra value

2. You use Alexa in your smart home

Alexa, Amazon's voice assistant, seems to be a must in every Amazon device. The Fire TV Stick 4K is no exception. The Alexa-enabled remote included with this streaming device has a button to press and hold to ask Alexa questions. Though the Roku also comes with a voice remote that you can use for navigation within the Roku platform, the Alexa remote can go beyond searching for your favorite TV show.

Also: Amazon Fire TV Stick: What it is and how to use it

If you have Alexa-enabled devices as part of your smart home setup, you can tell Alexa via your Fire TV Stick remote to turn on a smart light or change the room temperature on your smart thermostat. You can even ask the voice assistant to show you compatible security cameras on your TV. 

Roku has a line of smart home products that can integrate its camera feeds with Roku TVs or streaming devices, but the feature is still pretty new and limited to its own Roku Home devices.

Update: Please note that theRoku Express 4K with Voice Remote Pro is now compatible with an Alexa device, and both are available on Amazon.

3. You watch Prime Video and YouTube Kids (and don't mind ads)

Unsurprisingly, the Fire TV platform is more focused on Prime Video, as it is, after all, an Amazon device. Being an Amazon product, it's also not surprising that you'll find many ads while navigating the system. Personally, I don't mind the ads so much; I ignore most of them. But if you're an avid watcher of Prime Video content, you'll find the ads to be geared to users like you. 

Also: Why I chose YouTube TV out of the sea of streaming options

Keep in mind that some apps are available on Fire TV that are not available for Roku and vice versa, as is the case for YouTube Kids, though YouTube recently announced a way to access it on Roku. I'm not a fan of YouTube Kids, so if my kids ever watch it, I only allow it on the TV, where I can see or at least hear what they're watching. If you have little ones who like watching YouTube Kids, know it's not available as a standalone app on Roku devices now. YouTube and YouTube TV are available on Roku.

To access YouTube Kids on Roku, you must download the YouTube app on your Roku device and go into the Accounts tab to switch to a child's profile. This will give you access to YouTube Kids' content and parental controls within the YouTube app.

Fire TV Stick 4K

$29.99 at Amazon

You should buy a Roku Streaming Stick 4K if...

1. You prefer a more user-friendly platform

The Fire TV menu is visually attractive, but it's simply not as straightforward and user-friendly as the Roku platform. It's a sleek design, but you often have to take extra steps to do something compared with doing it on a Roku.

Another noteworthy feature of the Roku platform is the universal search, which the Fire TV platform executes poorly. Universal search lets you search for a title and have your Roku show you all the different apps you can watch it on, along with how much it costs to rent or buy, if applicable. 

Also: I cut my video streaming bill in half, and so can you

Universal search is underrated, but it's extremely useful. Unfortunately, I've fallen victim to its poor performance on the Fire TV platform -- when I had paid to rent a movie, only to find that it was included in my Netflix subscription the next day. 

Fire TV's search results require more work to sift through, too. You're given one primary channel and must select "more ways to watch" to see all the other options. Multiple options are often available, but clicking on them may lead to a paywall or a dead end. 

2. You want an easier-to-use remote control

Admittedly, Fire TV remotes have come a long way in becoming more user-friendly and, in the process, more like the Roku remote. However, I still find the Roku remote easier to use than its competitor. 

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